Fighter Pilot Podcast Manchester to Shackleton: the Lancaster Bomber Family Tree
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May 28, 2025 Graham Barber, an expert on the Avro Lancaster family tree and the Shackleton aircraft, shares his extensive knowledge on the evolution of these remarkable machines. He discusses the transition from the Lancaster to the Shackleton and highlights the engineering innovations that enhanced their performance. Barber also delves into the restoration of Shackleton AEW2 WR963, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of these historic British aircraft. Listeners will enjoy the captivating stories and insights from his experiences in aviation history.
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Lancaster's Evolution from Manchester
- The Lancaster bomber evolved from the earlier Manchester by replacing underpowered engines with four Merlins.
- This transformation made it the greatest heavy bomber of World War II.
York: Lancaster's Cargo Variant
- The York aircraft was a cargo version of the Lancaster with a wider fuselage.
- It played a key role in transport missions, including Churchill's private transport and the Berlin Airlift.
Lincoln: The Extended Lancaster
- The Lincoln was a stretched and upgraded Lancaster designed for longer missions in the Pacific.
- Originally called Lancaster Mark IV, it was renamed due to its significant modifications.
