Avro 696 Shackleton AEW2

A development of the Avro Lincoln, the Shackleton retained the Lincoln’s wing but had a new fuselage. The MR.1 (77 built) first flew in 1949. The MR.2 (69 built) first flew in 1951 and had a longer nose and a radar pack in the rear fuselage. This was followed by the MR.3 (42 built) which had a tricycle undercarriage, redesigned wings and wingtip tanks. Eight MR.3’s were operated by the South African Air Force and all other Shackletons were operated by the RAF. The AEW2’s were converted from existing MR3’s. Only one remains active in civil markings.

 NX790XL              c/n u/k               United Kingdom
11 seat reconnaissance aircraft first flown in 1971

Engines: 4x 2450hp(1828kW) Rolls-Royce Griffon 57
Length: 87’4”(26.61m)                                                                                           Height: 16’9”(5.1m)
Wingspan: 119’10”(36.52m)                                                                                             No.built: 12
Range: 3050miles(4908km)                                                              Cruising speed: 220mph(354kmh) Empty weight: 57,000lb(25,878kg)                                   Maximum take-off weight: 98,000lb(44,492kg)

Return to Civil Aircraft A Index