Lancaster Prototype BT308 at Ringway January 1941
Prototype seen here with the Manchester tail unit with which it first flew.
Description of Lancaster prototypes:
- The first Lancaster prototype, serial number BT308, was originally intended to be a Manchester III.
- It was built using Manchester jigs at the Avro factory in Chadderton.
- On January 9, 1941, BT308 completed its maiden flight from Ringway, piloted by Sam Brown and his deputy Bill Thorn.
- This first flight lasted 40 minutes.
- The second prototype, DG595, was built to full production standard.
- It also had its maiden flight at Ringway with Sam Brown and Bill Thorn at the controls.
- This flight took place on May 13, 1941.
- Avro developed the Mark II Lancaster to be powered by Bristol Hercules radial engines in case there were interruptions in the supply of Rolls-Royce Merlin engines.
- The prototype for the Mark II, serial number DT810, first flew from Woodford on November 26, 1941, with Sam Brown as the pilot.
- The fourth prototype, DT812, was never built.