UK Aviation Museum News – Page 53

NEW aircraft added to Open Cockpits Evening line-up

RAF Museum Shorts Belfast

Date: 13-14 May 2016

Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Cost: £12.50 per person

Aviation fans are being given the chance to climb on board a selection of historic aircraft and sit in the pilot’s seat during an ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ event taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. The event which runs on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May will offer 300 visitors each evening the rare opportunity to step inside some of the world’s most iconic aircraft, including two research jets which have never been opened to visitors before.

Visitors can experience what it feels like to sit inside a military aircraft that’s seen action around the world and marvel at the advanced technologies on unique airframes. So whether it’s a fast jet to spark interest in the younger generation, or a nostalgic wartime aircraft that brings back memories with older visitors, with the mix of aircraft available there is something to please everyone.

Confirmed aircraft include the never before opened English Electric P1A. This experimental aircraft was the basis for the RAF’s front line fighter, the English Electric (later BAC) Lightning and was the first and only truly supersonic aircraft developed by Britain on her own. This radical and far sighted design was considered so novel there were concerns as to whether it could succeed. The museum’s example is the first of two prototypes built to test the 60 degree sweepback wing and the low position tail plane, a concept that was later confirmed. The P1A exceeded the speed of sound in level flight, achieving in excess of Mach 2.0 and went on to become the RAF’s front line fighter, staying in service for nearly three decades.

Also new to the event list is the Fairey Delta 2 (FD2), one of only two FD2S ever built. Devised in response to Britain trailing behind in supersonic aircraft design during the late 1940s, the Ministry of Supply issued a specification for a supersonic research aircraft. Fairey set about meeting this with a single-seat, delta-winged aircraft powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon engine with an afterburner and called it the FD2. To improve the pilot’s forward view during landing, taxiing and take-off, the aircraft had a unique feature whereby the cockpit and nose section could be hinged downwards by ten degrees. In March 1956 the FD2 broke the World Air Speed Record reaching speeds of 1132mph, breaking the record by 300mph set by an American F100 Super Sabre the year before.

This May will be the first time Visitors at Cosford have been able to get on board both the P1A and the FD2 and organisers are confident they will be popular with aviation fans wanting a closer inspection. Visitors to ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ can also view inside the cockpit of the British Aircraft Corporation TSR2 – one of the most exciting and controversial British combat aircraft designs of the 1960s. Plus, the giant Short Brothers Belfast, a long-range, strategic RAF transport aircraft weighing over 56 tonnes when empty, will be opened up for visitors along with the Handley Page Hastings and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis to name but a few.

RAF Museum Cosford Event Manager, Abi Betteridge said:

“Events like this make a visit to the museum extra special as it’s such a unique opportunity to have access inside military aircraft. To make sure visitors get the most out of the event, we have a fantastic team of Volunteers on hand to answer any questions they may have. We have also added two new aircraft to the list, along with some that haven’t been open for a number of years, so there is something new and exciting for our repeat visitors.”

‘Open Cockpits Evening’ is part of ‘The Museums at Night’ cultural event, an annual international event where hundreds of museums, galleries, libraries, archives and heritage sites across Europe open their doors to the public for special after hours events. Visitors will have exclusive after-hours access to the museum which displays a collection of over 75 aircraft, military vehicles, engines and aviation artefacts within three wartime hangars and the National Cold War Exhibition.

Tickets are now available to purchase through the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford and cost £12.50 per person which includes parking. Minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply. The Museum will close at 5.00pm both days, however the Visitor Centre and Refuel Restaurant will remain open for visitors attending the evening event which commences at 6.00pm and finishes at 9.00pm.

Tickets for a second Open Cockpits Evening taking place in September which will feature a different collection of aircraft to the May event are also on sale via the Museum website.

Carole Vorderman Open News Exhibition at RAF Museum

RAF Museum Carole Vorderman

The RAF Museum is pleased to announce the launch of its newest temporary exhibition ‘Venture and Adventure’ which marks the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the RAF Air Cadets*

Air cadet officers have been working closely with the Museum’s team to produce the exhibition which chronicles the exciting story of the Air Training Corps, from 1941 when it was established, right through to the very latest developments.

Together with a range of other anniversary events across the UK to mark the organisation’s 75th year, the exhibition aims intended to raise public awareness of what is one of the finest national voluntary youth organisations in the world.

As honorary ambassador for the Air Cadets, TV personality Carol Voderman was on hand to open the exhibition at an event attended by RAF VIP’s, local cadets from Barnet and the Mayors of Barnet and Harrow.

Project Officer, Flt Lt Roger Starling said: “This fascinating exhibition will be located in the Art Gallery area on the first floor of the museum’s main building and will use specially designed panels to illustrate key cadet activities. There will also be some historic artefacts on display, including an original uniform from 1941.”

