
A flight of three RAF Canberra B2s flying in formation during the 1950s
The English Electric Canberra is a British first-generation jet-powered medium bomber manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. The Canberra could fly at a higher altitude than any other bomber through the 1950s and set a world altitude record of 70,310 ft (21,430 m) in 1957. Due to its ability to evade the early jet interceptors and its significant performance advancement over contemporary piston-engined bombers, the Canberra was a popular export product and served with air forces of many nations.
In addition to being a tactical nuclear strike aircraft, the Canberra proved to be highly adaptable, serving in varied roles such as tactical bombing and photographic and electronic reconnaissance. The Canberra was retired by its first operator, the Royal Air Force (RAF), in June 2006, 57 years after its first flight.
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Argentina
Australia
Brazil
British Empire
Canada
Chile
Cuba
Ecuador
Ethiopia
Finland
Germany
Hungary
Indonesia
Iran
New Zealand
Poland
Qatar
Republic of China
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West Japan
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Argentine Air Force
- Bombers
- Brazilian Air Force
- British Empire
- Chilean Air Force
- Ecuadorian Air Force
- English Electric
- Ethiopian Air Force
- Finnish Air Force
- Luftwaffe
- Polish Air Force
- Qatar Air Force
- Republic of China Air Force
- Republic of Iran Air Force
- Republic of Japan Air Force
- Romanian Air Force
- Royal Air Force
- Royal Australian Air Force
- Royal Canadian Air Force
- Royal New Zealand Air Force
- South African Air Force
- Swedish Air Force