UK Aviation Museum News – Page 19

Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon

Duxford Spitfires

The Imperial War Museum based at the historic Duxford airfield will play host to a brand new exhibition featuring the largest collection of Supermarine Spitfires under one roof in modern times. Duxford is often referred to as “the home of the spitfire”, it was the base from which the first RAF squadron received the aircraft in 1938. Today the museum still boasts the largest range of different Spitfire marks anywhere in the world and, from 27 December 2021 until 20 February 2022, Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will present the largest exhibition of these historic aircraft. Bringing together 12 Spitfires of varying marks together in IWM Duxford’s AirSpace hall, the exhibition – free with entry to the museum – will demonstrate how the iconic warbird evolved throughout the Second World War.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of tours, talks, events and family activities which will delve deeper into the Spitfire’s history. Characterised by its graceful curves, elliptical wings and powerful Rolls Royce engine, the Spitfire has remained a British icon since its heroic efforts in the Battle of Britain in 1940. A familiar site across the skies over Duxford, Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will see 12 Spitfires brought together to show how this aircraft underwent continual refinement in order to keep pace with German aircraft development.

Alongside IWM’s own iconic Mk Ia Spitfire – one of few remaining airworthy Spitfires to have seen conflict in the Second World War – there will also be Mk V, Mk IX and Mk XIV among the most noteworthy. Visitors will also find information about each aircraft and how the Spitfire cemented its place in history as one of the greatest fighter aircraft of all time. The full list of the 12 spitfires is:

1. Spitfire Mk I N3200
2. Spitfire Mk I AR213
3. Spitfire Mk Vb BM597
4. Spitfire LF Mk Vb EP120
5. Spitfire Mk Vc JG891
6. Spitfire Mk IXb MH434
7. Spitfire Mk VIIIc MV194
8. Spitfire T Mk IX PV202 or PT462 (depending on flying/conservation needs)
9. Spitfire PR Mk XI PL983
10. Spitfire Mk XIVe RN201
11. Spitfire FR Mk XIVe MV293
12. Spitfire Mk 22 PK624 (undergoing restoration)

This exhibition has been made possible thanks to several private owners who have loaned their Spitfire to IWM for the duration of the exhibit. IWM Curator, Adrian Kerrison, said, “The Spitfire became synonymous with hope and protection as the threat of German invasion loomed heavy over Britain. The aircraft captured the hearts of the home front to such an extent that members of the public from across Britain and the Commonwealth would dig deep into their own pockets to fund their production, and the love for them has not subsided since they were first produced. It’s a great honour for us at IWM Duxford to know that we were not only the location from which the first operational Spitfire squadron flew, but that now we can bring together so many of them in one place for the first time and enable visitors to get up close and learn more about this icon of victory.” Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon will be open to general admission visitors to IWM Duxford from 27 December 2021 with associated events and activities taking place for the duration of the exhibition, enabling visitors to learn more about this legend of the skies.

Family Activities
New for winter 2021, Spitfire Engineers will give families the chance to complete activities and learn about the design of the Spitfire, its engineering principles, and the forces of flight. From wing design to fuel consumption, find out more from IWM’s knowledgeable team and take part in hands on challenges to discover how the Spitfire became a force to be reckoned with in the skies.

Tours and Talks
Twice a week for the duration of the exhibition expert guides will be running an Evolution of an Icon: The Spitfire Exhibition Tour. Priced at £10, this 60-minute in-depth tour will offer the chance to discover more about the development of the Spitfire and look at examples highlighting the evolution of this historic machine whilst getting up close to displayed aircraft. On Wednesday 29 December there will also be the chance to delve into the Spitfire’s history from the comfort of your own home with the one-off Introduction to an Icon which will use IWM’s extensive photo archive to introduce the history and development of the Spitfire and look at the tied history between Duxford and this famous aircraft.

