Burmese Seafires

BAe did indeed produce six reduction gearboxes for the Shackleton engines.
I have heard however that limitations on the power settings had to be put in place on the RNHF ‘Fly, though will have to check why.

Hi–

As I recall, sometime in the eighties (when Shack AEW2s were still operational), at least one Griffon intended for a Firefly was “hybridised” to employ Griff 57 (Shack) parts on a Griff 74 (Firefly 6). The engine builders referred to the resulting engine as a “Griffon Mk.574”. (Bit like what CWH did with the undercart on their Lanc–Lincoln struts used, so Shack 2 wheels and brakes could be installed, with their much more available tires. Necessity is the mother of invention!)

Firefly Is used a later Griffon than the short-block VI on Seafire XV/XVIIs, so not a candidate for “transplant”. I think SX336’s engine is the first Griff VI to turn since Mk.XV Seafire PR451 was run up briefly in 1986…

S.

Stuart – RR at Bristol converted a Griffon 58 to single prop shaft for a BBMF PR.19. I should imagine if it was a truly commercial job the bill would have been a little on the large side!

Wasn’t there a move to convert at least one 57/58 griffon to single prop shaft? they are only single stage aren’t they , but they are two speed ; what mark were the XV Seafires griffons originally ? and how do they compare with the 57/58’s.

Single stage yes but the Shack engine has the massive water injection aspiration system making it by my judgement too long to fit the XII, XV & XVII.

I took the precaution to acquire, when offered, a wheel house and carburettor assembly from a Mk VI Griffon to generate another engine for the future.

Those engines are about. Canada and Burma.

Mark

Wasn’t there a move to convert at least one 57/58 griffon to single prop shaft? they are only single stage aren’t they , but they are two speed ; what mark were the XV Seafires griffons originally ? and how do they compare with the 57/58’s.

I wonder in the long run if some of the Ethiopian Firefly recoveries will ‘donate’
their engines to Seafire XV projects . The sad reality is that a Firefly cannot command a resale value anywhere near a Spitfire/Seafire.

Only one made it to the US, and as I understand it , it has yet to be sold.

Short Griffons are incredibly rare, and that will be a big problem in restoring that aircraft to fly. Coupled with that, there is an awful lot missing from it!

Bruce

Perhaps not actually for sale methinks.

The owner has added Canadian PR503 to his collection.

I guess two Seafire XV’s makes a ‘fleet’. 🙂

Mark

Only one made it to the US, and as I understand it , it has yet to be sold.

Short Griffons are incredibly rare, and that will be a big problem in restoring that aircraft to fly. Coupled with that, there is an awful lot missing from it!

Bruce

These Seafires were earlier models (15’s, from memory) so I do not think the contra prop concept would be appropriate as they have ‘short’ noses.