Please note: In the Video I say Bristol Hercules Mk.14 - it should be 16. Sorry about this. I have corrected the captions. Also, I say that the Merlin engine is an in-line engine. I should have said The Merlin is a Supercharged, geared, pressure liquid cooled V-Engine, fitted with a two-speed Supercharger. I'm sorry about this. I seriously thought about deleting the video and re uploading, but all my views and comments would be lost. Thanks for watching everyone! Bryan
I wouldn't stress over the inline thing. AFAICS the WWII aircraft engine literature typically talks about radials vs. inlines, with inlines implying liquid cooled engines with cylinders behind each others, including in multiple cylinder banks like in a V engine. And yes, even including weird/exotic things like the Napier Sabre with it's H configuration.
No worries, mate. In my own jot- tings, I continue amending and editing, an ongoing process I call "tightening up the knowledge". Some might be simply changing a 14 to a 16. Others might be rather more involved. Still more could include a correction a reader provides.
Thanks for bringing this to us, I didn't know that any Lancaster used anything other than Merlin engines, nor that some had a lower turret. Don't worry about minor discrepencies, it doesn't spoil the experience
My uncle was the bomb aimer on LL640. Unfortunately their aircraft was shot down in March 1944 and he did not survive. He is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery along with nearly all other members of the crew.
My Great Uncle was on DS678 (115 sqdn). His Lanc was shot down March 44 as well, grave has been lost over time but I went to his rededication ceremony a few years ago.
I like how the Air Ministry even made sure they had a workable radial engined version of the Lancaster just on the offchance that the Merlin's weren't available for what ever reason.You've really got to hand it to the British engineers.It seems as though there was nothing that they overlooked during the war.Brilliant.
That's certainly very true Karl. With all the research I have done over the years, one thing that has always struck me was the amazing depth of detail that took place during the design and construction process of each aircraft type. Also in the operation of all types of aircraft during the war. The entire aviation industry did its best to work as a team. Not all things worked out right, but they certainly worked hard to provide our forces with the best equipment possible at the time. The other thing, of course, was that during that time, technology was constantly changing. Thanks for watching.
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 reminds me of how the air ministry requested an alternative powerplant for the Hampden incase Pegasus engines weren't available. Thus the Napier Dagger powered Handley Page Hereford was built. Served with one Operational squadron and competed in a single raid before being relegated to training squadrons. The dagger was terribly unreliable. It wasn't underpowered and the specifications in some areas did exceed the Hampden, it was just Hopelessly unreliable
My Grandad (Eric Ilett ) was an inspector on Lancasters during the war. Mainly round Chadderton / Woodford factories, but i do remember my dad saying that he was sent to "help sort problems out at Bristols for a while ??? " so i presume that grandad was one of the team sent from AVROs to Bristols to look into using these engines ( but could be completely wrong ) All my family were AVRO except me......i joined the navy and served in submarines.....well.....one has to rebel Thanks for all these excellent videos, .....the Lanc has always been close to the family. cheers everyone ...mike ilett.
An extraordinary channel and very brilliant narrated. Now as a Modell builder I 'm learning a lot of RAF Airpower in WW II. My grandpa was a radio operator in a ME - 110 G Night fighter. He told me, that British Pilots had flying excellent maneuvers and where highly trained for Operations in completely darkness!
Thank you for putting this up. My dad was an AID inspector with AWA for over 30 years and worked on the B Mk. II and a whole lot of other types/makes (eg Whitley, Lancaster, Lincoln, Meteor, Hunter, Javelin, Argosy, Sea Slug, etc) over the years until the company closed its doors in the 1960's. AWA had plants at Whitley (where we lived), Baginton and at Bitteswell; dad worked at all three locations over the years and was also seconded to various Bomber Command stations during the war, overseeing retrofits. I still have his factory-issued copy of Flight and The Aeroplane 1947 reviews of the AW 52 Flying Wing, plus the company's Handling Notes on the Hawker Sea Hawk and the Meteor Night Fighter series, Mks.11 to 14. So, lots of memories for me; thanks again.
An excellent description, as always and packed with information - thank you! Nice to see the letters QR of 61 Squadron on many of the profiles. My father's second tour of operations with 61 Sqn was mainly flying Mk1s and later the odd Mk111 from RAF Syerston. His log shows that he flew Mk11s on ops twice - the first, a 6 hour flight on 7th Feb 1943 to Lorient in Lanc 11 serial no.612, carrying 1x4000 pounder and 10 S.B.C.s. The second op of 9hrs 20mins to Milan on 14th Feb 1943 in Lanc 11 serial no.613, carrying 14 S.B.C.s. Both operations attracted the award of a photographic 'gong' for getting good aiming point photos. I still have these, each with a nice drawing of a Lanc with the names of the crew displayed. On the Milan raid, my father's log mentions that there was a fighter attack, which was claimed damaged and driven off. My father, Sqn.Ldr. Geoffrey Hall DFC & Bar passed away in September 1986 - he never spoke much about his experiences, except in letters to his father. They make fascinating reading, but there is so much more I would like to ask him now!
What a fantastic and thoroughly educational video. Great research. My Father was in 432 Leeside as a navigator and they flew the MKIIs. I am in the process of making a Border Models 1/32 Avro Lancaster but will have significant customization to get it to appear accurate with the right engine, nacelle and gills. I will be referencing your video many times. Thank you.
Absolutely fascinating- I had no knowledge of the radial powered Lancasters until quite recently and then up popped your excellent tutorial! Many thanks 👍
Very interesting, my dad was a flight engineer with 408 Goose Squadron. I seem to remember his plane was B-Bunny but i could be wrong. He was an Englishman flying with the Canadians and was originally billeted with Patrick Moore during basic training and they remained friends post-war.
Superbly done and much appreciated. Between yourself and Neville Wheeldons channel Im learning so much more about an aircraft I thought I knew well. Thank you 👍🏻
Thanks again for a very informative and interesting video. I did know a little about the radial engined Lancaster from a visit to the " Wellington museum" in Moreton in the March. Although dedicated to the Wellington bomber there's a cut away Hercules engine and a photo of a Lancaster fitted with them. I find it difficult to understand that the very complex engine with the parts to operate the "sleve valves" , could be produced and built under war time conditions easier than setting up more RR Merlin plants
I recently finished building a Lancaster B.II (Airfix) and as stated in your video it was based at Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire in November 1944. The particular one was 'Fanny Ferkin II'. A highly unusual Lanc also with the pretty ineffective ventral turret operated by periscope! I wanted to do that kit as it is such an unusual version of the legendary plane :)
My late uncle from NZ flew Merlin powered Lancaster’s in WW2. He flew many sorties over Europe and was lucky to survive the war uninjured. He also ferried new aircraft from Halifax in Canada to the UK as well as being a flight instructor. He said the Merlin engines were better than the Packard built Merlin’s but I don’t remember why that was. I would assume the Merlin powered Lancasters could operate at a higher ceiling due to the 2 stage super charging which supplied more air to the engine thus more horsepower at those high altitudes. I think the Rolls Royce Merlin contributed to the winning of WW2 especially in the Spitfires.
derekfromtauranga Sorry ole Bean you are wrong !!!! All Lancaster Mk Bi's & Mk BIII used the Merlin 20 series engines that were SINGLE STAGE 2 SPEED superchargers !!! NOT the 2 stage 60 series engines, why their service ceiling was barely 20,000 ft. This is the MISTAKE most people make is ALL merlins were 2 stage and not true, of the 20,000 $hitfires built only7,000 were Merlin 60 powered, 2 stage supercharges the rest of the 13,000 were all the SINGLE STAGE 2 speed supercharged, the facts of history less the hype lies and just BS stories !!!
I really enjoy your detailed videos and the insight they provide - thanks for taking the time to make them. I also really appreciate that you list your media sources at the end - it's very helpful. I came here while thinking about the Airfix Mk II I'm going to build - now I think I'm going to do it in the prototype scheme :)
Very interesting and informative. Thanks for posting. It would have been helpful to have some comparative horsepower ratings for the different powerplants discussed in this presentation. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing. I have to say when creating a video like this, it is a bit of a juggling act to decide how far to go with data, etc. Anyway, the maximum power ratings are as follows - Bristol Hercules XVI. 'M' Gear - 1,675 bhp. 'S' Gear - 1,455 bhp. Rolls-Royce Merlin XX. 'M' Gear - 1,240 bhp. 'S' Gear - 1,175 bhp. I hope this helps.
