EE Canberra TT.18 (WJ639)
NAHR category - Noteworthy
Aircraft History
Although construction didn't start until early 1946, the Canberra A.1 prototype flew for the first time on 19th May 1949. The aircraft received its name after the capital of Australia, the first export customer to purchase the aircraft. The Air Ministry via specification B.3/45 requested production of four pre production prototypes (B.1's). After a few modifications including a new glazed nose to accommodate a bombardier, teardrop shaped fuel tanks on the wing tips and the more powerful Rolls Royce Avon R.A.3 engine the resultant B.2 model first flew on 21st April 1950. The first Canberra entered RAF service with 101Sqn in May 1951 as a bomber variant. Other variant's included Trainer, Photo Reconnaissance and Target Tug (the variant on display at NEAM).
On 21st February 1951 a RAF Canberra B.2 (WD932) flown by Sqn Ldr A Callard became the first jet aircraft to make a non-stop transatlantic flight when it flew from Aldergrove in Northern Island to Gander, Newfoundland.
Total worldwide Canberra production reached 1,352 aircraft built in 27 versions, equipping 35 RAF squadrons and 16 customer air forces. 406 were built under license in the USA as the Martin B-57.
WJ639 History
Built by Handley Page at Radlett as a B.2, WJ639 was ready for collection on 31 May 1954. Taken into RAF charge, it was initially issued 57Sqn at RAF Coningsby before conversion to TT.18 type.
During February 1971, WJ639 was used for a trial installation to assess banner towing capability at BAC Warton. In the July of 1971, it served with the Aircraft & Armament Experimental Establishment and stayed with A&AEE until it was transferred to BAC Samlesbury for modifications in the September. In January 1973, it arrived at Flight Refuelling Ltd for a series of trial installations of modifications.
At some time during the late 70s WJ639, still configured as a TT.18, was transferred back to the charge of the RAF joining 7 Sqn at RAF St Mawgan. There it stayed until 7 Sqn closed down in December 1981 when it, and several other Canberras, were sold to BAe.
WJ639 was acquired from BAe by NEAM for a nominal sum. It arrived by road on during June 1988.
Credit : Malcolm Clarke
WJ639 in service with 7Sqn Credit : Mike J Hall