BSP Consulting Helps Bring Lancaster Bomber Tribute to Life
Structural engineers at BSP Consulting have been describing how they worked on the impressive life-sized sculpture of a Lancaster bomber.
The project honours RAF crews of World War Two and is a tribute to mark the historic link that Lincolnshire shared with RAF Bomber Command during that conflict.
The 29-metre-high art installation - On Freedom’s Wings – has been erected in a field at Norton Disney, between Newark and Lincoln, close to the A46. BSP Consulting designed the main structure of the plane, the podium and the foundation.
It has been tilted to give the impression that the Lancaster bomber is in flight and heading home to RAF Swinderby – a former nearby RAF station.
Managing Director Carl Hilton has been describing how the BSP team of structural engineers undertook the design work on this impressive monument.
“In 2018, we were selected to explore the possibility of designing a life-sized Lancaster art installation on a hill in Lincolnshire,” he said. “A little bit different, we thought, from the usual schools, commercial offices and industrial parks that we are involved with in our day-to-day work.
“Our approach was to digitally scan a real Lancaster aircraft and create a detailed 3D model. To do this, we visited the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby, where we had the privilege of studying Just Jane - one of only three working Lancasters worldwide.
“The resulting model allowed us to integrate a structural steel framework and apply the necessary loadings, primarily the self-weight of the frame and the wind forces acting on the structure.
“By simulating stresses and deflections, we could test different configurations and refine both the inclination and height of the aircraft. After much iteration, we as a team agreed on the most striking position, one that ensures the Lancaster can be clearly seen from the nearby A46.
“Fast forward seven years, and this vision has now become reality with the installation at Norton Disney.
“This project has been the result of many people devoting their time, expertise and energy to move it forward through each stage. The lift and final construction marked the culmination of that collective effort. A huge well done to everyone involved – it has been a true collaboration of professionals, all united by the desire to achieve something remarkable.
“The team at BSP Consulting is pleased to have played its part.”
The steel structure is being dubbed the East Midlands’ equivalent of the Angel of the North. Thousands of motorists are expected to see On Freedom’s Wings every day as they drive past along the dual carriageway.
Although the sculpture is now in place, work is continuing on the site on landscaping, CCTV, an entry system and a car park. It will be open for visitors in the autumn once the site is complete and safe. Until then, people are being encouraged to stay away from the site.
BSP Consulting is based in Nottingham with offices in Derby and Leicester. On this installation the company has worked closely with Timmins Engineering & Construction, Hutchinson Engineering Services and Jessops Construction.
The Bomber County Gateway Trust, which first mooted the idea of creating a life-sized monument of a Lancaster bomber in 2017, is still fundraising to collect the remaining funds needed for the sculpture, which has cost almost £1m.
To donate visit Bomber County Gateway Trust - JustGiving.
