UK Aviation Museum News – Page 59

Cosford Museum Apprentice jets off for stateside scholarship

Cosford Scholar

An Apprentice at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been awarded a scholarship with the Flying Scholarship for Disabled People (FSDP).

The 2015 scholars were officially announced at a special ceremony held at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) earlier this month. The successful applicants were presented with their scholarship certificates by FSDP patron HRH Prince Faisal of Jordon and Honorary Air Commodore Sir Stephen Dalton. Each scholar also received a Pooleys Private Pilot Licence starter kit containing all the essentials needed for their new venture, presented to them by Sebastian Pooley, Managing Director at Pooleys Flight Equipment Ltd.

Museum Apprentice Bethany Colburn, aged 21 from Albrighton, was selected from a panel of judges as their top scholar and will have the life changing opportunity of spending five weeks at the American Aviation Academy in San Diego, California. Bethany will be jetting off in September and will enjoy thirty five flying hours and associated ground schools whilst in America and will be partnered with a fellow FSDP scholar.

Bethany, who was born with mild cerebral palsy which affects her mobility, went through a tough recruitment process to win her spot in this year’s selection. Following an initial application, each applicant was assessed by a team of experienced adjudicators consisting of FSDP Trustees and supporters at a pre selection board meeting. The top twenty four candidates then went forward to the selection stage at RAF Cranwell in a four day process, which included; meeting with Trustees and former FSDP scholars, now acting as mentors, before being interviewed and undergoing a medical assessment to ensure they are fit enough to fly.

Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP), is a charity that provides a ‘once in a lifetime’ challenge for disabled people to help them realise their abilities through the medium of learning to fly. By the end of the training programme, some scholars are flying solo and many go on to achieve their Private Pilot’s Licence. Students who impress their Chief Flying Instructor during a general handling flying test and who reach an acceptable standard of competence, compatible with the nature of their disability, are awarded the FSDP Wings.

The FSDP is in memory of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader KBE DSO and Bar DFC and Bar DL who, after losing both his legs in a flying accident, went on to achieve fame in World War Two as a fighter pilot. Following his death in 1982, organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo introduced Flying Scholarships for Disabled People to continue Bader’s indomitable spirit. Since then, nearly 400 disabled people have been awarded scholarships.

RAF Museum Apprentice, Bethany Colburn said:

“Despite having cerebral palsy, while in California my aim is to fly solo using the rudder pedals! I want to make my sponsors proud and show everyone, able bodied and disabled alike; that despite having limitations anyone can adapt and overcome given the right opportunities and belief. Thanks to FSDP having that belief in me, I am now on the most incredible life changing journey; that I hope will lead to more opportunities to progress my career in engineering and aviation. The scholarship has given me the boost, to continue the battle against perceptions and not give up the fight. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the team at the RAF Museum. The Apprentice Scheme has been a wonderful learning experience which has provided me with an excellent foundation for the future.”

RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton said:

“The RAF Museum’s apprentice scheme was introduced over ten years ago with a vision of preserving heritage aviation skills. Since then, the scheme and its participants have gone from strength to strength; winning awards and accolades and our conservation centre is now listed as one of the country’s Top 100 Apprentice Employers in the UK. We are extremely proud of Bethany for gaining her flying scholarship and happy to have contributed to her success story.”

Now at the end of her four year Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture and having achieved her Level 3 NVQ Extended Diploma in Fabrication – Sheet Metalworking; Bethany hopes that the skills and experience she has gained at the RAF Museum, combined with the flying scholarship are the perfect platforms into a long and successful career in aviation engineering.

For more information about the RAF Museum Cosford, visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call 01902 376200.

The Big Push

RAF Museum

The First World War in the Air exhibition at the RAF Museum has been shortlisted for the National Lottery Awards 2015, which is fantastic news for the Museumand fans of aviation.

There is a five-week public vote period which ends midnight 29th July.

The Museum will compete against six other projects and voting is conducted by phone and online.

Please support the Museum by voting online for free at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/first-world-war-air or by calling 0844 836 9670 (calls cost 5p max, plus network charges may apply)

*Each person can vote only once.