A second, smaller exhibition will feature at the museum’s other site at RAF Cosford, Shropshire. Admission to both exhibitions is free and they will run until November 11 next year (2016).

*The RAF Air Cadets comprises both the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF).

www.rafmuseum.org

Sea Harrier at Newark Air Museum

Newark Air Museum Sea Harrier

Since the start of 2016 Sea Harrier FA.2, ZA176 at Newark Air Museum has been receiving an ‘armament upgrade’, which has given the airframe more of an operational appearance.

For several years the museum has been acquiring a selection of Sea Harrier compatible weapons fit, which, until now this has been displayed underneath the airframe. A new volunteer has recently joined the museum and he has been using his former skills as an Armourer to assist with fitting the weaponry to the aircraft.

Amongst the first items fitted were a set of CBLS (Carrier Bomb Light Stores) units. In service the CBLS units allows military aircraft to carry up to 4 light stores (or practice bombs) on each weapon station. The use of practice bombs during training helps reduce costs and minimises risks during aircrew weapons training. These units help illustrate the important training aspect of Sea Harrier operations and fits in with the museum’s own themes of flight training.

Two rare, ADEN 30 gun pods have also been fitted to ZA176 to replicate the units carried operationally by the Sea Harriers until they came out of service in 2006. These pods have been refurbished and repainted using a grey paint that has been carefully matched to the airframe colour.

Sea Harrier ZA176 joined the Newark Air Museum collection from RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, on Wednesday 21st July, 2004. ZA176 helped complete the V-STOL airframe lineage displayed at the museum. This started with the Meteor FR.9 flying test-bed and associated RB.108 vertical lift engine and now moves along to the Sea Harrier, which is complemented by a recently acquired Pegasus engine. ZA176 was also the seventh Fleet Air Arm aircraft to be displayed in the museum collection.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Newark Air Museum Events for 2016

Newark Air Museum Vulcan

Here at Newark Air Museum, a registered charity, we’re have some exciting special events planned for our 2016 season:

5 March 2016 – Indoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Table Top Sale 48 sellers tables all hosted inside Display Hangar 2 amongst the aircraft at the museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire. {Special discount admission rates apply, open to everyone to attend.}

6 March, 2016 – Ransome & Marles Commemorative Day throughout the day re-enactors will be participating in a variety of commemorative activities at the museum to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Newark bearing factory being bombed.

21 & 22 May, 2016 – Tribute to the V-Force event dedicated to the aircraft and personnel that flew Valiants, Victors and Vulcans. This slimmed down event includes a reunion of former V-Force personnel. Based around the museum’s Vulcan aircraft it will also feature many visiting displays and is open to the public. {Normal admission rates apply}

18 & 19 June 2016 – Cockpit-Fest 2015 & Aeroboot / Aerojumble; this regular two day event provides the perfect opportunity for the public to view a diverse range of visiting aircraft cockpits. {Normal admission rates apply}

15 October 2016 – Indoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Table Top Sale 48 sellers tables all hosted inside Display Hangar 2 amongst the aircraft at the museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire. {Special discount admission rates apply, open to everyone to attend.}

Full details about these and other museum activities can be found on the news & event pages of the website, which are regularly updated www.newarkairmuseum.org

RAF Museum Cosford Events 2016 Diary Dates

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford during 2016:

RAF Museum Cosford 2016 events

Admission charges apply for some events and activities. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year, please visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford for details.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager Abi Betteridge said:

“This year’s event calendar is packed with popular favourites including the Large Model Aircraft Rally, Cosford Food Festival and Open Cockpits Evenings. Plus, we have added a new lunchtime lecture series themed around the Cold War and fascinating talks with special guests from Airfix and the Author of ‘How the Girl Guides Won the War’. In addition to the special events, we also have each of the school holidays covered with plenty of fun packed activities to keep the youngsters entertained.”

www.rafmuseum.org

Paul Beaver Lecture Series

Paul Beaver Lancaster Lecture

The Museum of Army Flying’s 2016 event calendar kicks off with a special new lecture series from Paul Beaver. As an aviation author, historian, commentator and pilot Paul is an expert in his field and will be giving three lectures on three much loved World War Two aircraft: The Lancaster, Mosquito & Spitfire. In each lecture, Paul will be joined by a special guest veteran to provide us with personal accounts and insights.

This exciting Museum of Army Flying lecture series will be brought to you with the help of Iconic Aircraft Partnership, Spitfire People and the International Bomber Command Centre.

