5 September
On This Day, 1940: On 5 September 1940, Bromide jamming was used operationally against German navigation beams, marking the practical beginning of…
Read the entry →Bomber Aircraft
Aircraft of the Royal Air Force classified as bomber aircraft — profiled in full.
Avro Manchester
A. V. Roe and Company
Bomber AircraftThe Avro Manchester was introduced in 1940 as the Royal Air Force’s new twin-engined heavy bomber, intended to form the backbone of Bomber Command’s expansion. Powered by Rolls-Royce Vulture engines, it suffered persistent reliability problems that limited operational effectiveness. Withdrawn from frontline service in 1942, its airframe nevertheless provided the foundation for the four-engined Avro Lancaster, which emerged as one of the principal heavy bombers of the Second World War.
View aircraft → Entered service November 1940
Retired June 1942
Max speed 265 mph (426 km/h)
Ceiling 19,200 ft (5,852 m)
Range 1,200 mi (1,931 km)