Museum to be official charity for 2016 Farnborough International Airshow

Farnborough International Ltd, organisers of the Farnborough International Airshow, today confirmed that the RAF Museum Centenary Campaign has been selected as the lead charity partner for the 2016 show taking place from 11-17 July. In the lead up to the RAF Centenary in 2018, the Museum, located at Hendon, will be implementing a major capital project and exhibition development that will improve access and focus on telling the stories of the RAF and its people to engage a wider audience, locally, nationally and globally.

Speaking about the decision, FIL Chief Executive, Shaun Ormrod, said, “We are delighted to support the RAF Museum in its fundraising efforts for its centenary campaign. The 100 year anniversary marks a milestones event in the formation of the first truly independent air force and has become one of the most respected air forces in the world. We anticipate that FIA18 will see a strong RAF presence.”

Ormrod further added “Like Farnborough, Hendon has strong historical aviation connections and as the former home to the airshow, it seems appropriate that we support the Museum. The Farnborough International Airshow, has a huge audience on a corporate level as well as during the public weekend and as such the perfect location to raise awareness of this important museum and historic occasion.”

Maggie Appleton, Chief Executive of the RAF Museum also added; “It’s an honour for the Museum to be appointed as lead charity partner at FIA16. As the airshow engages both industry and the general public, it allows us a unique opportunity to share our ambitions for the museum.”

As well as a presence at the show itself, FIA will support the centenary campaign in the 12 month lead-up to the show including promoting the charity in FIA sales and marketing initiatives and the opportunity to engage aerospace businesses at key industry functions.

www.rafmuseum.org

RAF Museum Launches Battle of Britain Blog for #BoB75

John Bidsee

For the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force Museum is now publishing a daily blog about the Battle of Britain on its website www.rafmuseum.org/blog

Entries for this blog will be taken from the diary of a young pilot John Bisdee of No.609 (West Riding) Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force; and will describe not only his combat sorties but also his hopes and fears as well as his life off duty. On days when there are no diary entries the blog will reproduce information from the Air Staff Operational Summaries.

The dates of 10th July to 31st October were selected as the blog’s publication dates as this period in 1940 was later laid down by the Royal Air Force for the allocation of Battle of Britain honours to units, and for aircrew to qualify for the Battle of Britain clasp.

Peter Elliott, the Head of Archives for the Royal Air Force Museum:

“First-hand accounts, written at the time of the Battle, are rare. Bisdee’s diary shows that life on the front line could be a mixture of intense action and off-duty relaxation.

We tend to think of the Battle as taking place over the South-East but Bisdee’s squadron, based in Hampshire, saw action over an area stretching from the outskirts of London to Bristol. There are some gaps, but we have filled these with extracts from the daily Air Staff Operational Summaries, to give a picture of the overall campaign and we have also added relevant material from the Museum’s collections, such as portraits of Bisdee and some of his colleagues and a number of the squadron’s combat reports.

The blog gives an opportunity to see the Battle of Britain unfold through the eyes of a young man who went on to become one of the RAF’s more successful fighter pilots; and it provides us with an added insight into what it was really like to be one of ‘The Few’. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank John Bisdee’s family for granting us permission to share his account, as a young man, with the Museum’s online audience.”

John Bisdee was born in Weston-Super-Mare in 1915 and joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1937. He saw action over Dunkirk in June 1940 and remained with 609 Squadron throughout the Battle of Britain being awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and an OBE by the end of the war. He left the service in 1945 to resume his career with Unilever, before dying in October 2000.

To view his blog please visit www.rafmuseum.org/blog

Miniature aircraft, big show – this weekend at Cosford

Cosford model show

Date: 18-19 July 2015

Time: Gates open 8.30am

Cost: £10.00 on the gate

The skies over Shropshire will be filled with hundreds of intricately detailed model aircraft this weekend, as the annual Large Model Aircraft Rally takes place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.

This air show in miniature is set to entertain thousands of aviation enthusiasts with two full days of flying and family fun. Gates open at 8.30am on 18-19 July and pyrotechnic displays, mid-air dog fights and static line ups will wow the crowds from 9am until 5.30pm on the evening.

This year’s flying theme will be commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, considered the most important event in Royal Air Force history. Visitors to the show will see a spectacular anniversary display of World War Two aircraft, plus, aircraft from the early days of aviation; through to the modern jets of today will be flying during the model show weekend.

