Archive for August, 2017

Sun Shines as Crowd’s Flock to Wings & Wheels

Wednesday, August 30th, 2017

747 and Red Arrows by OneSnap

The thirteenth Wings & Wheels basked in glorious sunshine over the August Bank Holiday as crowds flocked to the annual air and motoring show at Dunsfold Aerodrome. It wasn’t just the temperature that soared as visitors were treated to world class flying displays from the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook and The Blades along with demonstrations from vintage and rare supercars on the Top Gear track and even a marriage proposal!

The Arena rocked to the sound of explosions and gunfire as the Apache Attack Helicopter Display team demonstrated its power and might, a dog fight demo from the two-seater Spitfire PV202 and Hispano Buchon (Messerschmitt) showed just how skilled pilots were in the Second World War and Brooklands Museum’s VC10 completed some ear-splitting engine runs alongside tanks that fired and rumbled in the Military Zone.

Welcome new additions to the airshow line-up included the Strikemaster, a pure turbo jet export version of the Jet Provost flown by Canadian pilot Mark Petrie, the quirky Gyrocopter flown expertly up close and personal to the crowd by Peter Davies and one of the most famous helicopters in the world and a genuine Vietnam veteran, the Bell UH-1 affectionately known as ‘Huey’.

The ‘Wings’ of the event was completed with a close-up inspection of many the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, two Hawk T2s, two Tucanos and an Apache where pilots were on hand to give tours of their impressive aircraft, in the static aircraft park.

Some rare supercars blasted down the runway in the Wheels Zone motoring demonstration including two Koenigseggs; an Agera N, only one of one made, and an Agera R which is no. 18 of 18, both hitting speeds up of to 194mph. Brooklands Museum orchestrated more displays from more than 150 cars in the motoring paddock including the Bentley 4.5 Ltr Le Mans, McLaren 570S, Lamborghini Diablo, Honda Civic Type R Black Edition, three American V8 NASCARS, a 1970 Grenade Dragster and Ferraris’ LaFerrari.

The Stunt Zone enjoyed two and four wheeled hair-raising performances from Wheelie Joe and Mission Motorsport with the popular Monster Truck giving passenger rides throughout the weekend.

The Arena had lots to see and do with the free Sid’s Zone full of our littlest visitors colouring and playing all day and shopping was plentiful with over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products, and a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats and the *New* Vintage Market with delicious food, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touched down Champagne at the Blitz ended the Show with some musical evening entertainment and dancing as the 1940s songbird trio belted out their smooth harmonies in seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

To top the weekend off Chiddingfold resident Hunor Gal surprised girlfriend Erika Lenart with a big romantic proposal in front of the crowds on Sunday (27th August). With help from the Wings & Wheels team and the Tigers Parachute Display Team, Hunor got his happy ending when Erika said yes!

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “It was a spectacular weekend with first class air displays, including a number of new displays not seen before, a host of rare and vintage cars in the Wheels Zone for the petrol heads, lots to see and do in the arena and even a marriage proposal! The success of the Show is down to all those who work so hard in the lead-up to and during the event along with our visitors who support the show so enthusiastically by joining us over the weekend. We had a great Show and are looking forward to doing it all again on 25th and 26th August 2018!”

www.wingsandwheels.net

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Rolling Thunder at Yorkshire Air Museum- Sunday 27th August

Friday, August 25th, 2017

Victor

This coming Sunday, in a grand end to the summer holiday, Elvington Airfield will reverberate to the sound of the Yorkshire Air Museum’s mighty jets as we stage another, eagerly anticipated “Rolling Thunder” Day, after a two year break. Fresh from a winter deep overhaul and repaint, the Yorkshire built Blackburn (Hawker Siddeley) Buccaneer XN974 will provide a striking spectacle in its fabulous and original Fleet Air Arm markings and will be the first time the aircraft has been seen on Elvington’s runway in this colour scheme since the aircraft’s development in 1964. XN974 was the prototype for the Naval carrier based variant of the superb Buccaneer low-level strike aircraft, and the aircraft set a record in 1965 by becoming the first Fleet Air Arm aircraft to make the transatlantic route from Goose Bay, Newfoundland, Canada to RNAS Lossiemouth, Scotland, non stop without refuelling. (See image: A56E5458).

