Lancaster

Roy Chadwick designed the Lancaster after the unsuccessful twin-engine Manchester. By adding two more Merlin engines to a redesigned wing, he created the most capable bomber of the European air war. The Lancaster could carry up to 22,000 pounds of bombs, including Barnes Wallis's special weapons: the bouncing bomb used in the Dambusters raid against Ruhr Valley dams in 1943, and the massive Grand Slam and Tallboy earthquake bombs. Bomber Command Lancasters flew over 156,000 sorties and dropped 608,612 tons of bombs. The aircraft could absorb extraordinary damage and still return home. Of the 7,377 built, 3,249 were lost in action, a testament to both the danger of the bombing campaign and the courage of the crews.