Avro Lancaster PA474
History
1945: PA474 was built by Vickers-Armstrongs in Broughton, Cheshire, and was completed just after the end of World War II in Europe. It was intended for the "Tiger Force" for strategic bombing in the Far East but was not needed after the war with Japan ended.
Post-war service: The bomber was converted for photographic reconnaissance duties and served with 82 Squadron in Africa for three years. It was later used for trials by the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield. During its time at Cranfield, it was used as a testbed for laminar flow wings, with test wings mounted vertically above the fuselage.
1964–1973: After being marked for static display, the bomber was rescued by the Air Historical Branch and later restored to flying condition by 44 Squadron personnel at RAF Waddington. During its restoration, PA474 appeared in the films Operation Crossbow and The Guns of Navarone.
1973–present: PA474 was officially transferred to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1973 and moved to RAF Coningsby in 1976. It continues to be a main attraction at airshows and commemorative events, serving as a flying tribute to all members of RAF Bomber Command.
Significant events and details
Mid-upper turret: An original mid-upper gun turret was recovered from Argentina and fitted to PA474 in 1975.
Major overhauls: The aircraft has undergone extensive maintenance to remain airworthy. A new main spar was fitted in 1995 to extend its flying life, with expectations for it to fly until at least 2065.
Engine fire: On May 7, 2015, the aircraft suffered an engine fire but landed safely at RAF Coningsby. It was repaired and flying again by October of that same year.
Repainting: PA474 wears different liveries on its port and starboard sides, which are changed during major overhauls.
Port side: For its 80th anniversary in 2025, the port side was painted to represent Lancaster B.I LM220 of No. IX Squadron, which flew with 12,000lb "Tallboy" bombs.
Starboard side: Previously, the starboard side represented Lancaster LL922 of No. 50 Squadron.
Photo taken at the Imperial War Museum Duxford Cambridgeshire 6th Sept 2025 Battle Of Britain Air Show
Avro Lancaster PA474
History
1945: PA474 was built by Vickers-Armstrongs in Broughton, Cheshire, and was completed just after the end of World War II in Europe. It was intended for the "Tiger Force" for strategic bombing in the Far East but was not needed after the war with Japan ended.
Post-war service: The bomber was converted for photographic reconnaissance duties and served with 82 Squadron in Africa for three years. It was later used for trials by the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield. During its time at Cranfield, it was used as a testbed for laminar flow wings, with test wings mounted vertically above the fuselage.
1964–1973: After being marked for static display, the bomber was rescued by the Air Historical Branch and later restored to flying condition by 44 Squadron personnel at RAF Waddington. During its restoration, PA474 appeared in the films Operation Crossbow and The Guns of Navarone.
1973–present: PA474 was officially transferred to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1973 and moved to RAF Coningsby in 1976. It continues to be a main attraction at airshows and commemorative events, serving as a flying tribute to all members of RAF Bomber Command.
Significant events and details
Mid-upper turret: An original mid-upper gun turret was recovered from Argentina and fitted to PA474 in 1975.
Major overhauls: The aircraft has undergone extensive maintenance to remain airworthy. A new main spar was fitted in 1995 to extend its flying life, with expectations for it to fly until at least 2065.
Engine fire: On May 7, 2015, the aircraft suffered an engine fire but landed safely at RAF Coningsby. It was repaired and flying again by October of that same year.
Repainting: PA474 wears different liveries on its port and starboard sides, which are changed during major overhauls.
Port side: For its 80th anniversary in 2025, the port side was painted to represent Lancaster B.I LM220 of No. IX Squadron, which flew with 12,000lb "Tallboy" bombs.
Starboard side: Previously, the starboard side represented Lancaster LL922 of No. 50 Squadron.
Photo taken at the Imperial War Museum Duxford Cambridgeshire 6th Sept 2025 Battle Of Britain Air Show