Month: November 2025

Historic Aircraft Collection’s Hawker Hurricane Makes Move to Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth Hurricane

On 26 November 2025, pilot Dave Harvey flew Hawker Hurricane G-HURI into Shuttleworth (Old Warden) Aerodrome, where the aircraft will now reside amongst Shuttleworth’s own Collection aircraft. Staff were thrilled to welcome another Hurricane into the Collection hangars – with their own Hawker Sea Hurricane being a firm favourite with visitors.

Acquired by Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002, Hawker Hurricane G-HURI was one of the first civilian Hurricanes flying in 1989. Over the years, it has worn many schemes – including 71, 126 and 303 Squadrons – and now wears the 302 (City of Poznan) Squadron colour scheme. The squadron codes depicted are also significant in representing two Polish pilots who were scrambled out of RAF Duxford during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Flying Officer J Kowalski and Flight Lieutenant T Chlopik left the base on 15 September 1940 with only Kowalski going on to survive the war – Chlopik was killed in action later that day.

The aircraft was part of the 2005 ‘Merlins Over Malta’ project that saw it fly with Spitfire VB BM597 over Malta in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII, and is due to take part of Polish Heritage Flight’s upcoming commemorative flight to Poland.

Pilot Dave Harvey, said, “We are delighted to begin this new chapter for Hawker Hurricane G-HURI at Old Warden, surrounded by the remarkable aircraft of the Shuttleworth Collection. We look forward with great anticipation to our first air show season at one of the UK’s premier airshow venues.”

John Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth, said, “We are thrilled to now house this fantastic aircraft amongst our own Collection. With two Hurricanes now residing at Old Warden, we’re even more excited for the air show season ahead.”

Hawker Hurricane G-HURI is now on display in Hangar 4 of the Shuttleworth Collection – aptly named ‘Dangerous Skies’ for its celebration of iconic military aircraft. To see the aircraft, you can purchase 30-day return tickets to Shuttleworth Collection and Garden or look out for which of Shuttleworth’s 2026 air shows will feature a display from the aircraft (once confirmed) via www.shuttleworth.org.

Autumn Update at Newark Air Museum

Newark Air Museum Lightning

The recent drop in temperatures has meant that volunteers at Newark Air Museum (NAM) have been forced to reduce the amount of work being undertaken on the external exhibits around the site.

However, this was not before they were able to complete the all-important application of detailed markings on their repainted Jaguar XX829. This T2A version of the Anglo-French strike fighter training aircraft now wears the wraparound camouflage markings it once wore whilst in squadron service with 54 Squadron.

Sadly, work on the adjacent Lightning T5 aircraft, XS417 has also been suspended due to the weather, this is before the new 56 Squadron repaint could be completed. XS417 still requires the application of the detailed markings, which will be carried out when temperatures rise to acceptable levels.

Some in-depth restoration work is currently underway on the Blue Steel missile, which has been moved into NAM’s on site Workshop.

Elsewhere on site planning is underway for the 2026 restoration projects that will be resourced and implemented in the New Year.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Something big is about to land…

RIAT Black Friday

Get ready, our Black Friday event is almost here with up to 50% off a huge range of products! This year’s sale runs from 24th November to 2nd December and features savings on RIAT25 merchandise and much more.

Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift, this is your chance to grab fan favourites at their best prices of the year. Stock is limited, and once these offers go live, they won’t stick around for long.

Stay tuned and keep an eye on our socials – Black Friday starts soon, and you won’t want to miss it.

Explore all Merch

Viewing Village Garden – don’t miss out on the best savings!

Viewing Village Garden Saturday tickets are currently 5% off, but only until midnight on Sunday 23rd November.

Once the offer ends, these tickets will go to full price. Book now to secure your place at the best price available now!

Book Viewing Village Garden

Royal Air Force Charitable Trust reaches further education with latest partnership

A new partnership will see the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) support young people in further education with maths for the very first time.

The charity, which is based in Gloucestershire and is powered by the proceeds of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), has agreed a partnership with MEI and will reach tens of thousands of students across the UK with their Further Education Maths Challenge programme.

The national challenge is open any student in 16-19 education (or in the case of an EHCP, aged up to 25) who is yet to achieve a grade 4 or above in GCSE Mathematics and after launching nationally in 2021, the programme has gone  on to involve 10 regional centres, over 80 colleges, and more than 40,000 students, with teams from across England and Wales participating. The competition culminates in regional finals held at colleges, universities and sports stadiums.

Following the success of RIAT in recent years, the event’s parent charity has been able to establish itself as a leading funder and convener for STEM in the UK.  The RAFCT aims to inspire young people to reach their full potential in STEM and this latest partnership is a welcome addition to the organisation’s work, explains Head of Charity Development at RAFCT, Hannah Langford

“The Further Education Maths Challenge is the first maths focused programme for the RAFCT, as well as being the first time the Charity has focused on the further education sector,” she said.

