AVRO LANCASTERS
WAS THE LANCASTER TRULY SUPERIOR TO ALL OF ITS CONTEMPORARIES? FELIX ROWE COMPARES THE AVRO TO THE OTHER MAIN ATTACK AIRCRAFT TYPES FROM WORLD WAR TWO TO FIND OUT.
COMBAT COMPARISON
The Avro Lancaster is often singled out as the best all-round bomber of its generation. With its considerable range, ability to carry the heaviest bomb loads, high performance and longevity, it’s easy to see why the big Avro is so highly regarded. But is that reputation justified? And what of its RAF siblings? Let’s take a look at the contenders.
Bomber Command’s aircraft can be divided into two distinct categories: the twin-engined types that dominated early on and the larger, four-engined bombers that rose to prominence in the second half of the conflict. Initially, the British concentrated on twins, informed by the need to both manage production output and minimise potential maintenance. However, the advantages of four-engined bombers developed by both the US and the Soviet Union spurred a rethink. A configuration of four smaller engines was proving more reliable and efficient than two larger ones. In addition, the threat of powerplant failure or stoppage due to battle damage was less pronounced compared with a twin.
THE ‘BIG THREE’
