Lancaster bomber returning to Hawarden Airport for anniversary
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster (PA474) rolled off the production line at Vickers Armstrong's Broughton (now Airbus) factory on May 31, 1945, one of a contract for 500 aircraft of which only 235 were delivered when production was cancelled in September 1945.
PA474 was built modified for Far East use in preparation for proposed bombing of Japan but with the end of the war she went directly into storage.
Her later career included photographic reconnaissance, a trials aircraft and appearances in a number of feature films including 'Operation Crossbow' and 'The Guns of Navarone.' She joined the BBMF in 1973.
BBMF Lancaster PA474 above the clouds. (Image: Darren Harbar) To celebrate PA474's 80th anniversary, on May 30, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight crew will fly their Lancaster, a Spitfire and a Hurricane to Airbus Broughton where they will be joined by an Airbus Beluga.
This is the first time the Lancaster has landed back at Broughton since it was built in 1945.
It will do a flyover at approximately 4.45pm and then park up at Broughton for the afternoon festivities at shortly after 5pm. The Lancaster will be photographed alongside Airbus' Beluga XL.
The Beluga XL (Image: Airbus) The Lancaster bomber was one of the most successful and iconic aircraft of World War II, playing a pivotal role in the Allied strategic bombing campaign. Designed by Roy Chadwick and produced by Avro, the Lancaster was an evolution of the Avro Manchester, overcoming its predecessor's shortcomings with a more reliable four-engine configuration.
Its success stemmed from several key factors, including its exceptional payload capacity, adaptability, durability, and the strategic role it played in the war.
Hundreds of Lancasters were built at what is now the Broughton factory during the Second World War. There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world of the 7,377 that were built.
Jeremy Greaves, head of UK Heritage at Airbus, said: 'It's the most famous flying aircraft to have ever come out of Broughton. Everyone is really excited about this.
'What we thought we'd do is a photo with the most famous heritage aircraft alongside our newest, and most iconic aircraft – the Beluga XL. There will probably never be a photo like that ever again.
'The Lancaster will then displayed more prominently at the Broughton Aviation Park, by the Chocks Away Diner.
'This is going to be one of the most significant visits to Broughton by an aircraft in its entire history.'
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