Airfix Avro Shackleton AEW.2 1/72 Scale Plastic Kit

DETAILS

First flying in March 1949, The Avro Shackleton is a British martitime patrol aircraft developed by Avro from 1951-1958. The Shackleton was developed during the late 1940s as part of Britains military response to the rapid expansion of the Soviet Navy, in particular its submarine force.

With the ability to mount patrols for up to twelve hours, the Rolls-Royce Griffon powered Avro Shackleton AEW.2 provided Britains airborne early warning protection for almost 19 years. Following the withdrawal of HMS Ark Royal and her compliment of Gannet AEW aircraft, the Gannets radar units were simply removed and attached under the forward fuselage of the new AEW version of the Shackleton.

As the British government issued plans of their intention to scrap HMS Ark Royal, the navy were concerned that their ships would lose important airborne early warning capability, which was simply not an option. The solution was to put the radar units used on Ark Royals Fairey Gannets into the airframe of the trusty Avro Shackletons and although these were obviously land based aircraft, the impressive endurance of the Shackleton would greatly enhance the effectiveness of the navys airborne early warning capabilities. Twelve Shackleton airframes were converted to AEW Mk.2 standard and operated in the colours of No.8 Squadron, originally at RAF Kinloss in early 1972. Following the completion of significant runway strengthening works at nearby RAF Lossiemouth, the Shackletons moved to Lossiemouth in August 1973, where they remained until the unit finally disbanded in 1991.

This kit represents the Avro Shackleton AEW.2 in 1979 & 1980 RAF Colours including RAF decals.

This kit comes in moulded grey plastic. Construction & Painting is required