UK Aviation Museum News – Airscene News

Sell-out Crowd at Wallop Wheels & Wings

A spectacular festival of motoring and aviation not only brought a fabulous array of vehicles and aircraft from across the country roaring into the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, Hampshire last Saturday (11 July), but also saw a magnificent air display programme which wowed yet another capacity sell-out crowd.

The Army Flying Museum, and the adjacent Army Air Corps airfield, saw its highest number of aircraft, motorcycles, classic and super cars descend on an extremely hot day, for the sixth Wallop, Wheels and Wings event, attracting over 5000 visitors. The event, which was sponsored by GKN Aerospace and Boeing Defence UK, again surpassed visitor expectations and was undoubtedly the biggest and best it has hosted, with tickets selling out in advance of the event. The afternoon saw a number of air displays including the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Team, Pitts Special and Yak3 displays, and a stunning display from the Gazelle Squadron. The day culminated in a breathtaking finale from the Army Air Corps Display Team.

Spectacular Spitfires were in abundance at the event to wow the crowds and to celebrate the 90^th anniversary of the first Spitfire flight.

On the ground there were over 400 classic and super cars in attendance, spanning over one hundred years of motoring including an eye-catching display from the AA Heritage Fleet. Alongside the cars, was a wide range of superbikes and vintage motorcycles, with a very special display by sponsors Andover Norton International.

The event’s Silver Sponsors, Boeing Defence UK provided a static display of a Chinook Mk5 and the Boeing AH-64E Apache AH1. This was the first time a Chinook has appeared at the event and was a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see one of the RAF’s most iconic helicopters and chat to the flight test crew and engineers.

The event showcased a number of interactive STEM activities in its Discovery Den, with hands on activities from GKN Aerospace, Sparsholt College, Boeing and Leonardo with lots to keep young minds buzzing, including GKN’s very own robot and the Tech Tour Bus from Sparsholt College who sponsored the event for the first time.

A shopping village showcased many local traders and visitors were treated to lots of great delights from local businesses including Saxnot Meadery, Homemade Brownie Company and Bluestone Vineyards and many more.

Lucy Johnson, Army Flying Museum CEO, said: We are so thrilled to have welcomed over 5000 people to our biggest and best-ever Wallop Wheels & Wings – to sell out in advance was such a huge achievement and shows how popular the event has become. This is the key event in the Museum’s fundraising calendar, and it is so important in helping to raise the profile of the Museum and the work that we do. It was fantastic to see so many happy, smiling faces despite the heat, and to see a record-breaking number of cars, bikes and aircraft join us on the day. It was great to see the delight on our visitors faces as they watched the spectacular displays taking place.”

The event may now be over for another year, but the Museum doesn’t have time to rest as they begin their busy summer holiday activities in earnest with a programme of fun activities – ‘A Summer of Flight’ celebrating their wide and diverse collection. For more information visit www.armyflying.com

Look Up! Helicopters set to swoop into Brooklands Museum for spectacular summer Fly-In

Tuesday 14 July 2026

Special all-helicopter Fly-In lands at Brooklands Museum on Thursday 20 August
See and hear helicopters arriving and departing throughout the day
Rare opportunity to get close to the aircraft and meet the people who fly them
Exciting summer holiday event included with standard Museum admission

The skies above Brooklands Museum will come alive this summer as a spectacular gathering of helicopters as they swoop in for a special all-helicopter Fly-In.

On Thursday 20 August, visitors will be able to watch the many varieties of helicopters arrive at the historic Brooklands site before getting the chance to see the aircraft up close on the ground.

From the distinctive sound of rotor blades approaching overhead to the excitement of watching the helicopters touch down, the event promises a thrilling day for families, aviation enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The action begins from 10am as helicopters arrive and land on the neighbouring airstrip at Mercedes-Benz World. Between 12noon and 2pm, visitors will be able to access the airstrip to view and photograph the aircraft at close quarters, before the helicopters take to the skies again from 2.30-3.30pm.

