Course notes - Lancaster
Title
Course notes - Lancaster
Description
Notes on Lancaster including compass, engines, fuel system, airmanship, hydraulics, pneumatic system, engine handling, icing, automatic pilot, hydraulic propellers and general notes.
Creator
Language
Format
Notebook with handwritten notes and diagrams
Publisher
Rights
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
Identifier
MRosserLV745193-190517-30
Transcription
[underlined] P/O ROSSER
NO. 14. COURSE CREW 109 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Lancaster [/underlined]
[underlined] British [/underlined]
MK’s I — Merlin 20, 22, 24
MK II — Herc VI or XVI
Mk III — Packard Merlin 28 or 38
[underlined] Canadian [/underlined]
Mk X — Packard Merlin 38
[underlined] A.V.W. [/underlined] 65,000 – 56,000 lbs. Max. 67,000 lbs.
[underlined] Fuel load [/underlined] 2,154 gals +/- 800 gals auxiliary (2,400 tanks in bomb bay)
[underlined] Bomb load [/underlined] Up to 13,000 lbs.
[underlined] Range [/underlined] approx 2,000 miles with max fuel
[underlined] Speeds [/underlined] Cruising 160 – 200 mph idle out 230 – 250 m.p.h. indicated.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] D.R. COMPASS [/underlined]
[underlined] P.4 Disadvantages: [/underlined] Turning errors. Changes of deviation – bomb load. Parallax.
[underlined] D.R.C. [/underlined] Remote Repeaters 6. [underlined] True [/underlined] Courses {Bomb sight, A.P.I. H.2.S.
1/ [underlined] Orienting aircraft [/underlined]
Note ‘A’ Error
2/ V.S.C. at Zero
Switch to setting after engines started. Switch to Normal taxiing out. Switch off when stationary in dispersal with engines running or Gyro will topple.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] MERLIN 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] American – Stromberg Carb [/underlined] (MK III & X) 12 cylinders.
[underlined] COOLANT SYSTEM [/underlined]
[sketch of a cooling system]
Combat 135
Climb 125
Cruise 105
Run Up 60
Max Coolant Temp 135° for 5 mins – Min 60° – Take off 125°
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] MERLIN 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] Lubrication [/underlined]
[sketch of a lubrication system]
[underlined] OIL TEMPS [/underlined]
Combat (5 mins) 105° C
Normal 90° C
Min before Run Up 15° C
[underlined] OIL PRESSURES [/underlined]
Min. Normal 45 lbs [symbol]“
Normal Running 70 – 80 lbs [symbol]“
[page break]
[underlined] PESCO PUMP [/underlined]
[underlined] Port Inner [/underlined]
Vac Pump (4 1/2 – 5)
Blind Flying Panel
NORMAL
[underlined] Stbd Inner [/underlined]
Vac Pump (6 – 8)
Bomb Sight
EMERGENCY
[symbol]
[page break]
[underlined] Merlin 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] Lubrication Contd [/underlined]
[underlined] High Pressure [/underlined] 60 – 80 lbs [symbol]”
Crankshaft, Journals
Heywood Compression. Prop to fine pitch if C.S.U fails.
[underlined] Low Pressure [/underlined] 6 – 10 lbs [symbol]”
Camshafts, Rockers, s/c Gearing,
Reduction Gearing.
[underlined] Splash [/underlined]
Small ends, Pistons, Cylinder Walls,
Reduction gear jets.
[underlined] Scavenge [/underlined]
Warms butterflies
s/c change gearing.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Merlin 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] General Notes [/underlined]
The ‘Basic single piece block’ on the Merlin 20 has been improved on later marks to obviate coolant leaks, and resultant danger of fire – Merlin 38 has the ‘Improved Split Block’.
Mks 20, 22, 24, have S.U. carburrettors. [sic]
MK X have Stromberg.
MK. 24 with cut out producing +18 Boost.
MK. 22, 28, 38, +14 Boost
MK, 20 – +12 Boost.
Lancaster rated altitude is 1000 feet, with exception of MK I with Merlin 24 which gives 9,500.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Lancaster [/underlined]
[underlined] Dinghy [/underlined] – Q Type in Stbd wing.
Immersion switch in Stbd Inner nacelle.
Line from nose to tail – three positions for operating dinghy – pilot cockpit – [indecipherable word] – rear door.
[underlined] Escape [/underlined] – Bomb Aimers hatch, Pilots hatch overhead, rear door.
[page break]
[underlined] Fuel System [/underlined]
During Run up pulsometer pump switches are left off to test E.D.P’s.
