Shackleton WR963 - The Final Engine Run
Shackleton Aviation Group
Coventry - Bagington airport
April 2023
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I was able to attend a second engine run in 2023 and enjoy a very relaxed afternoon with the very special Shackleton.
This time I was able to clamber around inside the cabin and cockpit, taking whatever pictures I could. Priority went to special guest David Kay, who despite his age of 97 was also able to make his way forward to the cockpit. As he was a former Shackleton pilot with 220 and 120 Squadrons he felt very at home there. Richard Woods (Shackleton Aviation Group) was his guide and generously started up engine three for him. Later all four engines were started without a problem, the Rolls Royce V12 supercharged Griffon engines hitting just under 2,400 RPM, I was told!
Richard also found time for a cockpit interview with myself, providing an insight for the move to Elvington after 32 years at Coventry and the challenges he faces in keeping the WR963 live for generations to enjoy.
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| The Rolls Royce V12 supercharged Griffon engines hitting just under 2,400 RPM, I was told! All four engines ran without a hitch on this anti-det run, the second objective was to burn surplus fuel before the big move to Elvington. |
| Left to right: Avro Shackleton AEW.2 (WR963 'B-M'), it was reconverted back to MR.2C standard after being sold as an AEW.2. |
| Inside Avro Shackleton AEW.2 (WR963 'B-M'). |
| Avro Shackleton T.4 VP293, the cockpit section survives at Coventry Airport with the Shackleton Preservation Trust. It was once with Strathallen Collection until it closed and the aircraft was scrapped. |
Left to right: David Kay at age 97 is a former RAF Shackleton pilot with 220 and 120 Squadrons. Richard Woods spoke of his guest of the day at the end of my exclusive interview, "Today we had David Kay, a 97-year-old ex-Shackleton pilot visiting, we managed to get him back into his old seat. Although the aircraft is the focal point it is the people that make it happen. That is the people that look after it and the people that used to operate and the people that built it. If we can keep it live then it is a success for everyone, and the project is worthwhile."
Cockpit:
Groundcrew checking the brake pressures before the engine run.
Richard Woods at the controls. |