In-the Cockpit Experiences
For just £45 visitors will also be able to Join an expert guide and sit inside the cockpit of the airworthy Mk 1 Spitfire N3200, which flew with 19 Squadron from Duxford. Guests will first explore the history and restoration of the aircraft, followed by 15 minutes inside the cockpit, complete with photo opportunities, learning the controls and immersing themselves in the conditions experienced by those who flew them.

Airfix Event
On 9 January 2022 the museum will host an all-day event explores the design process behind Airfix’s iconic modelling kits. Airfix Product Designers will discuss the research, design and production methods they use, and an IWM expert will take visitors behind the ropes of Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon and observe the intricate details of the aircraft up close. Tickets for this event will be £35 and can be booked via the IWM website.

Photography
ON 19th February 2022 the museum will host a unique evening photoshoot; ‘Duxford in a Different Light’, following the first successful night photography event in 2020. All twelve Spitfires gathered for the exhibition will be lit by white and coloured lights throughout the evening and complete re-enactors from living history groups. Tickets cost £75 and include admission to the site from 3:30pm.

www.iwm.org.uk

(article by Lee Chapman)

Pre-Christmas News For Newark Air Museum

Vulcan bomber at Newark Air Museum

An agreement has been reached between Newark Air Museum (NAM) and the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association (LLA), that has resulted in the ownership of the Avro Shackleton, WR977 and the Avro Vulcan, XM594 being immediately transferred to NAM.

Both aircraft have been on long-term loan at the NAM site in eastern Nottinghamshire since they were first acquired; back in 1977 for the Shackleton and 1983 for the Vulcan. In recent years the LLA has been the owner of both aircraft and they have provided financial support for recent restoration and repainting work on both aircraft.

The legal papers pertaining to these transfers were signed on December 15th, 2021, thereby helping to secure the long-term future of these two hugely popular exhibits at NAM. An official handover ceremony will be hosted at the museum in early 2022. Conservation surveys have been carried out on both aircraft and the museum volunteers will be undertaking major restoration work on both of their ‘new exhibits’ in the coming months.

Speaking on behalf of NAM, museum trustee, Howard Heeley commented, “Everyone at the museum is extremely grateful to the Chairman and the Committee of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, who have generously agreed to the legal ownership of these aircraft being transferred to us.”

“The Shackleton and Vulcan are both special aircraft, which museum members helped to save back in 1977 and 1983 respectively. We are really honoured to now have sole responsibility for their future care.”

He concluded, “Whilst we have some significant challenges ahead with regards to safeguarding these aircraft, we are sure that both the museum members and the general public will help us look after these aircraft for the benefit of future generations.”

Ray Bainborough, Chairman of the Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association, said, “I am delighted that the Newark Air Museum is taking over the ownership of these two historic aircraft. It has been a privilege for the LLA to have been their owners over the past years, but the time has come for the museum to be both the location for the Shackleton and the Vulcan, and also the legal owner of the two aircraft. This makes sense from a practical point of view and will better ensure the two aircraft continue to be preserved in the years ahead.”

Summary:
Although there is a change of ownership of the Shackleton and Vulcan, from the LLA to the NAM, visitors to the museum will not notice any changes as the two aircraft will remain at their current location.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Spitfire from Santa: a gift that really takes-off!

RAF Museum Xmas Gifts

This Christmas, give your loved ones a gift with a great story! Adopt an Artefact from the Royal Air Force Museum and choose from more than 60 historic objects, to select a unique gift for the hard to buy for individual who has everything! Your adoption will support the preservation, conservation, educational and storytelling work of the RAF Museum far beyond gift exchanges on Christmas day.

Whether that’s a uniform or medal bar, a personnel’s lucky mascot or escape and evasion items, there is a wide range of unusual objects to choose from, each with their own incredible story to tell. The artefact adoption process is quick and simple, browse the objects available and order your adoption pack online at rafmuseum.org.

