The Avro Type 683 Lancaster four-engined bomber was developed from the disappointing twin-engined Manchester, which suffered from engine fires caused by the unreliable Rolls-Royce Vulture engine.
The basic Manchester airframe was, however, solidly constructed.
A logical solution was to increase the wingspan and replace the two Vultures with four Merlin engines.
The engine, originally developed by Rolls-Royce for the Beaufighter II, was quickly adapted and fitted in underwing nacelles.
The prototype BT308 made its first flight on 9 January 1941 and soon proved to be an excellent aircraft with good handling and high lifting capacity.
Originally designated the Manchester III, it was soon renamed the Lancaster.
The general shape of the Lancaster remained the same throughout production, with the exception of the MK II, which used Bristol Hercules radial engines in case there was a shortage of Merlin.
The Mk I and III were similar, differing only in the type of Merlin engine fitted.
The Mk III used the Packard-built Merlin 28.
The Lancaster was used in bomber squadrons from early 1942 and quickly became the backbone of the RAF's Bomber Command.
Plastic model kit
- with photo-etched parts
- Wingspan approximately 97.1cm
- Length approximately 66.3cm
- Interior included
- Three decal variants
unbuilt / unpainted
Paint and glue not included
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