UK Aviation Museum News – Airscene News

Detailed assessment and repair of the DH.88 Comet Racer, G-ACSS, to begin

Old Warden, 27 August 2026 – The Shuttleworth Trust is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement in principle with its insurers that will allow the detailed assessment and repair of the DH.88 Comet Racer, G-ACSS, to begin.

The Shuttleworth Trust is committed to maintaining the long-term future of this unique and historic aircraft in flying condition. While insurance funding will cover the essential works necessary to return the Comet to the air, there are additional steps Shuttleworth wants to take to preserve the long-term operability of this very special aircraft. The Shuttleworth Trust is also mindful of the upcoming 100th Anniversary of the Mildenhall to Australia air race of 1934 – an event won by G-ACSS.

Shuttleworth is therefore launching a dedicated fundraising appeal to support acceleration of the repair works, together with an additional programme of related restoration and preservation work. This will include the overhaul to zero-time standard of the aircraft’s engines, propellers, and accessories, together with the inspection, refurbishment and preservation of components that have not been damaged. Where new parts are required, Shuttleworth will seek wherever possible to manufacture additional spares at the same time, helping to safeguard the future operation of the aircraft for decades to come.

Funds raised will also help meet costs not covered by insurance, including the policy excess and other essential expenses associated with restoring the aircraft to the highest possible standard.

Shuttleworth’s aim is to raise £250,000 over the next 18 months to ensure that G-ACSS not only flies again but emerges from this restoration with a more extensive spares holding to support its long-term operation for future generations to experience and enjoy.

With the public’s support, Shuttleworth will not only return this iconic aircraft to full flying condition, but will also ensure that it is ready in good time for the 100th Anniversary of the race in which it made history in 1934.

Please see this link for how to donate – https://shuttleworth.org/dh88

From the Blitz to Ukraine: stories of displacement explored in new display

A new community-led display at the RAF Museum Midlands explores the human cost of war and conflict. It brings together the personal experiences of civilians who endured the Second World War Blitz in West Bromwich and the wider Black Country, alongside the journeys of people displaced from Ukraine to the Midlands, following the 2014 and 2022 Russian invasions.

Told through photographs, archive material, personal testimonies and objects, the display connects these two periods of history through the experiences of Joyce Langford, who lived through the Blitz in the Black Country, and Daria Pyrozhenko, from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, who relocated to the UK in 2023.

Together, Joyce and Daria’s stories show how war can reshape civilian lives, often bringing injury and loss, destroying homes and livelihoods, and disrupting the fabric of communities. Their experience also highlights the endurance, resourcefulness and determination of ordinary people striving to protect their families, identity and community while under attack.

Joyce Langford recalled:

‘The sirens went off and Mum used to run with me in her arms, and the old lady next door and go into the air raid shelter. You had one air raid shelter between two or three houses.’

Co-created with community organisations and volunteers, the display explores themes of destruction, communication and community spirit. Discover how the destruction caused by bombing affected homes and infrastructure in the Black Country, and the impact of attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine. Compare how vital communication during times of crisis has evolved over time, from wartime letters and Air Raid Precautions messengers to today’s messaging apps and digital networks. See the powerful impact of community spirit, discovering how civilians have volunteered in essential roles, organising emergency shelter and food, and helping to restore power, clear damaged buildings, while supporting one another.

Daria Pyrozhenko describes the continuing reality of life in Kharkiv:

‘Nowadays, the city is under constant attack, and destruction has become part of the everyday landscape. Yet the people who remain still deeply cherish the beauty and history of their remarkable town, finding small moments of peace and creating their own moments of happiness in daily life.’

Grace Ries, Head of Exhibitions and Interpretation at RAF Museum said:

‘What makes the Displaced Display particularly special is that it has been developed together with the communities whose experiences it explores. This is a community-led, co-created display, bringing together local histories of the Blitz with the lived experiences of Ukrainians who have made their homes in the Midlands. By sharing personal stories and working alongside community partners, we have been able to create a display that feels both deeply rooted in the history of this region and relevant to the world around us today.’

The Displaced Display was officially opened on 24 August, Ukraine Independence Day, with Daria Pyrozhenko and relatives of Joyce Langford in attendance. It has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and co-created with contributions from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Shropshire Supports Refugees, Sandwell Archives, the Express & Star and a team of Museum volunteers who contributed more than 100 hours research.

Entry to the Museum and viewing the display is free of charge, open daily from 10.00am. For more information visit rafmuseum.org/midlands.

This summer, take on the Red Arrows Challenge!

Date: From 1 August – 3 October

Cost: Adult £22, Child £11, Armed Forces £16.50 (+£5 postage for non-UK entries)

This summer, the RAF Museum is inviting supporters to be inspired by one of the world’s most iconic aerobatic display teams, by taking part in the Red Arrows Challenge.

From 1 August to 3 October, participants can walk, run or cycle their way to raising vital funds to help the RAF Museum continue collecting, preserving, and sharing the remarkable stories of the Royal Air Force, including those of the Red Arrows.

Whether you’re looking to achieve a personal goal, enjoy an active challenge with family and friends, or simply show your support for the RAF, participants can choose a distance that suits them and complete it at their own pace, wherever they are. Everyone who completes the challenge will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Red Arrows Challenge commemorative coin as a reward for their achievement.

The Red Arrows are one of the world’s most renowned and recognisable aerobatic display teams, performing at major occasions across the UK, and overseas. Known for their flying formations, loops, rolls and patriotic red, white and blue vapour trails, their world-class display inspires millions each year. Their pilots all have previous operational experience flying the RAF’s frontline Typhoon or F-35 Lightning aircraft, and together with the engineering excellence and skills of the ground support team, the Red Arrows demonstrate the agility and exacting professionalism of those who serve in the RAF.

Sophie Wallace, RAF Museum Regular Giving Development Manager, said:

‘Few sights capture people’s imagination quite like the Red Arrows. That’s why this summer, we’re inviting people to join the Red Arrows Challenge, set themselves a personal goal, and support the RAF Museum’s charitable mission to preserve the stories of the RAF. Whether you’re completing your first 5km or taking on a cycling challenge, every mile completed, and every pound raised will help ensure the extraordinary stories of the Royal Air Force, like those of the Red Arrows, continue to inspire future generations.’

Everyone who registers will receive fundraising advice, tips and encouragement from the Museum team throughout the challenge to help them achieve their goals. Participants who raise £50 or more will also receive a special Red Arrows thank you pack in recognition of their fantastic support.

There are even more rewards for those who go the extra mile. The top adult and top family fundraisers will each win tickets to the RAF Air Show in June 2027, including a chance to meet with some members of the Red Arrows team! A Red Arrows goody bag will also be awarded to the participant with the top distance, along with one additional lucky winner drawn at random from everyone who enters. Participants will automatically be added to a virtual leaderboard where they can track their distance and be in with a chance of winning a prize.

Take on The Red Arrows Challenge this summer. Entry costs £22 per adult, £11 per child, or £16.50 for members of the Armed Forces community, including Cadets, serving personnel, veterans and reservists. Every entry supports the RAF Museum, registered charity number 119754.

To find out more and sign up, visit rafmuseum.org.

A British Aerospace Hawk T1A flown by the Red Arrows will be 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.

Newark Outdoor Aeroboot Aviation & Avionics Sale

Saturday 8^th August, 2026

The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 8^th August, 2026. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place as a standalone museum event.

The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border. This will be the first event since the museum completed the acquisition of their formerly leased site, and revised visitor parking arrangements will be in place.

Invitations to attend have been sent to previous sellers on our mailing list. These people come from around the UK and will be allocated pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.

Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.

Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £12.50, Over 65s £11.50, Children £6.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £35.00.

The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.

Further details are available on the What’s On Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.

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.