The Large Model Aircraft Rally promises to be a great day out for modellers and families alike with more than 65 exhibitors signed up to showcase some of the latest model kits and aviation accessories. Families are guaranteed to enjoy the family fun lined up which includes a children’s entertainment area, packed with mini motorbikes, bouncy castles and inflatable slides, all on offer to youngsters. Plus, keeping visitors fuelled for the day, there will be a fantastic range of food and drink on offer and visitors will have access to the RAF Museum where they can see many of the aircraft flown during the show in full size. A free bus service will take visitors from the event to the Museum throughout the day, making getting around the event even easier.

Advance postal tickets have now closed, but visitors to the Museum can still purchase tickets in advance at the discounted rate of £8 per adult. Tickets purchased on the gate cost £10 per adult and children under the age of 16 are FREE.

Exclusively for the Large Model Aircraft Rally, visitors are able to camp on site, meaning you can make the most of the weekend’s flying and activities by being at the centre of all the action. On site camping, including entrance to the show both days is only £45.00 and any visitors interested in camping should email public-camping@largemodelassociation.com or call 07827 675665.

For further information on the event visit: www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or call 01902 376200.

Battle of Britain 75th at The Royal Air Force Museum

From August, the RAF Museum will be marking the 75th Anniversary of ‘Our Finest Hour’ with a number of activities at both London and Cosford…

The Battle of Britain Hangar London:

Step into the Battle of Britain Hangar at the Museum’s London site and step back into the year 1940. Visitors can literally walk through history, as every step takes you through the events that led to ‘Our Finest Hour’. From the rise of the Nazi party, to a war torn London street, to a face to face meeting with Winston Churchill.

The hangar focuses on the epic struggle of 1940 with a range of exhibits including a replica Ops Room; Radar machines; an Enigma code-breaker machine; the statue of Sir Keith Park (which was on display on the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square; weaponry and paintings.

And of course it holds the best and most comprehensive Battle of Britain aircraft collection in the world including examples from Britain, Germany and Italy such as the Spitfire, Hurricane, Heinkel HE111, Junkers JU87 Stuka, Junkers JU88 and ME 109.

Be sure to check out the following special Battle of Britain events and activities at London and Cosford at www.rafmuseum.org

Airfix August: Model A SpitDate: 25th – 31st August

Time: 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm

Entrance: £3 per Airfix kit

Location: Bomber Hall, London

To mark the arrival of the Spitfire Mk16 (a Spitfire you can sit in!) the museum will be holding a full week of Spitfire kit making. Come along, grab a kit for £3 and let your creative flair help you to make and paint your very own model Spitfire. Then, take it home!

Airfix August: Scaling Down Reality, by Simon Owen, lead researcher at Hornby Hobbies Ltd

Date: 28th August

Time: 1pm

Entrance: FREE via online reservation

Location: Lecture theatre, London

Museum lecture theatre

Simon Owen, lead Researcher at Hornby Hobbies Ltd will be at the museum on 28 August to give an insight into the fascinating world of Airfix and how they scale down an iconic aircraft of the Battle of Britain to produce perfect replicas for today’s modellers.

Covering a range of topics including the history of the company and the production process, Simon will also be on hand to answer your questions at the end so don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes at Airfix HQ.

The Spitfire Experience

Date: Opens 29th August

Entrance: £4 per person

Location: Historic Hangars Gallery, London

Dreams come true at the RAF Museum this August as we unveil our Spitfire Mk16 ‘experience’. The Spitfire will feature in our Historic Hangars gallery as we offer the thrilling opportunity to climb inside and take the pilot’s seat!

Spitfire 10K Run

Date: Sunday 6th September 2015

Time: 9.00 am

Entrance: £20 entry, £18 museum members, running clubs and armed forces

Location: RAF Museum London

Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in style with this brand new event starting and finishing in the magnificent surroundings of the RAF Museum in Hendon. The race begins in the shadow of one of the RAF Spitfires and takes you on a special journey, including a section through the bomber hangar and around the iconic Lancaster, before leaving the museum for two loops of a flat road course. Your finish will be commemorated with an exclusive Spitfire medal.

