AVRO 696 Shackleton 4

Of the above eight Mark 3s were built for the South
African Air Force (SAAF). These were the only Shackletons
built for a foreign order and were the last Shackletons flying
in the world, staying in service until late 1984.

With the M.K.3 the increased weight gave Avro further
problems with take-off. This was solved by incorporation
into the outer engine nacelles of Armstrong Siddeley Viper
Jet Engines.

(Colour Photogrhaph showing - A SAAF Shackleton Mk.3.)

The development of the Shackleton had now gone as far as
possible. This did not stop Avro retro-fitting some now
ageing M.R.1 and M.R.1 A's with internal modification to
provide an M.R.3 style navigation and radio configuration.
The strains on the airframe of the M.K.3 meant they had a
shorter service life and they were survived in service by
M.R.2's. Avro modified a number of M.R.2's as part of the
development programme and theses were classed as M.R.2 C.
These variants had the enhanced offensive capabilities and
superior navigation systems developed in the M.R.3.

(Monochrome Photograph showing - Close-up of Viper installation.)