English Electric Canberra PR.9 XH171

Medium bomber reconnaissance By: English Electric Origin: United Kingdom First Flight: 1949 Part of: English Electric Canberra series

About This Aircraft

The English Electric Canberra PR.9 was a high-altitude photographic reconnaissance variant of the versatile Canberra bomber. This example, XH171, served with distinction in the Royal Air Force for several decades. The PR.9 was a significant redesign of the original Canberra, featuring a new nose to house cameras and observation equipment, an offset fighter-style canopy for the pilot, and more powerful Rolls-Royce Avon engines that allowed it to operate at extremely high altitudes, well above the reach of most defences. XH171 was one of the last Canberras in RAF service, flying valuable reconnaissance missions until the type's retirement in 2006, ending a remarkable 55-year service history for the Canberra family.

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

Exhibits can change. To avoid disappointment, before visiting, please check the museum website for up-to-date exhibit listings.

Royal Air Force Museum Midlands (RAF Cosford) (Shropshire)

On public display (National Cold War Exhibition)
Static Display

About This Aircraft

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

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