Fact file: Canberra PR9

The English Electric Canberra was the RAF's first jet bomber - entering service in May 1951 and setting several speed and altitude records in the 1950s.

Many other nations' air forces also used them. In the UK, they were phased out as front-line bombers by the end of 1961, but about 50 were kept on for training, photographic reconnaissance, communications and jamming enemy radar.

The Canberra has broad wings, with a Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engine halfway along each.

The PR9 versions are capable of about 550 mph (885 kph), but what makes them superb for reconnaissance is that they can fly at more than 50,000 feet (15,240 metres) - their actual ceiling is classified - which few aircraft can manage even today.

There are now only four still in RAF service, all with 39 (1 PRU) Squadron, based at Marham in Norfolk.

They are equipped with various cameras which can look down and to the side.

There are two crew - the pilot sitting in a narrow cockpit offset towards the left side of the fuselage.

The navigator/camera operator sits in front, inside the fuselage - the nose of the aircraft swings open for normal access.

The Canberra T4 is the training version of the plane, with the only difference from the PR9 being its dual controls.

Prior to the fatal crash in Norfolk on 2 September, there were only two of these training aircraft.

Canberra PR9
Crew:	Two
Length:	66 feet 5 inches (20.36 m)
Wingspan:	67 feet l0 inches (20.66 m)
Max Speed:	547 mph (876km/h)
Weight:	54,950 pounds (24,925 kg)
Range:	5,075 miles (8,167km)