Entry form: http://www.nice-work.org.uk/assets/Spitfire%2010k%202015%20Entry%20Form.pdf

Battle of Britain: the Men and the Machines, by James Holland

Date: 11 September

Time: 1pm

Entrance: £10

Location: Lecture theatre, London

Author and broadcaster James Holland looks at the men who flew in the Battle of Britain – British and German – and examines the culture, conditions and character of the two sides and the aircraft they flew. He explores how these planes came to dominate the skies, their strengths and weaknesses and what lessons were drawn from this most significant of aerial battles.

Battle of Britain Weekend LondonDate: 12-13 September 2015

Time: Evening TBC

Entrance: FREE

Location: RAF Museum London

A family weekend packed full of free events and activities across the Museum. There will be a Spitfire and Hurricane flypast, re-enactors, 1940’s cabaret show, living history areas, archive viewings, story-telling, guided tours, handling collection to try on vintage RAF uniforms, lectures, themed crochet, special exhibitions; a chance to visit a replica Ops Room; a working Merlin engine,

Battle of Britain Weekend Cosford

Date: 12-13 September 2015

Time: 10.00am to 6.00pm

Location: RAF Museum Cosford

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be commemorating the Battle of Britain with a nostalgic weekend of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Events include a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, plus Leonides, Bristol and Griffon engine demonstrations; live music by Marjorie Cartwright-Jones in a 1940s Home Front Cabaret; a chance to have a lesson in a 1940’s classroom; storytelling and a chance to dress up in vintage RAF uniforms.

Battle of Britain Afternoon Concert

Date: 13 September 2015

Time: 2.00pm

Location: RAF Museum Cosford

A musical treat for visitors on Sunday 13th September will be a performance from the Glebe Symphonic Winds Orchestra, one of the UK’s leading wind orchestras. This intimate musical performance will include many well-known favourites such as the Dambusters March, Barnes Wallis March and RAF March Past. This intimate musical performance will begin at 2.00pm and last approximately one hour. Spaces are limited so musical fans are advised to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment, see website for more details and to purchase tickets www.rafmuseum.org.cosford

Battle of Britain: Myth and Reality

Date: 13 September 2015

Time: 11.00am

Location: RAF Museum Cosford

In this talk, James Holland takes a fresh look at one of the most iconic episodes in British history, examining the story that has been passed down into folklore and assessing the performance of both sides. In doing so, he will be asking whether Britain’s victory in the summer of 1940 was even more comprehensive and significant than perhaps is widely thought.

Our Finest Hour: Cockpit Access Evenings

Date: 14th and 15th September

Time: 6.15pm

Location: RAF Museum London

A one off and once in a lifetime experience to get closer to the original Battle of Britain aircraft – including the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane. This immersive experience will allow visitors closer access to the cockpits and include explainers who will bring aspects of the legendary aircraft to life. There will also be a bar in the mezzanine area overlooking the aircraft with a 1940’s cabaret act and a special display of rare and unseen items from the Battle of Britain from our archives.

BBC Singers: In ConcertDate: 18 September

Time: 7.30pm

Entrance: FREE by booked ticket – available one month in advance

Location: RAF Museum London

BBC Singers make a ground-breaking visit to the Royal Air Force Museum for a concert which marks not just that famous aerial combat, but also celebrates man’s long fascination with powered flight – from Icarus to the Space Age.

The programme includes the world premiere of ‘Three Spitfire Motets’ by Edward Cowie, Eric Whitacre’s musical portrayal of the flying-machine invented by Leonardo da Vinci, and Airplane Cantata – Gabriel Jackson’s extraordinary musical of the aeronautical age, in which the BBC Singers are accompanied by virtuoso pianola-player Rex Lawson. The concert will be held in the Museum’s Historic Hangars, a completely unique musical occasion – one not to be missed!

Battle of Britain Conference: A Necessary Victory?

Date: 26th September

Time: TBC

Entrance: TBC

A thought provoking conference which aims to reassess the Battle of Britain’s contribution to victory in the Second World War in both its global and regional perspectives. Areas to be considered include: what new approaches might scholars bring to the history of the Battle of Britain? How have historians’ understandings of the Battle of Britain changed? What was the role of the other services in preparing for invasion? How did Germany view the Battle of Britain and the importance of Operation Seelowe? How was the Battle of Britain viewed in the international arena? What is the cultural legacy of the Battle of Britain?