This showed up in my recommended videos this morning, have to say I'm disappointed that youtube has been hiding your channel for so long. I've been working my way through your other videos and have thoroughly enjoyed them. There's so many military aircraft channels, but so few go into anywhere the kind of detail that you do on your channel.
Thanks for your kind words Christopher, I put a great deal of work into these videos, and really want to help to keep UK aviation history alive. I can only hope that in time You Tube will put my videos in front of more aviation minded people, who would appreciate my content. Thanks so much for sharing and watching. Onwards and Upwards!
Excellent video presentation on the wonderful MK-II Lancaster! My Grandfather was kia in DS816 JI-O. June 15, 1944. The black and white image of the mk-II flying you used often in this video is LL734 JI-O, of 514 Squadron. It replaced my Grandad and crewmates a/c after it was lost. 514 converted to mk-IIIs by June 1944. Shared your video on the 514 facebook page. Cheers, 514 Page Admin. P.s. interestingly, 514 was equipped with 2 x MK-IIs with the venteral turrett fitted.
It’s not forgotten at all. I am grateful to all involved with these aircrafts. To those who build them and especially to those brave men who flew them. Love from Sweden.
Dear@@ukaircraftexplored6556, Of cause I had no idea about all the technical details concerning the beautiful Lancaster. However, thinking of all inventions that made it happen’d and all those brave men and women who built it and later flew it. It made my eyes strangely wet and I can tell you Sir, forever grateful. Swede by birth but a Britton at heart. Thanks for posting!
A great video - thank you. The interchangeability of engines 'just in case' was a very good idea not only for production numbers, but as some of the projected power outputs weren't achieved as planned I think? The Halifax Mk I/III was a very good example of using both engines, plus the Wellington Mk II used Merlins. There was even an experimental Beaufighter with Merlins but it didn't fare well, and wasn't put into production. I must brace myself to make my Airfix Lancaster B.II soon!
Fascinating! So impressive the innovation and the rapid manufacturing during wartime. Such impressive engineering in those beautiful engines. I think we would have a hard time matching that in today's computerized world where many skills have been lost. Or maybe I'm not up to date with today's manufacturing best practice. Great video, great illustrations. Many thanks. Subscribed. Rob in Switzerland.
The Hercules was used because in 1941 the Merlin engine was in such demand it was feared demand would outstrip production, it had 1752 hp and the service ceiling was lower at 15000 ft whereas the Merlin Lanc has a service ceiling of around 20,000 ft but later Merlin versions had a ceiling of around 24,000 ft
My great uncle’s Mk 2 DS650 crashed on the Scottish boarder and all the crew were killed. The accident was never explained. I wonder now if it was engine failure? My Grandad was shot down in a Mk 3 returning from Druisburg, taken POW. Brian we found his first hand account of this very recently if you are interested? It describes being attacked by night fighters, his time as a POW and his liberation.
Very informative video. Being an aeroplane buff myself too, I knew of the radial engined Lancs but along with the Blenheim remains a relatively forgotten aircraft
And the in line engined Wellington, another rarity, often not forgotten just unknown, the mid lower gun turret was a brilliant idea just needing better visibility, it would have definitely woken a few nightfighters up.
Brilliant descriptive Video of the Lancaster aircraft great technical detail gave added value with the technical descriptives and diagrams, a Wonderful and well produced item. Terry Offord
That's very nice of you Terry, I really appreciate your kind words. Yes, my colour diagrams and planning do take a great deal of time, hence I often can't get a video out each week. Still, rest assured, I have many more videos planned. So please check my channel for the latest when posted. Thanks for watching.
When he stops to plug his video it is pretty cool how all the stuff works on the bomber the turrets but also that turret in night bombers can be replaced with a radar and he has videos about that too.
These videos really are very good! I read that some crews liked the Hercules Lancs because there was very little exhaust glare at night compared to the Merlin powered variants, they also had a faster rate of climb. (edit, I might be wrong on the rate of climb, I'll have to check my "Lancaster at war" books)
I've read conflicting things about the Lancaster II in terms of performance. Many books claim it "underperformed" compared to the Merlin powered Lancasters, but a lot of the first hand accounts from 426 "Thunderbird" squadron RCAF which flew the type talk about it flying higher than normal lancasters and performing quite well. I suspect the issue may have been the engines; the earlier Mark IIs had the Bristol Hercules VI engine while later marks had the Hercules XVI. I've read the XVI was more "Automatic" and required less tinkering to fly at full efficiency, so I suspect that the poor initial performance of the Lanc II was the earlier marks with the VI engines, while the higher performance you read about in first hand accounts come from the later production models with XVI's. Just a hypothesis of mine however.
👍Thanks for video. Although I knew that a number of Lancasters were in service with radials, all I could remember was that they were Bristol engines. I really like the detailed drawings.
The series for the Lancaster and Spitfire have been great (I have to say I have yet to fully view all the videos). I hope we will see more videos of other aircraft in due course. Great work!
I drink occasionally in the Chequers pub in Sutton near Ely. We have the site of the old Mepal aerodrome nearby and the pub was frequented by the crews of that New Zealand squadron. There are a number of pictures of the planes and crews and I have always been confused by the mix of in line and radial powered planes. This may explain how I get confused. I must look again soon!🍺🍻
Great video. I did make me remember a story on a Post WWII repurposed Lancaster for passengers that crashed into a mountain in poor visabilaty at high altitude because we didn't know about or understand the Jet stream.. they were flying head on with it and descended too soon . It was a mystery until it started resurfacing at the bottom of a Glacier. I have a foggy memory of Rottary Engine's. I do watch lots of these videos and could be incorrect about the Engine
Yes, it was a BSAA Avro Lancastrian named 'Star Dust' it was fitted with Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. It sadly crashed in 1947. Thanks for watching and sharing.
They have one of these engines in museum in Coventry - Prince Philip asked them what aircraft it was from and rudely told them it was not from a Lancaster. Gutless museum staff didn't explain to him that it was indeed from a radial-engined Lanc.
Very interesting and informative, thank you. Makes me wonder if the MkII might have been a more survivable option for the dambuster raid, but I suspect they may not have been able to cope with the payload. Much appreciated.
Doubt whether the trype os engine would have mad much if any difference to the casualties in the raid on the Chastise mission. Plus the Mk II could only carry lighter bombload that the Mk I. Given the nature of the losses on the Dams raid different engines would have made little or no difference. Halifaxes with Merlins were superior to the Hercules engined Halifaxes further suggesting that Mk II would not have been any more survivable.
Not sure where the idea that the Merlin engined Halifax was superior came from, the Hercules variants came about because of the the poor performance of the Merlin variants and the mark III and later mark VI with the improved Hercules 100 engines were far better. The problems with the Merlin in the Halifax came about because Handley Page ignored Rolls Royce's advice and used their own nacelles instead of the RR power egg like Avro.
Ive got several Lancaster bomb control switch panels! Came over to the US with a model train set i picked up. Took a bit to figure out what they were from.
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 No worries. I actually just stumbled onto your channel. now subd. Great content. He died to defend his loved ones like so many others. Channels like yours keep what they did in peoples minds and therefore they and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Thank you. Also as a pilot it is really nice to learn more about these old birds. Its been a life long dream to fly a WW2 warbird, or for that matter even just ride in one.
My friend's Father was a Tail gunner in 426 Squadron in "Linton on Ouse "...With the Bristol Hercules engines. 1944/45...guessing here ( Mark X ) guessing again...
Thanks for this video, the first one I've ever seen about the Lancater B Mk. II. I have a question about a specific Lancaster from 514 squadron that crashed in my village of Iwuy (France 59141) during the night of the 15/16th june 1944 this was LL 690 JI -J. I just would like to know if it is possible to know if this bomber was equipped with the FN.64 Mid Lower Gun Turret ? I can see there was one on LL 624 JP - L and according your video on some other ones but I wonder about LL 690, JI- J, thanks for your help.
Thank you for another amazing video, Bryan. The Hercules was a very advanced engine, in many respects the ultimate air cooled piston engine. Just the Hercules and its sleeve valve system would make for an excellent video.
Excellent detail (I had always assumed that all Lancasters were powered by the merlin engines) ☺ The story of the Mustang P51 and it's eventual change to merlin engines and licence to build in America was one I actually was aware of! Fascinating stuff, And so much depended on these developments and the people behind them.
I knew vaguely about the MkII Lancaster and had heard of the operational height problems but really enjoyed this informative video! It's a wonder that this aircraft wasn't adapted to carry out long range anti submarine and coastal defence duties. Extra fuel tanks and the addition of 50 cal. machine guns, 20 mm canon and depth charges, would have made this Lancaster a formidable sub and ship killer.
