Avro Lancaster Heavy Bomber

Full Specifications

The Avro Lancaster was a four engine British heavy bomber developed for the Royal Air Force during World War II. Designed by Roy Chadwick and his team at A.V. Roe and Company, the Lancaster evolved from the unsuccessful twin engine Avro Manchester. Its first flight took place in January 1941, and it entered RAF service later that year.

The aircraft became the principal heavy bomber of RAF Bomber Command during the later years of the war. Its large, unobstructed bomb bay allowed it to carry substantial conventional weapons, including the 4,000 pound blockbuster and, in specially modified aircraft, the 12,000 pound Tallboy and 22,000 pound Grand Slam. The Lancaster also performed the famous 1943 Dambusters raid using the Barnes Wallis Upkeep weapon.

Manufacturer

The Lancaster was manufactured by A.V. Roe and Company, with production also undertaken by several other British and Canadian manufacturers. A total of 7,377 aircraft were produced.

Speed and Range

Typical Lancaster B.Mk I figures include a maximum speed of about 287 mph and a range of roughly 2,530 miles with a lighter bomb load. Range decreased significantly when carrying heavier weapons. Its service ceiling was approximately 24,500 feet.

Cost / Price

A reliable single unit price is difficult to establish because wartime production costs varied by manufacturer, configuration, and production period. The Lancaster is no longer produced, so there is no current procurement price.