The ‘Cold War’ jets:
Nimrod MR2 XV250, the ‘Mighty Hunter’, as this ‘high tech’ intelligence gathering, surveillance and submarine tracking aircraft was known as, will give full vent to her four Rolls Royce Spey engines to roar off down the runway, as her dedicated team pay tribute to all those who spent many hours of duty aboard these impressive hunter aircraft. XV250 is indeed maintained as a ‘living’ Memorial to the 14 crew of Nimrod XV230, who lost their lives in the tragic accident in Afghanistan in 2006.

Then it will be the turn of the awesome Handley Page Victor XL231 (See image: 7DAFB494). Famously known as “Lusty Lindy”, this aircraft started out as part of Britain’s airborne nuclear deterrent in the late 1950’s, later converting to the Tanker role for air to air refuelling, where it saw action in the Falklands War in the Ascension Island theatre and then in the first Gulf War, in “Desert Storm”, where it was given it’s distinctive name! It is the best example of only two surviving ground operational Victor’s in the world, so is always a huge draw for enthusiasts when the rare chance comes to hear her four mighty Rolls Royce Conway engines set the ground shaking as this still futuristic looking aircraft sets off at high speed down the 10 000ft runway.

Our vintage propeller aircraft will also see action with the two WWI bi-planes conducting static engine runs on the Museum site in the morning. Our WWII Douglas C-47 Dakota and 1947 De Havilland Devon twin props will also conduct taxi runs on the airfield for a full day of ‘kerosene infused’ action!!

Ian Reed, Museum Director, comments: “Famous for being the venue for motorsport driving days, numerous world record attempts and other high speed feats of daring, this vast runway, formerly part of the WWII RAF Bomber Command base of RAF Elvington, is the perfect place to ’exercise’ these high performance aircraft in front of an adoring audience and we are thrilled at this opportunity and extend our thanks to Elvington Parks for their cooperation in staging this event.”

Admission is £12 Adults, £10 Concession, £5 Child and £30 Family. Gates open at 10:00am. www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

On a knife edge with Richard Goodwin

Friday, August 25th, 2017

Pitts Special by Paul Johnson

Richard Goodwin, a former military and commercial pilot, returns to Wings & Wheels on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August flying his specially modified Pitts S2S biplane, known as G-EWIZ, to wow fans with stunning aerobatic displays.

Using his experience and skills, Richard combines classic manoeuvres with high energy gyroscopic forces to produce a very dynamic routine that leaves the crowd gasping in wonder that he stays in the sky!

This year Richard has something rather special planned with a knife edge formation on the runway with a classic car – don’t miss it!

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “This display literally takes your breath away. It’s fast, daring and exhilarating, and we are delighted to welcome Richard Goodwin and his remarkable display back to Wings & Wheels. It’s the only part of the display which also combines aviation and motoring and is a spectacle not to be missed.”
G-EWIZ is powered by a six cylinder, 8.5 litre engine producing over 300bhp and pulls forces of plus 6g and minus 5g at speeds of over 200mph. The Pitts S2S first flew in December 1977 and is a unique single-seat version of the classic Pitts Special aerobatic biplane powered by a fuel injected Lycoming engine. It is amazingly agile and capable of spectacular tumbles and a different style of high energy aerobatics. The plane’s unique paint scheme was designed and created by Mirco Pecorari at Aircraft Studio Design.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, Blades, B25 Mitchell and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

The Flying Circus Comes to Wings & Wheels

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017

Piper Cub by Paul Johnson

We are delighted to confirm that O’Brien’s Flying Circus has joined the five-hour air displays line-up at Wings & Wheels on Saturday 26th And Sunday 27th August. Brendan O’ Brien and his team have created an awe-inspiring display which is a mix of barnstorming and innovation, combining the art of crazy flying with the precision required to land on the world’s smallest runway – a truck!

With over 13,000 flying hours, on over 300 types of aircraft, with a licence to fly every kind of aerial machine, internationally renowned aviator Brendan O’Brien will not only be in the display but will again resume his position in the commentary box in order to impart his aircraft knowledge to the crowds at this year’s Wings & Wheels.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Brendan is not only superb in the commentary box, but his exciting display is a family favourite. A little bonkers and lots of fun we can’t wait to see if Brendan can land his plane on the truck!”
Brendan has developed several memorable and unusual firsts for the UK and European display circuit, including the Fournier Duo Aerial Ballet with Unipart and the famous Truck-top Landing act with Iveco Ford. It is the Truck-top landing act which Brendan will be performing at Wings & Wheels in the Piper J-3 Cub.