Late in WW2, Harris rounded up the Herculese-engined Lancasters and assigned them to Group 3 of Bomber command, which was using the Gee-H precision-bombing apparatus and did not need Pathfinders. They were able to destroy a lot of the synthetic fuel plants, because of their high accuracy; and also demonstrated this in a precision attack on Trier on December 19, 1944 , in "impossible" weather, which destroyed a centre of concentration of German armour and thus contributed to the failure of "the battle of the bulge". (Ref: "Bomber Harris" ISBN 0-385-11258-0 PP 266/267). The Herculese-powered aircraft were considerably faster at low level than the Merlin XX - engined versions; their bombing altitude was 20,000 feet, versus about 25,000 feet for the Merlin. This presumably reflects that the superchargers of the Herculese were optimised for lower altitudes than those of the Merlin XX, which developed a maximum of 1,240 HP at 12,000 feet in low supercharger gear. The Hercules 16 produced 1375 HP at 4000 feet.
@@dafyddllewellyn6636 Interesting. Finding accurate information on the Hercules has been difficult. The Halifax with the Merlin was a dog and the RR Heritage trust book on the Halifax explains exactly why and does some comparisons with the Lancaster show a huge difference in performance and showing that the Halifax at cruise height and speed was on the point of stall. It’s somewhat of a paradox that when the engine were reversed the Halifax III was the better performing aircraft and could attain a higher altitude. Which begs the question are we comparing apple with apples.
@@tempestnut One needs to know a lot more than the history books show; The propeller has a major effect, and the cooling drag can be a major factor. The Herculese in the Lancaster II was evidently considerably affected by how the pilot used the cooling gills; getting that wrong could mean you did not have sufficient fuel for the return flight. The wing aspect ratio is also critical. Getting it all optimised was not always possible in the rush of war. For example, the Lancaster was a conversion of the Avro Manchester, by using available Merlin engine "power eggs" that had been developed for (I think) a Merlin-powered version of the Wellington. Early Lancasters had rather pointed propeller-blade tips, but later these were changed to "Paddle" blades, which gave better performance at altitude. All these developmental changes need to be taken into account, to make valid comparisons, so you are correct about "oranges and apples".
Thanks. A wealth of information! I have always liked the Mk. II, and was overjoyed when Airfix, a few years ago, put out a model of one. I love the radial engine look. And also the ventral turret. Thanks again.
Thanks for a very interesting video an a bomber I had not known about. It is always interesting to see different designs of powerplants other than the American engines I have been familiar with.
The following was recently discovered in a very old, dusty, forgotten RAF archive: “In February, 1944, the First Air Board of The Royal Air Ministry, commenced a study under the supervision of Maj. Gen. Alastair Stanley: Various RAF bomber officers were assembled to determine the manner and frequency whereby RAF bombers had been struck by German anti-aircraft guns and by Luftwaffe interceptors. After exhaustive study, it was determined that the bombers were hit more frequently by a factor of three on their Dark Green upper-side parts than on their Dark Earth parts, and more frequently yet on their Matte Black underside parts by a factor of five. A recommendation to the Air Ministry was then made suggesting that all RAF aircraft operating at night over Nazi-controlled territory be henceforth painted Dark Earth overall, eliminating all Matte Black and Dark Green paint entirely in order to reduce such strikes in the future. (see comparison charts annexed hereto) This study was generously submitted to and shared with the U. S. Eighth Army Air Force which, upon further reflection thereof, issued a general order that in order to prevent being struck by German anti-aircraft guns or by Luftwaffe interceptors whatsoever, no paint of any colour (or “color” as the Yanks say it) whatsoever would henceforth be applied to the surfaces of their aircraft.” At least with regard to the American aircraft, this was done. An official report of the result of such has not yet been discovered, but we’re assiduously looking for it. It is not presently known what happened to this study or the people who performed it, but we do know that neither it nor they were, until most recently, ever heard of again.
Wow, what an interesting and very informative episode, I had never heard about the Saunders Roe jet powered flying boat or the engine that powered it, I do consider myself a bit of a military aviation nerd, buff or armchair historian and to have never even heard about the flying boat I can honestly say that you have added another page to my knowledge bank, thanks for making my day, I learnt something new. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇦
I remember as a teenager in the late 40's and early 50's that there was a model aircraft kit available from Kiel Kraft kits of the Saunders-roe jet powered flying boat. If my memory serves me well it was to be powered by a Jetex solid fuel powered model rocket engine. In the real world I think that this flying boat was the last gasp of the flying boat era. Their only real advantage was that flying boats did not need runways, and the trend in those days was that higher speed aircraft needed longer runways which were expensive to build. For other reasons the flying boat was a technological dead end, especially in the jet age.
I'm so pleased you have found my video informative. I'm all about promoting UK aviation history. If you have any ideas you'd like to see me cover, please let me know. Thanks so much for watching!
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 JETEX - they could be a bit tricky, right enough. I could only afford the smallest one the Jetex 50. The solid fuel pellet was ignited by a fuse which had to be carefully fashioned in a spiral round the pellet, held in place against the pellet with a metal gauze disc then passed through the ejection hole to permit a match to be applied. The fuse strings were quite delicate - they could crumble with rough handling and it was tricky getting them through the ejection hole. The whole assembly was held together with a toggle clip. You needed skilled hands and everything had to be kept clean.
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 Informative without doubt -an exhaustive presentation in fact. Regarding other possible subjects : The Fairly Battle might be one. It was a horrible concept, since the Battle was about twice the weight of a Spifire, and powered by the same Merlin. Regarding Lancasters, I had the pleasure of knowing a veteran pilot from 101 Squadron based in Ludford Magna. These were the guys which carried an eighth crew member who spoke German like a native and which broadcasted a voice signal designed to confuse the enemy night fighters. The radio signal was also used by the said fighters to home in. Needless to say the scheme was not popular with the Lancaster aircrews. My friend, who completed nearly two tours was lucky to have survived.
Thanks for your video, the first one I can see about the Avro Lancaster B MK II. One of them crashed in my village (59141 Iwuy France) coming from 514 squadron during the night of 15/16th june 1944. Can you tell me if this bomber was equipped with the FN 64 mid lower gun turret. Thanks for your help
Thanks for watching, Yes some were fitted with the Frazer Nash FN..64 Mid Lower Turret. I have a video you can watch covering the FN.64 Gun Turret in great detail. Thanks also for subscribing and have a great day!
Question. Weren't these engines, despite being less powerful, more suitable for lower-level flight and heavier flack conditions than their liquid-cooled counterparts?
The Hercules XVI was rated at 1650 hp. The reality is that the Lancaster mounted its engines beneath the wing, which suited the Merlin better. The Halifax was designed for the Hercules and mounted them higher; its performance suffered with the Merlin! Both were excellent engines in aircraft designed for them.
My Grandfather was with thunderbirds MK11 DS707 Skippered by The Berlin Kid Roger Coloumbe Gramps was MUG Coloumbe Flew M11s He did twelve trips to the Big City in MK 11s Given him the title of the Berlin Kid .DS 707 was scapped in 1946 only to be resurected in 2012 when a Flasher unit was sold on E.Bay from DS 707 P for Peter .
Excellent visuals and explanations. Seemed logical to me that these must have existed too. P.S. Subscribed. Such interesting and good technical explanations.
Hi there I had just dropped on your channel I thought it was strange because I saw a Lancaster on Friday 27/08/22 flying over worksop towards Doncaster I had took twice it was really low but it locked fantastic I no the vulcan bomber hear in Doncaster
Question... Is it also not possible the air-cooled Hercules engine was used because it was lighter? What was the total power output differences between the Merlin and the Hercules? What was the weight differential? Hercules if lighter would have been less reliable but able to climb and other performance specs better?
I wonder which version had the best fuel efficiency and also engine volume . I suppose the flak 88mm could reach them all with the same ease so no real advantage apart from bombing accuracy . The lanc was such a beautiful piece of kit .
Ah, very good subject. I’ve been studying Bomber Command and the three heavies, and have been curious about the Hercules’ version of the Lanc. I’ve yet to understand why the Hercules was so good for the Halifax, but not the Merlin, and vice-versa for the Lancaster - assuming this is true and not some unsubstantiated claim.
It's true enough, the reasons for Merlin's problems in the Halifax were the HP designed nacelles which went against the advice of Roll Royce rather than the preferred RR power egg and as a result had reduction gear vibration problems in addition to airflow issues over the wing. The Hercules performance in the Halifax increased when improvements were made to them but the Lancaster production of the Hercules variant ceased after 300 were made, long before the improved Hercules variants were available with improved supercharging timing.
