In the effort to restore to flying condition Shackleton WR963, SPT is performing frequent engine runs, spinning up its four 2,450hp Rolls Royce Griffon 57As with their 13ft diameter contra-rotating propellers, hearing the distinctive sound that caused the Shackletons to be tagged with nickname “Growlers.” The plane has been registered as G-SKTN as the process of obtaining a CAA Permit to Fly gets underway and a huge fund-raising campaign kicks in. The aircraft is open to the public at Coventry each Saturday and the Shackleton’s Return To Flight Fund is accepting donations through the Friends of 963 Society.
We’ll be following the restoration of 963 as it progresses, bringing you updates on the efforts to turn back the years and return this Growler to the skies of England. In the meantime, here’s a video of a recent engine run on this beautiful aircraft:
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