The Shackleton Association

Avro Shackleton Aircraft

The Avro Shackleton was a purpose built maritime patrol aircraft developed from the Avro Lincoln bomber, which itself was a successor of the Avro Lancaster. The Avro Shackleton was named after the famous polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

The Avro Shackleton entered service in 1951 and was primarily used as an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) but they were also used for Search And Rescue (SAR) duties. A total of 185 Avro Shackleton aircraft were built between 1951 and 1958. The first to enter service were the Avro Shackleton MR Mk1 aircraft, delivered to RAF Coastal Command in April 1951. Avro Shackleton MR Mk 2 and Avro Shackleton MR Mk3 aircraft continued the Maritime Reconnaissance and Search and Rescue roles until 1972. Twelve Shackleton MR Mk2 aircraft were converted to AEW Mk2 and performed the Airbourne Early Warning (AEW) role until June 1991. Avro Shackleton aircraft were in operational service for over 40 years.

Avro Shackleton Variants

Avro Shackleton variants

Avro Shackleton MR Mk.1a

Avro Shackleton MR Mk.1a

Avro Shackleton MR Mk.2

Avro Shackleton MR Mk.2

Avro Shackleton AEW Mk.2

Avro Shackleton AEW Mk.2

Avro Shackleton MR Mk.3

Avro Shackleton MR Mk.3

Avro Shackleton Squadrons

Avro Shackletons were in-service on 16 Royal Air Force squadrons and were deployed world-wide. No 35 Squadron of the South African Air Force also operated 8 Avro Shackleton MK3 aircraft from January 1957 until November 1984. Click on the links to read more information about these squadrons on Wikipedia: