Maritme PatrolMilitary AircraftRoyal Air Force

Avro Shackleton

The Avro Shackleton MR 1 entered operational service with the RAF in April 1951. The Shackleton was used primarily in the ASW and MPA roles, but it was also frequently deployed as an aerial search and rescue (SAR) platform and for performing several other secondary roles such as mail delivery and as a crude troop-transport aircraft.

The MR 2 was an improved version of the Shackleton, featuring numerous refinements that had been proposed for the MR1. The radar was upgraded to ASV Mk 13, and the radome relocated from the aircraft’s nose to a ventral position aft of the bomb bay, the radome was retractable and could be fully extended only with the bomb bay doors open

The Shackleton MR 3 was another redesign in response to crew feedback and observations. A new tricycle undercarriage was introduced, the fuselage was increased in all main dimensions and had new wings with better ailerons and tip tanks.[19] The weapons capability was also upgraded to include homing torpedoes and Mk 101 Lulu nuclear depth bombs.  To reduce crew fatigue on 15-hour flights, the sound deadening was improved and a proper galley and sleeping space were included.

RAF Squadrons operating the Avro Shackleton.

37 Squadron
MR2
Disbanded in 1967.
38 Squadron
MR2
Disbanded in 1967. (Note during Wartime 236 OCU would convert to 38 Sqn)
42 Squadron
MR1A
MR2
MR3
Converted to the Nimrod MR1 in 1971.
120 Squadron
MR1
MR2
MR3
Converted to the Nimrod MR1 in 1970.
201 Squadron
Re-numbered from 220 Squadron
MR3
Converted to Nimrod MR1 in 1970.
203 Squadron
Re-numbered from 240 Squadron
MR1
MR2
MR3
Converted to Nimrod MR1 in 1971.
204 Squadron
MR1
MR2
Disbanded in 1972.
205 Squadron
MR1
MR2
Disbanded in 1971.
206 Squadron
MR1
MR2
MR3
Converted to the Nimrod MR1 in 1970.
210 Squadron
MR2
Disbanded in 1971.
220 Squadron
MR1
MR2
MR3
Renumbered 201 Squadron in 1958.
224 Squadron
MR1
MR2
Disbanded in 1966.
228 Squadron 
MR2
Disbanded in 1959.
240 Squadron
MR1
MR2
Renumbered 203 Squadron in 1958.
269 Squadron
MR1
MR2
Renumbered 210 Squadron in 1958.
236 OCU
MR.1
Redesignated the Maritime Operational Training Unit in 1956.
Redesignated as 236 OCU for the Nimrod MR1 in 1971.

Neil White

Former team leader on the Nimrod MR2. Flew fisheries protection for the MMO and Marine Scotland. Failed attempt with an aviation start-up. Flight dispatcher at Exeter Airport.

Neil White

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