The Avro Lincoln in Australia

The Avro Lincoln was a development of the Avro Lancaster bomber. Designed in response to an Air Ministry specification calling for a long range bomber for the Pacific, the Lincoln would differ from the Lancaster by having an extended rear fuselage, increased wingspan and the new Merlin 85 engines installed. Originally designated the Lancaster Mk.IV, such where the changes it was determined it would receive its own designation.
During 1943, it was decided that the Lancaster would be the next bomber to be produced in Australia. This was later changed to the Lincoln, and it would be produced by the Government Aircraft Factories (GAF). Australian Lincolns would receive the designation Mk.30, Mk.30A, GR.Mk.31 and MR.Mk.31. Entering service with the RAAF in 1948, it would be utilized by the RAAF in the Malayan Emergancy as well as in the atomic testing in Australia during 1952/53. The Long Nose Lincoln (GR.Mk.31, MR.Mk.31) was anti-shipping, anti-submarine, maritime reconnaissance version only produced in Australia. Ending service in the early 1960s, all GAF Lincolns were scrapped or disposed of. The GAF Lincoln stands as the largest aircraft ever produced by Australia.
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Images:
ADF Serials
Australian War Memorial
Imperial War Museum
San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives
Books:
Aircraft Made in Australia- Volume One by Stewart Wilson
Highest Traditions: The History of No.2 Squadron, RAAF by John Bennett
Power Plus Attitude: ideas, strategy and doctrine in the Royal Australian Air Force 1921-1991 by Alan Stephens
Websites:
ADF Serials: www.adf-serials.com.au/2a73.htm
Australia War Memorial (No.1 Squadron RAAF): www.awm.gov.au/collection/U60576
BAE Systems: www.baesystems.com/en/heritag...
Boeing: www.boeing.com.au/resources/e...
Classic Warbirds: www.classicwarbirds.co.uk/bri...
Moorabbin Air Museum: www.aarg.com.au/gaf-lincoln.html
RAF Museum: www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research...
Other:
The Australian Aviation Industry: History and Achievements Guiding Defence and Aviation Industry Policy by Air Vice Marshal Brian Weston, AM FRAES
#avrolincoln #ww2aircraft #aviationhistory #aviation #history #raaf #royalairforce #australianhistory #aircraft #aircraftproduction #ww2planes #lancaster #military #airforce

[@andrewrobinson5837]

My mother had a job as a tracer at GAF when the Lincolns were being built. The Avro Tudor was being considered for construction apparently. When she left a draftsman gave her a set of Lincoln drawings that she had to 'surrender' due to security!

[@AntiqueAirshow]

That is very interesting!

[@stevenhoman2253]

Well done, what a pity we don't preserve our historical aircraft better than we have.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thank you 👍✈️ It is, but times were different, and preserving them didn't have the same appeal as it does these days. Hopefully there will be a Lincoln on display in Australia one day

[@brettcoster4781]

Another great video, thanks. I worked at GAF from 1978 to 88 in clerical positions rather than putting metal on metal. At some point in the early 80s I was in the IT department (then called the ADP - Automated Data Processing department) where one of our software engineers did an audit of the spare parts shop prior to a new piece of software being introduced. He found that they still had parts for many of the aircraft GAF had built, including some Lincoln parts.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thank you 👍✈️. That is very interesting, especially considering that all Lincolns were scrapped (most if not all gone by the end of 60s.). GAF did most of the conversion of the Lincolns from Mk.30s to Mk.31, so perhaps some parts left over from that. Or just spare parts the RAAF never needed. Anyhow, interesting to read there was some parts still sitting around.

