UK Aviation Museum News – Page 28

Flight simulation show just got bigger!

Flight Sim 2019 at RAF Museum Cosford

Date: 5-6 October 2019
Time: 9.30am to 5:00pm (4.00pm Sunday)
Cost:
£10 per day/ £18 weekend pass (advance)
£12 per day/£22 weekend pass (on the day)
Free entry for under 14’s, when accompanied by a paying adult.

Aviation fans can experience the best that desktop flying has to offer when Flight Sim 2019 takes place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford next month.

The Museum will host the event delivered by Just Flight, for a seventh consecutive year which attracts more than 2,000 visitors. Due to popular demand, this year’s show has been extended to a two-day event and will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October. Set against a backdrop of aircraft including the world’s first jet airliner, the Comet, visitors can enjoy a weekend packed full of the latest software and presentations from the experts.

Over 30 exhibitors are already confirmed to attend which includes leading companies in flight simulation; Laminar Research, Orbx, Aerosoft, Honeycomb Aeronautical and Infinite Flight to name but a few. With more exhibitors expected to join the line-up and a full weekend of presentations taking place in the adjoining auditorium, organisers are looking forward to welcoming visitors to their biggest show to date.

Suitable to new and veteran desktop pilots alike and any aviation enthusiasts who are keen to find out more about life in the virtual skies. Flight Sim attendees can enjoy the very best of both the virtual and the real worlds of aviation at the same venue, as there will be ample opportunity to explore the aircraft and exhibits at the RAF Museum over the weekend, where entry is free.

Whilst exploring the Museum, make sure you step inside the new Virtual Reality Zone and experience the thrill of flying in a Spitfire. The VR goggles place you in the cockpit and 10,000 feet in the air for a panoramic view of a real Spitfire flight…..it’s a must for those who love virtual reality!

Save money by booking your ticket in advance at www.flightsimshow.com, where you can also keep up to date with all the latest news about exhibitors and events over the weekend. Flight Sim 2019 is organised and hosted by Just Flight, in association with media sponsor PC Pilot magazine.

The RAF Museum Cosford is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Further information can be found at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

‘Father of the RAF’ Lord Trenchard’s truck now on display

Bedford truck at RAF Museum Cosford

A Bedford MWC 15cwt Truck that was specially prepared to act as the bier for the ‘Father of the Royal Air Force’, Lord Trenchard’s funeral in 1956 is now on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.

After years in storage, the truck has undergone conservation work led by the Museum’s team of volunteers from the Conservation and Engineering team. This latest addition to the collection can now be seen on display in the Museum’s Hangar 1 in its original condition.

The Bedford War Department type truck was designed as a light utility military truck. During the Second World War period (1939-1945) nearly 66,000 examples were produced for service use. The RAF utilised them as general crew and transport trucks, and some were also made as anti-aircraft gun platforms and mobile water tanks.

The Museum’s example, registration 05 AS 35, was especially prepared to tow the trailer carrying the first Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Viscount Hugh Trenchard’s coffin at his funeral on 21 February 1956. The procession saw his coffin taken from the Air Ministry in Whitehall to Westminster Abbey where his ashes were laid to rest in the RAF Chapel.

The RAF Chapel at Westminster Abbey is dedicated to the RAF aircrew casualties of the Battle of Britain and Viscount Trenchard himself headed a committee to raise funds for a stained-glass window and the furnishing of this chapel. His ashes are interred there along with Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding and Marshal of the Royal Air Force Bomber Harris. A service is held there each year on the Sunday following Battle of Britain Day (15 September) to remember the RAF personnel who lost their lives during the Battle of Britain.

RAF Museum Cosford Assistant Curator, Clare Carr said:
“We’re delighted to add the Bedford MWC 15cwt Truck to our collection of vehicles on public display at Cosford. It was a versatile military vehicle and this particular example played an important role in Viscount Trenchard’s funeral, arguably the man who single-handedly laid the foundations for the Royal Air Force during the inter war years, earning him the affectionate title the ‘Father of the Royal Air Force’.

The truck was last on display for the RAF 50th Anniversary Royal Review at RAF Abingdon on 14/15 June 1968 and was acquired by the RAF Museum shortly after. Now, after more than 50 years in storage, the Bedford truck can be seen on display alongside other aircraft and vehicles in Hangar 1.”

The RAF Museum Cosford is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free. Further information can be found at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

MiGs head out for September

MiG-27 at Newark Air Museum

Yesterday at the request of the owner, two aircraft left the Newark Air Museum site on a short-term temporary basis.

