Airscene.co.uk

17th September 2011

6.00pm - 8.30pm

£10.00 per person

(Open cockpits and aircraft may be subject to change)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be opening up its doors to visitors for a special evening event taking pace on Saturday 17th September 2011. During ‘Open Cockpits Evening’, a selection of historic aircraft and cockpits will be available for close viewing for a limited number of visitors, allowing rare inside access to some of the World’s most historic aircraft.

During ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ members of the public will have the chance to see inside a number of cockpits including; the MH-53 Combat Search and Rescue helicopter, as used by the United States Air Force; the Jaguar ACT Demonstrator a ground attack aircraft modified to demonstrate fly-by-wire /active control technology (ACT) and a Gnat T1 as previously used by the world famous Red Arrows team.

The evening will be a rare treat for visitors to get inside some of the iconic aircraft on display at the Museum and get a feeling of what it was like to fly these much loved aircraft. Major highlights for aviation enthusiasts include the opportunity to see inside the famous TSR2 a twin engined tactical strike reconnaissance prototype and to examine how pilots operated the unique Meteor F8 Prone Position, whilst flying lying down. Other aircraft accessible to the public on this evening will include the York, Hastings and Twin Pioneer.

Museum Events Executive, Nina Mitchell says:
“After the success of the first ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ held in May this year, we hope to make this an annual event. Access inside the aircraft is something we are not able to do all the time. By opening them up to a limited number of visitors for this event, we are able to offer them quality time inside the aircraft, with our team of volunteers available to answer any questions.”

A total of 14 aircraft will be available for close viewing on the night. In addition to this, visitors will have exclusive access to the Museum which contains over 70 aircraft on display and its award winning National Cold War Exhibition.

This evening event will run from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Numbers onto the Museum site will be limited to 300 people, to allow enthusiasts to spend as much time as possible examining these wondrous aircraft. Admission is by advance ticket only. Tickets costs £10.00 per person and are on sale now at the Museum. Height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply. Parking charges are included in the ticket price.

For further information on the ‘Open Cockpit Evening’ or to purchase tickets over the phone, please contact the Museum on 01902 376200. Visit www.rafmuseum.org for information on the Museum and other events. Please note: Open cockpits and aircraft available for close viewing may be subject to change.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Thousands of visitors came to Duxford’s first Sally B and Friends Day on Sunday 31 July for a day of great entertainment, 1940s nostalgia and fantastic flying. Many visitors were dressed in fabulous 1940s outfits and really entered into the spirit of the day!The wartime nostalgia could be felt across the Museum, with Rangers Re-enactors bringing the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of the United States Forces to life, while the Pitsford Home Guard perfectly recreated the real ‘Dad’s Army’ with Local Defence drills, demonstrations and interaction with visitors.

Fabulous forties music was provided by Room 21, who had visitors toe-tapping to Swing and Big Band classics, while the D-Day Darlings wowed the crowds with an authentic Andrews Sisters-style show, featuring instantly recognisable wartime songs that had everybody singing along!

The opportunity to meet the B-17 Preservation Team proved incredibly popular, with packed audiences for the talks by Andrew Dixon (Training Captain), Peter Brown (Chief Engineer) and Elly Sallingboe (Sally B operator) and some lively question and answer sessions.

There was some fantastic flying during the afternoon of Sally B and Friends Day. Sally B took to the skies in a solo display and was then joined by her ‘little friends’, the North American P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire IXB.

The Italian trainer aircraft Fiat G-46 then performed a solo display, in its first appearance at Imperial War Museum Duxford.

The SWIP Team of Peter Wells and Guy Westgate performed a superb display in their graceful and agile Twister SA1100 aircraft and were followed by a display of the Beechcraft 17 Staggerwing, Douglas Dakota DC-3 and Beech 18 Expediter. Sally B then joined the three aircraft for a very special salute to the Sally B Supporters Club, without whom it would not be possible to keep Sally B flying.

A T28 Trojan aircraft then flew, followed by aerobatics master Mark Jefferies, who performed a jaw-droppingly amazing display in the Extra 330SC, which drew rousing applause from the crowd.

For the grand finale, Sally B flew with the SWIP Team in their Twister SA1100 aircraft before performing a poignant final solo display to the strains of the 1940s recording of Vera Lynn singing ‘We’ll Meet Again.’