Give the gift of adoption and make your money go a little further by supporting a charity. These alternative gifts are not something you see in your average Christmas stocking, where else can you adopt the most famous and iconic aircraft in history!

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb adoption is guaranteed to wow any aviation fan on Christmas morning! One hundred and forty RAF squadrons operated the type and it served on all battlefronts including gunfire support for naval units on the D-Day beaches of Normandy. This legend of the sky is sure to make your gift a hard one to beat!

If you’re in need of a little festive inspiration take a look at the Christmas Gift Box. No Christmas is complete without a flashing red nose! These items are from a Christmas Gift Box sent to RAF personnel serving in Iraq in 2004. An idea created by Princess Mary in 1914 to send every serving member of the UK armed forces a special gift at Christmas. A thoughtful gift to send someone you can’t be with on Christmas day.

Or how about adopting one of the Museums most famous and treasured artefacts, Percy the Penguin. Flight Lieutenant Stan Chapman was the bomb aimer in Halifax HX333 ‘J Jane’ which was hit by flak over Berlin on 29 January 1944. ‘J Jane’ was badly damaged and, tucking his lucky mascot Percy the Penguin inside his flying jacket, Stan bailed out. Percy was confiscated when Stan was taken prisoner but was later returned by his captors. Percy and Stan returned home together when the war ended. This brave and adorable penguin is now enjoying a well-earned rest at the Museum’s Cosford site.

If your Christmas day tradition includes hours of playing games with family, our Playing Cards with Hidden Maps would make the ideal adoption for the one who always finds a sneaky way to win! Used by RAF prisoners of war in Germany during the Second World War, playing cards were often used to smuggle maps into prison camps. Unsurprisingly, these cards have been one of the most popular adoptions since the programme launched last year.

Inspire the next generation of pioneers by adopting the Amy Johnson Fabric Doll. Amy Johnson was the first female pilot to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930. If you look closely on her sash, you will see some of the record-breaking flights she went on to perform. The perfect adoption for any budding pilot or record breaker!

Those adopting an artefact in the run up to Christmas will receive a Christmas card and the option to add a bespoke RAF Museum gift for just £7.50. Choose from a Tally ho-ho-ho tea towel, Christmas mug, Festive fudge, Seasonal shortbread, or Festive tote bag. All adoptions with the additional gift placed by the 20 December are guaranteed to arrive in time for you to present your loved one with their card and gift on Christmas Day.

Make your gift stand out this year. Adopt an Artefact in the name of someone you love, and know that your gift will keep on giving, as support from adoptees will help the Museum to continue sharing the RAF Story.

Starting at £25.00, adoptions last for 12 months starting from 25 December. All adoptees will receive a digital adoption certificate and photo of their adopted artefact, along with exclusive updates and information on your chosen object throughout the year. Recognition of your adoption will feature alongside the object on the Museum’s Collections Online, where you can add a dedicated message along with the name of adoptee. For more details on how to Adopt an Artefact and to browse the items available, visit www.rafmuseum.org.

The RAF Museum will be open throughout the Christmas period, except 24-26 December and 1 January. While still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org.

Aircraft rolled out for another Photography Night Shoot

RAF Museum Albatross

Date: 19 November / Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm / Cost: £45 per person (over 16s only)

The RAF Museum London has teamed up with Threshold Aero to offer an exclusive evening shoot with our fantastic collection of First World War Aircraft.

Two of our aircraft and a vehicle will be coming out of their Hangar to be photographed, like never before. Our Albatros, R.E.8. and Crossley Tender will sit proudly outside the Hangar doors of the Grahame White Factory for this unique photographic opportunity. The backdrop for your photographs will be the historic Hangar doors of the Hangar which dates to 1912.

Each aircraft will be lit up with professional LED lighting with Auto White Balance. This will give you the opportunity to capture shots of the aircraft in their Museum setting, showcased like never before and without the public in your shots. Our small team of Living History volunteers will be posing for special shots that will make your photos come to life.