The aircraft in question are two former Soviet MiG aircraft that have been on long-term loan at Newark since May 2002; these are:

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23ML “Flogger – 024003607 “07”
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27K “Flogger” – 61912507006 “71”

Work to dismantle the aircraft started in late August and it is anticipated that the aircraft will be away from the museum site until the end of September.

Whilst they are off site it is believed that the aircraft will be used for film work.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Chocks away for the Spitfire 10K Virtual Race!

Spitfire 10k medals

Date: Entries open until 27 September 2019
Cost: UK – £15.00 + £1.90 booking fee
Europe – £17.50 + £1.90 booking fee
Rest of the world – £19.50 + £1.90 booking fee

The popular Spitfire 10K held annually at both the RAF Museum’s Cosford and London sites is going virtual! The sell-out race at both Museum’s saw more runners than ever before racing across the airfield at Cosford and through the streets of north London and following its success last weekend, the Museum is launching the Spitfire 10K Virtual Race for those who missed out.

Taking part in the Virtual Race allows participants to complete the distance in their own time, wherever and however they want – on the road, in the pool, at the gym, or even walking the dog! Online applications are now open and those who wish to partake have until Friday 27 September to sign up.

Once the Spitfire 10K Virtual Race is complete, participants should forward their route, whether that be a Strava file, Garmin screenshot or screenshot of their watch, to show they have achieved the distance by Sunday 29 September. Runners will then be rewarded with one of the highly sought after 2019 Spitfire 10K spinning propeller medals, an absolute must for any runner’s medal collection!

RAF Museum Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“The demand for the Spitfire 10K at both Cosford and London is huge. We increased our capacity this year and had 2,300 runners participating across the two Museums, with over 150 people on the waiting list. We’re making the race virtual so those who missed out on race day can still be part of this unique event. The great thing about the virtual race is that it can be completed in a location of their choice, but they will still receive one of our spectacular medals. Last year we had just under 400 runners from across the UK and even abroad with participants from as far as Australia, New Zealand and America. We hope this year it will be just as popular.”

All those who enter the virtual race will get a head start for the 2020 Spitfire 10K by receiving advanced notice of the race entry details at both museums. Entry costs £15.00 per person in the UK and all proceeds from the Spitfire 10K will go towards the RAF Museum, registered charity number 244708.

Anyone interested in the Spitfire 10K Virtual Race can register online at www.rafmuseum.org. Entry costs £15.00 per person (UK), £17.50 (Europe) and £19.50 (Rest of the World), plus booking fee.

70th anniversary of the Brabazon

Brabazon collection at Aerospace Bristol

As you may be aware, this Wednesday marks the 70th anniversary of the first flight of the Bristol Brabazon aeroplane from Filton Airfield (4th September 1949).

While only one complete example of the huge aircraft was ever built (and that has since been scrapped), there some Brabazon parts – including a propeller and wheels – in the exhibition at Aerospace Bristol, as well as a scale model of the aircraft (top right). There are also plans to develop the airfield into a residential and commercial area known as Brabazon.

On 8 March 1910, John Moore-Brabazon became the first person to qualify as a pilot in the United Kingdom and was awarded Royal Aero Club Aviator’s Certificate number 1. When his friend C.S. Rolls was killed in a flying accident later in 1910, Moore-Brabazon’s wife persuaded him to give up flying. However, he remained very visible in aviation and also motor car and sail/motor-boat racing. He joined the RFC in 1915 in a ground-based role, but it was as a Member of Parliament after 1918 that he grew to prominence, becoming Minister of Transport in 1940.

In 1942, he was tasked with setting up a technical committee to investigate the post-WW2 needs of the British Empire’s civilian airliner market. Brabazon’s Committee was formed on 23rd December 1942 and consisted of many of the “great and good” associated with the aircraft industry of the time.

In 1942, the UK and the USA had agreed to split responsibility for building multi-engine aircraft types – the UK focus was on bombers, with transport aircraft being left to the USA. It was soon recognized that as a result of that decision the UK could be left at the end of the war with little experience in the design, manufacture and final assembly of transport aircraft; in addition, it would have little or no infrastructure or trained personnel for doing it.

The Brabazon study was tasked to define, in broad overview, the impact of projected advances in aviation technology and to forecast the global needs of the post war British Empire (in South Asia, Africa, the Near and Far East) and the Commonwealth (Australia, Canada, New Zealand) in the area of air transport, for passengers, mail, and cargo.