@@ericadams3428 Which might be more of an answer to why the Stirling was so good at low level but unable to get much past 15000 feet. Maybe the ceiling issue which is always blamed on the shortened wings had as much to do with the engines as it did the airframe. I don't think that the question has ever been asked.
Quite interesting. To convert Airfix's 1:72nd-scale kit of the Avro Lancaster RAF Bomber to a Lancaster Mk.II with Bristol's Hercules Mk.VI engines, could one substitute the cowlings (and if necessary, the na- celles) of Airfix's 1:72nd-scale kit of the Handley Page Halifax RAF Bomber? I know of no mass market kits of both aircraft in 1:48th scale, or a newer mold of a 1:72nd-scale kit, leaving us just the Airfix kits as our sole recourse. I must note that I have sentimental remembrances of these Airfix kits, as well as those of the Short Stirling and the Vickers Wellington RAF Bombers.
Does anyone else remember seeing a Lancaster with jet engines. I saw it in 1955 at Defford aerodrome .Worcestershire.I think they named it the Lancastrian.
Great video! My Dad was in the 426 Squadron as a pilot and flew 18 sorties on the Lancaster Mk II before switching over tot he Halifax Mk III and VII. I have question regarding the Halifax Mk III that I cannot find the answer for that you may be help. Why does the Halifax III have on three of its engines the flame suppressor exhaust pipe on the bottom right side of three of the engines and on the bottom left of the outer port engine only? It would make sense that they would all be on the same side or in a two and two configuration. I am sure there is a technical explanation and I haven't found the answer to what that is and hoping you or one of your audience may have it. I build a model of my Dad's plane that he was shot down in over France in June 1944 and the anomaly just got the best of my curiosity.
Interesting video. I understand that some Halivax B.VIs were fitted with Hercules 100s in 1945 which ended up with better altitude performance than the Lancaster 1... idle speculation wonders if the Lancaster B.II with that engine would have been better for the RAF!
At 5.37 the underside view shows the three colour light visual IFF system just aft of the dorsal turret. Rarely seen I presume it was to try and catch out any night intruders trying to sneak in on the circuit.
There is one thing y'all forget... survivability... People get hang up on altitude, range, speed, payload, size of bomb bay etc. Merlin powered Lancs were death traps, I have in my books the accounts of German pilots shooting down 4 Lancs in less than 20 minutes ! They aimed at the wings to give the crews a chance... exept one time when the said pilot broke his leg on landing after taking fire from a rear gunner, he was mad that night so it choose to hose the fuselage, the Lanc immediately caught fire and exploded, nobody survived. After, he felt bad about it. Furthermore, show me pictures of Lancs comming back with the kind of damage a B-17 or a Wellington could sustain... There aren't any out there... lastly, an English RAF officer told me a few years back, the best English bomber was the Hallifax Mark V ... "Real" bombers, have radial engines...
I wholehartedly agree. Veteran I spoke to who flew both the Merlin and Hercules versions of the Lancaster said the MK-II faired much better at dealing with damage. In 514 Squadron, on one occasion, all the cooling fins of a mk-II were blown off leaving the drop point and it was still running when it landed at Waterbeach, much to the amazment of the ground crews. One 514 Lanc had its nose blown clean off by bombs from above, and flew like a "sock" all the way to Waterbeach. Unfortunatly, the bomb aimer was killed.
The fuel tanks were the target for German fighters. The fuel tanks on the Lancs whether Radial or online engines were the same.... In the wings. Your argument is based on nothing more than hot air my friend. Lancs were never known as death traps... Where do you get this drivell from lol
@@davidlawrencebanks4610 Well, it's true, to a small extent. Radial engines don't have the pressurized cooling system which is very prone to battle damage, that liquid cooled engines had. So there is a survivability advantage. Of course there are many other ways to get shot down as well. If your wing full of fuel and fuel vapor is exploding you're going down regardless of what engine you have. As for death traps, after the German U-boat service the UK Bomber Command had the highest KIA rate of any service (in the European theater at least). But I'd say that's more due to the way they were deployed rather than any particular difference compared to, say, a B-17.
@@davidlawrencebanks4610 My dear friend, you have failed to note that in front of those fuel tanks there are 4 engines, the Merlin having the the reputation of catching fire at the slightest hit, some times they were kind enough to do it without any external help. The Bristols feared a bit better but no where near the Cyclones and Wasps that would sit there and keep runnin with missing cylinders. That's why there are numerous accounts of German pilots running out of ammo while shooting at a B-17 that somehow keeps flying, all the while there are numerous accounts of said pilots setting a Merling powered Lanc on fire with just a few 20mm shells... so that's why your beloved Lanc is a death trap... and that's why you're full of hot air when you argue otherwhise...
The best looking Lancaster in my opinion. It’s a shame one of the surviving Canadian Lancs hasn’t been retro fitted with Hercules engines given their close links with this mark. 🤔
Please note: In the Video I say Bristol Hercules Mk.14 - it should be 16. Sorry about this. I have corrected the captions. Also, I say that the Merlin engine is an in-line engine. I should have said The Merlin is a Supercharged, geared, pressure liquid cooled V-Engine, fitted with a two-speed Supercharger.
I'm sorry about this. I seriously thought about deleting the video and re uploading, but all my views and comments would be lost. Thanks for watching everyone! Bryan
It doesn't matter about the hiccups Brian. You're doing a great job for history.
I wouldn't stress over the inline thing. AFAICS the WWII aircraft engine literature typically talks about radials vs. inlines, with inlines implying liquid cooled engines with cylinders behind each others, including in multiple cylinder banks like in a V engine. And yes, even including weird/exotic things like the Napier Sabre with it's H configuration.
No worries, mate. In my own jot- tings, I continue amending and editing, an ongoing process I call "tightening up the knowledge". Some might be simply changing a 14 to a 16. Others might be rather more involved. Still more could include a correction a reader provides.
Thanks for bringing this to us, I didn't know that any Lancaster used anything other than Merlin engines, nor that some had a lower turret. Don't worry about minor discrepencies, it doesn't spoil the experience
I understood your reference to in line to apply to the crankshaft and as such is correct enough⚡👍
Great report.
My uncle was the bomb aimer on LL640. Unfortunately their aircraft was shot down in March 1944 and he did not survive. He is buried in the Rheinberg War Cemetery along with nearly all other members of the crew.
Visited the Rheinberg war cemetery a few times, well cared for. RiP all that lie in there.
Thanks for sharing - Heroes all
Fair dues to the Germans. They did generally treat dead airmen pretty well.
Sad, heroes all
My Great Uncle was on DS678 (115 sqdn). His Lanc was shot down March 44 as well, grave has been lost over time but I went to his rededication ceremony a few years ago.
I have stood next to to G for George at the ripe age of 12. I was in awe. AWM, Canberra 1964.
Thanks for sharing
I like how the Air Ministry even made sure they had a workable radial engined version of the Lancaster just on the offchance that the Merlin's weren't available for what ever reason.You've really got to hand it to the British engineers.It seems as though there was nothing that they overlooked during the war.Brilliant.
That's certainly very true Karl. With all the research I have done over the years, one thing that has always struck me was the amazing depth of detail that took place during the design and construction process of each aircraft type. Also in the operation of all types of aircraft during the war. The entire aviation industry did its best to work as a team. Not all things worked out right, but they certainly worked hard to provide our forces with the best equipment possible at the time. The other thing, of course, was that during that time, technology was constantly changing. Thanks for watching.
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 reminds me of how the air ministry requested an alternative powerplant for the Hampden incase Pegasus engines weren't available. Thus the Napier Dagger powered Handley Page Hereford was built. Served with one Operational squadron and competed in a single raid before being relegated to training squadrons. The dagger was terribly unreliable. It wasn't underpowered and the specifications in some areas did exceed the Hampden, it was just Hopelessly unreliable
My Grandad (Eric Ilett ) was an inspector on Lancasters during the war. Mainly round Chadderton / Woodford factories, but i do remember my dad saying that he was sent to "help sort problems out at Bristols for a while ??? " so i presume that grandad was one of the team sent from AVROs to Bristols to look into using these engines ( but could be completely wrong )
All my family were AVRO except me......i joined the navy and served in submarines.....well.....one has to rebel
Thanks for all these excellent videos, .....the Lanc has always been close to the family.
cheers everyone ...mike ilett.
