AVRO 694 Lincoln Special Duties

(Monochrome Photograph showing - "Aries II', RE364 of the Empire Air Navigation School at Shawbury established a number of long distance records during the 1947-48 period before being transferred to the specialist navigation role.)

However, in 1950 Lincolns of Nos. 61 and 97 Squadron were sent to Singapore for bombing operations against terrorists in Malaya and later the aircraft was used in a similar role against the Mau Mau tribes in Kenya. The Lincoln was replaced in front-line service by the end of 1955, but the type continued until March 1963 when five aircraft, operated by R.A.F. Signals Command, were finally retired.

The Lincoln was to be built in Canada, but only one was produced as the war ended. Australia also showed interest with the Commonwealth Aircraft Factory building fifty-four aircraft which became known as the Lincoln Mk.30. Later eighteen of these returned to the factory to have a six feet nose extension housing additional radar equipment for anti-submarine work with this version being designated Mk.31.

The Empire Air Navigation School, with some of the their aircraft fitted with Lancastrian-type nose and tail extensions, operated between 1946 and 1949 carrying out a number of record long-range flights. Lincolns became used for a variety of research roles including power-plant tests, flight-refuelling, aerodynamic tests and de-icing trials.

The Argentine Air Force purchased forty-eight Lincoln Mk.2s and a number of these later being converted freighters with a large pannier under the fuselage. One British-based aircraft was similarly fitted and played no small part in the Berlin Air Lift by making forty-five return flights into that city carrying the vitally needed fuel oil.

The Avro Lincoln, although too late to take part in the Second World War provided the R.A.F. with a reliable heavy bomber until the introduction of jet-powered replacements. The aircraft also provided research companies with a vehicle to carry out many vital aeronautical trials, with some of the results benefitting future aircraft designs.

(Monochrome Photograph showing - The nose extension required for additional radar and navigation equipment is clearly shown on this Lincoln Mk.31 A73-60 of the Royal Australian Air Force.)