The study recognized that the British Empire and Commonwealth, as both a political and economic entity, would have a vital need for aviation systems (principally aircraft) to facilitate its continued existence and self-reliance in the post-war world. For military and commercial reasons, the Empire simply could not continue to exist if it did not understand these needs, and develop the industrial infrastructure to provide the aviation systems and sub-systems necessary to supply and maintain a global air transport service.

For more info and to see the collection: www.aerospacebristol.org

Celebration of 20 Years’ Work of Volunteer Team who Brought a WWII Hurricane back to life

Brooklands Hurricane

The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Elmbridge, local Councillors and VIPs will be joining a gathering of Trustees and supporters from Brooklands Museum to celebrate the achievements of a dedicated team of volunteers who have restored a Hawker Hurricane aircraft.

The Hurricane was Britain’s most successful fighter aircraft of the WWII era and was designed by Sydney Camm at nearby Kingston. It was assembled and first flown in prototype form at Brooklands in November 1935. Altogether, 3,012 Hurricanes were produced at Brooklands – one fifth of the total built. When the Battle of Britain was fought in the summer of 1940, it was due to the tremendous production and test flying effort at Brooklands and other factories, and to the skills of the RAF pilots, that the Hurricane became the chief victor of this decisive engagement. Almost 25% of all RAF fighters in this conflict were Brooklands-built Hurricanes.

On permanent display as part of the vast collection of aircraft at Brooklands Museum is Hawker Hurricane Z2389. Built in 1940 it served with five different RAF Squadrons in 1941, including the American volunteer 71 ‘Eagle’ Squadron at Martlesham Heath. As part of emergency war supplies for Russia, it was shipped to Murmansk on 21st May 1942. On the 20th June 1942, it engaged two Messerschmitt Bf109Fs and five Bf110s over a remote part of Murmansk but was shot down along with two other Hurricanes. The pilot, F/Lt Ivan Kalashnikov survived the forced landing.

Fifty years later it was found by Russian historians, recovered in 1996 and then acquired by Brooklands Museum in 1997. It became the first historic aircraft to be purchased with a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The Hurricane volunteer restoration team assembled in 1999 and has worked up until 2019 to complete the incredible restoration of this aircraft. As well as the work itself, the team, alongside Museum staff, have sourced materials, spares and raised money. Their biggest and most memorable achievement has to be sourcing a Merlin Mark II engine entirely by chance when an interested visitor said he had one sitting in his garage!

It has taken the team 60,000 dedicated man hours to rebuild the steel and wooden structure, stitch the fabric on the fuselage, paint the wings, restore the cockpit and plot’s seat to bring this iconic British aircraft to its present form. Furthermore, they have introduced this specialist area of restoration work to younger generations by encouraging Duke of Edinburgh participants to assist them; some members who completed the required levels have chosen to stay on and join the Museum’s volunteer programme.

Now, visitors to the Museum can see an original Hawker Hurricane that saw active war-time service. This milestone will be celebrated on 3rd September, 80 years to the day that Britain announced it was at war with Germany.

www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Life Stories: the RAF and me

Air Commodore Paul Godfrey

Date: 31 Aug / 14 Sep / 12 Oct 2019
Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Cost: FREE

A new series of talks from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford entitled ‘Life Stories’, will share the unique experiences of guest speakers, from their time serving in the Royal Air Force.

The new ‘Life Stories’ talks form part of the Museum’s RAF Stories project, an online collection accessible for everyone to submit, share and explore stories of people’s personal connections to the RAF.

RAF Museum Community Engagement Officer: RAF Stories, Jess Boydon said:
“The forthcoming talks are an opportunity for interested members of the public to hear first-hand some of the great stories already captured by the project. Held in the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition Lecture Theatre, each talk held on Saturday afternoons, will have a key guest speaker and will cover a range of thought provoking topics.”

31 August: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Air Commodore Paul Godfrey spent three seasons with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), flying the Spitfire, Hurricane and Chipmunk aircraft. During this talk, Paul will share his knowledge of the BBMF and his most memorable experiences. The mission of the RAF BBMF is to maintain these priceless artefacts of our national heritage in an airworthy condition, so that the BBMF may commemorate those who have fallen in the service of this country, promote the modern day Air Force and inspire the future generations. Flown by regular serving RAF Aircrew, the Flight operates six Spitfires, two Hurricane Mk 2Cs, a Lancaster as well as a C47 Dakota and two Chipmunk aircraft.

