The Avro Lancaster is one of the most iconic bombers of World War II, known for its role in nighttime bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Europe. Of the 7,377 Lancasters built during the war, only two remain airworthy today. These legendary aircraft continue to fly at airshows and special events, keeping the history of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command alive for future generations.
In this topic, we will explore where these two airworthy Lancaster bombers are located, their history, and how they are maintained.
1. The Two Airworthy Lancaster Bombers
Today, only two Lancaster bombers are still capable of flying:
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PA474 – Operated by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) in the United Kingdom.
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FM213 – Maintained by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) in Canada.
These two aircraft play a vital role in preserving the legacy of the Lancaster and honoring the sacrifices of the crews who flew them during World War II.
2. PA474 – The UK’s Airworthy Lancaster
a) Location and Ownership
PA474 is based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, England, and is operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). It is frequently seen in airshows and commemorative events across the UK and Europe.
b) History of PA474
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Built in 1945, PA474 was originally assigned for combat but was not deployed before the war ended.
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It was later used for experimental high-altitude flight tests.
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In the 1960s, the aircraft was restored to its wartime configuration.
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By 1967, PA474 became part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, flying in events that honor RAF veterans and war history.
c) How It Is Maintained
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PA474 undergoes regular maintenance by RAF engineers.
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Spare parts are rare, and many components must be custom-made or sourced from other vintage aircraft.
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Each year, it receives an extensive winter maintenance check to ensure it remains in flying condition.
d) Where Can You See PA474?
PA474 frequently appears at:
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The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)
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The Duxford Air Shows
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Battle of Britain commemorative flights
These events provide aviation enthusiasts the chance to witness one of the last flying Lancasters in action.
3. FM213 – Canada’s Airworthy Lancaster
a) Location and Ownership
FM213 is housed at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It is the only Lancaster in North America still capable of flight.
b) History of FM213
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FM213 was built in 1945 by Victory Aircraft in Canada.
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It served with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in maritime patrol missions until its retirement in 1963.
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It was later acquired by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and fully restored.
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FM213 took its first post-restoration flight in 1988, making it one of only two flying Lancasters in the world.
c) How It Is Maintained
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FM213 requires specialized maintenance from aviation experts.
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The museum relies on donations and sponsorships to fund upkeep and repairs.
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Like PA474, it undergoes annual inspections to keep it airworthy.
d) Where Can You See FM213?
The Lancaster FM213 participates in:
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Canadian airshows and memorial flypasts
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Veterans’ commemorations across North America
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Occasional tours to the UK, where it has flown alongside PA474
4. Why Are Only Two Lancasters Airworthy?
a) Limited Numbers Remaining
Although over 7,000 Lancasters were built, most were lost during combat or scrapped after the war. Today, fewer than 20 complete Lancaster bombers remain, and only PA474 and FM213 are airworthy.
b) High Cost of Maintenance
Keeping a Lancaster flying is incredibly expensive due to:
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Scarcity of original parts
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Strict aviation regulations for historic aircraft
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Specialized maintenance required for vintage engines and structures
c) Complex Restoration Process
Restoring a Lancaster requires:
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Years of engineering work
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Massive funding and community support
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Expertise in vintage aircraft mechanics
Because of these challenges, no additional Lancasters are expected to become airworthy in the near future.
5. The Significance of These Flying Lancasters
a) Honoring World War II Veterans
Both PA474 and FM213 serve as flying memorials to the crew members who flew Lancasters during WWII. Many Lancaster missions were extremely dangerous, and thousands of airmen lost their lives during bombing raids.
b) Educational and Historical Importance
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These aircraft allow younger generations to learn about World War II history.
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They help people understand the sacrifices made by RAF and RCAF aircrews.
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They provide a living connection to the past, bringing history to life through airshows and exhibitions.
The two airworthy Lancaster bombers-PA474 in the UK and FM213 in Canada-are among the most treasured aircraft from World War II. Their continued operation ensures that the history, bravery, and sacrifice of Lancaster crews are never forgotten.
Aviation enthusiasts and history lovers can still witness these iconic bombers in flight, keeping the legacy of the Avro Lancaster alive for future generations.