Avro Lincoln

The Avro Lincoln was originally called the Lancaster B.IV, but was renamed due to the number of difference in the new design. A total of 604 were built, including 73 by GAF in Australia. Lincolns were used operationally by the RAF and RAAF in Malaya and by Argentina during two coups.

Photographs of Avro Lincolns operated by the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina and Canada can be found in the links below.

Avro Lincoln Operators

Argentina

Thirty Avro Lincoln bombers served with the Fuerza Aerea Argentina from 1947. Eighteen of these Lincolns were newly built, along with twelve ex-RAF aircraft. The final Lincolns were retired in 1967.

Lincolns were deployed during an attempted military coup conducted in September 1951, while the type was also used by both the government and rebel forces during the 1955 Revolución Libertadora coup which resulted in Argentinian President Juan Perón being deposed.

Argentinian Lincolns were also used to conduct supply airdrops in support of Argentine operations in the Antarctic region.

Australia

A total of 73 GAF Lincolns were produced in Australia by the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF). Australian Lincolns were used operationally during the Malaya Emergency, bombing communist guerrillas.

The GAF Lincoln B Mk.30 was originally powered by Merlin 85 engines and later with a combination of two Merlin 66s in the outboard positions and two inboard Merlin 85s.

The GAF Lincoln B Mk.30A was equipped with four Merlin 102s.

The GAF Lincoln MR31 had a 6′ 6″ nose extension for radar for the maritime reconnaissance role.

Canada

Canada operated three Avro Lincoln bombers for a short time from February 1946 until November 1948. It had been planned to equip Canadian bombers squadrons with the type as part of the war against Japan, however after the end of hostilities, these plans were scrapped.

The only Lincoln manufactured in Canada was FM300, a B.Mk.XV built by Victory Aircraft. Two other Lincoln’s were operated at the Winter Experimental Establishment (RE258 and SX924). SX924 crashed in November 1948, while RE258 was returned to the RAF.

Great Britain

The last piston engined heavy bomber to serve in the RAF, the Avro Lincoln was operated from 1945 to 1963. Also used as test beds for early jet and turboprop engines, they played an important part in their development. Lincolns were also used for air to air refuelling and de-icing trials.

Commercial Service

Four Lincolnian conversions by Field Aircraft Services for use as meat haulers in Paraguay were not delivered and subsequently scrapped.