CANBERRA B(I)8/B.6 Mod WT333 AT BRUNTINGTHORPE

'Treble Three'

One of Bruntingthorpe’s more distinctive residents is Canberra WT333.

This classic post-war design was the Royal Air Force’s first jet bomber and went on to make aviation history by becoming one of the longest serving military aircraft of all time - finally leaving RAF service in June 2006, a startling 57 years after the maiden flight of the prototype in May 1949.  The Canberra has seen considerable use, equipping over 60 RAF Squadrons, plus a number of special flights and served with distinction as a trials aircraft. 901 examples were built in the UK and 451 built overseas under licence; the Canberra entered service with 15 Air Forces and thanks to its low wing loading, excess power and high altitude ability it could out perform many contemporary jet fighters in service.

Built by English Electric as a B(I)8 variant with offset 'fighter' style cockpit canopy in March 1956, WT333 never served with the Royal Air Force, being directly transferred to the Controller (Aviation)Ministry of Supply.

Following delivery to Marshalls of Cambridge on 23rd March 1956, WT333 underwent various trials installations (TIs) for the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough, including a Smiths Mk.19 autopilot and power rudder stabiliser. By July of 1956 WT333 had been delivered to the Armament Dept of the RAE for functional and flight trials of the Low Altitude Bombing System (LABS).


WT333 returned to Marshall’s in July 1958 for further modifications before delivery in mid March 1959 to the Aeroplane & Armament Experimental Establishment (A&EEE) at Boscombe Down for Microcell Rocket firing trials.

Another return visit to Marshalls of Cambridge followed during June 1959 for further TIs and major servicing. It is presumed a period of storage followed as WT333 is next noted departing Cambridge on 13th July 1965 on delivery to the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) at Warton for further TIs and flight trials for the carriage and release of drop tanks. Delivery from Warton to Boscombe Down took place the following February for the clearance of drop tanks by the A&AEE.

The next chapter of WT333’s history saw her depart the United Kingdom on 24th May 1966 for operations from Woomera, Australia, on behalf of the Weapons Research Establishment. Here WT333 received an overall white colour scheme.

Canberra B(I)8 WT333 in all white colour scheme Royal Radar Establishment Pershore circa late 1969. Note RRE flying unit crest on tail.

Upon completion of the armament trials in Australia, WT333 was next assigned to the Royal Radar Establishment Flight (RRE) at Pershore on 21st July 1969 for torpedo separation trials. On 10th September 1970 WT333 was flown the short distance to RAF Shawbury, for storage by 27 Maintenance Unit, pending a decision on future test requirements.

On 24th February 1972 WT333 returned to Pershore and for further development work, she was fitted with the cockpit of Canberra B.2 WK135 by RRE technicians. This work resulted in the loss of the B(I)8s distinctive offset fighter style cockpit canopy, along with a much longer nose being grafted on. With the work taking over three years to complete, and the impending closure of Pershore, delivery to RAE Bedford took place on 18th May 1977. On 13th September, 1978 WT333 was flown to 5 MU Kemble for painting in her current 'Raspberry Ripple' colour scheme and was engaged on further trials and development work until withdrawn from use during September 1993 and stored at the Defence Evaluation & Research Agency’s Farnborough facility in 1994.

WT333 on arrival at 5 MU RAF Kemble 13.09.78 for painting in raspberry ripple colours for RAE Bedford.

Treble Three in Canada on trials work with RAE Bedford. Note the sensor added under the nose compared to the photo above.

Upon being put up for disposal WT333 was purchased via auction by Classic Aviation Projects and registered as G-BVXC on 9th January 1995. Delivery by air to Bruntingthorpe took place on 28th January 1995 – her final flight. Once at Bruntingthorpe she was used as a source of spares for sister Canberras XH568 and WK163 until the airframe was sold to Roger Wintle and Arthur Perks. A pair of Rolls Royce Avon 109 engines were subsequently purchased and installed in the aircraft to return her to a taxiable condition, a popular feature of the regular open days that take place at Bruntingthorpe. Arthur Perks’ place on the team has been replaced by three more enthusiasts; the aim is to keep 'Treble Three' in taxiable condition and demonstrate her as a tribute to all the Canberras and crews that provided such sterling service to the RAF and other air arms worldwide.

Canberra 60th Anniversary

13th May, 2009 saw the 60th Anniversary of the prototype Canberra making its first flight at the hands of Roly “Bee” Beamont from the English Electric airfield at Warton.

The Team decided early in the year that this occasion should be celebrated and set to work designing some 60th Anniversary marking that could be applied to Treble Three. With the expert help of Andy Hay, some artwork was prepared and the signs were made up. Applying them on the curved wingtip tanks was interesting to say the least.

In the meantime Jonathon Westwood had produced a superb painting of Treble Three showing The Team at work during an engine start. Prints of this are available from The Team.

