Flying the legendary Canberra Bomber

Royal Australian Air Force Air Chief Marshal (Retired) and former Chief of Defence Force Mark "Binny" Binskin who is now a reservist details how the Canberra was restored to flying condition and what its like to fly the Bomber.
RAAF 100 Squadron is the heritage unit for the RAAF and after a painstakingly long 12 years the Canberra which is based at Temora in New South Wales was returned to the air by a dedicated group of ex RAAF maintainers and pilots.
We briefly chat with Binny as he details what took place for this majestic aircraft to return to the Australian skies.
#RAAF #australia #aviation

[@johncrispin2118]

You chaps in Oz are so good with your historic aircraft. The incredible Canberra, another gem from Teddy Petter. Thanks to all who are keeping this beauty flying.

[@paulcrawley390]

I helped to look after this Canberra when she retired from 100 Squadron RAF, still have one of the used cartridges from her when she arrived at North Weald back in the 80's. That was when she was coded C-T.

[@aviationphotographydigest]

Very cool!

[@Hughes500]

They do some wonderful work at the Temora Aviation museum. I have been to some of their display days and its well worth the trip.

[@aussienscale]

What a plane they are !! They are an incredibly stable platform in the air, and were also used for photo recon and other specialised roles and were actually used in Iraq and Afghanistan up until the mid 2000's !!

[@leonnefourie1857]

We used the B12 Canberra in 12 Squadron in the South African Air Force. Rhodesian Air Force used the B8 Canberras. Both airforces worked together against the communist guerillas .

[@CEOkiller]

I had a neighbor who flew the Canberra for the RhAF. He loved the airplane.

[@vol222nuit]

During the apartheid "glorious" days ...

[@sinbadcleo]

The SAAF B12 Canberras did high-level PR over much of Southern Africa, and low-level strike against Communist Cuban troops with East German and Russian 'advisers'. On several occasions the SAAF Buccaneers followed us in....

[@waikintang8246]

The two countries are shithol* now.

[@briangoodwin1436]

I was an airframe tech on the Rhodesian Canberra fleet. Wonderful aircraft.

[@chong2389]

To British Electric's credit, Martin, in the US, purchased the license to build a variant they named the B-57 Canberra. A tribute to British engineering.

[@petergraves2085]

Quite a tribute that the English Electric (British) company named an aircraft after Australia's national capital.

[@daveh1081]

I believe that was because Australia was to be the first export customer.

[@markgordon2260]

From the golden age of British jets. A beautiful looking aircraft.

[@martinandleesmith9609]

Beautiful looking aircraft

[@scottmitchell7302]

Love it seen it last Temora air show last year will be going back again this year

[@alanthurley6061]

I can remember watching the Canberra bombers landing and taking off at RAF Bassingbourn Cambridgeshire by then it was a bomber training airfield back in 1960s happy days.

[@presidentoxford]

Grew up in Walloon in 60's ; they were always flying around. There was a fatal crash in Karrabin, a few miles from Amberly in '71.

[@mrmagoo916]

I don't quite know, but I sat in the hars Canberra, and seemed to be the most uncomfortable ungainly interior , and hard to see out of. Whats your opinion about flying position

[@engchoontan8483]

Mod-hack the intake to suck from behind the cockpit and replace the engines to passenger-jet APU.sss.

[@engchoontan8483]

Call it snake-effect of defeating nose air-resistance and disappear some of the wing resistance after 250knts. Acceleration and manoeuvrability should improve enough for tourist flights to 350knts with fuel efficiency. Other than that, a Havilland-something have more camera "turrents"

[@BernieTheBoxer]

The size of the F22 compared!!!!

[@andrewbrown6786]

Clearly on loan from @RAF_Luton 👍

[@oldfatbastad6053]

hahahahaha

[@collevelo49er]

What a delight to see a Canberra still in such magnificent ‘show’ condition and flying majestically! I was the Designated Engineering Authority for the RAF fleet of Canberras from 1983 - 1986 when the fleet comprised the PR9, PR7, B2, TT18, T4 and the T17. Some years prior to that I was the Engineering Officer on 13 (PR) Sqn based at RAF Wyton just after the squadron returned to the UK from RAF Luqa in Malta. 13 (PR) Sqn flew the PR7 until the squadron disbanded in 1981 and my last act was to mount one of our PR7s on the main gate of RAF Wyton - the home of the Pathfinders! Wonderful times - especially when deployed in Italy!

[@BrianWMay]

I worked as aircrew ground instructor on 231OCU Wyton 1987-90 - looks lovely. I'm one of the few flight engineers who's poled a Canberra for a few hours.

