RNZAF English Electric Canberra Queries

[Dave Homewood]

Were the RNZAF Canberras, either the ones we leased or the ones we owned, equipped with a drag chute for landing?

Also, could they operate from grass airstrips?

[davidd]

Not an expert by any means, but I would say the answers to your two questions would be NO and NO! Operating off grass might be attempted in an EXTREME emergency, but that would have to be determined by examination of the grass surface and bearing strength of underlaying structure of all taxiing areas and runway, and would probably be considered as far too risky. Have skimmed through the Pilots' Notes for the B.2 (AP 4326B-PN) but could not find any references to runway surfaces and lengths at all. However, users of these aircraft would have had access to information as to which airfields around the word would be available and suitable for this type of aircraft.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks David. Hoping some of our ex-14 and ex-75 guys here can confirm.

[skyman]

English Electric Canberras were not equipped with drag-chutes. Also, I know of no occasion when they were operated from grass and would very much doubt they ever did, they were not a light aircraft. I was on 14 Squadron Canberras for quite some time and like a lot of pilots and ground crew, thought very highly of our B(I)12s but not so for other models. 

Al 

[ZacYates]

John Lanham and Gavin Trethewey would be good ones to ask!

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Al, much appreciated, that definitely answers the questions.

[tbf2504]

The Canberra was definitely a sealed runway aircraft, as stated above too heavy for grass operations and definitely were not equipped with drag chutes.

[Dave Homewood]

OK, another question. Is there any footage out there of RNZAF Canberra flying displays?

Or does anyone have unseen footage of the Canberras?