Avro Lancaster Mk.10MP – 107 Rescue Unit RCAF

Corgi Aviation Archive 1/72 scale AA32606: Avro Lancaster Mk.10MP of 107 Rescue Unit RCAF. Limited edition of 2,000 pieces.

Length 11.75 inches Wingspan 17 inches

After WWII, the Royal Canadian Air Force found they had several Lancaster bombers surplus to requirements, so decided to give them a second life and refurbished them for either transport or maritime reconnaissance and search and rescue duties. The guns were removed and the turrets were converted for observation purposes. These aircraft also had a C-1 autopilot, radio altimeter, improved cabin heating, navigation and radio gear and a galley. The Lancaster Mk.10s were given designations according to their assigned role, 10AR (Arctic Reconnaissance), 10MP (Maritime Patrol), 10MR (Maritime Reconnaisance).

Designed to meet a specification for a new generation of “worldwide use” medium bombers, the Avro Lancaster was first flown on January 8, 1941. The design of the Lancaster evolved from an unsuccessful two-engine aircraft called the Manchester. The heavier Lancaster had four engines and an extensive bomb bay, with later versions capable of carrying 22,000 lb bombs. Used primarily as a night bomber, the Lancaster was a versatile aircraft that became most famous for its role in the 1943 “Dam Buster” raids on Germany’s Ruhr Valley dams. Between 1942 and 1945, Lancasters flew 156,000 sorties, dropping 608,612 tons of bombs on enemy targets.