14 January (7pm) 2016 – Lancaster at 75

The greatest bomber of the Second World War was born 75 years ago. Paul Beaver explores some of the lesser than known achievements of this greatest of aeroplane designs. Veteran Guest: Paul will be joined by Wing Commander Jim Wright DFC, a Pathfinder navigator on Lancasters from 1943.

*glass of wine / soft drink included in price
**Apache Cafe will be serving a curry supper at 6pm – this must be booked in advance (not included in ticket price)

18 February (7pm) 2016 – Mosquito: The Secret of the Wooden Wonder

To celebrate the 75th Anniversary, Paul Beaver explores some of the less known exploits of a unique flying machine which first flew 0n 25 November 1940 – the de Havilland Mosquito. The illustrated talk will also have unique posters, memorabilia on sale and Paul will be joined by a special veteran guest.

10 March (7pm) 2016 – 80th Anniversary: The Spitfires Maiden Flight

Best-selling Spitfire author, Paul Beaver reveals some newly discovered information about the design, first flight and development of the world’s most iconic aeroplane. The illustrated talk will also have unique posters, memorabilia on sale and Paul will be joined by a special veteran guest.

www.armyflying.com

Festive opening dates at Cosford

snow covered Britannia at RAF Cosford

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle this Christmas, why not visit the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford during the festive period? The Museum will be open each day throughout December from 10am apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Not only will you be able to reminisce in the Warplanes Hangar where you can view a wide range of historic aircraft including the world’s oldest Spitfire, visitors can get up close to a unique collection of experimental jets including the TSR2 and the Bristol 188.

Step in from the cold into the award winning National Cold War Exhibition, where you will find much more than aircraft on display. The exhibition includes a genuine section of the Berlin Wall, audio visual displays telling the story of the Cold War in a fun and innovative way, plus a collection of military tanks and civilian vehicles – all housed under the wings of Britain’s three V Bombers; Vulcan, Victor and Valiant and other aircraft suspended in flying attitudes.

This Christmas the Museum will also be putting on some festive fun for the youngsters as they go in search of one of our missing mascots. Percy the Penguin, an RAF airman’s flying mascot, has disappeared from his display case in search of a “cooler” home. Percy has left some clues around the Museum for youngsters to solve and find out where’s he’s hiding.

The Missing Mascot Trail will run from Saturday 19 December to Sunday 3 January 2016 (apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 1 January). So, if you have any young detectives in your family and want to take part in the hunt for Percy, all you need to do is collect an entry form from the Visitor Centre on arrival. The entire experience is completely FREE and as a reward, there will be a small prize for every successful detective to take home as a memento of the day. All correct entries will also be entered into a draw to win a £25 voucher to spend in the Royal Air Force Museum Shop.

So if you’re looking to entertain the children in the run up to Christmas, or your nearest and dearest in the lull before New Year, the RAF Museum has something to occupy visitors of all ages. The fun filled area of Fun ‘n’ Flight will keep the youngsters fascinated, packed with hands on excitement; it’s the easy way to answer all those questions about how aircraft stay up in the air. Or, if you’re in need of a break from all the cooking, why not treat yourself to a warming meal and freshly brewed cup of coffee in our Refuel Restaurant overlooking the Museum grounds. Best of all, if your credit cards are maxed out after Christmas, a visit to the Museum won’t cost you a penny as admission is FREE!

The Museum will close again on New Year’s Day and will reopen on Saturday 2 January 2016 from 10am until 5pm (last admission 4pm). For further information visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call 01902 376200.

VC10 rebuild is now complete

VC10 at RAF Museum Cosford

After an eight month dismantling process, a 70 mile journey along the M6/M54 motorway and a four month rebuild, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is pleased to announce that its latest acquisition, VC10 serial number XR808 is now complete and on public display.

The media, aviation fans and visitors alike have followed the aircrafts journey to Cosford every step of the way and the Museum is thrilled to see the aircraft fully reassembled and in its new display position next to the Lockheed Hercules C130K Mk3.

The VC10 arrived at Cosford in June and was partially reassembled on the airfield at RAF Cosford before being moved onto the Museum’s site for completion. Since then the rear fuselage along with the outer wings, fin, tail plane and engines have all been carefully refitted onto the aircraft in the rebuild area directly outside the Museum’s Hangar 1.

The VC10 was moved into its display position during mid-October and the final task of attaching the starboard outer wing was completed the following week.

