Initially projected as a maritime reconnaissance version of the Lincoln
bomber, itself a development of the famous wartime Lancaster which saw
post-war service in a General/Maritime Reconnaissance role, (see Flight
Craft No 4), the Avro Shackleton, (named after the polar explorer Sir
Ernest Shackleton) was a completely new design, powered by four Rolls
Royce Griffon 57 engines driving six blade contra-rotating propellers.
Split into three main sections, this latest Flight Craft title,
perfectly timed to coincide with the release of the first examples of
the eagerly awaited new tool 1/72 scale Airfix kit, offers a concise
history of the Shackleton's development and operational career from the
prototype and initial entry in to RAF service in 1951, and its use with
the South African Air Force, the only other operator of the type.
Section 1 chronicles its design, ongoing improvements and development
through the three main Marks, in both the Maritime Reconnaissance and
Airborne Early Warning roles, until its retirement after four decades of
RAF service in 1991, which includes scores of contemporary photographs
with detailed captions, many of which have never been seen in print
before.
This is followed by a 16-page color illustration section featuring
profiles and 2-views of the color schemes and markings carried by the
type in RAF and SAAF service. The final section lists all the plastic
model kits, accessories and decal sheets produced of the Shackleton in
all scales.
As with the other books in the Flight Craft series, whilst published
primarily with the scale aircraft modeler in mind, it is hoped that
those readers who might perhaps describe themselves as 'occasional'
modelers may also find that this colorful and informative work offers
something to provoke their interests too.
