WR982

WR982 is an Avro Shackleton MR.3, built in 1958 and later upgraded to the Phase 3 standard known as the MR.3/3. That standard improved crew comfort on long ocean patrols, including a soundproofed wardroom. It joined No. 206 Squadron in March 1958.

It went on to fly with Nos. 203, 120 and 201 Squadrons, undergoing modifications and trials along the way. Between March and July 1966 it was fitted with a Viper turbojet on each wing to assist take-off. With four Griffons and two Vipers, the MR.3/3 had six engines in all.

The RAF withdrew WR982 in September 1970 and flew it to RAF Cosford. There it became instructional airframe 8106M for 18 years. When it was offered for sale in 1988, it was bought and delivered to Charlwood in pieces. Local volunteers reassembled it at what became the Gatwick Aviation Museum, founded by Peter Vallance.

Volunteers have since brought its Griffon engines back to ground-running condition. They are run at the museum's engine-run days, and the aircraft carries the code letter J. Former Shackleton crew members sometimes lead tours on board, subject to their availability.

Kept in ground-running condition; its Griffons are started on engine-run days, and short guided tours on board can be booked on arrival.