CINATEX TEST to be carried out over 3,000 feet with engines at 2650 Revs +7 Boost.
[underlined] Use off [sic] Pulsometer Pumps [/underlined]
1. All On for Take off
2. All On for Landing
3. On for changing tanks
4. Cross Feed (Pump on for tank in use).
5. Over 17000’ – pump for tanks on.
6. Violent evasive action.
[underlined] JETTISON [/underlined]
[underlined] 1. Down to 80 gallons in each No 1 tank. [/underlined]
1. Warn Crew
2. Bring Rear Gunner forward (fire extinguisher)
3. 15° Flap
4. Operate Jettison
5. Do not jettison below 2000 feet
[page break]
[underlined] LANCASTER [/underlined]
[underlined] FUEL SYSTEM [/underlined]
[underlined] Full Load 2154 Galls. [/underlined]
[sketch of a fuel system]
[page break]
[underlined] Fuel System [/underlined]
[underlined] Sequence for using 2154 galls. [/underlined]
1. Take off on No 2. Use to 200 gals.
2. Change to No 1 and turn No 3 tank pump on. Use No 1 to 200 gals.
3. Use No 2 to 200 gals.
4. Use No 1 to 100 gals.
5. Use No 2 to 100 gals.
6. Use No 1 to completion
7. Land on No 2s.
[page break]
[underlined] Airmanship – Entering A/C. [/underlined]
1. G.F.S to ground
2. Cross feed closed
3. Fuel Contents (compare with 700)
4. Brake Pressure 150
5. I.C.U. must be off.
U down blocked
G.F.S. Ground
Brakes on.
Start on No 2 tanks.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] HYDRAULICS [/underlined]
[underlined] Tank & pump rear of front spar.
Pump in each inboard engine [/underlined]
[deleted] undercart [/deleted] Flaps cannot be operated without U/C by emergency Air.
[sketch of the hydraulic system]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] PNEUMATIC SYSTEM [/underlined]
[sketch of a pneumatic system]
[page break]
[underlined] ENGINE HANDLING [/underlined]
[underlined] MAX RANGE [/underlined]
BEST A/S – Loaded UP TO 15,000’ 170 – OVER 15,000’ 160
BEST A/S – Light 160
[sketch] Optimum angle of attack 9 degs (diameter) /least drag)
Best Heights for Max. Range 8 – 16.000 feet
Below 3,000 – high Boost Low Revs for optimum.
[page break]
[underlined] POWER ENGINE HANDLING [/underlined] (High Boost – Low Revs).
Brake H.P. – Actual h/p on brakes
Indicated H.P. – H/P Engine ought to develope. [sic]
1/ Friction h.p. 2/ Supercharger h.p.
Max Weak +7 2650 (Continuous)
1800 (Minimum)
If A/S cannot be maintained at 2500 Revs change to ’S’ [inserted] at low if 3lb Boost [/inserted] Blower. Do not cruise in ’S’ below 2300 Revs.
Full Throttle Ht in ‘M’ 10.000’ in ’S’ 17.000’
[page break]
[underlined] ICING [/underlined]
1/ ‘Gapped’ ice guard on air intake.
2/ Fall in Boost indicates icing up of ice-guard – 1 1/2 lbs boost through loss of [indecipherable word] effect.
[sketch]
[page break]
[underlined] GEORGE [/underlined] MK VIII
[underlined] Advantages [/underlined] over MK IV.
1/ Properly banked turns. 2/ Less equipment, better production, simplified. 3/ Will fly by D.R. Compass and turn to anything set on same.
[underlined] Disadvantages [/underlined]? Will not operate with bomb sight also in use.
[underlined] Working Pressure [/underlined] is 60 lbs [symbol]”.
[underlined] Diagram [/underlined]
[sketch]
[page break]
[underlined] George [/underlined] Contd.
[underlined] To Engage [/underlined]
1/ Clutches IN. (Move controls through full travel) } On Ground.
2/ Check pressure – 60 lbs [symbol] “. } On Ground.
3/ Main Cock to ‘Spin’. (10 mins).
4/ [underlined] Trim A/C. [/underlined]
a). Altitude Control-Set.
b) M/C to ‘IN’.
[deleted] [underlined] Adjustment of Controls in Flight. [/underlined] [/deleted]
[underlined] Report on behaviour [sic] in flight if reporting George U/S. [/underlined]
1. Behaviour [sic] of A/C – attitude etc.
2. Air temp.
3. Air Pressure on Guage. [sic]
4. Pressure at ‘Spin’ & Pressure @ Out.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] HYDROMATIC PROPS. [/underlined] 3.000 – 1800.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Main use of Pulsomater pump to build fuel pressures at 17.000 ft and over and for assisting starting up. Pulsomater pump for Nos 1 & 2 tanks ON for take-off. Pulsometer pump ON for Cross feed.