Very interesting and thank you for sharing
An extraordinary channel and very brilliant narrated. Now as a Modell builder I 'm learning a lot of RAF Airpower in
WW II. My grandpa was a radio operator in a ME - 110 G Night fighter. He told me, that British Pilots had flying excellent maneuvers and where highly trained for Operations in completely darkness!
Thanks for your comments, I'm pleased you have found the video interesting
Thank you for putting this up. My dad was an AID inspector with AWA for over 30 years and worked on the B Mk. II and a whole lot of other types/makes (eg Whitley, Lancaster, Lincoln, Meteor, Hunter, Javelin, Argosy, Sea Slug, etc) over the years until the company closed its doors in the 1960's.
AWA had plants at Whitley (where we lived), Baginton and at Bitteswell; dad worked at all three locations over the years and was also seconded to various Bomber Command stations during the war, overseeing retrofits. I still have his factory-issued copy of Flight and The Aeroplane 1947 reviews of the AW 52 Flying Wing, plus the company's Handling Notes on the Hawker Sea Hawk and the Meteor Night Fighter series, Mks.11 to 14. So, lots of memories for me; thanks again.
Thanks for sharing and for watching
within minutes of watching your video - I can see you deserve many more watchers. Top stuff.
Thanks 👍
An excellent description, as always and packed with information - thank you! Nice to see the letters QR of 61 Squadron on many of the profiles. My father's second tour of operations with 61 Sqn was mainly flying Mk1s and later the odd Mk111 from RAF Syerston. His log shows that he flew Mk11s on ops twice - the first, a 6 hour flight on 7th Feb 1943 to Lorient in Lanc 11 serial no.612, carrying 1x4000 pounder and 10 S.B.C.s. The second op of 9hrs 20mins to Milan on 14th Feb 1943 in Lanc 11 serial no.613, carrying 14 S.B.C.s. Both operations attracted the award of a photographic 'gong' for getting good aiming point photos. I still have these, each with a nice drawing of a Lanc with the names of the crew displayed. On the Milan raid, my father's log mentions that there was a fighter attack, which was claimed damaged and driven off. My father, Sqn.Ldr. Geoffrey Hall DFC & Bar passed away in September 1986 - he never spoke much about his experiences, except in letters to his father. They make fascinating reading, but there is so much more I would like to ask him now!
That is very interesting, thanks so much for sharing.
What a fantastic and thoroughly educational video. Great research.
My Father was in 432 Leeside as a navigator and they flew the MKIIs. I am in the process of making a Border Models 1/32 Avro Lancaster but will have significant customization to get it to appear accurate with the right engine, nacelle and gills. I will be referencing your video many times. Thank you.
Absolutely fascinating- I had no knowledge of the radial powered Lancasters until quite recently and then up popped your excellent tutorial! Many thanks 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Ive not heard of this aircraft before, the idea behind it is pretty amazing in its own right to be able to continue even if merlins couldnt be used.
Glad you found it interesting, thank you.
Very interesting, my dad was a flight engineer with 408 Goose Squadron. I seem to remember his plane was B-Bunny but i could be wrong. He was an Englishman flying with the Canadians and was originally billeted with Patrick Moore during basic training and they remained friends post-war.
Superbly done and much appreciated. Between yourself and Neville Wheeldons channel Im learning so much more about an aircraft I thought I knew well. Thank you 👍🏻
You're very welcome - Great to hear!
Thanks again for a very informative and interesting video. I did know a little about the radial engined Lancaster from a visit to the " Wellington museum" in Moreton in the March. Although dedicated to the Wellington bomber there's a cut away Hercules engine and a photo of a Lancaster fitted with them. I find it difficult to understand that the very complex engine with the parts to operate the "sleve valves" , could be produced and built under war time conditions easier than setting up more RR Merlin plants
Thanks for sharing and for watching
I recently finished building a Lancaster B.II (Airfix) and as stated in your video it was based at Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire in November 1944. The particular one was 'Fanny Ferkin II'. A highly unusual Lanc also with the pretty ineffective ventral turret operated by periscope! I wanted to do that kit as it is such an unusual version of the legendary plane :)
It certainly was. Thanks for watching!
My late uncle from NZ flew Merlin powered Lancaster’s in WW2. He flew many sorties over Europe and was lucky to survive the war uninjured. He also ferried new aircraft from Halifax in Canada to the UK as well as being a flight instructor. He said the Merlin engines were better than the Packard built Merlin’s but I don’t remember why that was. I would assume the Merlin powered Lancasters could operate at a higher ceiling due to the 2 stage super charging which supplied more air to the engine thus more horsepower at those high altitudes. I think the Rolls Royce Merlin contributed to the winning of WW2 especially in the Spitfires.
Thanks for sharing
derekfromtauranga Sorry ole Bean you are wrong !!!! All Lancaster Mk Bi's & Mk BIII used the Merlin 20 series engines that were SINGLE STAGE 2 SPEED superchargers !!! NOT the 2 stage 60 series engines, why their service ceiling was barely 20,000 ft. This is the MISTAKE most people make is ALL merlins were 2 stage and not true, of the 20,000 $hitfires built only7,000 were Merlin 60 powered, 2 stage supercharges the rest of the 13,000 were all the SINGLE STAGE 2 speed supercharged, the facts of history less the hype lies and just BS stories !!!
Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Thanks for watching Gordon!
I read that the Beryl, following the removal from the S.R. flying boat, was used to power Donald Campbell's Bluebird jet boat.
Yes, that's correct
I really enjoy your detailed videos and the insight they provide - thanks for taking the time to make them. I also really appreciate that you list your media sources at the end - it's very helpful. I came here while thinking about the Airfix Mk II I'm going to build - now I think I'm going to do it in the prototype scheme :)
You're very welcome, much more on the way!
Very interesting and informative. Thanks for posting. It would have been helpful to have some comparative horsepower ratings for the different powerplants discussed in this presentation. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing. I have to say when creating a video like this, it is a bit of a juggling act to decide how far to go with data, etc.
Anyway, the maximum power ratings are as follows -
Bristol Hercules XVI. 'M' Gear - 1,675 bhp. 'S' Gear - 1,455 bhp.
Rolls-Royce Merlin XX. 'M' Gear - 1,240 bhp. 'S' Gear - 1,175 bhp.
I hope this helps.
This showed up in my recommended videos this morning, have to say I'm disappointed that youtube has been hiding your channel for so long. I've been working my way through your other videos and have thoroughly enjoyed them. There's so many military aircraft channels, but so few go into anywhere the kind of detail that you do on your channel.
Thanks for your kind words Christopher, I put a great deal of work into these videos, and really want to help to keep UK aviation history alive. I can only hope that in time You Tube will put my videos in front of more aviation minded people, who would appreciate my content. Thanks so much for sharing and watching. Onwards and Upwards!
Excellent video presentation on the wonderful MK-II Lancaster!
My Grandfather was kia in DS816 JI-O. June 15, 1944. The black and white image of the mk-II flying you used often in this video is LL734 JI-O, of 514 Squadron. It replaced my Grandad and crewmates a/c after it was lost. 514 converted to mk-IIIs by June 1944. Shared your video on the 514 facebook page. Cheers, 514 Page Admin. P.s. interestingly, 514 was equipped with 2 x MK-IIs with the venteral turrett fitted.
Thanks for watching
My father was a flight engineer on these with 115 squadron. he was shot down on a mine laying mission to la rochelle. He evaded capture.
Thanks for sharing
It’s not forgotten at all. I am grateful to all involved with these aircrafts. To those who build them and especially to those brave men who flew them. Love from Sweden.
Thanks
Dear@@ukaircraftexplored6556,
Of cause I had no idea about all the technical details concerning the beautiful Lancaster. However, thinking of all inventions that made it happen’d and all those brave men and women who built it and later flew it. It made my eyes strangely wet and I can tell you Sir, forever grateful. Swede by birth but a Britton at heart. Thanks for posting!
A great video - thank you. The interchangeability of engines 'just in case' was a very good idea not only for production numbers, but as some of the projected power outputs weren't achieved as planned I think? The Halifax Mk I/III was a very good example of using both engines, plus the Wellington Mk II used Merlins. There was even an experimental Beaufighter with Merlins but it didn't fare well, and wasn't put into production. I must brace myself to make my Airfix Lancaster B.II soon!
Thank you very much!
some merlin Beau were operational but as yoy say they wernt loved
Fascinating! So impressive the innovation and the rapid manufacturing during wartime. Such impressive engineering in those beautiful engines. I think we would have a hard time matching that in today's computerized world where many skills have been lost. Or maybe I'm not up to date with today's manufacturing best practice. Great video, great illustrations. Many thanks. Subscribed. Rob in Switzerland.