[@JohnCraig-y6f]

My commanding officer whilst I was at RAF Cosford called the Canberra " The Queen of the Skies " and I've never heard any reason to doubt that! 😍😍😍

[@llywnogmawr5853]

As a fitter on the target towing facility RAF Binbrook, I worked on the Canberra. Whilst working in the u/c bay there was one hell of an explosion which resulted in the Canberra rocking violently on the jacks, all around dived for cover , not knowing what had exploded. Silence for about 1minute . Emerging from under the aircraft , the cockpit was full of smoke, the canopy was cracked , the seat had not been activated. What had happened was the air electrician had been sent out to check the canopy’s explosive bolt circuit. He had not arranged with armourers to remove the bolts them selves. As the smoke cleared, staff were running around trying to find out what the explosion was. By now I was rolling on the ground howling with laughter at the sight of a petrified electrician terrified of moving. Eventually he was removed by an incredibly emotion “chiefy”. Later I was wheeled into the W.Os office and given a dressing down , as the boss found my laughter totally inappropriate. Thankfully the W.O could see my point of view but still had to give me a rollicking. The Canberra was eventually fitted with a new canopy. What an aircraft, it was tough durable and so versatile. Relatively easy to maintain other than the 3 tank change. I loved them. Soon after I was posted to RAF Valley to work on the Gnat, what a horrible pile of junk. I realised I was spoilt on the Canberra.

[@aviationphotographydigest]

Cool story! Thanks for sharing.

[@gotchagoing4905]

I well remember my first tour in Vietnam and watching a Canberra doing low level bombing runs. This was in II corps, the central highlands, and I believe it was around LZ English or LZ Bong Sahn in 1970. I was flying in a H model slick at that time. It was something to watch. When flying low level over triple canopy jungle and then a very large fixed wing bomber zooms by also at low level with the bomb bay doors open, we knew that would be especially fun to watch...and it sure was. BTW, it was a U.S. Air Force bird, and very cool. I won't swear to it, but I THINK it was designated as a B-57 in the U.S.AF. Please correct me if I'm wrong as it has been a while....a LONG while ;}>

[@donaldstanfield8862]

Supremely versatile aircraft, they served long and well.

[@garynew9637]

This aircraft, hawker hunter and f 111. Gorgeous.

[@eddieraffs5909]

Lots of people don't know the Canberra was used extensively during the Vietnam War in a bombing capacity.

[@petergraves2085]

An RAAF No. 2 Squadron Canberra Bomber (tail no A84-231), call sign ‘Magpie 91’, went down near the Laotian-Vietnamese border after completing a successful bombing mission in support of US ground forces. The aircrew were Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver. The last known radio transmission to the crew was from US ground controllers who praised their efforts, saying “that was an excellent run sirs”. The cause of the crash remains unknown. The aircraft wreckage was discovered in dense jungle near the Laotian border in April 2009. On 18th April 2009, the remains of Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver were found in the same site, and were repatriated to Australia on 31st August 2009. The return of Flying Officer Herbert and Pilot Officer Carver of Number 2 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, completes the search for all 6 missing Australian Defence Force personnel who died while on operations during the Vietnam Conflict. monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/military/display/51705-flying-officer-michael-herbert-

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

NASA are still using three of the WB-57 versions of the Canberra for high altitude monitoring of space launches.

[@amandabarnett3745]

My dad flew Canberra Bombers in Vietnam and was a part of 2 squadron.

[@sw227x6]

We had an Aussie B57 squadron at Phan Rang in Vietnam in '67. Very cool bunch of folks. The USAF had kangaroo stencils on every piece of our equipment that would hold still. From my vantage point at "Gulf 1", I had a continuous airshow including B57s, F4 Phantoms and Douglas Skyraiders working out on various targets north, west and south of us. And we had Puffs at night to the north. Didn't get to fly them but sure enjoyed watching the show!

[@brettcoster4781]

My late father-in-law, SqLdr Gordon Wilson, was the exec officer of 2 Sq at Phan Rang.

[@alanmillward2812]

My favourite aircraft of all time, and my small claim to fame when I was serving in the RAF as a MT driver I flew several times in a PR9, and refuelled every mark of canberra at the then home of the Canberra RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire in the early 80’s at an airshow there, unfortunately no photos exist.

[@billy4072]

Late 70s ..waaf mt crewbus ( ford transit). Driver, at night, drove straight under a pr9 ,that was being towed . lol. Jammed it real good .

[@stevemcmaster4347]

It was unlikely to have been a PR9 you flew in, as there were only two crew positions. Even the PR7 only had two crew positions, so it’s more likely that you may have flown in a B2, T4, E.15, T.17, or TT.18.