This was a fantastic celebration of Sally B in her 66th year and a relaxed, fun and nostalgic day that was enjoyed by all!

http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Recently, Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC) brought a very special historic aircraft to Duxford for reassembly and display.Hawker Fury Mk.I K 5674 serial number 41H/67550 is the only Hawker Fury in existence and has been faithfully restored to flying condition.

The remains of this rare aircraft were discovered on a farm in South Africa and acquired by Historic Aircraft Collection following information received from staff at the RAF Museum.

After an 18-year restoration, the Hawker Fury was recently reassembled at Imperial War Museum Duxford, where visitors could see the talented team of HAC engineers painstakingly assemble this spectacular aircraft.

The Fury is now presented in the scheme it was flown in when it was last operational, as part of the famous ‘Fighting Cocks’, 43 Squadron, RAF Tangmere. It was then the personal aircraft of Flying Officer Rosier, Officer Commanding ‘B’ Flight, later to become Air Chief Marshall Sir Frederick Rosier GCB CBE DSO.

Flying Officer Rosier first flew the Fury during December 1936 but had to relinquish the aircraft in February 1939. It was eventually sent to South Africa in 1940. Taken on charge by 13 Squadron, based at Swartkop, it was damaged in a forced landing and was subsequently struck off charge in March 1941.

The restoration of this beautiful pre-war fighter aircraft was undertaken by Retrotec Limited, who also rebuilt the extremely rare Rolls Royce Kestrel IIS engine.

The restored and reassembled Hawker Fury can currently be seen in all its gleaming glory in the Hangar 3: Air and Sea exhibition at Imperial War Museum Duxford.

http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

On display from 29th July 2011

A unique collection of aviation prints will be on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford from Friday 29th July 2011. The ‘Millennium Squadron Print’ exhibition is a collection of aviation prints of UK Armed Forces Flying Units that were in existence at 12.01am on the 1st January 2000.

In 2000, the RAF Museum Cosford displayed the “Millennium Squadron Print” exhibition. Now, 11 years on, the Museum is revisiting this unique collection to examine how many of the units in existence in 2000 are still active, and what fate has befallen the exhibition’s featured aircraft.

The collection consists of 116 prints from units as diverse as the Red Arrows, 1435 Flight (RAF), patrolling the skies of the Falkland Islands, many of the Royal Naval Air Service squadrons, Army Air Corps units, and RAF flying training units. As an added feature, the aircrew on each unit signed their print. Famous signatures on the prints to look out for include Tony Blair and Geoff Hoon, UK Prime Minister and Defence Secretary respectively on 1st January 2000.

This popular collection was compiled by Group Captain W.A.W. James MBE, now Station Commander of RAF Shawbury. In 1999 when the collection was produced, he was the commanding officer of the RAF Central Flying School (Helicopter) at RAF Shawbury.

RAF Museum Cosford Assistant Curator, Clare Carr says:

“The Millennium Squadron Print collection is a fascinating insight into the range of UK military flying units. We thought it would be an interesting exercise, in the light of various defence reorganisations, to review the units featured (not every flying unit participated) and see how many are still operational today and whether their home bases and aircraft have changed. We hope visitors will enjoy viewing the prints and seeing for themselves how the Royal Air Force, Royal Naval Air Service and Army Air Corps have changed over the past decade.”

The Exhibition will be on display to visitors from Friday 29th July 2011 until Easter 2012 in the Museum’s Exhibition Gallery in Hangar 1. For further information on the Museum please call 01902 376200, visit www.rafmuseum.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Museum is open daily from 10am - 6pm. Entry to the Museum and the exhibition is FREE.

16-17 July 2011

Lancaster flying display 2.35pm on Saturday 16th July

(Subject to weather and operational requirements)

Hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies this weekend at the annual Large Model Aircraft Rally taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. This famous air show in miniature is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast.

The main theme of this year’s show will be the 75th Anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire with a mass Spitfire scramble consisting of 15 models taking place twice each day. Plus, all three of Britain’s V-Bombers; Vulcan, Victor and Valiant will be flying together in model form, in an exclusive for Cosford. A major highlight for visitors on Saturday will be a flying display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster - scheduled for 2.35pm (subject to weather and operational requirements).

There is plenty taking place over the weekend to keep the whole family entertained including trade stands selling modelling and non-modelling related items, food stalls, and access to the RAF Museum, plus a fun fair to keep the youngsters entertained throughout the day.

