28 March 2022
BAE Systems has donated the last aircraft from its heritage collection to the Shuttleworth Trust: a De Havilland DH60 Cirrus Moth, Blackburn B2 and Avro Anson C-19.
The aircraft will be preserved and exhibited together and return to the skies at Old warden Airfield. As part of the transfer, BAE Systems is donating £75,000 towards the upkeep of the aircraft.
Sir Andy Pulford, Senior Military Advisor at BAE Systems, said, “Preserving and protecting our heritage is an important element of BAE Systems’ contribution to the UK and society.
“Historic aircraft embody the spirit of innovation and engineering excellence and continue to inspire engineers and young people to develop cutting edge technology and help keep our country safe.
“The expertise at the Trust means the aircraft will be preserved in pristine condition and returned to flight for the enjoyment of the public this summer.
The Anson is the first aircraft expected to return to flight as part of Shuttleworth’s flying season in May 2022.
De Havilland DH60 Cirrus Moth – G-EBLV. First flight: 1925
The DH60 was the world’s first truly practical and successful light aircraft for both the military and private owner. It was effectively the world’s first affordable, practical and safe light aeroplane with features such as folding wings to allow storage in small spaces, and the ability to be towed by a small car. This particular aircraft was once owned by Richard Shuttleworth, founder of the Shuttleworth Collection.
Blackburn B2 – G-AEBJ. First flight: 1936
The Blackburn B2 first flew at Brough on 10 December 1931. It was designed as a side-by-side biplane trainer aircraft, differing from the usual tandem layout of such aircraft. The B2 was designed to be immensely strong to enable it to withstand the rigours of instructional flying. This aircraft is the only surviving, airworthy example.
Avro Anson C19 – G-AHKX. First flight: 1946
The Avro Anson saw service with the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Canadian Air Force throughout World War II and beyond. The C19 variant replaced the previous aircraft’s wood and fabric wing with a metal construction. The aircraft’s current livery was painted in 2018 as part of RAF 100 commemorations and the aircraft represents TX176, an aircraft flown by the RAF until 1968.