Thank you so much for subscribing, I have many videos coming and thanks for watching
The Hercules was used because in 1941 the Merlin engine was in such demand it was feared demand would outstrip production, it had 1752 hp and the service ceiling was lower at 15000 ft whereas the Merlin Lanc has a service ceiling of around 20,000 ft but later Merlin versions had a ceiling of around 24,000 ft
Thanks for watching
My great uncle’s Mk 2 DS650 crashed on the Scottish boarder and all the crew were killed. The accident was never explained. I wonder now if it was engine failure?
My Grandad was shot down in a Mk 3 returning from Druisburg, taken POW. Brian we found his first hand account of this very recently if you are interested? It describes being attacked by night fighters, his time as a POW and his liberation.
Thanks for sharing
Very informative video. Being an aeroplane buff myself too, I knew of the radial engined Lancs but along with the Blenheim remains a relatively forgotten aircraft
Thanks for the info and for watching!
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 The Short Stirling also falls into the same category as the others in that aeroplane is forgotten too
And the in line engined Wellington, another rarity, often not forgotten just unknown, the mid lower gun turret was a brilliant idea just needing better visibility, it would have definitely woken a few nightfighters up.
Another superbly researched, scripted and illustrated video. Thank you.
Many thanks!
Brilliant descriptive Video of the Lancaster aircraft great technical detail gave added value with the technical descriptives and diagrams, a Wonderful and well produced item. Terry Offord
That's very nice of you Terry, I really appreciate your kind words. Yes, my colour diagrams and planning do take a great deal of time, hence I often can't get a video out each week. Still, rest assured, I have many more videos planned. So please check my channel for the latest when posted. Thanks for watching.
When he stops to plug his video it is pretty cool how all the stuff works on the bomber the turrets but also that turret in night bombers can be replaced with a radar and he has videos about that too.
Thanks for watching
Wow l❤ this so much thanks so much
So forgotten, Airfix have had a model kit of it for ages.
I have the mk II. It's a very good kit.
Enjoy your build, if you buy one!
These videos really are very good! I read that some crews liked the Hercules Lancs because there was very little exhaust glare at night compared to the Merlin powered variants, they also had a faster rate of climb. (edit, I might be wrong on the rate of climb, I'll have to check my "Lancaster at war" books)
Thanks for watching!
Flying along in the dark, with a nice pair of Bristol's either side of you. No wonder 115 Sqd felt safer.
Many Canadians regretted the removal of their ventral guns. When one thinks of the night fighters later on, creeping up below undetected...
I've read conflicting things about the Lancaster II in terms of performance. Many books claim it "underperformed" compared to the Merlin powered Lancasters, but a lot of the first hand accounts from 426 "Thunderbird" squadron RCAF which flew the type talk about it flying higher than normal lancasters and performing quite well. I suspect the issue may have been the engines; the earlier Mark IIs had the Bristol Hercules VI engine while later marks had the Hercules XVI. I've read the XVI was more "Automatic" and required less tinkering to fly at full efficiency, so I suspect that the poor initial performance of the Lanc II was the earlier marks with the VI engines, while the higher performance you read about in first hand accounts come from the later production models with XVI's. Just a hypothesis of mine however.
Beautiful and effective aircraft. Saw one at our airshow in Australia. Ex usaf here.
Thanks
👍Thanks for video. Although I knew that a number of Lancasters were in service with radials, all I could remember was that they were Bristol engines. I really like the detailed drawings.
Thank you, you're very welcome. Much more to come!
Excellent video, thanks a lot. It's so important to keep our history and heritage alive.
I couldn't agree more!
The series for the Lancaster and Spitfire have been great (I have to say I have yet to fully view all the videos). I hope we will see more videos of other aircraft in due course. Great work!
Yes, I am working on other aircraft, so watch this space! Thanks for watching, you are appreciated.
that's really interesting , could never imagined a radial engine Lancaster. thanks
Glad you liked it!
I drink occasionally in the Chequers pub in Sutton near Ely. We have the site of the old Mepal aerodrome nearby and the pub was frequented by the crews of that New Zealand squadron. There are a number of pictures of the planes and crews and I have always been confused by the mix of in line and radial powered planes. This may explain how I get confused. I must look again soon!🍺🍻
Thanks for watching
Great video. I did make me remember a story on a Post WWII repurposed Lancaster for passengers that crashed into a mountain in poor visabilaty at high altitude because we didn't know about or understand the Jet stream.. they were flying head on with it and descended too soon . It was a mystery until it started resurfacing at the bottom of a Glacier. I have a foggy memory of Rottary Engine's. I do watch lots of these videos and could be incorrect about the Engine
Yes, it was a BSAA Avro Lancastrian named 'Star Dust' it was fitted with Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. It sadly crashed in 1947. Thanks for watching and sharing.
Fascinating had no idea there was a radial engined Lanc.
Your welcome!
They have one of these engines in museum in Coventry - Prince Philip asked them what aircraft it was from and rudely told them it was not from a Lancaster. Gutless museum staff didn't explain to him that it was indeed from a radial-engined Lanc.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I have always been interested in the oddball aitcraft and your video has explained a lot.
Glad it was helpful!
Very interesting and informative, thank you. Makes me wonder if the MkII might have been a more survivable option for the dambuster raid, but I suspect they may not have been able to cope with the payload. Much appreciated.
You are very welcome!
Doubt whether the trype os engine would have mad much if any difference to the casualties in the raid on the Chastise mission.
Plus the Mk II could only carry lighter bombload that the Mk I. Given the nature of the losses on the Dams raid different engines would have made little or no difference.
Halifaxes with Merlins were superior to the Hercules engined Halifaxes further suggesting that Mk II would not have been any more survivable.
Not sure where the idea that the Merlin engined Halifax was superior came from, the Hercules variants came about because of the the poor performance of the Merlin variants and the mark III and later mark VI with the improved Hercules 100 engines were far better. The problems with the Merlin in the Halifax came about because Handley Page ignored Rolls Royce's advice and used their own nacelles instead of the RR power egg like Avro.
Ive got several Lancaster bomb control switch panels! Came over to the US with a model train set i picked up. Took a bit to figure out what they were from.
Thanks for watching and sharing
The Canadians out west are rebuilding another Lanc. They might be interested in or helpful of your parts.
"Radial engined Lancasters?? , no such animal...." oops , learn something new every day. Thanks for the video !. :)
There was a B17 powered by Allison V12 also
You're very welcome!
Great video. My uncle was a gunner on one of the Lanc's over Germany way back when. Sadly he never made it back one night.
I'm sorry to hear that, and thanks for watching.
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 No worries. I actually just stumbled onto your channel. now subd. Great content. He died to defend his loved ones like so many others. Channels like yours keep what they did in peoples minds and therefore they and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Thank you. Also as a pilot it is really nice to learn more about these old birds. Its been a life long dream to fly a WW2 warbird, or for that matter even just ride in one.
My friend's Father was a Tail gunner in 426 Squadron in
"Linton on Ouse "...With the Bristol Hercules engines. 1944/45...guessing here ( Mark X ) guessing again...
Could have been the Hercules Mk.VI or XVI engine. Thanks for sharing!
A most interesting video.
My highest compliments!
I am a fan of the Lancaster B ll despite it's shortcomings.
My highest regards.
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it
I really enjoyed this most interesting study .I would like to see details of the sleeve valve arrangement if possible . Many thanks.
Great suggestion and thanks for watching
Just a light dusting of technical details but of interest to this armchair airman. Thanks!
You're very welcome. Thanks for watching
Thoroughly enjoyed this and all of your video’s. Well researched, looking forward to the next one.
Much more to come! Thanks for watching!
My grandad flew on Lancs from RAF Foulsham 43 onwards. He was a navigator.
Thank you
As thorough and informative as ever. Many thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this video, the first one I've ever seen about the Lancater B Mk. II. I have a question about a specific Lancaster from 514 squadron that crashed in my village of Iwuy (France 59141) during the night of the 15/16th june 1944 this was LL 690 JI -J. I just would like to know if it is possible to know if this bomber was equipped with the FN.64 Mid Lower Gun Turret ? I can see there was one on LL 624 JP - L and according your video on some other ones but I wonder about LL 690, JI- J, thanks for your help.
Thanks for sharing
Thank you for another amazing video, Bryan. The Hercules was a very advanced engine, in many respects the ultimate air cooled piston engine. Just the Hercules and its sleeve valve system would make for an excellent video.