Brendan holds in excess of 200 world records for flying – more than any other individual pilot – all ratified by the FAI in Paris and entered in the Guinness Book of Records. He is also a qualified flying instructor on fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, Microlights and gliders, a CAA flight examiner, display authorisation evaluator, test pilot and medallist of the Royal Aero Club of the UK. He has flown on every continent in the world, including Antarctica.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

The Wheels Zone will roar to life this Bank Holiday at Wings & Wheels

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017

Richard Wade Bentley

The Wheels Zone is a petrol heads delight with a host of car and motorbike clubs, a Stunt Zone with two and four wheeled dramatic action, monster truck rides and a Motoring Demonstration with over 100 vintage and modern supercars showing their metal on the infamous Top Gear Track.

This Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August we’ve got some truly spectacular cars, including one of the original hyper cars, the Lamborghini Diablo. This 1993 car kicks out over 480bhp from its screaming V12 engine. The name ‘Diablo’ in Spanish means Devil and this car certainly lives up to that name and with only 900 made, it is a real classic.

Joining the Diablo is the latest Hyper car, the Ferraris LaFerrari. Powered by a V12 engine producing 789bhp, it is supplemented by a Hybrid KERS unit which pushes the power to 950bhp. This is the fastest production Ferrari to ever lap their Fiorano Test Circuit and can reach 186mph in 15 seconds! That is four seconds quicker that it takes Bolt to run the 200m.

Koenigsegg, a Swedish motor car company founded in 1994, set out with the aim of producing a “world class” supercar and we are thrille d to have two at the show on Sunday. The Agera N, only one of one, and the Agera R which is no. 18 of 18. These monsters produce over 1,000bhp from a twin turboed 5 litre V8 engine which allowed the car to break six land speed records in 2011 including 0-186 in 14.53seconds, that’s quicker than Ferraris LaFerrari.

Three American NASCARS will also be participating in the Motoring Demonstration. These three monsters of the States will thunder up the runway powered by their V8 Engines producing over 800hp.

Next up is the Bentley 4.5 Ltr Le Mans. This amazing car from 1928 is affectionately known as Burbling Bertie by his owner Richard Wade. Bertie was a works development car for Bentley before being sold privately and turned into an estate car during the war. After the war Bertie was restored to his original specifications and has since been extensively rallied, sprinted, displayed and lightly raced all over Europe at places such as The Le Mans Classic and Montlhery. Bertie’s Top Speed is approximately 100mph, depending on which way the wind is blowing!

We are delighted to be welcoming the Honda Civic Type R Black Edition, one of only 100 special editions of the iconic turbo charged Civic Type R. The car is painted all in black, set off with red wing tips and produces over 300bhp through its front wheels from its turbocharged 2ltr engine. The Civic Type R is the fastest front wheel drive production car with a lap time around the Nordschleife in 7:43.80 and has a top speed of 160mph.

It wouldn’t be right to have a motoring event without a McLaren on the track and this year we have a McLaren 570S flying down the runway. The 570BHP engine has impressive power able to achieve 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100mph in 5.3 seconds and 0-125mph in 9 seconds.

Russ Carpenter Racing is bringing their 1970 Grenade Dragster, one of the first all British built rear engine dragsters. Built in 1970 Russ won numerous British and European championships from the mid 70’s until 1989 including being crowned RAC Champion 1982 and winning the first two European Series Championships in 1987 and 1988, before being outlawed from racing for being too fast. He was an ambassador promoting Drag Racing all over Europe visiting many towns in France including racing at Le Mans, Sweden, Hockenheim in Germany, the A1Ring in Austria and Zandvort in Holland. He holds two World Records for the first all British car and the first car under 5.5 litres to run a standing quarter mile in less than 8 seconds anywhere in the world, as well as numerous track records in his class. This incredible car will be on static display at Wings & Wheels this year next to the Wheels Zone Information point, it is one car not to be missed!