F.P.W.L. indicate when fuel pressure at the carburettor [sic] falls below 6 lb/[symbol]” on MK I and 10 lb/[symbol]” on MK X. Fuel content guage [sic] switch must be ON during flight.
[underlined] Oil Tanks [/underlined] – 37 1/2 gallons 4 1/2 air space in each engine tank.
[underlined] HYDRAULICS [/underlined]
Starboard Outer – Mid Upper turret
Starboard Inner – Front turret
Port Outer – Tail turret
Port Inner – Mid Under turret
[page break]
Two pumps (one on each inner), hand pump on alternative charge small accumulator and operate
Undercarriage, Flaps, Bomb Doors, Carb air intake shutters, Fuel Jettisoning
[underlined] Pneumatic [/underlined]
Heywood compressor on Star Inner charge air bottle to 300 lb [symbol]”. Operates Wheel brakes, Rad Shutters, Supercharger rams, Idle Cut-off rams.
[underlined] Electrical [/underlined]
1,500 Watt generator on each inboard engine An alternator may be fitted to each outboard engine to supply special radio equipment.
[underlined] Bomb Doors [/underlined] Emergency compressed air bottle in bomb aimers compartment. Pilot selects open, B/A pulls pin. Enough air for 3 or 4 operations.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Lancaster [/underlined] – [underlined] General Notes [/underlined]
MK I – SU carb – Merlin 20, 22, 24 – NO I.C.O.’s
MK II – SU carb – Herc VI or XVI
MK III – Stromberg Carb – Merlin 28 or 38
[underlined] Vapour Vent System [/underlined] – III & X only
Vent pipe from each carburettor fitted to No 2 tank allowing vapour and fuel to return to the tank. Carburettor is designed to work full of fuel and requires vent to carry away petrol vapour and dissolved air. It also assists in re-establishing flow of fuel to carbs when pipe-lines and pump are dry due to a tank emptying.
[underlined] Electric fuel booster pumps. [/underlined]
Lanc I fitted with [indecipherable word] pumps in all tanks originally. Pulsometer pumps fitted to Mk III & Thompson to X
[page break]
Notebook for use in schools.
91/5769. Wt. 6631. 500M Bks. 11/43. C.W.S. Ltd.
NO. 14. COURSE CREW 109 [/underlined]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Lancaster [/underlined]
[underlined] British [/underlined]
MK’s I — Merlin 20, 22, 24
MK II — Herc VI or XVI
Mk III — Packard Merlin 28 or 38
[underlined] Canadian [/underlined]
Mk X — Packard Merlin 38
[underlined] A.V.W. [/underlined] 65,000 – 56,000 lbs. Max. 67,000 lbs.
[underlined] Fuel load [/underlined] 2,154 gals +/- 800 gals auxiliary (2,400 tanks in bomb bay)
[underlined] Bomb load [/underlined] Up to 13,000 lbs.
[underlined] Range [/underlined] approx 2,000 miles with max fuel
[underlined] Speeds [/underlined] Cruising 160 – 200 mph idle out 230 – 250 m.p.h. indicated.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] D.R. COMPASS [/underlined]
[underlined] P.4 Disadvantages: [/underlined] Turning errors. Changes of deviation – bomb load. Parallax.
[underlined] D.R.C. [/underlined] Remote Repeaters 6. [underlined] True [/underlined] Courses {Bomb sight, A.P.I. H.2.S.
1/ [underlined] Orienting aircraft [/underlined]
Note ‘A’ Error
2/ V.S.C. at Zero
Switch to setting after engines started. Switch to Normal taxiing out. Switch off when stationary in dispersal with engines running or Gyro will topple.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] MERLIN 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] American – Stromberg Carb [/underlined] (MK III & X) 12 cylinders.
[underlined] COOLANT SYSTEM [/underlined]
[sketch of a cooling system]
Combat 135
Climb 125
Cruise 105
Run Up 60
Max Coolant Temp 135° for 5 mins – Min 60° – Take off 125°
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] MERLIN 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] Lubrication [/underlined]
[sketch of a lubrication system]
[underlined] OIL TEMPS [/underlined]
Combat (5 mins) 105° C
Normal 90° C
Min before Run Up 15° C
[underlined] OIL PRESSURES [/underlined]
Min. Normal 45 lbs [symbol]“
Normal Running 70 – 80 lbs [symbol]“
[page break]
[underlined] PESCO PUMP [/underlined]
[underlined] Port Inner [/underlined]
Vac Pump (4 1/2 – 5)
Blind Flying Panel
NORMAL
[underlined] Stbd Inner [/underlined]
Vac Pump (6 – 8)
Bomb Sight
EMERGENCY
[symbol]
[page break]
[underlined] Merlin 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] Lubrication Contd [/underlined]
[underlined] High Pressure [/underlined] 60 – 80 lbs [symbol]”
Crankshaft, Journals
Heywood Compression. Prop to fine pitch if C.S.U fails.
