The Avro Lincoln was a development of the iconic
Avro Lancaster, indeed the aircraft was originally called the Lancaster Mark 4 and 5. Compared to the Lancaster, the Lincoln had higher aspect ratio wings, more powerful engines and increased fuel and bomb load. The Lincoln first flew in 1944 and entered RAF service in the final weeks of the Second World War though did not see service. It replaced the Lancaster in RAF service after the war and was the RAF's last piston-engined bomber.
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| Lincoln II at RAF Cosford |
| Information |
| Manufacturer: |
Avro |
| First flight: |
1944 |
| Propulsion: |
Rolls-Royce Merlin 85 or Packard-Merlin 68 (4) |
| Withdrawn: |
1967 |
| Number built: |
604 |
Although it was too late for the Second World War, the Lincoln saw action in the 1950s in various end of the empire operations including the Malaya Emergency. The Lincoln remained in RAF service until 1963, its last operator the Argentinian Air Force kept it in service until 1967.
As well as military service the Lincoln was used as an engine test bed for the early turbojets and turboprops developed after the war including the Rolls-Royce Tyne and Derwent. Some were also used as freighters (Avro 695 Lincolnian). The Lincoln was developed into the Avro 696 Shackleton maritime patrol aircraft which remained in service until 1991! Four Lincolns have been preserved plus the nose section of a fifth.
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| Another view of the Cosford Lincoln, RF398 |
