Airfix 1/48 English Electric Canberra B (I) 8 Aircraft Kit (10102)

Airfix 1/48 English Electric Canberra B (I) 8 Aircraft Kit (10102) | Antics Online

Contact Mail Order Hotline on 01453 825381 or email to enquiries@antics.ltd.uk

Secure Ordering & Free UK Delivery
for orders over £40.00 (more)

> Plastic Kits > Aircraft & Helicopters > Airfix/Heller > 1/48 Scale Kits

Airfix 1/48 English Electric Canberra B (I) 8 Aircraft Kit (10102)
The B (I) 8 was the interdictor version of the classic jet bomber & differed in that it had a raised fighter style cockpit. The B(I)8 was introduced to fill the role of a night-intruder bomber/interdictor flying low-level missions in the European theatre. In the bomber role, the B(I)8 only served with the RAF's Strike Squadrons in Germany. In its bomber configuration, this Canberra mark was part of the UK's Nuclear Strike Force and carried a US made weapon (Project E).

The Canberra had its origins in 1944 as a replacement for the unarmed high speed, high altitude de Havilland Mosquito bomber. Several British aircraft manufacturers submitted proposals. Among the companies shortlisted to proceed with development studies was English Electric, a well-established industrial manufacturer with very little aircraft experience. A desperate need for bombers arose during the early years of World War II, when English Electric began to build the Hampden under licence. The new English Electric design team was headed by former Westland chief designer W. E. W. Petter. The aircraft was named Canberra after the capital of Australia by Sir George Nelson, chairman of English Electric, because Australia was the first export customer for the aircraft. [1] In May 1945 a contract was signed, but with the post-war military reductions, the prototype did not fly until May 1949. It was a simple design, looking like a scaled-up Gloster Meteor with a shoulder wing. The fuselage was circular in cross section, tapered at both ends and, cockpit aside, entirely without protrusions; the line of the large, low aspect ratio wings was broken only by the tubular engine nacelles. Although jet-powered and of all-metal construction, the Canberra design philosophy was very much in the Mosquito mould, i.e. provide room for a substantial bomb load, fit two of the most powerful engines available, and wrap it in the smallest, most aerodynamic package possible. Rather than devote space and weight to defensive armament — which historically could not overcome purpose-designed fighter aircraft — the Canberra was designed to fly fast and high enough to avoid air-to-air combat entirely.

> Plastic Kits > Aircraft & Helicopters > Airfix/Heller > 1/48 Scale Kits