The Little World

A very specific aircraft on a very specific mission.

And no bombs carried. This Short Stirling was flown from the UK to Canada in the 40’s as a training aircraft to familiarise the trainees of the BCATP with the then-new H2S ground-view radar.

You’ll see the characteristic H2S streamlined dome under the rear portion of the fuselage, and I would assume that all the associated circuitry and operating position were also in the body of the aircraft. Unfortunately the article that showed the externals did not include interior shots.

The plane landed in the eastern provinces but then made progressive stops at RCAF stations all across the country, with selected groups of airmen ready to climb in and be introduced to the new displays. The trip went all the way to the west coast and then back again, hitting many stations twice for extra instructional time. Altogether, apparently 4000 people got to see th new radar by the time it was done.

The bomber then re-flew the Atlantic and went back into UK service

The crew and the instructors were duly recorded in RAF records – and the plane carried on.

The result with the odd sequence of painting and assembly was quite successful – though many other aircraft would not be suitable for the same treatment.