Did you know…
What aircraft did Shackleton bring on his 1921 expedition?
Short answer
The Shackleton–Rowett expedition brought a modified Avro Baby converted into a seaplane, with an 80 horsepower engine, and hired Royal Air Force pilot Roderick Carr to fly it. With some parts missing, the aircraft was never used and Carr ended up helping with scientific work instead.
An Avro Baby converted into a seaplane
To fly the expedition's aircraft, a modified Avro Baby converted into a seaplane and fitted with an 80 horsepower engine, New Zealand-born Royal Air Force pilot Roderick Carr was hired.
The parts left behind in Cape Town
The aircraft was not used during the expedition due to missing parts, and Carr ended up helping with general scientific work instead. According to Fisher's account, essential parts of the aircraft had been shipped to Cape Town, where they were left uncollected.
What Shackleton wanted to test
Being unable to use the aircraft was a disappointment: Shackleton had hoped to pioneer the use of air transport in Antarctic waters and had discussed the matter with the British Air Ministry.
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