English Electric Canberra B2, WD988 / 71061, Royal Air Force
This picture is © Dave Welch and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: WD988
Construction Number: 71061
Military Unit: 73 Squadron
Model English Electric Canberra B2
Operator: Royal Air Force
Airport: RAF Akrotiri (AKT / LCRA), Cyprus
Photographer: Dave Welch
Date Taken: 1960
Date Submitted: 30/07/2009
This one was the only Canberra on the wing which was painted white. It was always known locally as Moby Dick. This famous aircraft was painted white as anti-radiation protection when it was flown through an atomic cloud at Christmas Island in the early 50s. It was known as White Elephant at LCSU Nicosia due to the high level of snags incurred during servicing 1957-1960.
Picture ID:1184758