Avro 696 Shackleton MR.2C Aircraft Data

During 1951, one of the three MR.1 prototypes, VW126, was modified to serve as the Mk.2 prototype and used as an aerodynamic test airframe, with the relocated retractable ASV-scanner installation under the fuselage. The modified VW126 first flew on 19 July 1951 from Woodford. The other Mk.2 prototype, WB833, was removed from the Mk.1A production line and rebuilt to Mk.2 standard. This aircraft was first flown on 17 June 1952 at Woodford. and delivered to the Aeroplane&Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down one month later. The trials were completed succesfully and a decision was taken to complete the last ten aircraft on the Mk.1A production line as MR.2s. These aircraft were serialled WG530-533 and WG553 to WG558. In total 70 MR.2s were delivered to the RAF, the first unit to receive the new aircraft was No.42 Squadron at RAF St. Eval in January 1953, with No.206 Squadron to follow a month later.
Shackleton MR.2 Phase I and II had four RR Griffon 57/57A (1,960 hp/1,460 kW and 2,345 hp/1,749 kW with water-methanol injection on take-off), whilst the Phase III had four Griffon 58s (2,450 hp/1,802 kW).



Shackleton MR.2 production
In total seventy MR.2 aircraft were produced by A.V. Roe and Co. Ltd. (Avro) at Chadderton.
Serials: WB833 (prototype), WG530-533, WG553-558, WL737-759, WL785-801 and WR951-969.

Of these 12 aircraft were converted to Shackleton AEW.2: WL741, 745, 747, 754, 756, 757, 790, 793, 795, WR960, 963 and 965.

Ten MR.2s were converted to T.2: WG533, 554, 558, WL739, 750, 787, WR964, 966, 967 and 969.


Shackleton MR.2 (and MR.3) aircraft were subjected to a series of updates:

Phase I:
New ASV Mk.21radar (Mod 600), Blue Silk doppler (Mod 674), ILS and various avionics upgrades.
Note: MR.2C was the early designation of the MR.2 Phase I.

Phase II:
Replacement of the sonoboy Mk.1s by the Mk.1C system, Green Salad VHF homer replaced by the UHF Violet Picture, Orange Harvest (ARI 18144) ECM-equipment added, a new intercom system installed, along with further avionics updates.

Phase III:
Complete rebuild and extensive modification of the cabin, identical to MR.3 Phase III aircraft, and a completely revised tactical station. A capability to release nuclear depth charges was effected. The spars were strenghtened and wings re-skinned, in fuel capacity increased by adding larger No.2 tanks, bringing total fuel capacity to 3,350 Imp gallons (24,944lb/11,314 kg). A fuel jettison system was installed as was a flare discharger. Four Griffon 58 with strenghtened gear boxes were fitted as the 12 kW 28 volt DC generators required increased capacity to feed the new navigation equipment and avionics.