An unusual restoration project in Cambridgeshire has been given a helping hand by global cutting-tool manufacturer Dormer Pramet (
www.dormerpramet.com).
The Stirling Aircraft Project in Alconbury is reconstructing the forward fuselage of a Short Stirling (the first of the RAF’s 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 some sections.
Dormer Pramet has donated a range of sheet-metal drills and stub drills for drilling imperial bolts, rivets and split pins.
The sheet-metal drills (A123 and A119) are specifically designed for drilling thin sheet steel and panels; they are available in several standard sizes to suit common rivets, screws and bolts.
The A022 stub drill features a self-centring split point for excellent positional accuracy and hole quality. Its TiN tip coating offers extended tool life and increased performance.
John Lathwell, secretary of the Stirling Aircraft Project, said: “We are rebuilding the forward fuselage section of a 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 registered charity, we rely on donations and goodwill gestures from companies such as Dormer Pramet to keep the project going, so we are very grateful for their support.
“Our aim is to have a completed cockpit on display at the RAF Museum in Hendon.”
More information can be found on the Stirling Aircraft Project Web site (
www.stirlingproject.co.uk).