The Stirling Aircraft Project in Alconbury is reconstructing the forward fuselage of a Short Stirling – the first of the RAFs four-engine aircraft to enter service in the Second World War.
The project involves salvaging old Stirling parts from across Europe, as well as re-engineering sections, to bring the fuselage and its key components together.
Cutting tool supplier Dormer Pramet has given its support by donating a range of sheet metal drills and stub drills to the project for drilling imperial bolts, rivets and split pins.
The Dormer sheet metal drills (A123 and A119) are specifically designed for drilling thin sheet steel and panels at a high quality, with reliable performance. They are available in several standard sizes to suit common rivets, screws and bolts.
Its A022 HSS TiN tip coated stub drill features a self-centring split-point for excellent positional accuracy and hole quality. The TiN tip coating offers extended tool life and increased performance.
Says Stirling Aircraft Project secretary John Lathwell: “We are re-building an ‘extinct’ aircraft by constructing the forward fuselage section of the Short Stirling, incorporating the main crew stations. This will then be a lasting tribute to the people who designed, built, flew and maintained this historic aircraft.
“As a UK registered charity we must rely on donations and good will gestures from companies such as Dormer Pramet to keep the project going, so we are very grateful for their support.
“Our eventual aim is to have a completed cockpit on display at RAF Museum Hendon, where future generations can view and experience the Stirling.”
