Lancaster

The 20th century proved to be a time of great success but also one of great sorrows, the world changed so much with new technology for the good, but world wars which did nothing to help move forward the human race. Out of the gloom came clarity, and this is the story of one such landmark, that even today holds the attention of millions of people worldwide. From a generation when the word classic was used lightly, came an aircraft that would change the lives of the people connected with it along with those who needed it, and looked on in awe as it droned across the British skies. For the first time we can now reveal just what it was like to be a part of the history in making. A story untold, a story of heroism and bravery, a story of the Lancaster.

The Avro Type 683 traces its lineage back to the twin engined Manchester, first designed in 1937 to Specification P.13/36 which called for a new generation of twin-engined bombers. After years of changes the aircraft we all love today was born, with four new Merlin engines, nose, and ventril turrets, increased fuel capacity, the first production aircraft took to the air on October 31st, 1941. In 2006 now is our opportunity to fly one of the most stunningly beautiful aircraft ever seen in the skies, and remarkably, after over 60 years this is still the case. This package from Just Flight has been designed to give the simulation pilot a taste of wartime Britain, included is the scenery of Royal Air Force base at Scampton as it would have looked, plus a bonus aircraft being the Pathfinder Mosquito. But the Lancaster is the star of the show and with its eight variants and 15 liveries it gives enough scope for any budding pilot to enter bomber command.

Four options are included when deciding which variant you would like to fly ‘A’ has the radio and navigator positions only in the virtual cockpit, along with a limited pilot’s section. ‘B’ has the full pilot and navigation station. ‘C’ has the full pilot station, bomb aimer and front turret position. ‘D’ is the full pilot station. We will cover the options here later. Externally this aircraft gives off a grace and elegance very few others can achieve. As you walk around, the detail catches your eye, from the clear observation dome to the bomb bay doors which run the length of the aircraft. Most impressive of all are the four Merlin engines which produce 5,840 HP. Along the top of the fuselage is the turret with twin browning's, to the rear is another turret this time housing four browning's. This aircraft is defended in all directions, while underneath lies the navigation and bombing radar. As we climb inside for the first time and settle into our seat, we truly step back in time, controls and instruments centred on the main six, everyone will recognise. As for the others, titles including port and starboard engine fuel cocks, boost coil starters and a supercharger control. As with all Just Flight products the need for panic is not required as the 48 page manual gives the information in a concise and easy to read format, which also includes numbered images to help you find the controls. So if you do come across the “standby vacuum control” it's not a message from your wife hinting at what needs doing around the house! The interior is like no other in flight simulation in the fact that movement around the aircraft is easily achieved, from front to rear. With a choice of turret, bomb room, navigation station, engineers panel and even the radio station, all accessible and all interactive. To operate the features incorporated in the individual models, certain keys will have to be defined, IE: Tailhook and wingfold will be needed as these are not assigned by default.

Different models have different ways of operating, I found the simplest method was to concentrate on a particular model and get to know where everything is placed and what you can and cannot do via your keyboard or via the virtual panel, it’s similiar to flying an airbus, in the respect of one system suits all. You may be ok clicking on a certain lever in one aircraft, where on another you may need to use keyboard commands. This is explained with opening the bomb bay doors, in the ‘A’ variants which we saw earlier, this would be opened via a defined tailhook key command, where as in the ‘D’ variants you can simply pull a lever on the left of the pilot seat in virtual mode. Talking of bombs, one of the real eye catching moments in this add on, is the experience of dropping one or two shells, again only the ‘C’ model which includes the bomb aimer station can be used for this. To achieve a hit on the target below, precise actions are called for, by using the view options in Flight Simulator you need to be directly over the bombsight, to the right are arming switches, and left we have control of the direction of the aircraft but only very limited. To set the bombs for dropping, you have to centre the target, arm the bombs and when the you reach the base of the vertical line you can then release your arsenal via the trigger to your right. Viewing this is of course limited inside so it’s better to open a separate window in spot mode allowing you the opportunity to see your cargo fall away. These aircraft were also famously used in the dam busting raids, to recreate this the aircraft comes with twin searchlights, these were used by crew to give exact height above the water so the bombs dropped would bounce correctly. Sixty feet was the point at which the beams crossed and the order given for release.

Flying this aircraft could be complicated initially, as engine start up sequence has to be done in the correct order, starting with inner right, outer right, inner left and finally outer left. With crew doors closed and latched we can then concentrate on getting this giant off the ground. All is explained in the manual. The take off run is simple, when up to speed about 95 mph, pull the stick back gently and raise the tail as soon as possible, you also need to remember not to raise the flaps below 500 ft. Climb speed is 160 mph and when flaps are raised you can apply trim to suit. When flying at excessive speeds, and remember we are not talking about a jet here, so speeds in excess of over 250 mph, the controls can feel heavy and cumbersome, however this is a very stable aircraft and your attentions will not be solely focused on flying, but more so on loving every moment of the overall experience. The stall on a Lancaster is 110 with flaps up, 92 when down. Another interesting point to note is that when in a dive the front end becomes increasingly heavy and much effort will be required to pull out of a dive situation, but again with practice you will be flying this bomber with the ease of a professional with in a short period. For approach and landing, normal service resumes to a point, reduce your speed, lower the flaps and undercarriage and ensure the propellers are set to full up, once down on terra firma the outer engines can be cut for taxiing. Once parked the bomb doors need to be opened, its just a case then of making the aircraft safe and shut down, first flight achieved and the exhilaration will soon have you climbing back aboard very soon. One of the most important pieces of equipment found on the Lancaster was the radio equipment, this is beautifully illustrated in the pilot manual, with original diagrams and notes pertaining to the operation. One such option in the manual suggests you take the opportunity to take a radio operators seat, send your mind back in time and try to imagine how this must have been.

The work of the operator was difficult to the point of impossible at times, this has been vividly put in perspective by W. ‘Bill’ Warehams story of flying with Lancaster's in 467 Squadron. The story of the Lancaster completed by this enthralling read, covering the days when life was hard and fear went out of the window. It was just a job to some, but to others a way of life. These men will always be remembered as much as the aircraft they flew in. Just Flight have again produced another winner with this latest release, it’s very hard to concede any fault and although I try to be as fair and honest with my thoughts about all flight simulation products, this latest title is very good indeed. The Lancaster has stood the test of wartime, and even now in modern day Britain, this well loved aircraft can still be seen in our skies both real and virtual. It’s hard to imagine just what it was like to fly one of these in a wartime situation, but with the help of this program we can at least try to experience the sights and sounds of this wonderful aeroplane. It will forever hold a place in pilots hearts and the introduction of titles such as this give the modern generation of simmers ample opportunity to experience the joy. With a little help and a lot of love from enthusiasts, lets hope the Lancaster will continue to fly for many more years to come. Climb aboard switch on the radio and play the latest tune from Vera Lynn, taxi out to the sounds of “ There'll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover, Tomorrow, just you wait and see, There'll be love and laughter and peace ever after, Tomorrow when the world is free.

The Lancaster bomber, a tuneful story that will never end, from its humble beginnings to the star attraction of many air shows today, may its success continue. Take a step back in time now and visualise the beauty of this virtual masterpiece. To many, a boyhood dream, that's now a reality!