[@brettcoster4781]

@@AntiqueAirshow It was certainly an interesting find. From my (vague) memories it was some undercarriage parts that he found, maybe some engine mounting components. I was just disappointed that no Beaufort or Beaufighter parts still remained because I knew that there were a couple of Beauforts/Beaufighters undergoing restoration. The parts increased based on the age of the various aircraft GAF produced, so there were more Canberra and lots of Mirage parts, as Mirage were then undergoing return to service (prior to F/A-18 selection and manufacture). Jindivik and Ikara were still being produced, too. In fact, I was later involved in a proposal to Britain for a drop-in containerised version of Ikara, with a greatly increased range, which unfortunately didn't go any further. It was meant to be fitted to ordinary cargo ships, as well as naval ships, when needed. GAF was a fascinating, if sometimes frustrating, place to work at in those days.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

@@brettcoster4781 that's cool. Makes sense that there would be more parts for the newer aircraft. Very interesting 👍✈

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Another excellent video! The Lincoln came late but still gave excellent service. Thanks for the interesting presentation!

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thank you👍✈️. It did and acted as a good bridge between the bombers of the Second World War and the arrival of jet bombers. Its service in Malaya in particular proved to be quite important.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

@@AntiqueAirshow obsolete before introduction really but a/c advancing a Mach speed post ww2

[@johnjacobs1625]

Very well done! Thx 4 Sharing! JJ

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thank you 👍✈️

[@johnjacobs1625]

@@AntiqueAirshow JJ VF 142 75-79 USN AE3 TOMCATS BABY!!

[@letsseeif]

Excellent summary of the Avro Lincoln in Australia. All 73 were built at CAC Fishermens Bend Melbourne. Sir Laurence Wackett head of CAC awarded me my (at age 17) Pilot Licence in 1957. In early 1952 a Long Nose Lincoln on return from the Malayan Emergency duties, featured on the cover of' Aircraft' Magazine (Australia).

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thanks 👍✈️. That is quite the person to receive your license from. The Lincolns were very important to the Commonwealth in Malaya.

[@letsseeif]

@@AntiqueAirshow Yes. Awarded my 'Wings' and blazer. ps. A local friend flew Lincolns in Malayan Crisis + previously as a 17yo RAF Sunderlands in and around N Scotland.

[@joeschenk8400]

Good history of the RAAF Lincoln, I greatly enjoyed the video. Too bad at least one was not preserved in Australia. Thanks for your work and the post.

[@andrewrobinson5837]

The nose section of A73-27 survives out at Camden. It had been at Mascot on the fire dump but was saved. Not too sure what its present condition is as the museum is now closed.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thank you 👍✈️ It is a shame none where preserved, but the hard work at the Moorabbin Air Museum will hopefully one day produce one (although it will be a composite of Avro built Lincolns, displayed as a GAF Lincoln). It's a long way from being completed, but will be a great addition once finished. Edit: just found this mini piece on the Lincoln restoration in Australia. Looks like the RAAF might of taken it over, but not sure as there seems to have been little said since this was published in 2019. facebook.com/HistoricAustralianAircraft/posts/it-s-now-being-reported-in-the-public-domain-about-the-exchange-between-the-aust/2558815510867785/

[@AntiqueAirshow]

The collection at Camden is quite amazing. They have many rare pieces. It is a shame it has been closed to the public for so long. Would love to have a look around. I'm inclined to say it is in better condition than the Lincoln remains at the Moorabbin Air Museum, but as I have not seen it can't not confirm.

[@joeschenk8400]

@@AntiqueAirshow I have just looked at the aircraft in the museum at Camden, very impressive and a Vultee Vengence too. Here in the US, most museums are getting back to normal but it has been a long haul. I just wonder how beat up the the Lincoln is? I have seen B-17s, B-24, B-29 and Lancaster all in flight and they are all impressive. B-24 and HP Halifax BIII my two favorites. Keep up the good work!

[@AntiqueAirshow]

@@joeschenk8400 nice, that would have been an interesting visit. I believe the Vengeance is sole surviving example in the world. That is good, and same here. Its great to visit the museums and see them bustling with people. They are impressive aircraft to see. 👍✈

[@chrisp6072]

A superb documentary! The lengthening of the nose on the Mk 31's had the disadvantage that forward vision during take off and landing was significantly reduced. Night landings were particularly challenging.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thanks. I could imagine it would be 👍✈️

[@steveshoemaker6347]

EXCELLENT video.....Thanks my friend...... Shoe🇺🇸

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thank you 👍✈️

[@robertbate5790]

