Was English Electric Canberra ever considered for the Korean War?
And if it was, why not deployed there?
Wikipedia:
"In May 1951, the Canberra entered RAF squadron service, No. 101 Squadron being the first to receive the type. In a testament to the aircraft's benign handling characteristics, the transition programme for the Canberra consisted of only 20 hours in the Gloster Meteor and three hours in a dual-control Canberra trainer ".
The transition program is short, Meteor pilots with combat service are available and there is demand for a fast bomber with the bomb load higher than of jet fighter bombers used through the war.
Wiki again:
"The production of the Canberra was accelerated as a result of the outbreak of the Korean War, orders for the aircraft increased and outpaced production capacity, as the aircraft was designated as a "super priority". A further five squadrons were able to be equipped with the Canberra by the end of 1952; however, production in the 1951–52 period had only been half of the level planned, due to shortages in skilled manpower, material, and suitable machine tools. "
I assume that European needs are of top priority and if (allegedly) just half of the units are equipped by the end of 1952, there is little chance to equip all units in Europe until the Armistice in July 1953.
Or were there other reasons to keep Canberra out of the Korean War?
And if it was, why not deployed there?
Wikipedia:
"In May 1951, the Canberra entered RAF squadron service, No. 101 Squadron being the first to receive the type. In a testament to the aircraft's benign handling characteristics, the transition programme for the Canberra consisted of only 20 hours in the Gloster Meteor and three hours in a dual-control Canberra trainer ".
The transition program is short, Meteor pilots with combat service are available and there is demand for a fast bomber with the bomb load higher than of jet fighter bombers used through the war.
Wiki again:
"The production of the Canberra was accelerated as a result of the outbreak of the Korean War, orders for the aircraft increased and outpaced production capacity, as the aircraft was designated as a "super priority". A further five squadrons were able to be equipped with the Canberra by the end of 1952; however, production in the 1951–52 period had only been half of the level planned, due to shortages in skilled manpower, material, and suitable machine tools. "
I assume that European needs are of top priority and if (allegedly) just half of the units are equipped by the end of 1952, there is little chance to equip all units in Europe until the Armistice in July 1953.
Or were there other reasons to keep Canberra out of the Korean War?