Earlier this week I got word that the Avro Shackleton MR.3 Pelican 22 would be doing an engine run this morning. I don't often get to go so cleared the morning for a visit to Air Force Base Ysterplaat and the SAAF Museum.
The Shackleton is positioned sideways in the hanger so that it can fit so this always makes for an interesting spectacle. The hanger is jam packed so any way to save space is mandatory.
Apart from the Shackleton there numerous aircraft, fixed wing, rotary, props and jets on static display in the hangar. These include MiG Killer Mirage F1CZ 213, Mirage IIIR2Z, Sabre, Buccaneer, C-47, Havard, Albatross, Super Frelon, Alouette III, Wasp and Whirlwind.
The focus of the visit however was the Shackleton, and what an awesome sight seeing her in the hangar and then slowly, gently being pulled sideways out of the hangar into the sun.
The crew diligently went about getting Pelican 22 ready for her engine run while the few enthusiasts busied themselves preparing the cameras. And then she was ready!!!
As the Griffon engines coughed and belched smoke and then roared to life, contra-props slowly turning before the engines being run up spinning the props furiously, horizonal and vertical stabilizers buffetted by the prop wash.
The sound is amazing, reverberating inside you, great stuff and definitely well worth experiencing.
The sound is amazing, reverberating inside you, great stuff and definitely well worth experiencing.
The SAAF Museum crew try bringing her out on the last Saturday of every month, depending on the weather.
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