Why not beat the rush and buy tickets in advance at a discounted rate. Advance tickets for the event are priced at just £9 for adults, £5 for children and £7 for senior citizens with a family ticket of 2 adults and up to 2 children retailing at £20, saving £5 on the gate price. Gates open at 8.30am. Unfortunately, free admission to the Museum is not possible this weekend. On site camping including entrance to the show is only £45.00 for the weekend when booked in advance. Contact Dave Bailey for more details on camping at dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk or call 07827 675665.

For further information on how to purchase advance tickets and for on the gate prices, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

B-17 Preservation and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to present Sally B and Friends Day on Sunday 31 July 2011.

A celebration of B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, in her 66th year, this special event offers 1940s nostalgia, fantastic flying and the opportunity to hear from the pilots and ground crews who keep historic aircraft in pristine condition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Duxford’s historic airfield will revisit the evocative days of the Second World War, with living history groups representing different aspects of Britain at war. Rangers Re-enactors represent the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of the United States Forces into wartime Britain, while the Pitsford Home Guard present demonstrations and displays in appreciation of the real ‘Dad’s Army’, the Local Defence Volunteers who were the first point of defence against invasion on British soil.

Fabulous forties music is provided by Room 21, a 21-piece Big Band who will be performing instantly recognisable Swing and Big Band classics from the wartime period.

There will also be a display of wartime military vehicles.

Duxford’s Wing Co Joe’s Cafe will be bedecked with victory bunting and propaganda posters, with a special wartime menu on offer - ration books not required!

Why not get into the Blitz spirit and arrive dressed in your 1940s finery? We’d love to see visitors in wartime uniforms or forties frocks, really becoming part of this special celebratory day! While this event is not an air show, there will be moments of superb flying during the afternoon of Sally B and Friends Day.

Sally B will fly three set pieces to the atmospheric sounds of Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn. She will fly a solo display and then will be joined by her ‘little friends’ - the North American P-51 Mustang, which escorted Flying Fortresses on their outward bombing missions from the East Anglian airfields, and the iconic Supermarine Spitfire IXB, the quintessential British wartime fighter aircraft.

Two de Havilland Dragon Rapides will display, representing the airliners of the golden age of air travel.

The SWIP Team of Peter Wells and Guy Westgate will perform stunning aerobatic routines in their graceful and agile Twister SA1100 aircraft.

A Douglas Dakota DC-3 and Beech 18 Expediter will perform a duo display, representing the United States transport aircraft of the Second World War. They will then join Sally B for a very special salute to the Sally B Supporters Club, without whom it would not be possible to keep Sally B flying.

Two T-28 Trojan aircraft, used by the US Navy for training purposes, will fly simultaneously, followed by aerobatic master Mark Jefferies in the Extra 330SC.

The grand flying finale will feature Sally B with the SWIP Team in their Twister SA1100 aircraft - a display that has never been previously performed!

Visitors can find out more about the passion and commitment needed to keep historic aircraft flying. Pilots and ground crew of the Sally B, together with representatives of many of the historic aircraft on display at the Sally B and Friends Day, will be available to chat to visitors about their individual roles in historic aviation.

There will be fun family activities on offer, with science and technology experiments in AirSpace and the opportunity to experience the 1940s Home Front with costumed characters and hands-on craft activities in Hangar 4: Battle of Britain.

There will also be tours of the American Air Museum, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the United States Army Air Force Bombing Campaign during the Second World War.

Join us to celebrate Sally B’s 66th year, and her 36th display season - an incredible achievement for an iconic aircraft that delights air show crowds and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors all year round.

Sally B and Friends Day is included in standard admission to the Museum. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.

http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

B-17 Preservation and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to present Sally B and Friends Day on Sunday 31 July 2011.A celebration of B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, in her 66th year, this special event offers 1940s nostalgia, fantastic flying and the opportunity to hear from the pilots and ground crews who keep historic aircraft in pristine condition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Duxford’s historic airfield will revisit the evocative days of the Second World War, with living history groups representing different aspects of Britain at war. Rangers Re-enactors represent the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of the United States Forces into wartime Britain, while the Pitsford Home Guard present demonstrations and displays in appreciation of the real ‘Dad’s Army’, the Local Defence Volunteers who were the first point of defence against invasion on British soil.

