Airfix Aircraft 1/72 Avro Shackleton AEW2 Aircraft Kit

With the ability to mount patrols for up to twelve hours, the Rolls-Royce Griffon powered Avro Shackleton AEW.2 provided Britain’s airborne early warning protection for almost 19 years. Following the withdrawal of HMS Ark Royal and her compliment of Gannet AEW aircraft, the Gannet’s radar units were simply removed and attached under the forward fuselage of the new AEW version of the Shackleton. Tracing its lineage back to the famous Avro Lancaster bomber, the Shackleton was a long-range maritime patrol aircraft, which was used primarily in anti-submarine operations, but was also required to perform a number of other roles. Entering RAF service in 1951, the majority of Shackleton's were powered by the mighty Rolls Royce Griffon engine and were the last aircraft in the illustrious line of four-engined propeller powered bomber aircraft to see Royal Air Force service. As the British government issued plans of their intention to scrap HMS Ark Royal, the navy was concerned that their ships