Great point! Thanks for watching
Excellent detail (I had always assumed that all Lancasters were powered by the merlin engines) ☺ The story of the Mustang P51 and it's eventual change to merlin engines and licence to build in America was one I actually was aware of! Fascinating stuff, And so much depended on these developments and the people behind them.
Glad you liked it!
Very interesting and informative, I had no idea that these Lancaster versions ever existed.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I knew vaguely about the MkII Lancaster and had heard of the operational height problems but really enjoyed this informative video! It's a wonder that this aircraft wasn't adapted to carry out long range anti submarine and coastal defence duties. Extra fuel tanks and the addition of 50 cal. machine guns, 20 mm canon and depth charges, would have made this Lancaster a formidable sub and ship killer.
Yes, it could have been. Thanks for watching
Late in WW2, Harris rounded up the Herculese-engined Lancasters and assigned them to Group 3 of Bomber command, which was using the Gee-H precision-bombing apparatus and did not need Pathfinders. They were able to destroy a lot of the synthetic fuel plants, because of their high accuracy; and also demonstrated this in a precision attack on Trier on December 19, 1944 , in "impossible" weather, which destroyed a centre of concentration of German armour and thus contributed to the failure of "the battle of the bulge". (Ref: "Bomber Harris" ISBN 0-385-11258-0 PP 266/267). The Herculese-powered aircraft were considerably faster at low level than the Merlin XX - engined versions; their bombing altitude was 20,000 feet, versus about 25,000 feet for the Merlin. This presumably reflects that the superchargers of the Herculese were optimised for lower altitudes than those of the Merlin XX, which developed a maximum of 1,240 HP at 12,000 feet in low supercharger gear. The Hercules 16 produced 1375 HP at 4000 feet.
@@dafyddllewellyn6636 Interesting. Finding accurate information on the Hercules has been difficult. The Halifax with the Merlin was a dog and the RR Heritage trust book on the Halifax explains exactly why and does some comparisons with the Lancaster show a huge difference in performance and showing that the Halifax at cruise height and speed was on the point of stall. It’s somewhat of a paradox that when the engine were reversed the Halifax III was the better performing aircraft and could attain a higher altitude. Which begs the question are we comparing apple with apples.
@@tempestnut One needs to know a lot more than the history books show; The propeller has a major effect, and the cooling drag can be a major factor. The Herculese in the Lancaster II was evidently considerably affected by how the pilot used the cooling gills; getting that wrong could mean you did not have sufficient fuel for the return flight. The wing aspect ratio is also critical. Getting it all optimised was not always possible in the rush of war. For example, the Lancaster was a conversion of the Avro Manchester, by using available Merlin engine "power eggs" that had been developed for (I think) a Merlin-powered version of the Wellington. Early Lancasters had rather pointed propeller-blade tips, but later these were changed to "Paddle" blades, which gave better performance at altitude. All these developmental changes need to be taken into account, to make valid comparisons, so you are correct about "oranges and apples".
What a real shame they never kept one in a museum somewhere.
I totally agree, Neil
This was extremely interesting I have just a few moments ago ordered the airfix model of this Lancaster variant thank you great work
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the great Video. It was very interesting filling in some information I did know about the Lancaster,
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks. A wealth of information! I have always liked the Mk. II, and was overjoyed when Airfix, a few years ago, put out a model of one. I love the radial engine look. And also the ventral turret. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing! Hope your model goes well.
Built a model of this Lanc , just a bit different, very informative video, thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for a very interesting video an a bomber I had not known about. It is always interesting to see different designs of powerplants other than the American engines I have been familiar with.
Glad you liked it. Thank you.
I do enjoy going through the lanc registration book and finding out about the ones that appear in pictures.
Thanks for watching
The following was recently discovered in a very old, dusty, forgotten RAF archive:
“In February, 1944, the First Air Board of The Royal Air Ministry, commenced a study under the supervision of Maj. Gen. Alastair Stanley:
Various RAF bomber officers were assembled to determine the manner and frequency whereby RAF bombers had been struck by German anti-aircraft guns and by Luftwaffe interceptors. After exhaustive study, it was determined that the bombers were hit more frequently by a factor of three on their Dark Green upper-side parts than on their Dark Earth parts, and more frequently yet on their Matte Black underside parts by a factor of five. A recommendation to the Air Ministry was then made suggesting that all RAF aircraft operating at night over Nazi-controlled territory be henceforth painted Dark Earth overall, eliminating all Matte Black and Dark Green paint entirely in order to reduce such strikes in the future. (see comparison charts annexed hereto)
This study was generously submitted to and shared with the U. S. Eighth Army Air Force which, upon further reflection thereof, issued a general order that in order to prevent being struck by German anti-aircraft guns or by Luftwaffe interceptors whatsoever, no paint of any colour (or “color” as the Yanks say it) whatsoever would henceforth be applied to the surfaces of their aircraft.”
At least with regard to the American aircraft, this was done. An official report of the result of such has not yet been discovered, but we’re assiduously looking for it. It is not presently known what happened to this study or the people who performed it, but we do know that neither it nor they were, until most recently, ever heard of again.
Thank you so much for sharing and for watching
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 My pleasure, We're still looking for that report about the unpainted American aircraft.
Brilliant video...thanks👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Brilliant video thank you for sharing. Very interesting. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it, thank you
Wow, what an interesting and very informative episode, I had never heard about the Saunders Roe jet powered flying boat or the engine that powered it, I do consider myself a bit of a military aviation nerd, buff or armchair historian and to have never even heard about the flying boat I can honestly say that you have added another page to my knowledge bank, thanks for making my day, I learnt something new. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴🇺🇦
I remember as a teenager in the late 40's and early 50's that there was a model aircraft kit available from Kiel Kraft kits of the Saunders-roe jet powered flying boat. If my memory serves me well it was to be powered by a Jetex solid fuel powered model rocket engine. In the real world I think that this flying boat was the last gasp of the flying boat era. Their only real advantage was that flying boats did not need runways, and the trend in those days was that higher speed aircraft needed longer runways which were expensive to build. For other reasons the flying boat was a technological dead end, especially in the jet age.
Good 'ol Jetex - I could never get mine to work, all I got was putt putt. Perhaps it was damp. Anyway, I must have been doing something wrong!
I'm so pleased you have found my video informative. I'm all about promoting UK aviation history. If you have any ideas you'd like to see me cover, please let me know. Thanks so much for watching!
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 JETEX - they could be a bit tricky, right enough. I could only afford the smallest one the Jetex 50. The solid fuel pellet was ignited by a fuse which had to be carefully fashioned in a spiral round the pellet, held in place against the pellet with a metal gauze disc then passed through the ejection hole to permit a match to be applied. The fuse strings were quite delicate - they could crumble with rough handling and it was tricky getting them through the ejection hole. The whole assembly was held together with a toggle clip. You needed skilled hands and everything had to be kept clean.
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 Informative without doubt -an exhaustive presentation in fact.
Regarding other possible subjects : The Fairly Battle might be one. It was a horrible concept, since the Battle was about twice the weight of a Spifire, and powered by the same Merlin.
Regarding Lancasters, I had the pleasure of knowing a veteran pilot from 101 Squadron based in Ludford Magna. These were the guys which carried an eighth crew member who spoke German like a native and which broadcasted a voice signal designed to confuse the enemy night fighters. The radio signal was also used by the said fighters to home in. Needless to say the scheme was not popular with the Lancaster aircrews. My friend, who completed nearly two tours was lucky to have survived.
Thanks for your video, the first one I can see about the Avro Lancaster B MK II. One of them crashed in my village (59141 Iwuy France) coming from 514 squadron during the night of 15/16th june 1944. Can you tell me if this bomber was equipped with the FN 64 mid lower gun turret. Thanks for your help
Thanks for watching, Yes some were fitted with the Frazer Nash FN..64 Mid Lower Turret. I have a video you can watch covering the FN.64 Gun Turret in great detail. Thanks also for subscribing and have a great day!
Question. Weren't these engines, despite being less powerful, more suitable for lower-level flight and heavier flack conditions than their liquid-cooled counterparts?
Could be, as fitted to the Beaufighter, used for low level anti shipping attacks. Thanks for watching
The Hercules XVI was rated at 1650 hp. The reality is that the Lancaster mounted its engines beneath the wing, which suited the Merlin better. The Halifax was designed for the Hercules and mounted them higher; its performance suffered with the Merlin! Both were excellent engines in aircraft designed for them.
Apparently the Lanc Mk IIs were better at low level flight but couldnt reach the same ceiling as the Merlin versions.