Ranging from compact two-seat training helicopters to military, executive and high-performance types. Among the stars of the day will be two Gazelles – the distinctive light helicopter with a long military history – alongside an EC135 military helicopter and an Airbus H125 Squirrel, a powerful and versatile machine used around the world.
Visitors will also be able to see a new Bell 505 and the famous Jet Ranger, one of the most recognisable helicopter designs of all time, as well as the MD500E and MD530F, both known as the ‘Ferrari’ of helicopters.

It will be a rare opportunity to experience helicopters from a completely different perspective – not simply as distant shapes in the sky, but close enough to appreciate their scale, engineering and extraordinary design.

Brooklands Museum CEO, Alex Patterson said: “Few things create excitement quite like the sound of a helicopter approaching overhead, and this promises to be a spectacular day at Brooklands Museum.
“Visitors will be able to experience the thrill of the aircraft arriving, get close to them on the ground and then watch as they take to the skies again. For children especially, it is a fantastic opportunity to see these incredible aircraft up close and enjoy an unforgettable summer holiday day out.”

The Helicopter Fly-In is included with standard Museum admission, giving visitors a full day to explore Brooklands Museum alongside the aerial action.

As part of the Summer of Speed, families can discover historic racing cars, motorcycles and aircraft, step aboard buses at the London Bus Museum and explore more than a century of speed, flight and innovation at the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
During the summer holidays a family interactive brand new STEM science show ‘Get Set Go!’ is taking place from Monday to Friday, and is included in the admission cost.

The event runs from 10am to 3.30pm on Thursday 20 August 2026. Parking is free and Brooklands Museum Members go free.

The Helicopter Fly-In is weather dependent. For more INFO and TICKETS

Robotics, AI and Aviation Take Flight at RAF Museum Summer Camp

This summer, the RAF Museum Midlands is inviting young people aged 11–13 to take part in an exciting five-day RAF Summer Camp, packed with hands-on STEM activities in a unique aviation setting.

Delivered in partnership with Tablet Academy, the immersive programme will inspire the next generation of innovators through science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Participants will explore robotics, flight, coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and team-based engineering challenges, all while learning in the inspiring surroundings of the RAF Museum.

With just 20 places available each week, the RAF Summer Camp will run from 27–31 July and 3–7 August, from 9.45am to 4.00pm daily. The camp costs £140 per child and includes all workshop materials, activities and a certificate of achievement.

Throughout the week, participants will take part in a series of engaging challenges and projects, including:

Monday – LEGO Engineering & Aeronautics

Build a vehicle capable of pulling an aircraft using LEGO Spike Prime technology
Discover how real-world aeronautical systems work and recreate them through robotics
Hands-on Museum walk exploring aircraft engineering systems.

Tuesday – Digital Creations & Virtual Spaces

Experiment with AI generative tools and create your own designs with Adobe Express
Create and explore immersive virtual environments using CoSpaces and VR technology.

Wednesday – Tech Adventures in Minecraft & Robotics

Navigate the skies in Minecraft with the Elytra Flight Challenge
Dive into design thinking with Sphero Blueprints and robotics challenges.

Thursday – Cyber Secrets & AI Exploration

Step into the world of wartime codebreaking and learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity
Train your own AI models using Teachable Machines.

Friday – Ultimate Build Challenge

Put the week’s learning into practice in a full day building challenge
Working in teams, innovate and create impressive projects to showcase and take home.

The RAF Summer Camp offers a fun and engaging way for young people to develop valuable STEM skills, build confidence and work collaboratively, while exploring the fascinating worlds of aviation and technology.

To book a place, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The camp is suitable for children aged 11–13. All equipment and materials are provided; participants should bring their own food and drinks each day.

Historic Croydon Airport Dates

Make Your Own de Havilland Comet!

This is a creative, engaging session for children aged 5yrs+ and is inspired by record-breaking aviatrix, Amy Johnson CBE.

Children can construct a model of plane that Amy Johnson flew in the MacRobertson Air Race!