Fabulous forties music is provided by Room 21, a 21-piece Big Band who will be performing instantly recognisable Swing and Big Band classics from the wartime period.

There will also be a display of wartime military vehicles.

Duxford’s Wing Co Joe’s Cafe will be bedecked with victory bunting and propaganda posters, with a special wartime menu on offer - ration books not required!

Why not get into the Blitz spirit and arrive dressed in your 1940s finery? We’d love to see visitors in wartime uniforms or forties frocks, really becoming part of this special celebratory day! While this event is not an air show, there will be moments of superb flying during the afternoon of Sally B and Friends Day.

Sally B will fly three set pieces to the atmospheric sounds of Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn. She will fly a solo display and then will be joined by her ‘little friends’ - the North American P-51 Mustang, which escorted Flying Fortresses on their outward bombing missions from the East Anglian airfields, and the iconic Supermarine Spitfire IXB, the quintessential British wartime fighter aircraft.

Two de Havilland Dragon Rapides will display, representing the airliners of the golden age of air travel.

The SWIP Team of Peter Wells and Guy Westgate will perform stunning aerobatic routines in their graceful and agile Twister SA1100 aircraft.

A Douglas Dakota DC-3 and Beech 18 Expediter will perform a duo display, representing the United States transport aircraft of the Second World War. They will then join Sally B for a very special salute to the Sally B Supporters Club, without whom it would not be possible to keep Sally B flying.

Two T-28 Trojan aircraft, used by the US Navy for training purposes, will fly simultaneously, followed by aerobatic master Mark Jefferies in the Extra 330SC.

The grand flying finale will feature Sally B with the SWIP Team in their Twister SA1100 aircraft - a display that has never been previously performed!

Visitors can find out more about the passion and commitment needed to keep historic aircraft flying. Pilots and ground crew of the Sally B, together with representatives of many of the historic aircraft on display at the Sally B and Friends Day, will be available to chat to visitors about their individual roles in historic aviation.

There will be fun family activities on offer, with science and technology experiments in AirSpace and the opportunity to experience the 1940s Home Front with costumed characters and hands-on craft activities in Hangar 4: Battle of Britain.

There will also be tours of the American Air Museum, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the United States Army Air Force Bombing Campaign during the Second World War.

Join us to celebrate Sally B’s 66th year, and her 36th display season - an incredible achievement for an iconic aircraft that delights air show crowds and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors all year round.

Sally B and Friends Day is included in standard admission to the Museum. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult. http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

With only weeks to go until Flying Legends on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July, The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that over 55 aircraft will be participating at this year’s warbird spectacular.

In the 30th anniversary year of The Fighter Collection, Flying Legends promises to be a memorable celebratory occasion.

Highlights include:

For the first time since the filming of the famous Battle of Britain film in 1968, three Second World War Hispano HA-1112 MIL (Buchon) fighter aircraft will display in the skies over Duxford.

The Aer Lingus DH-84 Dragon Iolar will make its debut at Flying Legends this year. Built in 1936, the Iolar was acquired by Aer Lingus in the 1960s, as the airline’s original DH-84 was destroyed during the Second World War. The original Iolar was Aer Lingus’ first aircraft that flew the airline’s inaugural flight from Baldonnel to Bristol in May 1936. The Iolar will be flown alongside a second DH-84 Dragon and a de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

In a rare air show appearance, there will be three Skyraiders displaying at Flying Legends.

As previously announced, The Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lightning reg. N25Y and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS will perform a stunning display as part of an unrivalled programme of aerial excitement.

The Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team, will perform at Flying Legends as a two-ship team with pilots Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley showcasing the aircraft that made America great.

On the ground, there will be fun activities for all ages.

The Airfix Make and Paint Zone will give families the opportunity to make their own Airfix model and paint it with the accompanying paint colours. Once complete, the finished model aircraft is placed into a hanger box so that visitors can take their aviation masterpiece home as a souvenir of their day at Duxford.

Tank Heroes will be offering mini tank rides for children. Hands on History will be giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to dress as a British Army private or a Royal Air Force airman from the Second World War (no additional charge). There is also the opportunity to have a go at shooting paintballs at a mock-up of a ruined Normandy village with three-dimensional tank and soldier targets (additional charges apply).

Creating an authentic 1940s wartime atmosphere, the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Lindy Hoppers will be dancing up a storm on the Hangar Base on Saturday 9 July and encouraging toetapping visitors to join in.

