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Post by Bruce on May 25, 2005 19:04:09 GMT 12
Hi Guys, I have just purchased an old FROG Canberra BI-8 / 12 kitset which will replace my existing Canberra which I modded years ago (inaccurately) from a PR9. I will be putting this one into the early overall silver scheme of our BI-12s. Just a couple or three quick questions though that someone may be able to assist with: 1. Under Fuselage Gunpacks - the BI-8s had them as an integral part of thier weapons system, and the BI-12s are allegedly BI-8s with ejection seats for the navigator, so did our -12s Have gunpacks or provision for them? 2. Under wing Roundels - As I understand it under wing roundels were not carried on the silver scheme, just large serials - can anyone confirm or deny? 3. Did the -12s ever fly without tip tanks, or were they considered standard fit (they were removable) any info would be much appreciated and will help move the Canberra higher up my "to do" list! Cheers,  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 25, 2005 22:47:11 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 25, 2005 23:00:12 GMT 12
Oh, and yes, our Canberras did fly without tip tanks - I have a photo of three in formation without them in the book New Zealand military Aircraft (by Duxburry, Macpherson, Ewing and Dunlop, 1977). Also Maurice Conly painted some without tanks in his Portrait of an Air Force book and his Send For The Artist Book. His paintings were often based on photos so I think they're accurate.
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Post by shorty on Jun 13, 2008 14:28:51 GMT 12
Although this thread is a few years old I can answer a couple of questions for you.We never had the gunpacks but the wiring for them was installed. It just terminated in plugs on the bulkheads.
Tip tanks were only fitted as required, i.e. Lone Rangers or Overseas Exercises. They were fitted for the trip to Singapore but we removed them on arrival and then refitted them for the trip home.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 13, 2008 14:36:12 GMT 12
Shorty, what type of exercise was a 'Lone Ranger'?
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Post by shorty on Jun 13, 2008 15:02:40 GMT 12
Where a single aircraft would go on a long range navex with no support staff. Fiji was a common one or if in Singapore, Hong Kong.
Maybe just aircrew code for a jolly?
A Canberra needed no external support (unlike the A4), no crew ledder was needed, using the equipment hatch you could climb up on top to do control locks and refuels and each engine starter cone held three starter cartridges and there was storage for another 6 in the rear fuselage and with park brakes they could even get away with no chocks.
Ideal for going away onyour own!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jun 13, 2008 16:43:30 GMT 12
Thanks for that. Interesting stuff.
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Post by Bruce on Jun 13, 2008 17:18:21 GMT 12
The RNZAF Canberras played an important role in the transmission of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969. BCNZ had set up the first national TV network, but the footage still had to get from Australia (Where it came off the Parkes Radio telescope) to NZ - Warkworth Sat station wasnt built then. The Government arranged for a Canberra Lone Ranger to be flown to Richmond, Where the TV footage (in the form of rolls of film) was uplifted and the Canberra returned to Ohakea ASAP. I cant remember what the delay was in real time (it was a bit before I was born) but was only a matter of hours.
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