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Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 5:33 am
by Uuoret
Image

Recently released from the Top-Secret archives at Kew, this photograph shows the prototype of the UK’s first and only VTOL photo recon/bomber, the English Electric Canberra, PRHC1.

Initially showing great promise, the project was derailed by the Beeching cuts of 1963.

As with all truly great British prototypes (TSR2 etc..) the USA demanded that the aircraft be scrapped and reduced to pieces no larger that an old penny. All construction jigs were similarly destroyed.

This is the only photograph known to be in existence. Enjoy it whilst you can.

I guess I could be in for a visit from the Men in Black for showing this later - must check my calendar....

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 7:18 am
by TARGET
Believe it only flew at night to avoid observation,but word got round on social media in 1962 and contributed to its demise

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 8:01 am
by capercaillie
It wasn't a total waste of time as a project however, the experimental hemp colour scheme re-emerged on Nimrods nearly twenty years later!

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 8:53 am
by eLaReF
There was a Neptune version as well, but since they only did the one side, it might have caused problems
Image214 Lockheed SP-2H Neptune 320Sq RNLN by eLaReF, on Flickr

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 10:22 am
by Uuoret
Love the Neptune!!

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 12:33 pm
by paulbrown1665
Do like the Canberra!!.... happy April fools 😂😂👍

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 9:02 pm
by raptor9
Ah, the Canberook!. Remember it well. Made a funny noise tho'/

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2022 9:04 pm
by Nighthawke
And the rather clumsy ChiNept :whistle:

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2022 10:00 pm
by raptor9
Surely you mean the 'JollyNept!' :)

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2022 11:49 pm
by Nighthawke
Sorry yes trying to be too clever and used the wrong photo mix. Guess I was being inept :Oops:

Re: Vintage Top-Secret VTOL Canberra PR/Bomber

Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2022 8:57 am
by raptor9
Nice. My wife says I'm very adept at being inept!!. :)