CANBERRA PR9 THE BLACK HOLE - various editions

Michael Rondot's tribute to the English Electric Canberra which first flew on Friday 13 May 1949 and created a sensation by outperforming all contemporary fighters. It went on to complete more than 50 years’ service with the RAF and is widely regarded as one of the finest designs of all time.

The navigator strapped into his ejection seat in the nose compartment of a PR9 had no direct external visibility, only a periscopic Recce sight and two eyebrow windows. For survey work the downward looking Recce sight was superb but at low-level the view was severely restricted and the ride was uncomfortable; some navigators called it “The Black Hole”. Every PR9 pilot had the greatest respect and sympathy for his "front-seater" who endured many uncomfortable hours in the black hole  on low level tactical reconnaissance sorties.

The PR9 was the ultimate high-performance big-wing RAF Canberra variant. It was powered by two Rolls Royce Avon 206 turbojets which gave it exceptional performance at extreme altitude and sparkling handling at low level.

Michael Rondot flew Canberra PR9 aircraft in the low level tactical role as well as in the ultra-high level strategic reconnaissance role during four years with Number 39 Squadron at RAF Wyton. His intimate knowledge of the aircraft and its performance are evident in this fine study of a PR9 on a low level tactical reconnaissance sortie. Underrated for many years as a strategic recce asset, the Canberra PR9 was to prove itself at the end of its career in the skies over Afghanistan where its suite of high resolution cameras and electro-optical sensors were unrivalled.

The entire edition is limited to 100 signed and numbered copies (inc artist proofs & remarques), all personally signed & numbered by the artist, Michael Rondot who also flew Canberra's during his RAF career.

For something really special and personal, a remarque pencil drawing of a PR9 and any squadron badges with service dates can be added to your print. Please request at time of ordering.

Signed and numbered: £75.00

Artist's Proof: £120.00 (each print will have a squadron badge drawn on the lower border)

Remarque £235.00 (each print has a detailed, original, drawing of a Canberra and a squadron badge added to the lower border)

Double Remarque £300.00 (each print has two detailed, original, drawings of Canberra's plus squadron badges added to the lower border)