Superb video no b/s just plain facts well done good Sir
Thanks and I'm so glad you liked it
My Grandfather was with thunderbirds MK11 DS707 Skippered by The Berlin Kid Roger Coloumbe Gramps was MUG Coloumbe Flew M11s He did twelve trips to the Big City in MK 11s Given him the title of the Berlin Kid .DS 707 was scapped in 1946 only to be resurected in 2012 when a Flasher unit was sold on E.Bay from DS 707 P for Peter .
Thanks for sharing
Excellent visuals and explanations. Seemed logical to me that these must have existed too.
P.S. Subscribed. Such interesting and good technical explanations.
Welcome aboard and thank you for watching
Highly informative, well done
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi there I had just dropped on your channel I thought it was strange because I saw a Lancaster on Friday 27/08/22 flying over worksop towards Doncaster I had took twice it was really low but it locked fantastic I no the vulcan bomber hear in Doncaster
Thanks for sharing
I have a profound fascination with those sleeve valve radial engines. I find them beautiful!
(Should I seek counseling?)
No, it's quite natural, they were an engineering work of art. Thanks for watching
Question... Is it also not possible the air-cooled Hercules engine was used because it was lighter? What was the total power output differences between the Merlin and the Hercules? What was the weight differential? Hercules if lighter would have been less reliable but able to climb and other performance specs better?
The dry weight for the Merlin XX is 1.430lb, and the dry weight for the Hercules XVI is 1,893lb. Hope this helps and thanks for watching
Oh! it looks so strange .. I keep thinking Halifax when i see those engines. :D
I know what you mean!
Some Mk IIs were fitted with a single .50 Browning in place of the FN 64 turret , as seen on some flying with 408 Goose (RCAF) Squadron for example .
I will look into that. Thank you
I wonder which version had the best fuel efficiency and also engine volume .
I suppose the flak 88mm could reach them all with the same ease so no real advantage apart from bombing accuracy .
The lanc was such a beautiful piece of kit .
It certainly was, Thanks for watching!
Ah, very good subject. I’ve been studying Bomber Command and the three heavies, and have been curious about the Hercules’ version of the Lanc. I’ve yet to understand why the Hercules was so good for the Halifax, but not the Merlin, and vice-versa for the Lancaster - assuming this is true and not some unsubstantiated claim.
I thought I'd try creating a different type of video, hope you liked it and thanks for watching.
It's true enough, the reasons for Merlin's problems in the Halifax were the HP designed nacelles which went against the advice of Roll Royce rather than the preferred RR power egg and as a result had reduction gear vibration problems in addition to airflow issues over the wing. The Hercules performance in the Halifax increased when improvements were made to them but the Lancaster production of the Hercules variant ceased after 300 were made, long before the improved Hercules variants were available with improved supercharging timing.
@@ericadams3428 Which might be more of an answer to why the Stirling was so good at low level but unable to get much past 15000 feet. Maybe the ceiling issue which is always blamed on the shortened wings had as much to do with the engines as it did the airframe.
I don't think that the question has ever been asked.
@@kellybreen5526 - Interesting point. I'm sure the reduced power as the altitude increased couldn't of helped.
The improvements to the Hercules carried on long after Stirling development was abandoned.
Quite interesting.
To convert Airfix's 1:72nd-scale kit of the Avro Lancaster RAF Bomber to a Lancaster Mk.II with Bristol's Hercules Mk.VI engines, could one substitute the cowlings (and if necessary, the na- celles) of Airfix's 1:72nd-scale kit of the Handley Page Halifax RAF Bomber?
I know of no mass market kits of both aircraft in 1:48th scale, or a newer mold of a 1:72nd-scale kit, leaving us just the Airfix kits as our sole recourse.
I must note that I have sentimental remembrances of these Airfix kits, as well as those of the Short Stirling and the Vickers Wellington RAF Bombers.
Airfix currently sell the Lancaster B Mk.II - kit number A08001. Thanks for watching
@@ukaircraftexplored6556 , thank you for your prompt response. The Airfix kit of the Lancaster that I recall had the Rolls Royce Merlin engines.
Nice informative video.. on the BII
Great video...... I didn't even know there was a radial engined Lancaster.... You learn something new every day!
Glad I could help!
Very interesting, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
Interesting stuff. Thanks 👍
No problem 👍
Very informative, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Does anyone else remember seeing a Lancaster with jet engines. I saw it in 1955 at Defford aerodrome .Worcestershire.I think they named it the Lancastrian.
Watch this space! And thanks for watching
Thank you so much for this.
You are so welcome!
The B17 was fitted with Allison engines but it couldn't fly as high as the radial engine version, same problem the Lancaster had with the Hercules
Thanks for sharing
Great video! My Dad was in the 426 Squadron as a pilot and flew 18 sorties on the Lancaster Mk II before switching over tot he Halifax Mk III and VII. I have question regarding the Halifax Mk III that I cannot find the answer for that you may be help. Why does the Halifax III have on three of its engines the flame suppressor exhaust pipe on the bottom right side of three of the engines and on the bottom left of the outer port engine only? It would make sense that they would all be on the same side or in a two and two configuration. I am sure there is a technical explanation and I haven't found the answer to what that is and hoping you or one of your audience may have it. I build a model of my Dad's plane that he was shot down in over France in June 1944 and the anomaly just got the best of my curiosity.
Interesting video. I understand that some Halivax B.VIs were fitted with Hercules 100s in 1945 which ended up with better altitude performance than the Lancaster 1... idle speculation wonders if the Lancaster B.II with that engine would have been better for the RAF!
Thanks for watching
The mark VI with Hercules 100 did not enter service until Feb 45.
At 5.37 the underside view shows the three colour light visual IFF system just aft of the dorsal turret. Rarely seen I presume it was to try and catch out any night intruders trying to sneak in on the circuit.
Thanks for watching
There is one thing y'all forget... survivability... People get hang up on altitude, range, speed, payload, size of bomb bay etc. Merlin powered Lancs were death traps, I have in my books the accounts of German pilots shooting down 4 Lancs in less than 20 minutes ! They aimed at the wings to give the crews a chance... exept one time when the said pilot broke his leg on landing after taking fire from a rear gunner, he was mad that night so it choose to hose the fuselage, the Lanc immediately caught fire and exploded, nobody survived. After, he felt bad about it. Furthermore, show me pictures of Lancs comming back with the kind of damage a B-17 or a Wellington could sustain... There aren't any out there... lastly, an English RAF officer told me a few years back, the best English bomber was the Hallifax Mark V ... "Real" bombers, have radial engines...
Thanks for sharing and for watching
I wholehartedly agree. Veteran I spoke to who flew both the Merlin and Hercules versions of the Lancaster said the MK-II faired much better at dealing with damage. In 514 Squadron, on one occasion, all the cooling fins of a mk-II were blown off leaving the drop point and it was still running when it landed at Waterbeach, much to the amazment of the ground crews. One 514 Lanc had its nose blown clean off by bombs from above, and flew like a "sock" all the way to Waterbeach. Unfortunatly, the bomb aimer was killed.
The fuel tanks were the target for German fighters. The fuel tanks on the Lancs whether Radial or online engines were the same.... In the wings. Your argument is based on nothing more than hot air my friend. Lancs were never known as death traps... Where do you get this drivell from lol
@@davidlawrencebanks4610 Well, it's true, to a small extent. Radial engines don't have the pressurized cooling system which is very prone to battle damage, that liquid cooled engines had. So there is a survivability advantage. Of course there are many other ways to get shot down as well. If your wing full of fuel and fuel vapor is exploding you're going down regardless of what engine you have.
As for death traps, after the German U-boat service the UK Bomber Command had the highest KIA rate of any service (in the European theater at least). But I'd say that's more due to the way they were deployed rather than any particular difference compared to, say, a B-17.
@@davidlawrencebanks4610 My dear friend, you have failed to note that in front of those fuel tanks there are 4 engines, the Merlin having the the reputation of catching fire at the slightest hit, some times they were kind enough to do it without any external help. The Bristols feared a bit better but no where near the Cyclones and Wasps that would sit there and keep runnin with missing cylinders. That's why there are numerous accounts of German pilots running out of ammo while shooting at a B-17 that somehow keeps flying, all the while there are numerous accounts of said pilots setting a Merling powered Lanc on fire with just a few 20mm shells... so that's why your beloved Lanc is a death trap... and that's why you're full of hot air when you argue otherwhise...
The best looking Lancaster in my opinion. It’s a shame one of the surviving Canadian Lancs hasn’t been retro fitted with Hercules engines given their close links with this mark. 🤔
Oh well, that's life! Thanks for sharing!