Historic Avro Anson Mk.I European Debut Set to Captivate at Shuttleworth Military Airshow 2025

The Avro Anson Mk.I from RAF Station Czechoslovakia will debut in the Northern Hemisphere at the Shuttleworth Military Airshow in 2025, marking a historic moment for aviation enthusiasts. This rare aircraft, the world’s only airworthy example of its kind, has recently arrived in Belgium following an epic journey from New Zealand, sparking excitement across the aviation community.

Now in the hands of RAF Station Czechoslovakia, a dedicated collection of historic aircraft based at the Aviation Museum Hangar at Podhorany Airfield in the Czech Republic, the Anson is being carefully reassembled by FAST Aero in Belgium. Acquired in late 2024, this iconic plane, serial number MH120 (ZK-RRA), is undergoing final preparations and test flights in the coming weeks to ensure it’s ready for its much-anticipated appearance.

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Avro Anson Mk.I / Wings Over Wairarapa Air Festival 2023

This debut is set to take centre stage on Saturday, 31st of May at the Shuttleworth Military Airshow, an annual event held at the picturesque Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire, UK. Known for its breathtaking displays of vintage aircraft, the airshow draws crowds eager to witness living history take flight. The 2025 edition will be especially noteworthy, as the Anson’s arrival marks its first display in the Northern Hemisphere since a decade-long restoration returned it to its wartime glory. For those passionate about aviation or the stories of World War II, this is an event not to be missed.

The Avro Anson Mk.I carries a legacy that stretches back to the 1930s, when it was first designed as a maritime patrol aircraft by A.V. Roe and Co. Ltd. Taking flight in 1935, it was powered by two Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah IX engines and quickly became a backbone of the RAF’s Coastal Command during the early years of World War II. Nicknamed “Faithful Annie” for its steadfast reliability, the Anson protected convoys, hunted submarines, and even struck German invasion barges during the Battle of Britain. Built in 1943 at Yeadon near Leeds, MH120 served with both the RAF and the Royal Australian Air Force before transitioning to civilian life after the war.

In its technical design, the Anson reflects the ingenuity of its era. Spanning 17.52 meters across its wings, measuring 12.88 meters in length, and standing 4.1 meters tall, it was crafted for endurance and adaptability. Its two 410hp Cheetah IX supercharged radial engines propel it to a top speed of 296 km/h (184 mph), with a range extending to 1,320 km (820 miles) when fitted with extra fuel tanks. Capable of reaching 6,400 meters (21,000 ft) in altitude, it could carry bombs or equipment as needed. Modern enhancements, like the Holmsly Smoke System, allow it to create dramatic plumes during airshows, and its ability to climb on a single engine at lighter weights showcases its enduring performance.

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Avro Anson Mk.I / Photo source: RAF Station Czechoslovakia

After its military days, MH120 found new purpose in civilian hands. In 1953, Greenfield Air Taxis in Australia purchased it for £100, followed by Aerocartographic Service Pty Ltd in 1957, where it flew under Brain and Brown Airfreighters at Moorabbin Airport as VH-BAF. A dramatic chapter unfolded in 1960 when it crashed during takeoff, but rather than being scrapped, it was reborn. By 1963, under the guidance of Terry Brain—an Anson devotee—it was transformed into an Avro 652AM (Modified), boasting a metal wing from an Avro XIX and upgraded Cheetah XV engines, painted in a bold green and white scheme. By 1985, it stood as the last British-built Anson still flying, a tribute to Brain’s unwavering commitment.

The aircraft’s journey took it to New Zealand in 2002, where Bill Reid of Wakefield, Nelson, acquired it and registered it as ZK-RRA. Over the next decade, from 2003 to 2012, it underwent a painstaking restoration to its original 1940 RAF configuration. The work restored its Coastal Command camouflage, added a dorsal turret, and reinstated military-style cabin windows and a sloping cockpit windscreen. Today, it features a fully operational Armstrong Whitworth mid-upper gun turret with a replica Lewis Mk II machine gun, and its bomb bays can drop replica bombs, bringing authenticity to every demonstration.

That restoration effort paid off handsomely. In 2012, FlyPast Magazine crowned it the “Most significant warbird restoration of the year,” and its debut at the 2016 Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow in New Zealand left 50,000 spectators on their feet in applause. As one of only five active WWII RAF-type multi-engined bombers worldwide, its appearances have graced the covers of international warbird magazines, cementing its status as a global treasure.

The Shuttleworth Trust recently shared their delight at this last-minute addition to the 2025 lineup. They announced, “We’re thrilled to be announcing a last-minute addition to our Military Air Show line up... Subject to weather and serviceability, making its debut not just in the UK but in the Northern Hemisphere, we’ll be joined by the Avro Anson Mk.I from RAF Station Czechoslovakia on Saturday 31 May.” Their enthusiasm underscores the event’s promise as a highlight of the airshow season.

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Avro Anson Mk.I with Prince and Princess of Wales / Photo source: RAF Station Czechoslovakia

For aviation fans, the Anson’s debut at Shuttleworth is more than just a flight—it’s a bridge to the past. As the sole airworthy Mk.I of the 11,020 Ansons built, its survival is a testament to the dedication of those who’ve kept it aloft. From its wartime heroics to its celebrated restoration, this aircraft embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. When it soars over Old Warden in 2025, it will offer a rare glimpse into history, making it a moment to remember for all who witness it.

For more information on the Anson, go to the official website of the R.A.F. Station Czechoslovakia by clicking here and for more information on the Shuttleworth Military Airshow, click here.