The Canberra, retired from active duty and resting static in Amberley, Qld. While close to the RAAF base from where it last flew in anger, this Canberra the first bomber aircraft to see service in history, was a reliable performer and saw service for many years.
Although the piston-engined Avro Lincoln heavy bomber had only entered RAAF service in 1946, by late 1948 it was already obvious this aircraft would quickly become obsolete. Investigations into a more modern replacement were therefore begun, resulting in the order of 48 English Electric Canberra jet bombers in 1950. The Canberra officially retired in 1982, 32 years of service.