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, Blades, Sally B, Brendan O’Brien’s Flying Circus, Strikemaster, Vampire Duo and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Static Line-up at Wings & Wheels Just Got Even More Exciting

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017

Wings and Wheels

As well as fantastic displays in the air, the Wings Park at Wings & Wheels will have some impressive aircraft for visitors to get up close and personal too. Attending both days is the Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopter, AAC Apache Helicopter, RAF Hawk T2 and RAF Tucano as well as the aerodrome’s resident 747, Sea Hawk and Hunter, Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3.

The Wildcat Maritime Attack Helicopter is the latest generation of multi-role helicopter specifically procured to operate from the frigates and destroyers of the Royal Navy. Replacing the Lynx Mk8, the Wildcat has a more powerful engine allowing it to be flown in extreme conditions all year round. It is also equipped with a more robust fuselage, a high tech interactive display and a new radar system that provides 360-degree surveillance.

Not content with putting on an explosive display in the sky, the Apache will also be on the ground. Designed to hunt and destroy tanks, the Apache attack helicopter can operate in all weather, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds. It carries a mix of weapons including rockets, Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun, as well as a state of the art fully integrated defensive aid suite.

The Hawk has a rich history at Dunsfold Aerodrome and is also the aircraft the Red Arrows fly. The Hawk T TMk2 on static display is a fully aerobatic, low wing, transonic, tandem 2-seat training aircraft with mission avionics, representative of front-line aircraft. The Hawk has tandem seats, with full controls available in the front and rear cockpits. The aircraft’s ‘glass cockpit’ avionics suite provides a realistic advanced fast jet training platform.

The RAF Tucano will be parked up and on display with the rest of the aircraft at Wings & Wheels. Operated primarily from No 1 Flying Training School, at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, to provide basic fast jet flying training to RAF and RN student pilots, and basic WSO training to all potential RAF WSOs. The aircraft is powered by an 1150shp Garrett Turboprop engine, has a maximum speed of 300kts (345mph) and can maintain 270kts (310mph) at low level. It can operate at up to 30,000 feet and has an initial climb rate of 4000 feet per minute.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We have a fantastic collection of aircraft in the Wings Park that visitors can take a close up inspection of. Pilots will be on hand to chat to them about their aircraft and tours will be available of the 747, VC10 and DC3.”

The VC10 will also be completing much anticipated engine demonstration runs twice daily in the Wings Park. Bring your ear defenders and prepare for the ground to shake!

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

75 years on – the story behind Hampden P1344’s final flight

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017

Hampden Bomber by Peter Arnold

Date: 5 September 2017
Time: 7.00pm / aircraft viewing following the lecture
Cost: £7.50 per person

The Handley Page Hampden Bomber P1344 (PL-K), currently undergoing conservation at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be subject of a lecture taking place on Tuesday 5 September 2017. The lecture will be presented by the Museum’s Conservation Centre Manager who has personal experience working to restore the aircraft and with former crew and family members. The evening lecture will include details of the dramatic story behind its final flight, which took place exactly 75 years earlier, plus a behind the scenes look at how the aircraft looks today!

The RAF Museum Cosford will be holding a lecture examining the aircraft’s known history, its final flight and what happened to the crew who survived the crash landing. The talk will be held in the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition lecture theatre, commencing at 7.00pm and tickets are limited to just 200 visitors. Special guests will include relatives of the Hampden crew members, who, over the years have visited the Museum to view progress and to share information.

Following the lecture, attendees will be invited to the Conservation Centre to get up close to the aircraft, currently being restored. This exclusive after-hours access to the aircraft, in an area which is not usually open to the public, will give those attending the lecture the chance to speak directly with the team working on it.

RAF Museum Conservation Centre Manager, Darren Priday said:
“The Hampden was my first project when I started with the Museum back in 2005 and that’s where my interest started in the aircraft. Compared to other Bomber Command aircraft it is not a very well-known one but it certainly played an important role during the Second World War. My talk is a chance for the audience to learn more about the type and the brave young men who flew them followed by a visit to view the restoration at the Conservation Centre, on the 75th anniversary of its last flight”.

The Hampden is one of the Museum’s longest running conservation projects, which has progressed considerably over the last year. As one of only three examples of the type remaining, the significance of this project is huge. Work carried out onsite at Cosford has included manufacturing a forward fuselage and the aircraft tailplane, incorporating some existing fixtures and fittings from the original aircraft which suffered severe damage during its crash landing. Over the coming months work will progress on restoring and re-building the tailboom and once that work is complete, there will be a complete fuselage.