The VC10 was originally designed and built by Vickers-Armstrong and then later by the British Aircraft Corporation and entered service with Royal Air Force in 1966. This dual-role aircraft enabled the rapid deployment of troops and their weaponry and fast jet aircraft to many theatres of operations around the world and proved one of the RAF’s most significant assets for nearly 50 years. The RAF VC10’s allowed true global mobility offering a combination of speed and range never previously attained by an RAF Transport Command aircraft type. Having served for such a long period of time in a wide variety of roles, it would not be possible to accurately portray the history of the RAF without an example of the type – therefore it is essential that such a pivotal aircraft is preserved by the RAF Museum

Ian Thirsk, Head of Collections at the RAF Museum said:

“The VC10 is an icon of the British aviation industry and one of the most significant aircraft types ever to serve with the Royal Air Force. We are delighted to have XR808 on public display at Cosford and indebted to GJD Services for all their dedication and professionalism in making this a reality. BAE Systems Heritage and the RAF Charitable Trust have also played a crucial part in making this project possible and we thank them for their continued support.”

The dismantling, transporting and rebuild process was carried out by GJD Services, a specialist maintenance and aircraft salvage company based at Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire.

Gary Spoors, Accountable/Engineering Manager at GJD Services said:

“Taking an idea that something can be done and turning that theory into a reality is always driven more by the belief that it can be achieved than all the drawing, planning and measuring involved. The challenge of dissembling, moving and reassembling a Vickers VC10 has certainly been a team achievement and without the dedication and good will of all involved this would not have been being as successful as it was; from the GJD guys who gave 110% to the task, the teams from the haulage, transport and crane companies, to the RAFM staff I take my hat off to all involved and wish to thank everyone who supported us along the way. As a company, we are not often given the opportunity to show off, but now we can point to BOB and be very proud of what we have achieved.”

The transportation of the VC10 was made possible thanks to the support of BAE Systems Heritage.

Howard Mason, BAE Systems Heritage Manager, said:
“We are delighted to be able to once again support RAF Heritage and the RAF Museum in ensuring that this iconic example of British engineering is preserved as part of the national collection of examples of aircraft that have served our country over the last century.”

For more information about BAE Systems Heritage visit: http://www.baesystems.com/en/our-company/heritage/

RAF Charitable Trust Chairman Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson said “One of the aims of The RAF Charitable Trust is to inspire and encourage young people to think about aviation and the technology that underpins it and to become involved themselves in this exciting career. Where better to do this than within the fuselage of this aircraft which will serve as a “living classroom”? The VC10 played such an important part in the technological history of the aerospace industry and was a key part of the Royal Air Force for nearly 50 years. In its history, the VC10 has transported UK VVIPs and the UK Armed Forces globally; it had a key weapons resupply role in the Cold War to the RAF in Germany; and as an air to air refuelling tanker it was a pivotal force multiplier for over 20 years. The Trust intends the teaching facility that it will provide to be motivational to as many young people as possible and we are pleased to be supporting such an inspirational project. My thanks go to the MoD Defence Equipment and Support organisation AT/AAR Project Team, GJD Aero Tech and the RAF Museum technical team for delivering this amazing engineering and logistic project.”

For more information about the RAF Charitable Trust visit: www.rafct.com

For further information please visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call 01902 376200. The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the Museum is FREE of charge.

Harvard news round-up from Newark

Harvard at Newark Air Museum

The in-depth restoration of the North American Harvard II B in Newark Air Museum’s on site workshop continues and recently work has been undertaken on preparing to refit the front section of the engine to the fuselage.

A lack of significant engine part means that this part of the project will be a largely cosmetic exercise for display purposes, which will allow for the refitting of the restored engine cowlings.

The airframe being restored is 42-12417 (Dutch AF B-163 and RCAF FE930) and the restoration programme is now well underway; however the final choice of markings; either Dutch or Canadian still remains to be made.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Museum commemorates The Fallen on Remembrance Sunday

Date: Sunday 8 November

Time: 10.45am

On Sunday 8 November, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will hold a Service of Remembrance, paying respect to those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

Visitors who wish to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women are invited to join the service, led by Padre Richard Clement, Station Chaplain RAF Cosford. Those attending will also be treated to renditions from the Cosford Military Wives Choir, who will perform for visitors on arrival and during the service.

The service will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 and visitors are politely requested to assemble no later than 10:30am ready for the Service to commence at 10.45am. As well as readings and hymns, a Bugler will sound ‘The Last Post’, followed by a two minute silence.

RAF Museum Cosford Events Manager, Abi Betteridge says:

“The RAF Museum is a fitting location for this poignant occasion and we hope that local residents will choose to join us on remembrance Sunday so we can remember together. I would like to thank the Station Chaplain and the Cosford Military Wives Choir for their involvement in this years’ service, I’m sure visitors will enjoy the special service we have planned as well as the performances from the choir.”

If you would like to find out about Service Personnel who fell serving the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force during the Great War of 1914 to 1918 please visit the RAF Museum’s online story vault: www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk

The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the Museum is FREE. For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org.