Other aircraft inside the Hangar will be lit with LED lighting and have the barriers removed (where possible) for shots in their Museum setting, but without visiting public.

The Night Shoot will start at 5.30pm, following a short safety briefing to ensure that you get the most out of the experience. You can also book a hot meal in advance with your ticket. You can choose from a soft or alcoholic drink with your meal when you purchase your ticket. Hot food is only available when booked in advance and the food will be served between 4.00pm and 6.00pm

The event is suitable for all abilities, you don’t need to be a professional photographer to enjoy the event. A team from Threshold Aero will be on hand throughout the evening to provide assistance and guidance if required. Please read our full terms and conditions before booking, this event is highly dependant on weather conditions due to the delicate nature of the aircraft.

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/

Aircraft rolled out for Photography Night Shoot

RAF Museum Cosford VC10

Date: 26-27 November / Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm / Cost: £40 per person (over 16s only)

Aircraft will be rolled out of the hangars at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford in November for an exclusive Photography Night Shoot event, where the planes will be the inspiration for the photos. Whether you’re an amateur with the camera, or an avid photographer, the after-hours event is suitable for anyone looking to advance their skills and enjoy exclusive access to the Museum’s aircraft.

Taking place on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 November, 150 places are available per evening and tickets are selling fast! The Photography Night Shoot event offers attendees the opportunity to capture stand-alone photos of the aircraft, outside of the hangars and beautifully lit against a backdrop of the night sky.

Aircraft from the Museum’s collection will be illuminated with LED lighting, and are guaranteed to provide a spectacular photo opportunity. Aircraft from the Test Flight hangar, including the British Aerospace Experimental Aircraft Programme EAP, SEPECAT Jaguar ACT Demonstrator, and the Saunders-Roe SR 53 will be displayed outside exclusively for the night shoot, allowing photographers to take unobstructed images. The Vickers VC10 C1K and the Hawker Siddeley Dominie T.Mk.1 displayed within the Museum grounds will also be illuminated for the event.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Ulrike Stuebner said:
‘We’re really looking forward to showcasing the aircraft in a completely different light and seeing the incredible images people capture. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to enjoy the Night Shoot event, it’s suitable for all abilities and we have experts on hand to offer advice if needed.’

The Museum has teamed up with Threshold Aero, specialists in aviation night shoot photography to deliver the event which commences at 5.00pm both evenings. Photographers can snap away taking photos of each aircraft after dark, up until 9pm when the event closes. Tickets cost £40 per person (over 16s only).

If you’re still getting to grips with using a camera, book your place on the Beginners Workshop and brush up on your skills in this two-hour afternoon course prior to the Night Shoot on the Saturday. Ideal for individuals who are new to photography, enjoy the Beginners Workshop and Night Shoot for just £65 per person. Delivered by Lee Chapman of Chappers Photography, an experienced aviation photographer and fully qualified lecturer in adult education, participants will learn some useful tips in a 1-hour seminar, before putting their new-found skills to the test in a guided walk around the specially lit exhibits. The instructor will be on hand throughout the evening to ensure that you refine your photography skills and leave with a set of images you can be proud of.

The Airfield Kitchen in the Visitor Centre will be open throughout the evening serving hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. Fish and Chips and Cheese and Onion Pie are also on the menu, pre-order your dinner when purchasing tickets, and receive a complimentary hot drink!

Tickets to the Photography Night Shoot event are now available to purchase in advance via the Museum website and cost £40 per person (including onsite parking), or £65 per person with the addition of the Beginners Workshop. Ticket holders must be aged 16 years and over. Visit http://www.rafmuseum.org/cosford for more details.