Interesting presentation, thank you. My personal favourite aircraft is the Lancaster, although I was aware of the line being continued. The ultimate lineage of course was the Avro Shackleton. Another that didn't make a mention was the Lancastrian. 👍👍🇬🇧

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Thank you 👍✈️ The Lancaster was quite an impressive design and aircraft as was its successors

[@robertbate5790]

@@AntiqueAirshow 👍👍

[@rustykilt]

Like the B-32 DOMINATOR, The LINCOLN was never a subject for any model manufacturer. I would have thought both aircraft would have been popular kits.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

That is interesting. They are quite unique aircraft so you would think there would be more. I would love to see a long nose Lincoln as model kit. Would definitely be an oddity in the collection. ✈️👍

[@carlbillingham2670]

Another interesting story is that an RAAF Lincoln made a flight down to the Antarctic edge. Lincoln A73-2 named 'Nyhuan' (Scout) from No 1 Air Performance Unit at Point Cook, Victoria, conducted a pioneering flight from mainland Australia to the edge of the Antarctic zone on the 15/03/1947 collecting meteorological data and photographing Macquarie Island which lies 1466 kilometres south of Tasmania. The aircraft was airborne for 14 hours 35 minutes and completed the flight in deteriorating weather. This effort was seen as an essential precursor to the scientific voyages launched by the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) from December 1947. The same Lincoln carried out a second mission to Macquarie Island four years later. On 1 February 1951 the aircraft took off from East Sale, Victoria, to drop medical supplies and food to the station’s residents using 'storpedoes' dropped from an altitude of 300 feet. After delivering its cargo at 6 am next day, the aircraft returned to base having spent 13 hours 45 minutes in the air.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

That is very interesting and fascinating. In all my research I never read about these missions. Quite extraordinary and no doubt important. Thanks for sharing 👍✈️

[@malcolmbrown3532]

I always understood it that the Lincoln, was just like the later Mk Spitfires fitted with the RR Griffin. An updated improved version of the Merlin from new.....

[@francoisprenot-guinard5997]

Very interesting. Thanks !

[@AntiqueAirshow]

👍✈️

[@richarddixon7276]

What a shame that there are no fully intact examples , an airworthy Lincoln would be a brilliant addition to any WW2 Memorial Flight even if they arrived a bit late . Could You imagine the spectacle, a Lincoln , a Lancaster ,a Mosquito , and a brace of Spitfires and another of Hurricanes , all in formation . What a sight & imagine the wonderful sound track of 14 different Merlin's flying overhead at an air show, the thought of it sets the hairs on the back of My neck tingling and the mind to daydreaming - ohh! Electric ! . Thanks for another excellent and enjoyable video , Catch You next episode . PS - a Quick comment and a Thumb's up (Like) only takes seconds so if YOU watch this channel and enjoy it PLEASE at least hit the Like ,icon , It Helps this channel negotiate through the YT Algorithms and ultimately the more likes & comments a video it gets affects the way YT promote this channel ,Thanks Guys .

[@AntiqueAirshow]

That would be indeed a great sight, and one that I too would enjoy very much. The Merlin has to be one of the best sounding engines, such a lovely sound. Unfortunately, I doubt it will happen. Lincoln's are scarce in numbers, and I'm not aware of any under restoration to flight. However we can dream and hope and maybe one day you never know 👍 Thanks, and see you there. P.s.Thank you for the promotion. I really appreciate the support and positive words 👍✈️

[@richarddixon7276]

@@AntiqueAirshow I hope so Too , catch You next episode . Stay Safe .

[@johnjephcote7636]

I photographed the fourth prototype at Cranfield (College of Aeronautics, Bedfordshire) in the early 1960s. It was only missing wingtips, was in wartime camo and a yellow P on its fuselage. It still had the three-bladed props which, apparently affected the a/c's harmonics (and therefore all sorts of things). It was scrapped! I think the Australian long nose ones looked super and one or two were towed away to farms after use, but what became of them?

