Canberras
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Canberras
I read in todays Telegraph that the last remaining Canberras retired yesterday after a brief flypast. Someone please tell me that they are not going to be cut up or reduced to cockpits. Surely this is a chance to preserve at least one of these a/c, as surely their imput to UK civil and military aviation cannot be matched by any other militiary jet aircrafts? In fact they have flown in squadron if the telegraph is right since 1951 and with exception of the Dak I doubt that any other aircraft in the Uk scene can display such length of service. Let battle commence to ensure a level of survival?
There are going up for sale - so you can buy one if you like - see link
http://cgi.uksurplus.com/auction/view?auctionId=906726
(from thread on Military Aircrew - psst, want to buy a canberra)
http://cgi.uksurplus.com/auction/view?auctionId=906726
(from thread on Military Aircrew - psst, want to buy a canberra)
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They are not all gone...
Two Canberra's with Royal Air Force markings are parked at KFFZ, and appear to be preserved for later ferry to Florida.
Owned by Kermit Weeks, I believe, as he has quite a large aircraft museum close to Orlando.
Owned by Kermit Weeks, I believe, as he has quite a large aircraft museum close to Orlando.
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And you might be interested to know that as of five days ago (20th June) there was most definitely a serviceable looking Canberra sat on the ramp at OOMS (Muscat) next to a couple of Nimrods, presumably the RAF helping out in the Gulf.
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Dumb question perhaps, but why was it called the Canberra? In recognition of the number built in Australia?
I see NASA still operate a couple of very highly modified and re engined B-57 Canberras.
I see NASA still operate a couple of very highly modified and re engined B-57 Canberras.
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It cannot be for that reason Woomera, it was named while still in the prototype stage, long before the aircraft was built in Australia.
In one of his books Roly Beamont says "In November 1949 I delivered the first prototype Canberra to Boscombe Down for its initial preview trial".
In one of his books Roly Beamont says "In November 1949 I delivered the first prototype Canberra to Boscombe Down for its initial preview trial".
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According to Wikipedia, the aircraft was named after the city by the Aussie PM Robert Menzies... though it doesn't say why!
And also from Wikipedia...
The word "Canberra" is said to be derived from the name of the local Ngabri people, one of the Ngunnawal family groups, or alternatively from the word Kambera meaning "meeting place"...
And also from Wikipedia...
The word "Canberra" is said to be derived from the name of the local Ngabri people, one of the Ngunnawal family groups, or alternatively from the word Kambera meaning "meeting place"...
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I think this definition "..the word Kambera meaning "meeting place"..." is the correct one.
Menzies was a Royalist and very pro British. I suspect you may be correct. He was also involved in Qantas originally ordering Concorde.
Menzies was a Royalist and very pro British. I suspect you may be correct. He was also involved in Qantas originally ordering Concorde.
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One just happens to have to hand the Press Release from "The ENGLISH ELECTRIC Company Limited" dated January 19, 1951.
For further information, please telephone Temple Bar 1157
For further information, please telephone Temple Bar 1157
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The World should be thankful the Aussie built Canberra far exceeded our usual parlous standard of aircraft manufacture. The Nomad, for example, comes to mind..... 
An old mate of mine, WWII RAAF 30 Squadron (Beaufighters) Commander and Hawker de Havilland Test Pilot Brian (Blackjack) Walker DSO, who fell off his perch for the last time some years ago, test flew all the Aussie built Canberras (also test flew Mosquitos and Vampires).
Blackjack often commented the Canberra was one of the nicest aircraft he ever flew.
An old mate of mine, WWII RAAF 30 Squadron (Beaufighters) Commander and Hawker de Havilland Test Pilot Brian (Blackjack) Walker DSO, who fell off his perch for the last time some years ago, test flew all the Aussie built Canberras (also test flew Mosquitos and Vampires).
Blackjack often commented the Canberra was one of the nicest aircraft he ever flew.
