DESCRIPTION

English Electric Canberra B.2

Unpainted kit set, 171 parts

Although the Lancashire-based English Electric Company had gained plenty of experience in building aircraft during the Second World War, they were not aircraft they had designed themselves, so when they entered the design race to produce the replacement for the famous de Havilland Mosquito, many did not expect them to be in the final running.

Establishing a young and talented design team, what they managed to produce was, without doubt, one of the most significant aircraft in British aviation history: a twin jet-powered bomber which was aerodynamically clean and unmistakenly designed for great speed.

Showing promise from the start, the Air Ministry were so impressed with the new aircraft that they placed an advanced order for 132 aircraft, so confident were they that the new jet would provide the Royal Air Force with a technological edge.

When the first production B.2 entered service with No.101 Squadron in early 1951, few fighters of the day could catch the Canberra – the RAF had an exceptional new aircraft, one which was the envy of the world.