Always a popular scheme with modellers and aviation enthusiasts, the distinctive ‘Raspberry Ripple’ markings applied to some of Britain’s test aircraft since the end of the Second World War were intended to make the aircraft highly visible, but also served to make them amongst the most attractive in the country. Of all the aircraft to wear this iconic scheme, the
English Electric Canberrawas arguably the most appealing, with the famous red, white and blue really lending themselves to the characteristic shape of the aircraft.
The B(I)6 Canberras were constructed as an interim interdictor strike aircraft in advance of the anticipated introduction of the main B(I)8 variant and were capable of delivering nuclear munitions at a time when Britain was planning its strategic V-bomber force. These aircraft would be maintained in QRA readiness at bases in Germany, as a deterrent to potential Soviet aggression, only flying with No.213 Squadron in this role, however, Canberra WT309 would not be of these aircraft. Rather than join the rest of the B(I)6 aircraft, it was handed over to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough in early 1958, with only 29.5 flying hours on the airframe. The aircraft was destined for a long career of test flying, ending its days at A&AEE Boscombe Down and even when its flying days were over, she would serve as an instructional airframe for apprentices at the Wiltshire airfield. Unfortunately, an ignominious end awaited this beautiful aeroplane and after 40 years of service, she was scrapped in January 1998, with only the cockpit section saved for posterity.