CANBERRA – PR.9 – XH136
PR.9 – XH136
 As a GI airframe at RAF Cosford (Photo : Paul Crawley) |
 Nose section at Bruntingthorpe (Photo : Damien Burke) |
 The Navigator’s Position in the Nose (Photo : Les Bywaters) |
Preserved at Bruntingthorpe by Pheonix Aviation, XH136 remains only as a nose section from the pressure bulkhead forward. However, the canopy and nose-cone are usually open allowing visitors to see and experience just how cramped a PR.9’s navigator could be on long flights. As you can see, a PR.9’s nose cone could be swung open to admit the navigator. It was a very small and cramped “office” which was fitted with a periscope through which the nav had forward vision. As the external lens was just under the nose cone, and about three feet off the ground, it must have been interesting to say the least when coming in to land. This particular PR.9 had a fairly undistinguished career entering service directly with the Ministry of Aviation in 1959. It went on to serve with 58 Sqn, 13 Sqn (at Luqua, Malta) and then 39 Sqn. It spent a while with the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) before going back into service with 1 PRU. Finally XH136 was transferred as a Ground Instruction airframe at No 2 School of Technical Training (Cosford). It was put up for sale in 1983. It would be interesting to fill out this aircraft’s history. Any further detail would be most welcome. |