Children can find out about Amy Johnson’s part, with her husband Jim Mollison, in the MacRobertson Air Race of 1934 when many pilots raced across the world from England to Australia! Children will construct their very own models of the space-age looking plane Amy and Jim flew, the DH.88 Comet, ‘Black Magic’

The session is delivered by Jenny Lockyer, experienced facilitator and Creative Director of FLY: The Amy Johnson Festival of Inspiration.

https://www.flyfestival.co.uk

FLY was created to elevate and celebrate Amy’s legacy and inspire people with her story. As the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia and the second woman in the world to qualify as a ground engineer, Amy’s story begins with defying the odds. In her own words she was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things!

Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

These are 1hr workshop sessions.

There are four sessions across the day, please book onto your chosen time slot.

10:30-11:30

11:45-12:45

13:45-14:45

15:00-16:00

PLEASE NOTE:

Please book ahead!

You can avoid booking fees ahead of the day by joining the FLY Festival mailing list. Please email Jenny at FLYFestivaldirector@outlook.com

This workshop is taking place at The Croydon Airport Open day on Sunday 2nd August but is bookable SEPARATELY. Please book your open day tickets here: https://www.historiccroydonairport.org.uk

If you just want to attend a workshop and not the Open Day that’s fine, just book onto the time slot of your choice.

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FLY Festival is busy working to raise funds for activities elevating the legacy of the incredible Amy Johnson, whose story cannot fail to inspire. As we head towards the 2030 centenary of Amy’s solo flight from England to Australia, FLY is hard at work to bring to life an exciting national event for this very special anniversary.

https://www.flyfestival.co.uk

Historic Croydon Airport Trust have been running their very popular open days for years now, attracting visitors to this iconic Art Deco building, the UK’s first international airport and seat of modern aviation. In the golden age of flying pioneers, it was from this aerodrome that a string of international record-breaking flights began, including those of Amy Johnson, first woman to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930.

RAF Museum named Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards winner for 2026

The RAF Museum London and Midlands are now ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 10% of attractions worldwide, as recognised in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2026.

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travellers’ favourites.

Barry Smith, Director of Commercial and Visitor Services at the RAF Museum said:

‘We are delighted that both RAF Museum sites have been recognised among travellers’ favourites this year. As one of the travel industry’s most prestigious accolades, Travellers’ Choice is particularly meaningful because it is based on the feedback of our visitors. Being ranked among the top 10% of attractions worldwide is a tremendous achievement and reflects the commitment of our staff and volunteers to delivering memorable and inspiring experiences every day. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their positive reviews and support our museums.’

Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer at Tripadvisor said:

‘Congratulations to the RAF Museum on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2026. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.’

This award follows recent recognition from Which?, who named RAF Museum Midlands a Recommended Provider and rated it joint top among UK museums. While the RAF Museum London received the joint highest visitor score for any museum or gallery in London.

The RAF Museum is committed to delivering outstanding visitor experiences while sharing the stories of the Royal Air Force and its people with audiences of all ages. To plan a visit and enjoy a free family day out at one of the UK’s top-rated museums, visit rafmuseum.org. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free.

Buccaneer XX899 Cockpit To Leave Newark

Newark Air Museum Buccaneer — *credit: Howard Heeley*

The trustees of Newark Air Museum has been notified that the Blackburn Buccaneer S2B cockpit from XX899, which has been on loan at the museum since autumn 2018 will soon be leaving for a new home Oxfordshire. This will be in an undercover location that is close to where the cockpit owner lives.

XX899 arrived at our Gateway Aviation Site in October 2018, when it moved from its previous display location at the Midland Air Museum.

It is anticipated that the impending departure of XX899 will take place before the end of June, 2026.

The accompanying picture shows XX899 arriving at the museum in late October 2018.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Spectacular Spitfires

Make a date in your diaries as Saturday 11 July is set to be a very special day at the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop, as not one, but five Spitfires will make an appearance at the Museum’s annual fundraising event Wallop Wheels and Wings, the most Spitfires to be seen at the historic airfield in over 25 years and marking the important role Spitfires based at Middle Wallop played in the Second World War.

Not only will visitors have the opportunity to see a fly-past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire but will also see a stunning display from the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Spitfire PR Mk.XIX. In addition, not one but two Spitfires will fly into the event, one of which is the Spitfire Mk.912, without doubt one of the most historic Spitfires still flying today. If that wasn’t enough, visitors will have the chance to get up close to Spitfire Mk.IX LZ842 in the main body of the showground, the engineering project of Mark Bennett for over 15 years.