Autumn 1940s Weekend at Newark Air Museum

1940s weekend at Newark Air Museum

Autumn 1940s Weekend
2 & 3, October 2021 …
… is fast approaching at Newark Air Museum

On Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire preparations are well in hand for the 1940s Weekend event, which takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October, 2021. This two-day event has been organised to commemorate various aspects of the 1940s at what is part of the former RAF Winthorpe airfield site that was a World War II training base.

In the Dig For Victory Garden near the Anderson Shelter the produce has already been harvested and some preserves may be used to feed the volunteers who will be looking after the World War II ROC (Royal Observer Corps) that will be completed last year.

All around the museum’s extensive site, which will be developing a distinctive 1940s feel, the final display positions for visiting displays / groups are being set out; both under cover and outside. These displays include: vintage vehicles (cars and military vehicles; local history groups; variety of themed wartime trade stalls; and will feature regular performances during the weekend by local 1940s style vocalist, Sarah-Jane.

The museum wants to encourage as many visitors as possible to enter into the ‘1940s spirit’ by attending in period costume. Such participants will be admitted at a discounted admission rate if they just turn up on the day. This year we will once again have a strong emphasis on the re-enactors and promenarders wearing their winter clothing.

For members of the general public normal museum admission rates apply and full listing details about the events can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org

Pass on something wonderful

RAF Museum - Remember a Charity 2021

This year’s Remember A Charity Week (6-12 September), the Royal Air Force Museum is offering a free Will writing service for supporters who wish to leave a gift to the Museum in their Will.

After taking care of your family and friends, even a small legacy donation can make a huge impact, assisting the Museum, a registered charity, in its vision of inspiring future generations with the RAF story.

No matter how big or small your gift is, supporters can access free advice and a Will writing service through the Museum’s partnership with Bequeathed, an accredited legal firm.

Charities and museums underpin so much of community life in the UK and bring people together. Now more than ever, the RAF Museum is relying on gifts in Wills from supporters to help conserve the nations RAF heritage.

The last 18 months have prompted many of us to reflect on the things that matter the most – family, friends, and the causes close to our hearts. We’ve also been reminded of the value of planning for the future, to help look after the things we care about most.

Aimee Pitchford, Legacy Manager at the RAF Museum says:
‘Remember A Charity Week, from 6 to 12 September, is the perfect opportunity to consider passing on something wonderful by leaving a gift in your Will. By leaving a gift in your Will to the Royal Air Force Museum, your gift can reflect your own interests and passions, inspiring others through our collections and exhibitions as we continue to inspire everyone with the RAF story, the people who shape it and its place in our lives.’

The RAF has been responsible for some of the greatest stories ever told…not just of the heroism of the Battle of Britain that took place over the skies of Britain 80 years ago, but also of the RAF today. Underpinning these stories is a collection of more than 1.3 million objects, ranging in size from aircraft to lapel badges, and spanning more than a century of aviation history.

If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift to the RAF Museum in your Will, please visit www.rafmuseum.org.

#RememberACharityWeek

A week to go until Cockpit-Fest 21 at Newark Air Museum

Newark Lightning

Preparations for the 2021 Cockpit-Fest are well underway at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire. Newark Air Museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe; this year’s three-day Cockpit-Fest event is one of our first since the recent enforced Covid closures.

This will be the twenty first (21st) time that like-minded enthusiasts have displayed their aircraft cockpit sections at the museum. Cockpit-Fest has become a fixture on the aviation calendar and each year attracts many visiting cockpits and associated displays. Cockpit-Fest allows the owners the chance to display their prized exhibits to their fellow enthusiasts and the general public.

At this year’s event a diverse range of aviation will be represented; this includes a range of military jet cockpits and perhaps most notably this time a cockpit from a once famous Balderton landmark will be on display at the event.

The museum trustees are pleased to confirm that the Lightning F2A cockpit from XN728 – “The A1 Lightning” is being displayed in the UK for the first time, after it was saved by enthusiasts from a Newark scrapyard several years ago. Visitors to the event will get the chance to get close up to this much talked about local landmark.