[@timorvet1]

@@johnjephcote7636 Those based at RAAF Garbutt Townsville were towed across the airfield to a smelter set up to turn them into ingots. Those Based at RAAF Amberly were scrapped at Archerfield Airport with some components, mainly their engine bearers tossed into a large man made pit later filled with water (this pit was excavated in the 90s and was found to contained all kinds of treasure from WWII. Lincolns also ended their days on airfield fire dumps. Lincoln A73-27 became a fire fighting aid at Mascot Airport in Sydney in 1959 the nose section was saved by the Camden Museum of Aviation whilst it was on the dump. I remember as a young boy seeing the burnt remains at the airport, and visited the museum over the years as I lived nearby, unfortunately it is now closed to the public.

[@raymondyee2008]

Ah yes they mentioned about the RAAF Lincoln in a documentary. A shame that its role in the Malayan Emergency was rather forgotten and they only left the fuselage to be preserved (no wonder why it's considered dead and buried even in Australian aircraft museums).

[@AntiqueAirshow]

It is. From what I read, I get the impression the Malayan Emergency is quite a forgotten conflict. Agree, it does make it hard for a plane to be known if it can't be seen by the public.

[@peterbrown6224]

Head over to PPrune, and you can read the stories of a RAAF Lincoln pilot, called Centaurus. He's a great read.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

I'll check it out. Sounds really interesting, thanks for the recommendation👍✈️

[@MrDino1953]

Aptly named Lincoln because the damned thing looks like a Lincoln Log.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

Haha yes i can see that

[@bruceinoz8002]

I have seen "bits" of Lincolns in several places in Queensland. The Cadet unit at Redcliffe High School had an elevator in their possession in the early 1970s. I only saw it once. There may still be a few nuts and bolts of the one that speared into a mountain ("Superbus"??), during a flight out of Amberley. There used to be a "scrapyard" to the West of Toowoomba that featured a LOT of aircraft relics. One of these was a complete tail turret for a Lincoln. They had most of a Vickers Viscount there as well. No idea what happened to all of that stuff, since I last saw it in the late 1970s. There seems to be a dark, vindictive streak in the society that insists in destroying anything of actual value, particularly if the process upsets other people. Carsm, ships, locomotives aircraft; chop them up and make them go away.. Even "official " museums are known to "spirit away" historically significant pieces, especially those of a military nature, specifically weapons. And it they cannot "make it go away" they "neuter" it as mercilessly as possible. Think: Katanas with their edges ground back, small arms welded into solid lumps. Leopard tanks filled with concrete and welded shut. F-111s bulldozed into a trench.

[@AntiqueAirshow]

That is very interesting. Unfortunately most likely majority was scrapped. There ain't to many bits of Lincolns left, but hopefully one day the Moorabbin Air Museum will complete theirs.

[@timorvet1]

I crawled through that Viscount (fuselage only) back in the mid 90s if memory serves me.

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Where was GAF ???

[@AntiqueAirshow]

GAF was located at Fishermens Bend, Melbourne Australia. It was next door to the factories of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Do the mirage 111 please

[@AntiqueAirshow]

@@Eric-kn4yn I'll have a look into it. It does get a little trickier with both aircraft as most of the images/videos are not in the public domain yet. However, I'll look into what's available and hopefully be able to do something on them👍✈

[@Eric-kn4yn]

@Tomato Eins port Adelaide a/c museum have F111 Orion spitfire hornet Canberra DC3 mirage venom etc etc etc. Really outstanding and in my state

[@AntiqueAirshow]

@@Eric-kn4yn Nice that sounds really cool. I've never been. Hopefully I'll come across from Melbourne soon 👍✈

[@peterkirgan2921]

I'm disgusted that we don't have a flying example in Australia

[@AntiqueAirshow]

I could understand if there wasn't one flying, but I find it terrible that there is not a single one preserved.

[@pascalchauvet4230]

Why on earth did the Lincoln have such an excruciatingly ugly Greenhouse at the front??? It almost reminds me of french pre-war bombers And why was the development of a more potent bomber with four Griffon engines not even envisaged?

[@AntiqueAirshow]

It had to do with fitting an additional three crew members in the aircraft without hurting the performance of the aircraft. There was supposedly quite a lot of work that went in to find a design that enabled this. I'm not sure why, but the Canberra bomber did go into production in Australia