With 2026 marking the 90^th anniversary of the first Spitfire flight, this is a fitting tribute at this very popular annual event which is the major fundraiser for the Museum. The event is even more crucial to the future of the Museum this year, following an unexpected three-week closure in February due to a power outage.

The Wheels element of the event is very strong again this year as car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view over 400 classic and supercars. Motorcycle enthusiasts will also not be disappointed, with over 100 bikes on display, along with a very special display from sponsors Andover Norton International. The Museum is also thrilled to be welcoming vintage vehicles from the AA Heritage Fleet this year, with a very special display.

The event is a great day out for the whole family with so much to see and do. Activities for children are in abundance with laser tag, circus skills, craft activities, little racers and a pit stop challenge all included in the ticket price. The Discovery Den at the event is also a great hub for young minds interested in all things Science, Technology and Engineering.

With Living History groups, a Speaker’s Tent, Shopping Village and of course and number of air displays, it is the perfect event to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.

Chief Executive of the Museum Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is the Army Flying Museum’s main fundraising event and a chance to showcase some of the best vintage aircraft, cars and motorbikes on the beautiful site of Middle Wallop airfield. We are so excited to be celebrating the 90^th anniversary of the first Spitfire flight as part of the event and cannot thank the pilots enough for their contribution. It will be a joy to see these iconic and much loved aircraft landing at Middle Wallop once again.”

All tickets purchased in advance of the event come with a free annual pass for the Museum valid from 12 July and with all school holiday activities included in the annual pass, this gives great value for money for local families to enjoy and support this great local Museum. Ticket prices increase from Thursday 9^th July, so be sure to book nice and early to get great discounts on tickets.

www.armyflying.com

Newark Air Museum Site Purchase Completed

On Friday 5^th June, 2026 the trustees of the Newark Air Museum (NAM) completed the acquisition of their formerly leased site, from the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (NNAS). This transaction was completed after discussions spanning several years, which resulted in a land swap / purchase agreement being reached between the two organisations earlier this year.

This landmark agreement came as the museum approached the final phase of its lease arrangement with the NNAS for the museum’s Northfield Site, which was originally granted back in the late 1970s. The museum trustees are pleased to have finalised the purchase, which helps to protect the long-term future of its collection of nearly one hundred aircraft and cockpit sections.

The site acquisition represents a major step forward for NAM; it has also helped to secure the air museum’s buildings; plus, its wider aviation collection of artefacts and objects. This transaction will allow future generations of visitors and aviation enthusiasts alike to share these rare and in some cases unique items. The air museum now owns just under 13 acres of land in north eastern Nottinghamshire.

A new phase in the air museum’s development starts now, as it looks to fully develop all of its land. This work will involve developing new access schemes, new car parking areas and further aircraft display areas. All of this work will be undertaken in consultation with the relevant authorities and external funding partners. In the coming weeks and months, the museum will be formally launching ‘Project 2039’, which will include formal submissions to Newark & Sherwood District Council and other local providers.

“This land swap / purchase agreement has involved a long running dialogue between the air museum and the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.” Commented NAM Secretary and museum trustee, Howard Heeley; he continued.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to museum President, Mich Stevenson OBE, who has been a vital conduit during these negotiations. We would also like to thank Simon Eccleston, CEO of the NNAS, and also the trustees of the NNAS for their support whilst working with us throughout this process.”

“The museum trustees would also like to record their heartfelt gratitude to two former museum members, who are sadly no longer with us. Firstly, to a former RAF Winthorpe National Service veteran, John Dove. It was a substantial legacy from his Estate that helped make this a viable project for us to even contemplate. Secondly, to former museum trustee and Vice-President, Mick Clarke. His vision, wise counsel and countless sets of plans made us realise what just might be possible.”

