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The Indian Air
Force received 65 English Electric Canberra B(I)58 aircraft, 8 PR.57
aircraft and 7 T.4 aircraft in Apr 57 (what was ultimately to become over
150 ac by 1975) helping to raise No 106 strategic recconnaissance sqn.
On 11 May 07 the same sqn celebrates it golden jubilee and stands the
Canberra down after exactly 50 years. From Straffing Katangan
Magisters in Congo to interdicting Pakistani airfields, railway yards and
armour concentrations during the indo-pak wars of 1965 and 71.
Click on
images below to see larger images
From collecting
high altitude air samples to measuring Chinese atomic activity, to
standing-by to take on the US 7th fleet threatning India's east coast
during the '71 war and finally surviving a Mujhahideen Stinger hit at
18,000ft, the IAF Canberra has seen the entire spectrum of world conflict
and come out on top. On 11th May 07 the IAF will say goodbye to a trusted
friend when 106 sqn, 'The Himalayan Lynxes' close the hatch on the last TT, PR and T4s. They will remember all the crews lost to enemy AAA
and interceptors and rejoice the success of the most dangerous missions
flown in the face of the strongest opposition- Sabres, Mig 19s, Mirage
IIIs and Starfighters.
This is the very old
Revell 1/72 kit built as a B(I) 58 with Bright Spark decals in the
markings of the 'Tuskers'. Needed a ton of lead in the nose. Hope you like it
Polly
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Indian Airforce Canberra retirement May 11 2007 