14 September: Life Stories: From Basra to Sydney
Sgt Paul ‘Twitch’ Twitchell will take you on a gritty, emotional, funny and inspirational journey through his battle with mental health illness. Following several tours of Iraq carrying out bomb disposal duties, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) all but destroyed everything dear to him. Saved by an extremely unlikely stranger, Prince Harry sparked the fire under Twitch that would see him transform from a suicidal PTSD sufferer to an Invictus Games medallist.

12 October: Life Stories: True Colours
Caroline Paige is a retired Royal Air Force navigator with a thirty-five year flying career that includes air defence fighters during the Cold War and troop helicopters in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. But against a background of contemporary conflict, and the demanding environment of military aviation, her story reveals a remarkable journey of inspirational courage and endurance, in overcoming adversity in an unforgiving world. In 1999, after a life-long struggle to hide her gender identity became too much to bear, Caroline informed the RAF of her intention to transition gender. Controversially at the time, she was permitted to remain in service, becoming the first transgender officer to openly serve in the British Armed Forces. Her story tells how she rose against extraordinary challenges to remain on the front-line of military flying, serving a further sixteen years, and silencing outspoken critics by earning several commendations for ‘exceptional service’ in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The talks will commence at 2.00pm and are free to attend, lasting approximately one hour, including time for questions. As spaces are limited, visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford to avoid disappointment.

For anyone who would like to contribute to the RAF Stories project, download the free RAF Stories App, where you can discover and share the stories of others, or record and upload your own using your mobile device, keeping the story alive and relevant for generations to come. Visit www.rafstories.org for more details.

The RAF Stories project is proudly supported by National Lottery Players through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Shackleton Boys 2 Book Launch To Be Hosted at Newark Air Museum

Shackleton Boys 2

The Newark Air Museum is hosting a two day event to celebrate the Shackleton Boys 2 book launch. This is one of many similar titles published by Grub Street and it features many stories from former Avro Shackleton aircrew.

The event will take place on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September 2019, between 10am and 5pm each day (last admission at 4pm), and it will be centred around Avro Shackleton MR.3 Phase 3 WR977 that was dismantled and moved to the museum by road in spring 1977. To this day this is still the largest aircraft dismantling project ever undertaken by the museum and its volunteers.

Over both days, more than twenty five (25) contributors to the book will be in attendance to sign copies of the book. They, along with other former Shackleton veterans will be meeting each other and also meeting and talking with the museum visitors. Details of the reunion aspect of the event are being co-ordinated via the author Steve Bond and the publishers Grub Street. Amongst the Shackleton veterans there will be people who flew Shackleton WR977 in attendance.

This event is open to the general public & normal museum admission rates apply: Adults £9.00, Over 65s £8.00, Children £4.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £24.00

On both days of the event there will be a flypast by aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Sky’s the limit as ‘Star Wars’ takes on ‘Top Gun’ at outdoor cinema

Cosford Outdoor Cinema

Date: 20-21 September 2019
Time: Gates open 6.00pm / film starts 8.00pm
Cost: £13 per person in advance / £15 on the gate (subject to availability)
Film: Rated 12A (children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is providing the ultimate outdoor cinema screening experience this September, with two nights of iconic flicks projected onto a massive screen, movie fans can expect plenty of snacks, flowing drinks and a truly unique night out.

The highest grossing Star Wars movie ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and one of the most iconic aviation movies ever ‘Top Gun’ will be shown on a giant inflatable screen, set against a backdrop of aircraft on 20 and 21 September respectively. Film buffs can enjoy watching light sabre battles and Maverick under the moonlight in what is the perfect setting for films about flight.

Digital projectors and surround sound equipment will create a true cinematic experience, but no movie would be complete without popcorn, which is why the Museum will be transforming the Hercules aircraft into a popcorn bar where visitors can step on-board to purchase their essential movie snacks.

The big movie event will kick start with the epic space opera ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ on Friday 20 September. Set 30 years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the film follows defector Finn (John Boyega) and tough scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), whose droid contains a top-secret map concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi Knights. The young duo join forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to ensure the Resistance, led by General Leia Organa receives the intelligence and unite in the fight against the new threat to the Galaxy from the evil Kylo Ren and the First Order, a successor to the Galactic Empire.

