Originally Posted by Footless Halls
I THINK Aries I was originally built as a Lancaster and then demilitarised and fitted with streamlined nose and tail fairings similar to those of a Lancastrian. The Lancastrian was not a converted Lancaster but was a new aircraft designed and built as an airliner. Subtle difference.
I've got another feeling - that Aries II was a Lincoln similarly demilitarised and fitted with nose and tail fairings. There never was a an airliner version of the Lincoln although I believe ones was designed - to have been called the Lincolnian.
AV Roe ditched the Lincolnian concept and went straight on to the Tudor (oh dear).
I can check up 'cos my Dad was an Apprentice at AV Roe at one stage
and I think will know these things - at least about Aries I and II. He told me that while he was there he heard rumours of the top secret bomber design they were working on. Turned out to be the Shack...
Hello Footless Halls - could you ask your Dad, about the astro compass that was fitted in the Aries 1 for the 1945 Polar flight. I would like to see pictures of this astro compass, or even (wishful thinking ) sight of the actual instrument. Many thanks - friends.