In early 2022 it was announced that Canberra PR.9 XH135 was up for disposal. Ex-PR.9 navigator Ken Delve explains his interest… and how he went on to acquire the aircraft
The remarkable performance of the PR.9 variant made it arguably the best-known Canberra variant. A survivor, XH135, served with all three recce squadrons (XIII, 39 and 58) that flew the RAF’s PR.9 variant and with No.1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU). It provided extensive operational service, especially in its later career. Its tasks included various operations in Afghanistan and other locations, right up to the disbandment of 39 Squadron and the end of the RAF’s nearly 60 years of Canberra operations in 2006.
