THE AVRO LANCASTER bomber was 69ft 6in long, 20ft 6in in height and had a wingspan of 102ft. Powered by four Merlin engines, she epitomised quality, strength and reliability. With six self-sealing fuel tanks of capacity 2,154 gallons, she was capable of carrying a variable bomb load, typical 14,000lb and become airborne laden to 65,000lb.

She could be an air crew's salvation, cradle or coffin. Her weaponry was matchless and her powers of destruction unequalled. She bolstered the morale of the British and European public. Rugged and robust, she was feared and hated by the enemy and ultimately helped to destroy the Nazi German war machine.

Air crew comfort was sacrificed to enhance the Lancaster's destructive capabilities, evidenced by the enormous encroaching bomb bay, resulting in extremely cramped working conditions for those who flew her. Those capabilities are now on display for another generation in a new Haynes manual - the latest in their series on historic aircraft, following the last on the splendid Spitfire.

Of 7,377 Lancasters built, nearly half were destroyed, mostly by enemy action. Only two Lancasters are now flying, one in Canada, the other based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. From here, manned by volunteer air crews, she becomes airborne to carry out fly-pasts at association gatherings and other special events. She is The City of Lincoln PA474 of Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary after the aircraft had been refurbished and received a major refit. Tours by experienced guides enable her to be seen at close quarters,

At nearby East Kirkby, Second World War base of 57 and 630 Lancaster Squadrons, Lancaster Just Lane NX611 at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre carries out regular taxi runs. The tarmac reverberates to the mighty roar of her Merlin engines. Visitors can inspect the cramped conditions in which aircrew had to carry out their duties and climb on board to experience the fulfilment of a taxi run.

Lancasters and crews were strongly built, sturdy, courageous, resolute, determined, loyal and uncompromising. Together they helped to win the Second World War and preserve freedom.

Avro Lancaster: Owner's Workshop Manual
Haynes, £17.99 Buy the book here

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