Canberra seating and crew access
Good afternoon,
The main build of Canberras starting with the B2 had an entrance hatch on the starboard side of the fuselage level with the pilot's seaat which was offset to port. The nav and any other crew sat in the rear in a suitably dark space. The space saved by having an offset pilot's seat allowed access to the nose for bomb-aiming, recce runs etc. Some types I believe had a fold-out jump seat adjacent to the pilot's seat.
The T4 had 2 pilot ejection seats side-by side. The starboard seat was a "swing" seat which was hung from an overhead pivoting beam. To get access before flight, the seat was swung firstly forward in order that the nav could get in the back using a degree of contortionism, then back for the pilot and instructor to gain access. The RHS occupant had to strap in while in a forward crouching/standing posture which was rather awkward. The seat was theen swung to the central (normal) position for flight.
The BI(8) had access from the side hatch directly into the nose seating position (I believe).
The PR9 had the opening nose for the nav to get access to his cupboard and an offset fighter-style canopy for the pilot.
As you say, the fuselage void was a very useful storage area. However, for route flying the bomb bay/flare bay provided stacks of space.
Happy days.
Regards,
Vernon