Lancaster antenna wire

[HaraldP.]

Hello!

I have question about the Lancaster´s antenna wires. I have seen photos with and without wires. So is it true that some Lancasters flew with out antenna wires?

Thanks for your help.

[Honeybee]

Hi

If you see an Lanc without the wires look under the rear fuselage just in front of the wheeland you'll see a dipole aerial. It was part of the IFF fit and replaced the wires,

Regards

Paul

[bobgpw]

Hi Paul,

I thought the dipole was for the SBA beam approach equipment? The IFF fit is a single bayonet aerial just aft of the dipole, I think.

[Honeybee]

Hi Bob.

that was the one I meant, I'd quite forgotten about the beam aerial,

Regards

Paul

[hovering]

Phew.. yeah, I've been looking for photos on the antenna as originally mentioned, and only seen what looks to be a singular one there; aside from the towel rack type for the blind approach.

I presume the later IFF is similar as that fitted to the stbd wing of the Spitfire?

[Grizly]

I think HaroldP needs to be a little clearer wrt what Lancaster antenna wires he is referring to. For example, might he be referring to the HF radio antenna wires which extend back from the cockpit to the vertical stabs?