Cockpit-Fest 2021takes place on Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th and Monday 30th August; and the event is being staged around the museum’s 16-acre site, alongside an Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale. Here enthusiasts and the public can search out those aviation artefacts, books and models.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the visitors being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results, prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like local history / military vehicle groups; re-enactors; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts.

Full details about the events and a full list of visiting cockpits and displays can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org

Runway race returns on bank holiday weekend

RAF Museum Spitfire 10K

Date: 29 August 2021 / Time: 10.00am / Cost: Standard entry £22.50 / Register: www.rafmuseum.org/cosford

The annual Spitfire 10K will return to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford this August bank holiday weekend, with exclusive access to the airfield at RAF Cosford for up to 1,500 participants. Taking place on Sunday 29 August, the 10-kilometer race will take-off with a loop around the Museum and includes a sprint up and down the runway, finishing with a huge spinning Spitfire 10K medal!

It will be ready, steady…..scramble at 10.00am sharp as the race begins with a dash around the Museum grounds, passing by iconic aircraft including the VC10, Hercules and Nimrod, before runners make their way onto the airfield at RAF Cosford. Participants will enjoy a scenic route around the military airfield, taking them past several historic landmarks along the way including wartime hangars, an air traffic control tower and of course, the race wouldn’t be complete without a sprint down the runway! Then it’s back onto the Museum site to cross the finish line where runners will be rewarded with a highly sought-after bespoke 2021 Spitfire 10K medal, a perfect and well-earned memento of their day.

The Spitfire 10K is held in memory of RAF Battle of Britain personnel. All runners will each receive a roll of honour card containing the name of a Battle of Britain pilot or crew member to wear with their race number, sharing the story of those who served in this pivotal aerial campaign with a new generation.

RAF Museum Public Events Manager, Ulrike Stuebner said:
‘It’s great to have the physical race back at the Museum this year. We received brilliant support and participation for the virtual race in 2020, but there is nothing like the thrill of running down the runway on an active RAF base, it’s such a unique experience.

We are well known for our brilliant Spitfire 10K race day medals, and this year’s design will not disappoint. We are keeping it under wraps until the end of the race, but I can confirm it includes our notorious spinning element, and there is still time for people to sign up and get their hands on one!

One of the most popular elements of the race is the Roll of Honour cards. It’s wonderful to see runners researching the incredible life of ‘their’ pilot or crew member and sharing these stories with family, friends and even on social media. We encourage people to get involved and keep their memory alive, sharing RAF stories is what the Museum is all about.’

The Spitfire 10K is a UK Athletics licensed race and a great event for keen runners, achieving a personal best is aided by the flat airfield terrain. But for those who just want to have fun, why not get into the spirit of the Spitfire 10K by dressing in wartime attire – don your victory curls or flying jacket and run this event in style! If you’re aged 15 and over why not give it a go? Whether you’ve been entering races for years, or you’re just getting into running, the RAF Museum’s Spitfire 10K is guaranteed to be fun and memorable.

Friends and family are invited to cheer on their loved ones and show their support on the day at the start and finish line. Following the race, visitors have the bonus of being able to enjoy time wondering round the free Museum, where they will find a world class collection of aircraft and artefacts on display, including the world’s oldest Spitfire.

To take part in this unique racing experience, register online at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Entry to the Spitfire 10K costs £22.50 per person, or £20.50 per person for Armed Forces Personnel and members of UK Athletics affiliated clubs. 2021 Spitfire 10K technical running t-shirts and vests are also available to purchase in advance and on race day (subject to availability).

Or pledge to raise £80 and receive your race day t-shirt for free. Help us honour those who defended our skies during the Battle of Britain by fundraising for the RAF Museum. Support for this event enables the RAF Museum, a registered charity, to tell the inspiring stories of RAF personnel, just like The Few – the courageous Battle of Britain Pilots and Crew who fought in the skies above Britain in 1940. Select the sponsorship option when signing up online.