[@alanmillward2812]

As mentioned it could not of been a PR9, and I stand corrected, I believe it was a T.17 of 360 sqn, the ECM joint RAF and R.N enterprise, some very interesting times were had!!!

[@prsearls]

A beautiful aircraft. I was a weapons loading crew member on the Martin B-57's in Vietnam in 1965-66. I have fond memories (and a loss of hearing) working on them. Interesting conversion to electric starters. The cartridge starters were a hallmark of the B-57 but these are not practical or probably unavailable now. The Canberra had very impressive performance when introduced and a few airframes are still in service with NASA. Her British designers were at the top of their game with this one. Happy Landings to you!

[@DavidCook-t9k]

My time in the RAF I was CO'S driver. The boss used to fly the PR 9,ang T 17. I never got to fly in the Canberras, but the boss got me into the Nimrod on the airfield at the time. I have happy memories too of refuelling, an defuelling the Canberra. DC

[@3wire42]

I was U.S. Navy in Da Nang. I wasn’t sure who was flying the B 57, but I thought it was a beautiful design. Its longevity alone was a credit to the design and I’d like to see a full list of the variants. I also liked his comparison to a Harley!

[@allgood6760]

Awesome.. we operated them with our RNZAF 👍✈️🇳🇿

[@grumpygramps1451]

Was on the train some years ago travelling from Liverpool to Southport on our way to Southport air show when a Canberra flew by, the scouse bloke sat next to us said “look at that there fella, it’s a Lancaster bomber that is”. Chuckling, I said to him “if that’s a Lancaster bomber mate, this train is taking us to the capital of Australia”. He replied “are f#&kin stupid or summat pal, this trains going to Southport, not f#&kin Sydney”. He had no idea why I was chuckling even harder at this point.

[@tonyodempsey6755]

There original starting system was by pyrotechnic canisters. No wonder they wanted to update to electric start.

[@johnparrott4689]

Those are big engines for electric start! Likely not practical for military application but sounds like they did a great job with the conversion, would not have guessed Comet engines had electric start for that matter…wonderful video thanks

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Always an amazing jet. ❤ that it is preserved!

[@johnfarrell9484]

My god britan designed some beautiful aircraft back in the day. They performed fantastic aswell.

[@bobroberts6155]

I was at RIAT when the Canberra gave its farewell performance on retirement from the RAF. With no need to conserve flying hours of the venerable airframe, the pilot threw the old girl around the sky like a fighter. Great memory of a great aircraft.

[@MeppyMan]

Awesome

[@aperioculus1988]

We used to holiday just outside Barmouth in Wales, right by RAF Llanbedr. For a family who loved aircraft, it was perfect. Training was almost constant, especially in the BAE Hawks. Every now and again though we'd be treated to others, the Canberra being one, the Meteor another but I think my favourite and one that most probably haven't heard of was The Jindivik, a remote controlled target drone. Loved it. Our caravan faced the airfield so we didn't even need to move if ever we heard an engine starting up. More often then not though we did run across to the field to take a look at what was taking off. Will always remember those holidays. They had a Canberra there which you could see from main road overlooking the airfield.

[@ffrederickskitty214]

What the hell happened to the UK aviation industry?😢

[@daveh1081]

We were duped by the USA. We needed American help.......and by god did we pay for it! I think it's fair to say, the Labour Party were the worst.....but the Tories weren't great. Also, in fairness, it didn't help that there were some huge egos involved in running these companies. Read "Empire of the Skies".......you'll weep!

[@keithwaites9991]

I have read it, I did weep. Still got the book, I will read it again. The 'Special Relationship' was always a one-way street.

[@marlinmixon3004]

Nice that it now has the convenience of an electric starter. Sad though that the "shotgun" starters are no longer there because they make such an awesome "voip!" sound when they go off on startup.

[@peteford4388]

I love the Harley simile, "You wanna have it pointed in the right direction before you open it up, because that's where you're gonna go". Beautiful looking beast.

[@NoName-ds5uq]

Spoken like a true motorcyclist! 🤣 i prefer to get on the power at the apex however… I had posters of Canberras and everything else as a kid. We had the Pig by then though so I’ve never seen one. Maybe I still can. In 2 months I’m going to Perth to go onboard the only Oberon submarine I didn’t get to go onboard as a kid. I’m only going there for a week and have 3 weeks off… maybe Temora too…

[@AlfredWellein]

Frieden, Freiheit, Freude, Glückseligkeit und Wohlstand für alle Menschen

[@joseph-sj7do]

NASA still uses one today almost 75 years after design

[@Coops777]

Saw it fly last year at Temora. What a formidable figure in the sky. Love the aircraft. Beautiful restoration. Thanks for the video

[@mike9347]

I have often thought about the guts it takes to be a Bomber Crew. Your slow, you can't defend yourself against an airiel attack, and then you have to fly home. I reckon Bomber crews have a hundred more guts then the hanky waving crews in fighter squadrons.

