CB-213 Lancaster II

The CB-213 Lancaster II is an inventive conceptual 2050 strategic airframe created by freeware developer rlawson. Built as an homage to Canadian aviation history—specifically Victory Aircraft's wartime production of Lancaster B.Xs at Malton, Ontario, and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum's flying Lancaster FM213—this fictional design envisions an ultra-long-range, multi-mission platform capable of safeguarding Canada's vast Arctic frontier. Rather than serving purely as a heavy bomber, the aircraft is engineered to consolidate long-range patrol, standoff precision strike, electronic warfare, and seasonal aerial firefighting into a single, unified airframe.

Visually and aerodynamically, the Lancaster II is a 35.5-meter tailless flying wing roughly matching the scale of the classic Avro Vulcan, distinguished by a raised spinal ridge and top-mounted serpentine engine intakes that feed into ceramic-lined exhaust trenches. Propulsion is provided by four buried 95 kN adaptive-cycle turbofans that deliver dry supercruise at altitude, cruising at Mach 0.85 between 35,000 and 43,000 feet with top-end sprint capabilities reaching Mach 1.25. Flight control is achieved without a vertical tail, using elevons for pitch and roll, split drag rudders at the wingtips for yaw authority, and a beaver-tail trim tab.

Systems depth in the CB-213 punches well above the standard freeware baseline. The aircraft utilizes an automated fuel-transfer system that actively manages center of gravity as fuel burns or heavy payloads are released, complemented by an automated Mach trim system that compensates for pitching moments as speeds approach the transonic barrier. The flight deck accommodates a crew of four across ejection seats—pilot, co-pilot, weapons systems officer (WSO), and an electronic warfare/drone control officer—backed by an aft crew rest compartment featuring bunks, a galley, and a lavatory for 18-hour endurance sorties.

The airframe supports nine dynamic roles switchable in real time, modifying internal stores across three rotary weapon launchers (13 tonnes total capacity for cruise missiles, anti-ship ordnance, or Mavericks), a high-capacity aerial retardant tank, or long-range ferry tanks. It even models four deployable LYNX loyal wingman combat drones that fly off the wingtips, an operational chin EO/IR sensor camera view, a towed decoy, and an inflight refueling receptacle.

Because the CB-213 Lancaster II is a futuristic concept without real-world Aircraft Flight Manuals (AFMs) or physical airframes, it sits within our Casual tier. Nevertheless, it represents one of the most innovative and feature-packed freeware military sandboxes available in X-Plane 12, offering exceptional immersion for long-range patrols and tactical missions.

Primary Missions & Operational Roles

• Arctic Sovereignty & Long-Range Patrol: Conduct unrefueled 18-hour endurance sorties across polar routes using automated CG fuel management and Path Hold navigation.

• Standoff Strategic Strike: Deploy 13 tonnes of precision ordnance, cruise missiles, or anti-ship weapons from three internal rotary launchers.

• Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): Command and coordinate four LYNX loyal wingman combat drones launched directly from the glass cockpit interface.

• Aerial Firefighting & Disaster Response: Equip the 13-tonne retardant tank to fly high-speed, heavy-drop wildfire suppression drops.