Full-Scale Replica Of A Lancaster Bomber To Be Built
On Freedom’s Wings is an ambitious project to build a full-scale replica sculpture of the iconic Lancaster bomber, between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
Lancaster Bomber's are very large, they are 26m long and have a 31m wingspan.
This will make the installation taller than the Angel of the North, which stands 20m tall.
The ambitious sculpture will be mounted on a steel frame (as pictured above) to give the impression it is in flight.
The support structure elevates the Lancaster approximately 15m above ground level - this ensures that the plane appears to be flying above the horizon against the sky when viewed from road level.
The landmark will be seen by more than 34,000 drivers every day on the A46.
Lincolnshire is inextricably linked to aviation and in particular its home to the RAF in the Second World War.
More than 125,000 men served as aircrew in Bomber Command during World War Two.
The site is particularly fitting, not only because of its perfect vantage point, but also because a number of aircraft, including Lancaster's, crashed nearby during the Second World War.
Although intended to be a reminder of all Bomber Command crews, one such aircraft, Lancaster R5689 (VN-N) crashed on 18 September 1942 as it limped home from a mission over the Baltic Sea.
Unfortunately, five members of its crew perished.
Because that crash site is so close, and the fact that VN-N was also the most photographed Lancaster of the war, it has been chosen as the basis of this landmark to serve as a permanent reminder of Lincolnshire’s link to war-time aviation.
Steel support beams have already been erected at the site, just off the A46 near Norton Disney.
However, progress has since stalled due to the continued rising cost of materials off the back of the covid pandemic.
Around £160,000 has been raised so far for the project work, while there has been a further £400,000 worth of goodwill services and materials from businesses.
But, at least £80,000 more is needed for the steel work so further funding is required for the project.
The timescale for the project depends on how quickly funds can be raised, as well as finding more firms who would like to support creating the sculpture.
The Avro Lancaster is a British four-engine heavy bomber used by the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces during World War II.
Of the 7,377 aircraft built, 3,736 were lost during the War (3,249 in action and 487 in ground accidents).
Today, 17 remain in complete form: two are airworthy, and two others are in taxable condition with working engines.
“Other counties have their own landmarks. Lincolnshire doesn’t,” said Ken Sadler, Chairman of Bomber County Gateway Trust.
Reacting to the project online, lots of people are backing the campaign and say that it’s a fantastic idea.
One Facebook comment, which had more than 100 likes, said: “That's Going to be Spectacular.... Excellent Tribute and perfect for all the Men and women who Gave their Lives.”
Another person added: “If my Dad was alive he would have loved that, he loved the Lancaster and had many metal models and books on it.”
Another popular comments said: “How absolutely stunning and what an amazing tribute to those who gave their lives for us to have the lives we have today.”
If you’d like to leave your own comment, visit the post on our Facebook page, or scroll to the bottom of this article.
You can find out more and donate to the project HERE.
If you'd like to see a video of a Lancaster Bomber, you can check out a short video on our YouTube video HERE.
The Mighty Avro Lancaster
Conceived and developed by the British aircraft manufacturer Avro, the Lancaster made its maiden flight in January 1941.
Boasting a sleek design and powered by four Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, it quickly proved itself to be a formidable war machine.
With its impressive payload capacity and long-range capabilities, the Lancaster became the backbone of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Bomber Command.
The Lancaster's primary mission was clear: to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany's war machine through relentless aerial bombardment.
Flying under the cover of darkness, Lancasters would embark on perilous missions deep into enemy territory, targeting industrial centres, military installations, and infrastructure vital to the German war effort.
One of the Lancaster's most famous operations was the daring Dambusters Raid of May 1943.
Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, specially modified Lancasters of No. 617 Squadron unleashed bouncing bombs designed by engineer Barnes Wallis to breach key dams in the Ruhr Valley, disrupting enemy industry and hydroelectric power.
The Lancasters' success owed much to the bravery and skill of their crews.
Each aircraft typically carried a crew of seven, including a pilot, flight engineer, navigator, bomb aimer, wireless operator, and two gunners.
These men faced perilous conditions, enduring flak barrages and attacks from enemy fighters as they pressed home their attacks with unwavering resolve.
The Lancaster's impact on the outcome of World War II cannot be overstated.
Its strategic bombing campaigns exacted a heavy toll on Germany's industrial capacity and morale, contributing significantly to the eventual Allied victory.
Moreover, the Lancasters served as a symbol of British resilience and determination in the face of adversity, inspiring both those who flew them and those who awaited their return on the ground.
Although the war ended in 1945, the Lancaster's legacy endured.
Some Lancasters continued to serve in various roles, including maritime patrol and aerial reconnaissance, while others found new homes around the world.
As previously mentioned, you can find out more and donate to the ‘On Freedoms Wings’ project HERE.
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