Places at the lecture cost £7.50 per person and parking on the night is free of charge. Tickets for the lecture are now on sale via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

Vampire Pair Joins Wings & Wheels Line-up

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017

Vampires by Pete Gardner

The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron are the latest addition to the Wings & Wheels line-up on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August as they display their two de Havilland Vampires.

Loud and exciting, the first de Havilland Vampire FB.52 on display is the export version of the Mk 6 of which 101 were built and 36 exported to Norway. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

The second de Havilland Vampire T.55 was the export version of the DH 115 trainer in RAF service known at the T.11. 216, six of which were exported to Norway and in use from 1952 to 1955. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-M, a two – seater serving with 336 squadron.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Vampires make a great addition to the Wings & Wheels line-up. The site and sounds of the two jets as they roar over the aerodrome will be an impressive spectacle and one we know will excite and delight our visitors.”
The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron was founded in 2008 and is based at Rygge Air Base Norway. Their first aircraft was the D.H. Vampire, PX-M which was acquired in 2005.

The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British fighter jet developed during the Second World War. It was designed to harness the newly developed jet engine and entered service with the RAF in 1945. It was the first fighter jet to be powered by a single jet engine.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Champagne at The Blitz bring nostalgic and uplifting musical entertainment to Wings & Wheels

Sunday, August 20th, 2017

Champagne at the Blitz

Complete with vintage microphones, beautiful harmonies and victory rolls, Champagne at the Blitz will be entertaining the crowds across the arena and into the evening at Wings & Wheels on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August.

Taking you for a trip down memory lane, back to a bygone era, the vintage styled singing trio will be giving all the best loved classics of the wartime era and beyond, a heartfelt revival. With their signature red lippy, eye catching costumes and authentic seamed nylons, Champagne at the Blitz will showcase their repertoire of all the best loved songs from the 1940s, 50s and more, including modern tracks you can hear on the radio today.

In full three-part harmony and finished off with a twist of ‘Champagne’, they will bring you wartime songs such as ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’ and ‘I’ll be with you in Apple Blossom time’. Bringing the original sounds of The Andrews Sisters back to life live on stage their set will also include popular 50s tracks such as ‘Be My Baby’ and ‘Why do fools fall in love’ for anyone who is ‘In the Mood’ to get up and ‘Boogie Woogie’ along with them!

Jenny, Caroline and Sarah have sung together for many years and formed the group by popular demand two years ago. Within that time, they’ve performed at festivals, private functions, charity events and even appeared live on Good Morning Britain.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Champagne at the Blitz will be popping up throughout the arena before their main set commences in the central arena at 17:30 once the last plane has touched down. It’s the perfect end to the day where people can sit, eat and relax whilst watching, listening – and even dancing – to some classic wartime songs.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Museum Publishes Smuts Report

Thursday, August 17th, 2017

On 17 August 1917 General Jan Smuts presented his recommendations to the War Cabinet for the creation of an Air Ministry to control and administer all matters in connection with air warfare of every kind.

Smuts report specified that the new ministry should proceed to work out the arrangements for the amalgamation of the two (Air) services; the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and for the legal constitution and discipline of the new Service.

The report stated that ‘the day may not be far off when aerial operations with their devastation of enemy lands and destruction of industrial and populous centres on a vast scale may become the principle operations of war, to which the older forms of military and naval operations may become secondary and subordinate.’

This report laid the foundations for the creation of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918 and may be read in full online via the RAF Museum’s website: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/news/museum-publishes-smuts-report/

Forged in the crucible of the First World War, the story of the Royal Air Force has shaped the modern world. By inspiring technological development, pioneering cultural change and pushing the boundaries of human achievement, the RAF has touched the lives of millions around the globe.

With the services 100th anniversary approaching next year, the RAF Museum is hard at work preparing for the historic occasion by delivering a £26m RAF Centenary Programme at its London site, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The new exhibition halls at London will be opening in Summer 2018 as part of the wider calendar of national RAF events. Until then it’s business as usual at both RAF Museum sites, open daily from 10am and admission is FREE.