Shuttleworth Trust Becomes New Home, Caretaker for DH60 Cirrus Moth

BAE Systems has given away the last remaining aircraft from its historical collection, handing over the De Havilland DH560 Cirrus Moth to the Shuttleworth Trust. 

The announcement completes the transfer of the company's last 3 vintage aircraft it had left in its museum fleet dating back a century. The Cirrus Moth will go to a good home, with BAE making a "significant donation towards the upkeep of the aircraft," and will be operated by the charitable Shuttleworth Trust alongside a fleet of other historic, unique, heritage aircraft. Last year, BAE Systems said it spent more than £670,000 on preservation efforts for pieces of aviation history under its purview, allowing the employment of specialists throughout the UK at its Farnborough archive and heritage centers across the country. That eye towards the company's position in history has continued, said Sir Andy Pulford, senior military advisor at the company, who described the preservation and protection of the company's legacy as an essential part of its larger duty to the United Kingdom. 

“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 Shuttleworth Trust maintains the memory of Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, the last heir of the Shuttleworth fortune. His interests in agriculture, racing, automobiles, and aviation led to the Trust taking on a role to "promote training and discovery in the knowledge and skills of agriculture and of aviation and automotive technology." Along with its sprawling rural campus, expansive garden, and impressive collection of early 20th century automobiles, the Trust operates some of the last remaining examples of vintage aircraft just like those inherited from BAE. Previous donations saw a Blackburn B2 and an Avro Anson C-19 transferred, allowing the trio of former British Aerospace stablemates to fly again together once more. 

“We are delighted to have worked with BAE Systems on this transfer of ownership," said Tim Routsis, aviation trustee. "Ensuring the aircraft remain at Shuttleworth for all to enjoy – not least with the DH60 Moth’s connection to Shuttleworth – was something at the forefront of our minds and we will welcome them back to the skies above Old Warden very soon.”

FMI: www.baesystems.com, www.shuttleworth.org