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 on anti-submarine operations, but was also required to perform a number of other roles. Entering RAF service in 1951, the majority of Shackletons were powered by the mighty Rolls Royce Griffon engine and were the last aircraft in the illustrious line of four engine 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 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 Royal's 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 navy's airborne early warning capabilities. Twelve Shackleton airframes were converted to AEW Mk.2 standard and operated in the colors 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. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc. Please note, box and model dimensions are shown as identical however only represent the box/package size.
EAN: 5055288635494
Categories Arts, Crafts & Sewing, Model Kits, Airplane & Jet Kits,
| Age Range (Description) | 96 months to 1188 months |
| Brand | Airfix |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 32 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Domestic Shipping | Item can be shipped within U.S. |
| Included Components | 1:72nd Scale Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kits |
| International Shipping | This item can be shipped to select countries outside of the U.S. Learn More |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.5 x 20 x 5 inches |
| Item model number | A11005 |
| Item Weight | 0.61 Kilograms |
| Item Weight | 1.35 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Hornby |
| Manufacturer recommended age | 8 years and up |
| Material | Plastic |
| Model Name | Boeing Fortress MK.III |
| Number of Pieces | 245 |
| Product Dimensions | 14.5 x 20 x 5 inches |
| Style | Military |
| Theme | Vehicle |