If you can’t make it to Cosford for race day, why not sign up for the Virtual Spitfire 10K which launches on the bank holiday weekend and runners have until Battle of Britain day on the 15 September, to complete the challenge. The virtual race allows you to tailor the racing experience to fit your schedule and ability. You can take part in real time with other runners at 10.00am on race day, or if running 10K is not for you, why not split the distance into a few runs, a long walk, row, or a cycle. Runners from all over the UK, and across the world can take part, running in honour of a Battle of Britain pilot while supporting the RAF Museum. Further details on the virtual event can be found online at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free, simply pre-book your arrival time online at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Then it’s chocks away as you explore the Museum’s vast collection of aircraft, vehicles, artefacts and the fascinating story of the RAF!

Schools win place on aerospace residential

Students with a passion for STEM subjects have taken part in a six-part online STEM mission, competing against teams from other schools across the UK, in a bid to secure their place on the Summer Time Advanced Aerospace Residency (STAAR) programme.

Delivered by the Royal Air Force Museum, in partnership with Northrop Grumman in the UK, the STAAR programme offers students the opportunity to experience the excitement of the aerospace industry first-hand. Hundreds of Year 9 students took part, and the six winning schools who most successfully met the overall mission objectives across each of the six challenges, will now enjoy a two-day residential educational and vocational experience at RAF Cosford, when they return to school after the summer holidays.

With more than 32 schools taking part, the winning teams are:

• John Hampden Grammar School
• Denmark Road High School
• Madeley Academy
• Barnwell School
• Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
• King Edward VI Handsworth Girls School

Julie Brierley, Head of Access and Learning at RAF Museum Cosford said:
‘We were blown away with the interest we received from schools across the country, with over 520 students participating. Schools from as far north as Glasgow, to the far corners of Cornwall took part, along with schools throughout the Midlands and London. We hope it’s been an enjoyable and educational insight into the exciting world of aerospace, and we look forward to welcoming the winning schools to Cosford later this year for their STAAR residential experience.’

To secure their place on the STAAR residential, students had to successfully complete a series of STEM challenges based on a mock mission. Entries were judged by a panel of experts from the Royal Air Force and the aerospace industry, with Air Marshal Knighton overseeing the final selection.

Teams were tasked with designing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), detailing its capabilities, and then creating a 3D CAD model of their design. Teams had to demonstrate their problem-solving skills as they decrypted coded messages using various techniques, and plot routes to navigate their way through obstacles in a pathfinder’s task. In the final stages of their mission, students took part in aerial reconnaissance, assessing historical images and modern satellite images, before presenting their findings.

Air Marshal Knighton said:
‘I have been hugely impressed by the quality of the entries. The level of technical knowledge is remarkable, but the imagination on display is amazing. It has been a real privilege to judge this competition. I can’t thank the students and staff enough for their hard work.’

The students from each winning school will develop their skills further and complete phase two of their STAAR mission during the onsite residential at RAF Cosford in the autumn term. Students will get to participate in a range of activities, including programming drones to swarm.

Nick Chaffey, Chief Executive of Northrop Grumman UK, Europe and Middle East said:
“In 2021 we adapted the STAAR programme to deliver a challenging competition to even more young people than before. By bringing STEM subjects and their real-world applications to life we aim to provide inspiring opportunities to experience the careers that are available within the aerospace and defence industry. Congratulations to all the teams who took part, and we look forward to welcoming the winners to RAF Cosford for an amazing educational and vocational experience.”

The STAAR programme is fully funded (including travel, food and accommodation for the residential phase) by Northrop Grumman and is delivered in partnership with the RAF Museum and Tablet Academy, with the generous support of RAF Cosford and the RAF Youth and STEM Engagement Team.

For more information on the STAAR programme visit www.rafmuseum.org/STAAR.