I was at CAMH on Sept 22 1988 for the first flight of (C-G)VRA on September 22 1988. It was a very emotional sight watching Vera lift off ever so gracefully. May we never forget the many young men such as Andrew Mynarski who took off in Lancasters, never to return, in their quest for freedom.
This isn't the first post-restoration flight- that was flown by BBMF pilot Tony Banfield, wearing his black overalls. Perhaps this is the inaugural public flight?
So in combat this thing probably carried 8-10 hrs of gas, maybe more, probably some armour plate, ammo for the gunners and up to 10 tons of bombs. As a museum airplane it probably doesn’t carry more than a couple hrs of gas and none of the other stuff so it’s insanely light compared to war time. So it must be a phenomenal performer. They probably don’t use full power on takeoff and the approach speed is probably very low. It’s probably pretty nimble to fly. Nothing like taking off for the middle of germany with a grand slam. So flying her at those light weights won’t put nearly as much fatigue on the airframe and landing gear etc. she should last a good long time.
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Heroes all- the kind of thing we should have been doing all along to honor the sacrifices made in such glorious machines. TY!
I was at CAMH on Sept 22 1988 for the first flight of (C-G)VRA on September 22 1988. It was a very emotional sight watching Vera lift off ever so gracefully. May we never forget the many young men such as Andrew Mynarski who took off in Lancasters, never to return, in their quest for freedom.
December 1st, 2023: I LOVE ' V R A ', my favourite Aircraft of my favourite Museum. ❤ Roland Singh, Canada 🇨🇦
I love going to the museum
A fantastic effort. When was the Mid Upper turret installed?
Shortly after the first flight in 1989.
This isn't the first post-restoration flight- that was flown by BBMF pilot Tony Banfield, wearing his black overalls. Perhaps this is the inaugural public flight?
This is the first public flight on Sept. 24, 1988 when 20,000 spectators came out to witness the event. Thanks.
So in combat this thing probably carried 8-10 hrs of gas, maybe more, probably some armour plate, ammo for the gunners and up to 10 tons of bombs. As a museum airplane it probably doesn’t carry more than a couple hrs of gas and none of the other stuff so it’s insanely light compared to war time. So it must be a phenomenal performer. They probably don’t use full power on takeoff and the approach speed is probably very low. It’s probably pretty nimble to fly. Nothing like taking off for the middle of germany with a grand slam. So flying her at those light weights won’t put nearly as much fatigue on the airframe and landing gear etc. she should last a good long time.