Can anyone tell me where I can find some nice ref photos of the original VN799 aircraft? I have found a few on the internet, but mainly come across WJ874 T.4 wearing the blue colour scheme.
Another thing: externally only, what are the differences between the original VN799 and the T.4 replica. I realise her vertical stabilzer is different, but is there anything else to note?
Thanks and regards
By: LesB - 26th May 2006 at 00:27
Thought I’d just pick up on this if nobody objects.
Don’t think you’ll find many pics of the original prototype on the internet, you may be lucky though, the ‘net changes by the hour 🙂 .
Differences. Mmm . . . Nothing you would notice on a fly-by I reckon. However, the obvious round tip to the fin was removed almost immediately after the first couple of flights, as was the fin strake. Although the fin strake was retained after the squared-off fin tip had been incorporated, but not for long. It had been removed by Farnborough 1951.
After that VN799 pretty much presented the now classic outline and shape. Differences were detailed. One circular nav’s window on to just behind the cockpit bubble and no nav’s port side window. Production Canberras have two square windows on top and one port side square window for the nav. (Except the B(I)8 and PR.9 of course).
VN799’s bubble canopy had one circular Direct Vision inset panel – as do all bubble canopied Canberras. The T.4s have two DV insets. Also, the nose cone opens on a T.4, the opening joint and the multiple over-centre fasteners are a feature. The prototype didn’t have this arrangement (at least I’ve no source that says it did, might have though as I have a small B&W pic (1951) in which you can just about see a line in the correct position). The only other Canberra with an opening nose cone is the PR.9.
Here’s a rather naff colour pic of the prototype. You can see the circular nav’s window on top and lack of port side window for the nav.
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May 25, 2006 at 2:39 am