Packard Merlins in Lancasters

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By: Arabella-Cox - 9th November 2014 at 19:45

First batch of Mk IIIs built by Metro-Vickers, first, W4983 delivered to 467 Sqn at Waddington 18/5/1943.

By which time, A.V. Roe built BIIIs of 617 Sqn had already breached the Ruhr dams!

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By: LMT121278 - 9th November 2014 at 18:23

I too have parts from a Lanc crash site which suggest a possible Packard fitment. Whilst I have no details of the aircraft, a Bendix Aviation engine starter plate was recovered with (amongst other definitively Lanc parts) a Merlin ejector exhaust stub.

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By: antoni - 9th November 2014 at 13:20

Flight tested R5849 end Aug 1941. W4114 became the first prototype Mk III.First batch of Mk IIIs built by Metro-Vickers, first, W4983 delivered to 467 Sqn at Waddington 18/5/1943.

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By: MerlinPete - 9th November 2014 at 12:32

Canadian Lancs were delivered from September 1943, all fitted with Packards, but I’m sure they were being fitted to British built aircraft before that, because Packard started Merlin production in 1941. Not a definitive answer I’m afraid.

Pete