It’s been over 30 years since the 80’s cult classic military movie ‘Top Gun’ first graced the big screen but the magic of characters Maverick and Goose will be flying high during this special evening event on Saturday 22 September. This American romantic military action film stars Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a hotshot fighter pilot who’s reckless attitude puts him at odds with his fellow pilots. The film follows Maverick and his Radar Intercept Officer Nick “Goose” Bradshaw’s journey to refine their elite flying skills, coupled with fighting for the attention of the beautiful flight instructor. Packed with plenty of flying action and romantic comedy.

In the build up to the movie, why not take advantage of some of the tasty hot food and beverages on offer, including a delicious selection of American inspired street food. Then sit back, relax and enjoy some cocktails, beer or a glass of fizz served from a converted VW Campervan, or keep a look out for the vintage caravan where you can purchase a range of hot beverage, including freshly ground coffee and delicious hot chocolate.

Film fans are encouraged to bring picnic chairs and blankets for their own comfort as the film will be screened outdoors on a grassed area – there is no allocated seating, so arrive early to get the best spot! Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and drink on the night, all drinks must be in plastic bottles or cans and no BBQ’s are permitted.

Both films are certified 12A and may contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticket holders will also have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum’s Hangar 1 when gates open at 6pm. There will be plenty of time to enjoy some of the tasty street food, a cocktail or two and of course stock up on your popcorn, before you settle down to watch the movie at 8.00pm (film start time may alter slightly, depending on light conditions). The running time is approximately 2hrs 15mins for ‘Star Wars’ and 1hr 50mins for ‘Top Gun’.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“Both movies are fitting for us as a venue, where else can you watch movies about flight surrounded by real military aircraft and get the chance to climb inside an aircraft to buy your popcorn? We hope that two iconic films, combined with the unique setting and all the added extra’s, plus the chance to dress up as your favourite character from the film, will create an enjoyable and memorable cinema experience for our visitors.”

If you feel the need for speed, grab your wingman and head to the Museum’s website where tickets are now available to purchase in advance http://www.rafmuseum.org/cosfordpriced at £13 per person. Tickets will also be available on the evening priced at £15 per person, subject to availability. Parking for ticket holders is free of charge.

Copter-Fest 19 at Newark Air Museum

Chinook at Newark cockpit fest

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th August 2019

The preparatory work for the 2019 Copter-Fest 19 event on Saturday17th & Sunday 18th August 2019 is now almost complete. Over the years the museum has built up a good selection of helicopters in its collection; something that was added to with the Puma, Chinook and Lynx helicopters coming into our care during 2018. These rotary exhibits now represent around 10% of the museum’s overall collection.

The raised levels of interest in such rotary exhibits and visiting helicopter ‘traffic’ encouraged us to launch our new Copter-Fest event. The Sunday event will coincide with the 2019 International Helicopter Day, which is celebrated around the world.

During Copter-Fest the museum will celebrate the helicopters in its collection and give visitors the chance to take a look inside them, something that is not always possible.

Copter-Fest 2019 is open to the general public and museum trustees, volunteers and staff have put together a range of visiting special displays and activities. In addition to the helicopter viewing opportunities a number of museum aircraft will be open for people to visit. A small additional charge will be made for each aircraft visited (proceeds towards the museum’s various aircraft restoration projects).

Newark Air Museum helicopter exhibits

Bensen gyrocopter: G-ASNY
Bristol Sycamore III: WT933
BV Chinook HC.1 (fuselage): ZA717
Saunders Roe Skeeter AOP.12: XL764
Sud-Aviation SA.341 Gazelle: F-ZWRI / XW276
Sud Puma HC.1: XW208
Westland Lynx HC.28: QP-31
Westland (Bell 47) Sioux AH.1: XT200
Westland Wessex HC.2: XV728
Westland Whirlwind HAS.7: XM685
Zurowski ZP.1: BAPC 183

Visiting Displays

Mainly Military Models display
Stephen Dring 3D display/sales
Airfield Research Group display
Bikini State – RAF Regiment display/reenactors & Beaver ATV
Martin Brookfield – Wessex Display (Sunday only)
Robert Adams – Sales
RSPB – The Work of the RSPB with Display/Membership
Andy Rawden – Westland Lynx AH.7 XZ220 & display

Normal museum admission rates apply: Adults £9.00, Over 65s £8.00, Children £4.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £24.00.

Opening times; 10am to 5pm; last admission 4pm.
Full event details and exhibit lists can be found on the News & Information page of the museum website: www.newarkairmuseum.org