The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is to officially unveil a brand new exhibition area celebrating the ground-breaking achievements of the Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) technology demonstrator. The occasion also marks the official launch of a major partnership between the Royal Air Force Museum and BAE Systems.

The event will take place on Friday 14th February in the presence of the Chairman and Trustees of the Royal Air Force Museum and Directors from BAE Systems with key partners, contributors and invited guests. BAE Systems has been a partner in the Museum’s success for more than forty years and the unveiling of the EAP is the start of a joint transformation of the Museum at both its Cosford and London sites, in advance of the Centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018.

Peter Dye, RAF Museum Director General said:

“BAE Systems and its predecessor companies have played a key role in the success of the Royal Air Force and we are delighted that BAE Systems will champion our transformation as the Museum develops new exhibitions and activities to ensure that the Royal Air Force story endures and enriches future generations.”

Chris Boardman, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Military Air & Information business said:

“We are delighted to donate EAP to the RAF Museum and it is fitting that this remarkable aircraft should be at the centre of the Test Flight exhibition at RAF Museum Cosford. We look forward to working in partnership with the RAF Museum and support them in conserving our aerospace heritage for future generations.”

From Saturday 15th February, members of the public will be able to view the EAP demonstrator aircraft and a new exhibition which tells the story of its pioneering accomplishments. This experimental jet helped pave the way for the renowned Eurofighter Typhoon which has many of the same characteristics and capabilities and is in operation with the RAF and five other Air Forces, today. The brand new display showcases this unique aircraft using previously unseen video footage, interactive kiosks and images. The creation of this new exhibition area has been funded by BAE Systems who deliver a wide range of advanced defence, aerospace, and security solutions globally.

The British Aerospace ACT (fly-by-wire) Jaguar will now reside alongside the EAP as its forerunner. The ACT Jaguar was essential to the subsequent success of the EAP and the Eurofighter Typhoon. After having all of its original flying controls removed and replaced by computerised systems, it proved that the digital fly-by-wire system did work and could control an unstable aircraft that could not be controlled by a human alone. Both of these aircraft helped keep Britain at the forefront of military aviation and it is fitting that they are displayed side by side.

The Museum is open daily from 10am and admission is free of charge. For more information on the Museum, visit www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

Tags: 2014, February, News, RAF Museum Cosford