“Maths is an essential skill for everyday life, as well as for careers. The RAFCT is committed to helping young people build their confidence and develop the essential skills they need to unlock their full potential, and the FEMC offers a unique opportunity to open doors for 16-19 year olds and to help them to rediscover the joy in maths.”

The RAFCT has reached more than 780,000 young people with STEM educational engagements since 2022, including its flagship Road to RIAT programme which reaches more 600 primary schools, and other partnerships including its support for Safer Internet Day with Tech She Can.

A spokesperson for MEI said: “We are delighted to announce that the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) will be supporting the Further Education Maths Challenge (FEMC) for the first time this year.

“The FE Maths Challenge is a national competition designed to celebrate the achievements of post-16 students who are working to improve their mathematical skills.

“Through a series of engaging, team-based problem-solving rounds, the FEMC helps students develop mathematical confidence, resilience and collaboration skills, while showing how maths connects to the real world.

To learn more about the challenge, visit www.mei.org.uk.

Soaring to new heights

Army Flying Museum - Wheels and Wings

Following on from five fabulous sell out years, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop has launched its flagship fundraising event bright and early again for 2026, with tickets now on sale for Wallop Wheels and Wings.  The event will take place on 11 July 2026 and with prices fixed until 31 January, early bookers have the chance to make some great savings and get a date in their diaries for another fun day out.

Demand for tickets is sure to be high as the event in 2025 was the biggest and best yet, with an amazing finale by the Army Air Corps Display Team, and has seen Wallop Wheels and Wings 2025 make it to the final of Tourism Event of the Year at the Beautiful South awards organised by Tourism South East.

The event in 2026 is set to be another amazing day of motoring and aviation, with a huge array of classic and super cars/bikes to keep motor enthusiasts entertained, including a variety of vehicle parades.  If weather permits, visitors can pull up a deckchair and watch an array of fixed wing and rotary aircraft taking to the skies and chat to the many pilots flying into the event, along with watching some spectacular air displays. 

With a wonderful mix of food, drink, and gifts in the shopping village there will be plenty for non-enthusiasts to browse throughout the day, along with a wide array of delicious food from the many catering units including Mexican and Chinese food and gourmet pizzas and fish and chips, to keep hunger at bay.

Families will have a packed day in store with lots of activities to keep little ones entertained throughout the day.  With everything from electric go karts to replica pedal planes, laser tag to craft activities, mini tanks to circus skills, there will never be a dull moment.

The Discovery Den will again be filled with plenty of hands-on STEM activities from Platinum sponsors GKN Aerospace to get young minds buzzing.

Other attractions will include historic aircraft, living history re-enactors and returning for 2026, a Speaker’s tent, with a wide array of authors taking to the stage and signing books for visitors.  All full price tickets bought in advance for the event include a free annual pass to the Museum, which is valid from 12 July, however visitors can purchase an add-on ticket to the Museum should they wish to explore on the day.

Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum Lucy Johnson said: “After the success of this year’s event, the great news about the Beautiful South Awards, and the fantastic feedback we received, we are so excited to be launching our 2026 Wallop Wheels and Wings fundraiser.  The event is so important for us as a charity in raising much needed funds to ensure the continued future of the Museum.  The team are already working hard to make sure that it’s going to be a great day out for families and enthusiasts alike. We have a few surprises lined up for the day and a wide range of entertainment for all ages and we look forward to sharing more information over the coming months.” For further information or to book tickets visit https://armyflying.digitickets.co.uk/category/21547

The RIAT Christmas collection has landed!

RIAT Christmas Collection

We’re excited to share our latest collection of seasonal products, available from the RIAT Shop!

From calendars and festive cards to stylish apparel and unique decorations, our new range has something for everyone this period.

Be among the first to enjoy our newest arrivals – shop your Christmas favourites today or pre-order to secure yours before they sell out.

Looking for smaller gifts? Explore our Gifts & Accessories collection, filled with great ideas for stocking fillers and thoughtful presents.

Shop now and make this festive season extra special.

RIAT Christmas Shop

Upcoming price changes

Don’t miss your opportunity to secure two of our most popular Saturday enclosures at a special 5% discount – but hurry, these savings are ending soon!

Cotswold Club Tickets

Viewing Village Grandstand – Saturday

Enjoy 5% off until midnight on Sunday 2nd November, when the price will return to full rate.

Cotswold Club – Saturday Save 5% until midnight on Tuesday 4th November, after which this option will also revert to full price.

Viewing Village Tickets