On Sunday 10 July, direct from New York City, The Manhattan Dolls bring their Andrews Sisters style show to Flying Legends.

Performing on the Hangar Base, they’ll be taking visitors on a sentimental journey through those evocative songs of the 1930s and 1940s.

In addition, visitors will be able to interact with living history groups, who will be bringing the Second World War to life at Duxford’s historic airfield. Ops 1939-45 will be representing Battle of Britain-era RAF pilots and ground crew, while the 42nd Field Hospital portrays US Army medical personnel from the Second World War.

The Screaming Eagles Living History Group will be representing servicemen who served with the 101st US Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2ndBattalion, Easy Company during the Second World War.

For daredevil visitors, the Parachute Regiment will be offering jumps from their Parachute Tower.

The Royal Air Force Recruiting Team will be showcasing a replica Red Arrows Hawk and chatting to visitors about life in the RAF.

Without doubt one of the finest warbird air shows in the world, Flying Legends will again provide an unrivalled line-up of the classic propeller-driven combat aircraft from both the First and Second World Wars, many of which are now either rare or unique.

With legendary aircraft and superbly talented pilots coming from across the globe to display at Flying Legends, a spectacular performance of stunning aerial displays awaits. Coupled with fantastically fun ground activities and an authentic evocation of the 1940s, Flying Legends is a unique event not to be missed!

All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or by calling the box office on 01223 499 353.

On Wednesday 15 June, world record-breaking round-the-world pilot CarolAnn Garrett flew into Duxford in her Mooney aircraft.CarolAnn has circumnavigated the world twice and set a world record by completing a round the world trip in 8.5 days, at an average speed of 115.35mph.

CarolAnn was born in the UK and emigrated to the USA as a child in 1964. Her father passed on his passion for aviation to the whole family and it was whilst flying her father to visit his sister in New Zealand, who he hadn’t seen for many years, that the idea of a round the world trip was born. The first world circumnavigation was undertaken as a fundraising exercise for DASH for a Cure, supporting ALS Research (www.alsworldflight.com), while Carol’s second round the world trip resulted in her record-breaking achievement.

This wasn’t the first time that Carol had visited Duxford, as in 2004 she brought her father to see the Valentine, the type of tank that he drove during the Second World War under General Montgomery’s command, which is on display in Land Warfare.

Visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford for details of our events and activities.

Wednesday 15th June 2011 marked the 75th Anniversary of the first flight of the Vickers Wellington. Part of the Royal Air Forces bomber strength during World War II, the prototype Wellington (K 4049) first took to the skies on the 15th June 1936.The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is home to the world’s only complete example, Vickers Wellington B.X MF628. The Wellington is currently undergoing restoration work in the Museums award winning Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, where it will spend the next four years being carefully restored, before going back on display at the RAF Museum London.

The Wellington went into active RAF service in 1938 and played a significant role in the RAF during World War II. This twin-engined, long-serving, medium-range bomber was utilised heavily within Bomber Command at the outset of World War II, and was affectionately known as the ‘Wimpy’ by its crews. Flying on many of the Wars defining bombing operations, the ‘Wimpys’ last mission with Bomber Command was in October 1943. During WWII the Wellington served in other theatres including the Middle East and Far East and as a maritime patrol and anti-submarine craft in Coastal Command; some also served with Transport Command illustrating what an incredibly versatile aircraft the Wellington was. As an aircrew trainer it served with the RAF until1953.

With a wingspan of 86ft, over 60ft in length and a height of 17ft, the Wellington had a bomb carrying capacity of 4,500lb. In total 11,461 Wellington’s were built, the bomber typically carried a crew of five or six which would vary depending on the operation.

The Wellington is famous for its unique geodetic construction, built up from a number of strong channel-beams that were formed into a large geodesic-based network. Originally designed by Barnes Wallis, the geodetic construction gave the aircraft tremendous strength because any one of the stringers could support some of the weight from even the opposite side of the aircraft.

The Museums Wellington B.X MF628 will be on display to visitors during the Conservation Centre Open Week taking place from Monday 14th to Saturday 19th November 2011. Open each day from 10.15am -1.00pm, a range of aircraft and other artefacts in various states of restoration will be on display, including the Centre’s largest project, the Wellington Bomber.

The Museum will open daily from 10am - 6pm (last admission 5pm). Admission is FREE of charge. For further information, please contact the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.