The Canberra achieved many firsts, such as described here with (at the time) the fastest crossing of the Atlantic. It was also the first time a jet aircraft had ‘crossed the pond’ non-stop.
Fastest Across the Atlantic
LAST WEEK'S Atlantic crossing by the Canberra was outstanding for both its speed, particularly for a Westerly crossing, and its indication of the potentialities of the first jet bomber to go into service with the Royal Air Force. The record-breaking Canberra, WD 932, was, in fact, the fourth production aircraft – a perfectly standard B. Mk. 2 – and her crew, comprising Sqdn. Ldr. A. E. Callard, D.F.C., pilot; Flt. Lt. E. A. J. Haskett, navigator; and Flt. Lt. A. J. R. Robson, signaller, were R.A.F. personnel from A. and A.E.E., Boscombe Down. Until the flight of the Canberra, the Atlantic had not been flown without refuelling by a jet aircraft of any type or nationality.
Despite head-winds, which were forecast up to 90 m.p.h., the great circle route of 2,100 statute miles from Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, to Gander, Newfoundland, was flown in 4 hrs. 40 mins…
