Did WW2 RAF Bombers have Airworthiness Certificates?

[Graham Boak]

I don't believe that British military aircraft have Certificates of Airworthiness,, as such. Their capabilities are assessed by the A&AEE at Boscombe Down (Martlesham Heath prewar) who then issue advice/instruction/limitations on their operation in the form of Service Clearances. These would normally be within the manufacturer's claims/statements, which were of course entirely driven by the requirements/specifications. If additional requirements arose (such as the need to carry more bombs/fuel) then these were assessed by further trials.

Other examples would include the Tallboy and Grand Slam (and Upkeep) on Lancasters, the various sizes of external fuel tank on Spitfires, and indeed any cases where the maximum t/o weight was less than that resulting from the maximum fuel and the maximum bombload - probably most bombers if not all.