WR963 - SttS?

[C24]

Try this site Folks.

This group seems to be getting their act together and might be worth a donation.

http://www.avroshackleton.co.uk/latest-news.html

I would like to stress that I am not connected with this project but wish them well.

Mods - would it be possible to start a sticky for this project? What do the rest of FC members think?

Charlie

[Sparts99]

I visited Coventry about 4 years ago and had a good look over WR963, the museum manager (I think?) Richard gave me free rein and talked me through the various workstation in the fuselage. It's an impressive airframe in good nick, at least to my eyes, and I'd love to see it flying.

[Vulcanone]

And rumours of the mob at Doncaster taking WR963 on, now that the triangle shaped aeroplane has finished flying.

Are most definitely NOT true thankfully.


TS

[mark.alan.barnes]

This was discussed earlier this year.

viewtopic.php?f=287&t=118658

It is a very impressive aircraft and one I would love to see back in the air.

[richw_82]

Hi all,

Its great to see some attention turning our way, we never thought so many people would suddenly ask "What now?" after XH558 flew for the last time.

We are still working to get WR963 flying again, and things are stepping up. We have the first round of our HLF bid being submitted in December, and we're trying to organise hangarage on a semi permanent basis to take up some of the room that CAF vacate. We also will be offering places on taxy runs from the beginning of next season - as the aircraft is in better order than she's been in a long time. I know on the face of it it doesn't appear we're making much progress; but we've taken on board some big lessons from other organisations. Principally to make sure we have as much of the background work done as we can before we get stuck into the aircraft, and to make sure public access to our Shackleton remains as unfettered as it can be (within reason..).

To expand on these a little -

We don't want to get caught out by support issues. To this end as well as our manufacturing drawings, we've collated the aircraft's entire service history, the Bitteswell overhaul data (including spar boom replacement), NDT schemes and schedules. We've acquired the entire collection of Dowty drawings for undercarriage and hydraulic components for all marks of Shackleton. We're still trying to acquire the necessary propeller blade data and we have had contact with an overseas manufacturer in respect of new blades. Our stock of parts is nearly at the point where we have everything on the lifed items list covered, with a few spares for good measure, and we continue to acquire more whenever we can find it. The intent is that once the Shackleton uses up the remaining life on the spar booms (594hrs) she can be reworked and go again for another 6,300 hours. We want her to be flying long after we've all dropped off our perches; and the way we're going there's no reason why that can't be achieved. We don't require the input of BAE (they sold the design to us), Marshalls, or Rolls Royce, but if any of them - or any other - want to sponsor our project we'd welcome it. It would make life easier.

With regards to access, we're looking to continue in the way we operate now, in that we don't have barriers around or inside the aircraft. So long as you don't start flicking switches or pulling a prop through, you're welcome to get as close up as you want. Obviously as CAF start to wind down over the next few years, we'll have to step up to deal with the access into Coventry Airport for visitors.

There are a lot of 'wish lists' of aircraft want to fly out there at the moment. Lightning, Victor, Phantom etc. But they will remain a wish due to the same reasons the Vulcan had to retire. We believe our Shackleton is one of three viable projects in the UK for a large return to flight project. The choice is yours of course - but we'll keep at it regardless, as our Trust has for nearly two decades.

A Shackleton will fly in the UK again.

If you fancy helping it happen that bit quicker, please click the link.

www.avroshackleton.co.uk/fundraising


Kind regards,

Rich Woods
Shackleton Preservation Trust

[paddyboy]

Hi Rich

We met up at Waddo 2013 and 2014

You and the team's infectious enthusiasm and professionalism shone through like a beacon

All the very best in getting the old grey lady back where she belongs

Cheers

Paddyboy

[Sparts99]

Good work Rich, Shack gets my vote, although I have to say I don't know wha the other projects are you referred to, but I can't think of anything that would have the character of the Shackleton.