[underlined] Low Pressure [/underlined] 6 – 10 lbs [symbol]”
Camshafts, Rockers, s/c Gearing,
Reduction Gearing.
[underlined] Splash [/underlined]
Small ends, Pistons, Cylinder Walls,
Reduction gear jets.
[underlined] Scavenge [/underlined]
Warms butterflies
s/c change gearing.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Merlin 20 [/underlined]
[underlined] General Notes [/underlined]
The ‘Basic single piece block’ on the Merlin 20 has been improved on later marks to obviate coolant leaks, and resultant danger of fire – Merlin 38 has the ‘Improved Split Block’.
Mks 20, 22, 24, have S.U. carburrettors. [sic]
MK X have Stromberg.
MK. 24 with cut out producing +18 Boost.
MK. 22, 28, 38, +14 Boost
MK, 20 – +12 Boost.
Lancaster rated altitude is 1000 feet, with exception of MK I with Merlin 24 which gives 9,500.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Lancaster [/underlined]
[underlined] Dinghy [/underlined] – Q Type in Stbd wing.
Immersion switch in Stbd Inner nacelle.
Line from nose to tail – three positions for operating dinghy – pilot cockpit – [indecipherable word] – rear door.
[underlined] Escape [/underlined] – Bomb Aimers hatch, Pilots hatch overhead, rear door.
[page break]
[underlined] Fuel System [/underlined]
During Run up pulsometer pump switches are left off to test E.D.P’s.
CINATEX TEST to be carried out over 3,000 feet with engines at 2650 Revs +7 Boost.
[underlined] Use off [sic] Pulsometer Pumps [/underlined]
1. All On for Take off
2. All On for Landing
3. On for changing tanks
4. Cross Feed (Pump on for tank in use).
5. Over 17000’ – pump for tanks on.
6. Violent evasive action.
[underlined] JETTISON [/underlined]
[underlined] 1. Down to 80 gallons in each No 1 tank. [/underlined]
1. Warn Crew
2. Bring Rear Gunner forward (fire extinguisher)
3. 15° Flap
4. Operate Jettison
5. Do not jettison below 2000 feet
[page break]
[underlined] LANCASTER [/underlined]
[underlined] FUEL SYSTEM [/underlined]
[underlined] Full Load 2154 Galls. [/underlined]
[sketch of a fuel system]
[page break]
[underlined] Fuel System [/underlined]
[underlined] Sequence for using 2154 galls. [/underlined]
1. Take off on No 2. Use to 200 gals.
2. Change to No 1 and turn No 3 tank pump on. Use No 1 to 200 gals.
3. Use No 2 to 200 gals.
4. Use No 1 to 100 gals.
5. Use No 2 to 100 gals.
6. Use No 1 to completion
7. Land on No 2s.
[page break]
[underlined] Airmanship – Entering A/C. [/underlined]
1. G.F.S to ground
2. Cross feed closed
3. Fuel Contents (compare with 700)
4. Brake Pressure 150
5. I.C.U. must be off.
U down blocked
G.F.S. Ground
Brakes on.
Start on No 2 tanks.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] HYDRAULICS [/underlined]
[underlined] Tank & pump rear of front spar.
Pump in each inboard engine [/underlined]
[deleted] undercart [/deleted] Flaps cannot be operated without U/C by emergency Air.
[sketch of the hydraulic system]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] PNEUMATIC SYSTEM [/underlined]
[sketch of a pneumatic system]
[page break]
[underlined] ENGINE HANDLING [/underlined]
[underlined] MAX RANGE [/underlined]
BEST A/S – Loaded UP TO 15,000’ 170 – OVER 15,000’ 160
BEST A/S – Light 160
[sketch] Optimum angle of attack 9 degs (diameter) /least drag)
Best Heights for Max. Range 8 – 16.000 feet
Below 3,000 – high Boost Low Revs for optimum.
[page break]
[underlined] POWER ENGINE HANDLING [/underlined] (High Boost – Low Revs).
Brake H.P. – Actual h/p on brakes
Indicated H.P. – H/P Engine ought to develope. [sic]
1/ Friction h.p. 2/ Supercharger h.p.
Max Weak +7 2650 (Continuous)
1800 (Minimum)
If A/S cannot be maintained at 2500 Revs change to ’S’ [inserted] at low if 3lb Boost [/inserted] Blower. Do not cruise in ’S’ below 2300 Revs.
Full Throttle Ht in ‘M’ 10.000’ in ’S’ 17.000’
[page break]
[underlined] ICING [/underlined]
1/ ‘Gapped’ ice guard on air intake.
2/ Fall in Boost indicates icing up of ice-guard – 1 1/2 lbs boost through loss of [indecipherable word] effect.
[sketch]
[page break]
[underlined] GEORGE [/underlined] MK VIII
[underlined] Advantages [/underlined] over MK IV.
1/ Properly banked turns. 2/ Less equipment, better production, simplified. 3/ Will fly by D.R. Compass and turn to anything set on same.
[underlined] Disadvantages [/underlined]? Will not operate with bomb sight also in use.
[underlined] Working Pressure [/underlined] is 60 lbs [symbol]”.
[underlined] Diagram [/underlined]
[sketch]
[page break]
[underlined] George [/underlined] Contd.
[underlined] To Engage [/underlined]
1/ Clutches IN. (Move controls through full travel) } On Ground.
2/ Check pressure – 60 lbs [symbol] “. } On Ground.
3/ Main Cock to ‘Spin’. (10 mins).
4/ [underlined] Trim A/C. [/underlined]
a). Altitude Control-Set.
b) M/C to ‘IN’.
[deleted] [underlined] Adjustment of Controls in Flight. [/underlined] [/deleted]
[underlined] Report on behaviour [sic] in flight if reporting George U/S. [/underlined]
1. Behaviour [sic] of A/C – attitude etc.
2. Air temp.
3. Air Pressure on Guage. [sic]
4. Pressure at ‘Spin’ & Pressure @ Out.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] HYDROMATIC PROPS. [/underlined] 3.000 – 1800.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
Main use of Pulsomater pump to build fuel pressures at 17.000 ft and over and for assisting starting up. Pulsomater pump for Nos 1 & 2 tanks ON for take-off. Pulsometer pump ON for Cross feed.
F.P.W.L. indicate when fuel pressure at the carburettor [sic] falls below 6 lb/[symbol]” on MK I and 10 lb/[symbol]” on MK X. Fuel content guage [sic] switch must be ON during flight.
[underlined] Oil Tanks [/underlined] – 37 1/2 gallons 4 1/2 air space in each engine tank.
[underlined] HYDRAULICS [/underlined]
Starboard Outer – Mid Upper turret
Starboard Inner – Front turret
Port Outer – Tail turret
Port Inner – Mid Under turret
[page break]
Two pumps (one on each inner), hand pump on alternative charge small accumulator and operate
Undercarriage, Flaps, Bomb Doors, Carb air intake shutters, Fuel Jettisoning
[underlined] Pneumatic [/underlined]
Heywood compressor on Star Inner charge air bottle to 300 lb [symbol]”. Operates Wheel brakes, Rad Shutters, Supercharger rams, Idle Cut-off rams.
[underlined] Electrical [/underlined]
1,500 Watt generator on each inboard engine An alternator may be fitted to each outboard engine to supply special radio equipment.
[underlined] Bomb Doors [/underlined] Emergency compressed air bottle in bomb aimers compartment. Pilot selects open, B/A pulls pin. Enough air for 3 or 4 operations.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[underlined] Lancaster [/underlined] – [underlined] General Notes [/underlined]
MK I – SU carb – Merlin 20, 22, 24 – NO I.C.O.’s
MK II – SU carb – Herc VI or XVI
MK III – Stromberg Carb – Merlin 28 or 38
[underlined] Vapour Vent System [/underlined] – III & X only
Vent pipe from each carburettor fitted to No 2 tank allowing vapour and fuel to return to the tank. Carburettor is designed to work full of fuel and requires vent to carry away petrol vapour and dissolved air. It also assists in re-establishing flow of fuel to carbs when pipe-lines and pump are dry due to a tank emptying.
[underlined] Electric fuel booster pumps. [/underlined]
Lanc I fitted with [indecipherable word] pumps in all tanks originally. Pulsometer pumps fitted to Mk III & Thompson to X
[page break]
Notebook for use in schools.
91/5769. Wt. 6631. 500M Bks. 11/43. C.W.S. Ltd.
Collection
Citation
L V Rosser, “Course notes - Lancaster,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed March 16, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/36705.
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