[@ricardobufo]

On introduction, the Canberra was faster than most fighters and set several altitude records. It was a DH Mossie replacement so had the same advantages .. an unarmed bomber faster than the fighters it would face.

[@patrickskelton3610]

I remember seeing a Canberra at Coventry Airport Air Show in 1951, just entered service, wowed an eight year old. Last time I saw them flying was at Nassau airport, 1980ish, a pair of Venezuelan airforce ones took off before us, impressive climb. On the way back after a UK refit I found out.

[@mickyday2008]

Great bomber. Looks amazing

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

I've sat in the cockpit of a canberra & I have to say a submarine has a better view... Recently at Brymaroo Qld there's a canberra as a road side memorial & I sat on a picnic table under a wing & had a bbq. No one there just me, wonderful.

[@THB1945]

Ahh the iconic war thunder nuke plane

[@BenState]

An irradiated one lives at Wagga.

[@53jed]

I'm guessing you're saying this _particular_ aircraft didn't fly in RAAF service. I know an RAAF officer who broke two of them in Darwin and Vietnam.

[@biggydexx13]

Would anyone have any information on 13 Squadron during the Cold War ? Apparently it's all a bit secretive, but I know they flew the Canberra.

[@Jack-bs6zb]

I think NASA might still have the B57 (the US development of the Canberra) in use currently.

[@skip123davis]

lovely aircraft! nice lines...

[@RamanSingh-fj3cj]

GREAT GOING 🦾💯

[@KenJones-s9r]

A pr9 only had 2 crew pilot and navigatot

[@mickb474]

I remember seeing Canberras flying but i didn’t know they were used in Viet Nam 🤔

[@SPQRTempus]

When it came out it was capable of flying higher and faster than some of the fighters of the day.

[@maxrpm2215]

Guys, back in the early 80s as a young boy there were at least five Canberra bombers park at Essendon Airport in Melbourne is this one of them?

[@petergraves2085]

Unlikely. Mark Binskin mentioned specifically that it did NOT serve in the RAAF. It's a re-painted one from RAF service.

[@richardcarey169]

They often flew over my home in the early 1960s, a beautiful aircraft

[@SuperBlaek]

Small World - Mark Is my mothers Cousin.

[@MartintheTinman]

I was in the Air Training Corp in the eighties and ARDU Edinburgh had a Canberra. I witnessed up close the cartridge starts of the engines and a senior cadet that had just been accepted into the Air Force got a ride in it

[@vicenteorozcosantacreu]

Excelente avión. El General Jeremy Moore se salvó raspando de sus bombas la última noche de la guerra de Malvinas en 1982. 🇦🇷⭐⭐⭐

[@johnmuliyil8170]

My uncle flew the Canberra back in early 60’s. Retired as Air Commodore. He was group captain then.

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

Meanwhile at least two of these, including one PR version stand rotting outside a firedump at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

And? Do you expect every single aircraft that ever existed to be in pristine condition? If you do then I hope you help fund it. There’s plenty in museums and a few still flying.

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

@@Jabber-ig3iwI don't e3xpect anything at all mate. I was merely making a comment. You have a problem with that perhaps?

[@07headshot]

Binny is a fantastic leader. Had the pleasure of working with him.on a number of ocassions. My old boss Rod use to fly that exact aircraft. o7

[@namename3130]

Is the raptor bigger than it? Looks like it in the background...

[@IntrospectorGeneral]

The F-22 is only a metre shorter and about twice the empty weight of the Canberra. The Canberra is quite a compact low slung aircraft when you're standing next to it sort of like the aircraft equivalent of a 1950s Jaguar XK sports car.

[@namename3130]

@@IntrospectorGeneral I suppose thats engine technology for you

[@RobertLewis-el9ub]

Nice to see the retired - CAF still enjoying his flying.

[@koopsjunta]

*all footage taken from a Canberra.

[@aviationphotographydigest]

Yes we need to get RAF Luton to confirm that it has a top speed of 80085 MPH

[@koopsjunta]

@@aviationphotographydigest 🥰

[@corkystephan5073]

Is that a mock up version of the 262 Messesmit

[@aviationphotographydigest]

No

[@corkystephan5073]

Ok

[@erickborling1302]

One of these still sitting in the grass at KRDD?