After four months the scaffolding has now been removed from the nose and forward fuselage of Avro Shackleton WR977 at Newark Air Museum (NAM).

The bespoke scaffolding system was installed to allow teams of museum volunteers to work on this significant restoration and repainting project in safe conditions.

This work has included:
– replacement and re-sealing of the main cockpit glazing
– in-depth cleaning and lichen removal on the upper fuselage surface
– re-sealing the upper escape hatch just behind the cockpit
– conservation of, and the painting of this area of the aircraft

During the work period, WR977 remained open as part of the museum’s open cockpit offer. The modest contributions for accessing this iconic aircraft contributed towards the cost of scaffolding hire, materials and paint/chemicals. The museum is also thankful to those who contributed to its Just Giving Campaign, which is now closed.

In future further restoration work will be undertaken on the remainder of the airframe. A scheme will also be evaluated to raise the aircraft nose wheels from their current position. This will involve the analysis of data from the jacking pads that were constructed underneath the aircraft and the refurbished jacks to be installed under both wings of the aircraft.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Our third theme focus:

Join us in celebrating 75 years of NATO at RIAT

Since it was established in the early 1970s, the Air Tattoo has been committed to demonstrating the importance of the NATO Alliance. The role of NATO has been to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries.

NATO TOP FACTS

• First formed on the 4th April 1949
• First original 12 members were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom and United States
• The latest country to join is Finland which joined on the 4th April 2023
• The only military equipment that NATO owns is a fleet of AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control) surveillance aircraft and several Global Hawk drones

In the run-up, stay tuned to our socials and emails for updates on all NATO aircraft that will attend the show. There may be a few unique announcements down the line, so keep your eyes on this space!

Next month we plan to have another special announcement ready, but you will have to wait until then to find out…

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages

Did you know that next year will mark 100 year of British military test flights? We want to celebrate the pioneers of aviation at RIAT24 and everything they learnt over the last century.

After all, we would never have made it to space, without those early trailblazers. Who knows what the next generation of test pilots will achieve. Space is the limit…

At RIAT24

Experience specialised, modified and instrumented test flight aircraft from around the world dedicated to flight test, evaluation and scientific research.

RIAT aims to be a hub for the future of air & space, showcasing the aviation industry’s ground-breaking advancements both on the ground in our Techno Zone as well as in the skies.

Secure your place at RIAT24 by getting your tickets now:

www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages

The RAF Cosford Air Show will return on Sunday 9th June 2024.

A capacity crowd of 55,000 people attended the Air Show in 2023 and organisers are promising the same excitement in the air and on the ground for 2024.

This year’s theme is ‘Take Flight.’ Kickstart your interest in a career in the RAF, and develop an understanding of what the Service does for the defence of the United Kingdom; Get close to the cutting edge of technology with RAF aircraft & unique attractions across the showground; And immerse yourself in a thrilling, action-packed flying display programme.

RAF Cosford Air Show Chair, Wing Commander Justin Blackie, said: ‘I am delighted that we can announce the return of the air show today. It’s a highlight of the air show calendar and an important event for the Royal Air Force and aviation in general.

‘The air show remains a great way for us to engage with the public, to showcase the Royal Air Force’s capabilities and to celebrate the Service’s history while looking forward to the next generation of its people and technology. I am very much looking forward to the event and I hope to see returning enthusiasts, but also many new faces, it’s a great family day out.’

Organisers are already talking to colleagues from across Defence, partners from other nations’ air forces and members of the wider private aviation community to see what aircraft are available to display on the Shropshire base.

For the 2024 Air Show, Standard Adult Tickets are on sale for £40 with Under-16s still entering the air show for free, when accompanied by a paying adult. This year, organisers have introduced a new scheme to freeze a limited number of tickets at last year’s price.

Marilyn Summers, the Air Show’s Commercial Director said: ‘We know how important it is to keep the Air Show going for future generations. Over the last few years, prices have gone up across the board and we’ve felt the pinch in everything from aviation fuel to toilet hire. We have absorbed all rising costs since 2019, but this year we’ve had to increase ticket prices to ensure we can continue to bring you an amazing show year after year.

‘We’re committed to making the Air Show as affordable as possible for everyone, which is why we’ve frozen a limited quantity of tickets at last year’s price, to give families a great opportunity to buy tickets for only £34, saving 15% on the standard ticket price.’

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show go on sale at 10am on Friday 17th November 2023 and can be purchased at www.CosfordAirShow.co.uk

Just under four years ago, in January 2020, the proposed transfer of Eurofighter Typhoon DA4 (ZH590) from the Imperial War Museums (IWM) to the Newark Air Museum (NAM) was put on hold. Information is now available about that transfer and sadly, the disappointing news is not what the NAM trustees, volunteers and staff have worked long and hard for.

We anticipate that a joint Press Statement from IWM and the RAF will be released that explains the situation, we will share this with everyone when it is available. Apart from thanking the staff at IWM Duxford for their support throughout the project to transfer DA4 to Newark; at this time the NAM trustees do not wish to make any further statement about the complex and at times baffling situation.

That said, the trustees are mindful that a number of people have made financial contributions towards the costs associated with planned move of DA4 to our site here in eastern Nottinghamshire.

Whilst all of the funds raised were used towards the cost of laying an additional hardstanding area behind the museum café that would have allowed for the safe reconstruction of DA4, the NAM trustees appreciate that some people may not feel that their donations from the original fund raising appeal were used as intended.

Anyone who wishes to seek the repayment of their donation is asked to make contact with the museum via this EMAIL link and provide details of their contribution.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Date: Sunday 12 November
Time: 10.30am arrival / 10.45am service commences
Cost: FREE (pre-booking required)

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands will hold a Service of Remembrance on Sunday 12 November, paying respect to members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

Visitors are invited to join the service, led by RAF Cosford Senior Station Chaplain Craig Lancaster, and reflect on the sacrifices made by service personnel. A marching contingent from No 1 Radio School, RAF Cosford will begin the proceedings, the service will include readings, hymns and the sounding of ‘The Last Post’, followed by a two minute silence.

Those attending will enjoy hymns throughout the service courtesy of the Cosford Military Wives Choir, and poems read aloud by local children. Wreaths will be laid by representatives from the Museum, RAF Cosford, and the Cosford Military Wives Choir, in honour of those who have fallen in the line of duty.

The Remembrance Service will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 against a backdrop of aircraft, and free tickets for up to 450 guests are available to book in advance at rafmuseum.org/midlands. Access without a ticket may not be possible. Visitors are politely requested to assemble no later than 10.30am ready for the Service to commence at 10.45am. Visitors are also encouraged to take time to explore the Museum at their own leisure after the service.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Discover more about the Museum and pre-book your arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org.