On October 13th 1955 the sound of R.R.Merlins appeared at Blackbushe in the shape of an Avro Lancaster NX739. This aircraft was on contract loan to Eagle Airways from the air ministry and was to be flown by Eagle crews for air to air photography. In order to do this they were required to modify the gun turrets with an enclosed plexi-glass cover to protect the cameraman. It is unclear how often it was flown but it was at the 1956 Farnborough Air Show and on occasions Flight Magazine photographers would also use it. The aircraft stayed at Blackbushe until January 16th 1957.
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