He concluded, “We now look forward to continuing with a mutually beneficial relationship with our now neighbours, the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society for many years to come!”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

NEW RAF Museum aircraft to make first appearance at Cosford Air Show

The RAF Museum Midlands will showcase three NEW aircraft acquisitions at the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 14 June. The British Aerospace Hawk T1A, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper and Westland Puma HC1 will go on static display in the Museum’s enclosure on the airfield, alongside the iconic Chinook ‘Bravo November’, to complete an incredible line-up of RAF aircraft.

Visitors attending this year’s Air Show will be the first to see the Museum’s new Hawk, Reaper and Puma. Following their appearance at the Air Show all three aircraft will be stored before going on permanent display in the Museum’s forthcoming exhibition ‘The RAF: 1980 to Today’. This new exhibition is part of a sitewide transformation, made possible with the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The new acquisitions were recently transported by the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS) by road to RAF Cosford, where they are currently being reassembled, ready for their first public appearance. Thanks go to the RAF Museum’s Technicians, Babcock (RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford), and MOD colleagues for their support with preparing the airframes for Air Show.

The Hawk was an advanced jet trainer that entered RAF service in 1976. In 1979, it was selected as the replacement for the Folland Gnat as the aircraft flown by the RAF Aerobatic Team, otherwise known as the Red Arrows. The Reaper entered service with the RAF in 2007 and was its first combat-capable remotely piloted aircraft system or ‘drone’. The Reaper’s ability to loiter over targets undetected has given it an invaluable role in intelligence gathering and precision strike operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The Reaper retired from global RAF operations in 2025 following 18 years’ service. The Puma is a French-designed, medium-lift helicopter, that was in service with the RAF from 1971 to 2025. Over an incredible 54 year history, the Puma has served on a staggering range of operations.

Tom Hopkins, RAF Museum Curator (Aircraft and Exhibits) said:

‘We are delighted to announce the acquisition of these remarkable aircraft and look forward to sharing them with aviation enthusiasts at this year’s Cosford Air Show. Each represents a significant chapter in RAF history, whether that’s the Hawk which continues to inspire audiences as part of the world-famous Red Arrows display team, or the Puma which has more than five decades of distinguished RAF service. The recently retired Reaper will become the first aircraft of its type to enter a UK museum collection, and while it will be some time before these aircraft go on permanent display at the Museum, we are excited to offer Cosford Air Show visitors this exclusive early preview.’

In addition to the aircraft line-up, there will be plenty more on offer for families visiting the Museum’s enclosure. Exclusively for the Cosford Air Show, aviation fans can get on board the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’, for a small donation. Known as ‘The Survivor’, Bravo November earned its reputation during the 1982 liberation of the Falkland Islands. After the MS Atlantic Conveyor was struck by a missile and later sank, Bravo November was the sole Chinook to survive, going on to play a crucial role in the conflict.

Families can also enjoy access to a replica Spitfire cockpit, try on RAF uniforms and hats, test out their coding abilities with interactive robotics activities, and browse an extensive retail offer with many exclusive items. Elsewhere on the airfield, the Museum’s Harrier GR3 and Wessex will also be making an appearance.

Air Show ticket holders will also benefit from an exclusive Museum offer. Enjoy free parking on a return visit to the Museum and a two for one offer on 4D Theatre rides. Simply present your Air Show ticket when registering your vehicle on arrival at the Museum, and at the point of purchase to receive the two for one 4D Theatre offer.

With just over a week to go, the Cosford Air Show is close to selling out with just a few tickets remaining. To purchase tickets, go tocosfordairshow.co.uk.

Phantom XV490 Cockpit To Leave Newark

The trustees of Newark Air Museum has been notified that the Phantom FGR2 cockpit from XV490, which has been on long-term loan at the museum since 2012 will soon be leaving for a new home in the Cotswolds. This will be with the Phantom Group at Kemble.

XV490 arrived at its Gateway Aviation Site in in north-eastern Nottinghamshire in 2011, when it vacated its previous display location at the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker site. At that time it was anticipated it would move onto display at the former RAF Wattisham site in Suffolk, however that move never materialised.

The impending departure of XV490 will take place on 16^th June, 2026. Before heading south, the cockpit will be displayed at the Lincolnshire County Show.