From this inspiration came thick and fast. Some stamp covers were produced as large sized postcards and with the help of Cotswold & Stuart Covers of York a special 60th Anniversary Handstamp was commissioned from the Post Office ready for the 13th May, 2009. These were to be carried on the aircraft at the first Cold War Jets Open Day of the year at Bruntingthorpe on 3rd May, 2009. Some souvenir merchandise was also produced and all proceeds went towards the upkeep of Treble Three. See below for details of what can be purchased to assist in maintaining WT333.

Dennis Brooks, retired Squadron Leader and former OC Lightning Training Flight has of late been our usual man up front in running the aircraft on such Open Days.

However, he was unable to be with us on 3rd May but we were very fortunate to obtain the services of Paul Dixon, former Canberra and Phantom pilot, who like Dennis, is an Air Experience pilot at RAF Cranwell at weekends. Paul’s first job was to sign the 100 Stamp Covers to be carried on the aircraft that day.

So after a lot of preparation in the days leading up to the Open Day Treble Three was turned out for her public carrying the specially designed and applied 60th Anniversary markings.

For once the weather was sunshine but with the now compulsory cross wind. We did two runs that day and Paul was delighted with the handling of the aircraft.

As mentioned previously, on both runs 100 commemorative stamp covers were carried on the aircraft ready for the 60th Anniversary on 13th May. Courier for the Covers was the Team Mascot - Elwood Bear

Photo: Elwood Bear

Not all stamp covers were sold and a few are still available from The Team.

13th May dawned grey and damp. Notwithstanding this a small but hardy band of Canberra enthusiasts and ex Canberra crew made their way to Bruntingthorpe for this auspicious occasion. At 1046 hrs – 60 years to the minute since Roly Beamont lifted off VN799 from Warton’s runway – Treble Three’s engines sprang into life in salute.

There was even nibbles, a birthday cake and, of course, tea for all assembled to consume.

Finally, as a surprise for David Walton, the Team presented him with a signed print of Jon Westwood’s painting “53 – Not out!” of Treble Three being started up. This was in recognition of the support and assistance received from David and his staff over the years as owners of Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground.

Back to normal

Treble Three was booked to run at the Lightning Preservation Group’s QRA Open Day on 26th July and the remaining Cold War Jets running day on 30th August. This meant having to return to normal maintenance working and the project for the year of repainting the top of the wings. You realise just how big the surface area of those wings are when you start rubbing them down. Clive (the Gloster painter) was joined by Westy (Jonathan Westwood) who gave up his artist’s brush for a roller and, over several visits and curses at the weather, the necessary coats were applied. TT Timbo (Tim) managed to find us some proper engine and exhaust covers after we had ordered tailor made ones. Unfortunately, they were not quite tailor made for Treble Three when they arrived and so Tim’s covers have proved very handy. El Capitaine (Andy) wielded spanners and his constant companion – his “GS” – on the aircraft whilst Timbutdim (t’other Tim) quietly provided the necessary muscle and labour with those tasks the rest of us were too puny to face.

Some corrosion on the bomb bay doors and battery hatch has been attended to. Amidst all of this there was much polishing and cleaning of the exterior by El Presidenté (Roger) and The Adjutant (Stephen) when he wasn’t brewing up or serving chocolate biscuits to keep the crew from revolting.

Lightning Preservation Group’s QRA Open Day 26th July, 2009

Dennis Brooks was back in the “office” for the run performed for the LPG which got off to a typically smokey start. It could have been sunnier, it could have been warmer but you can’t have everything! Once again Treble Three performed as we wished and English Electric and Rolls-Royce Avons ruled the day.

Finished for the day.

Cold War Jets Open Day 30th August, 2009

We performed one run at midday, again with Dennis up front. Mick Freer from Touchdown Aviation spent the best part of the day with us and you can read his excellent report of the day’s events at

http://www.touchdown-aviation.com/flying-legends/2009/bruntingthorpe.php

Time for tea and chocolate biscuits!

60th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp Cover

217mm by 138mm glossy postcard

Front side

Rear side

Covers are still available.

Canberra WT333 Operating Team Merchandise

The following are the items that we have available for sale by post. For the full selection of items available visit our sales stand at any Bruntingthorpe Open Day or other aviation events we may attend.

Team Polo Shirts Canberra 60th Patch Canberra WT333 Team

 
Canberra 60th Coaster Canberra 60th Mug Canberra WT333 Coaster

 

Canberra WT333 Sticker Canberra 60th Sticker

Price List

 
Team Polo Shirts:    Grey, size L & XL only                                   £15.00
Patches:             Canberra 60th Anniversary                                 £7.50
Stickers:            Canberra 60th Anniversary                                 £1.50
                     Canberra WT333 Operating Team                             £1.50
                     Tail badge                                                £1.50
Coffee mugs:         Canberra WT333 Operating Team                             £6.50
                     Canberra 60th Anniversary (very few)                      £7.00
Coasters:            Canberra WT333 Operating Team                             £3.00
                     Canberra 60th Anniversary                                 £4.00

Post and packing extra – price on request - contact the WT333 Team - e-mail