After WWII, it was pretty obvious to most that the propulsion of the future for military aircraft would not be pistons, but turbojets. To that end, the RAF put out a requirement for a medium bomber powered by these engines and the result was the Canberra. Despite its very conservative planform, it proved to be an outstanding airframe that was not only rugged, but was able to handle the missions for which it was designed.

The type was built in several variants and exported to a number of nations. The USAF chose it over several home developed aircraft after seeing the prototype tossed through the air like a fighter. It was license built by Martin Aircraft and after minor modification of the cockpit, it entered US service as the B-57. It served well into the 1970s and there are US versions still flying.

Returning to the British requirements, one was for an interdictor. To this respect, the cockpit was modified for a fighter type canopy for the pilot and the navigator moved to the nose. A gun pack was placed under the fuselage and it could carry a variety of weapons, including 'special stores'. Fewer than 100 were built with a goodly number going to India and other nations. The RAF chose to base all their B(I).8 squadrons in Germany where they were expected to see combat and the type remained in RAF service for many years, the survivors often being sold to other nations.

In this book, RAF in Combat moves out of WWII and into the Cold War. The book follows the standard format for the series by providing a history of the type, followed by a listing of the units in the RAF and other nations that flew it. RAF Squadrons include 3, 14, 16, 59 and 88 Squadrons. This section is followed by a complete list of serial numbers and a short history of the type where that is known. There are tons of great photos, most of them quite large and quite a few of these in color. This includes planes used by other nations such as India, Venezuela, Peru, New Zealand, and South Africa.

It is a superb addition to the series and a must have for fans of the type.

March 2016

Review book courtesy of www.raf-in-combat.com. Visit them at this link to get this title.

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