Summer surveillance on board the Nimrod R.1

RAFM Nimrod

Date: 11-31 July 2015

Time: 15 minute tours between 10am and 1pm

Cost: £5 per person

This summer visitors to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, will have the exciting opportunity to climb on board the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 and learn about its intelligence gathering role in the Royal Air Force.

Visitors will have exclusive access on board the aircraft for the first time since its arrival in 2012, in the new Nimrod Tours, available on selected dates throughout July. During the tours lasting around 15 minutes, aviation fans will learn about the history of the aircraft, hear about the crews on board and view some of its sophisticated surveillance equipment.

The Nimrod flew in both the Maritime patrol and electronic intelligence gathering role. Maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations and intelligence gathering have been key tasks for the Royal Air Force for much of its long history. When the Nimrod was finally retired from service in 2011, the type had operated with distinction for over 40 years in all these roles, and more.

Nimrod R.1 XV249 is one of only four R.1’s produced from a total Nimrod production run of 46 aircraft. The R.1 was an electronic-intelligence gathering variant, three of which originally entered service with the RAF in 1971. They carried up to 29 crew members and were involved in all major conflicts in the latter part of the 20th and early 21st centuries. When one of the original R.1 aircraft was lost following an accident in 1997, XV249 was selected as a replacement and, after conversion, served with No 51 Squadron from RAF Waddington. XV249 amassed over 18,000 flying hours during its service life and took part in operation Ellamy over Libya in 2011, thus remaining operational until its withdrawal from squadron service on 28 June 2011.

During its earlier career, the aircraft on display at the Museum was flown by the Museum’s Curator, ex RAF Pilot Al McLean. Al has played a pivotal role in developing the tours and has pulled upon his personal experiences flying Nimrods to tell some of the many stories experienced by crew members.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Al McLean, said:

“I flew on Nimrods for five years and have several memories of patrols in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and North Sea. Finding the first Soviet aircraft carrier on one of its early out-of-area deployments was quite interesting. Given the importance of the aircraft and its unrivalled contribution to the frontline, the RAF Museum is pleased to be opening up the doors to this aircraft allowing our visitors to learn more about its long and faithful career.”

Nimrod Tours are available on selected dates between 11 and 31 July 2015. Tickets cost £5.00 per person and tours last 15 minutes (max 6 people per tour). Time slots can be pre-booked now via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. All children must be accompanied by an adult, tours are not recommended for children under the age of 5.

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

Give RAF Museum Project its Chance to Shine

The RAF Museum Cosford is appealing for local votes as it strives for nationwide acclaim on BBC One in this year’s National Lottery Awards for its First World War in the Air project.

The project beat off stiff competition from 620 organisations to reach the public voting stage in this year’s National Lottery Awards – the annual search for the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

First World War in the Air is competing against six other projects to be crowned the winner of the Best Heritage category. Winners of the seven National Lottery Awards categories will get a £2,000 cash prize, an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and attend a star-studded Awards ceremony, broadcast on BBC One in September.

The Royal Air Force Museum’s popular First World War in the Air gallery brings to life the compelling stories of the people, innovations, engineering and aircraft of the Great War. 37,000 people have visited the exhibition in the last six months, with thousands more accessing information on the Museum’s websites.

Maggie Appleton, Chief Executive of the RAF Museum, says:

“We’re delighted to have reached the finals of The National Lottery Awards. National Lottery money has really helped us to engage thousands of people with the story of the First World War in the Air. It’s easy to vote, so we’re hoping people will support us as it would be a fantastic reward for everyone involved in the project – our staff, volunteers and local community – to receive national recognition for their hard work.”

TV star and actor John Barrowman will be presenting the National Lottery Awards for the fifth time this year. He says:

“The exceptionally selfless work carried out by National Lottery Awards finalists never fails to astound me. Their work deserves to be celebrated nationally; the community spirit, social cohesion and compassion.”

“It is crucial that you show your support for your local project so it can get the national glory that it richly deserves. National Lottery players should swell with pride that £34 million of Lottery funding is raised every single week for projects like this across the UK.”

To vote for First World War in the Air, please go to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or telephone 0844 836 9670 and follow the campaign on twitter: hashtag #NLAwards. Voting closes at midnight on Monday 29 July.

There are seven projects competing for votes across seven categories, reflecting the main areas of National Lottery funding: arts, sport, heritage, health, environment, education and voluntary/charity.

M6 road trip for Cosford VC10

VC10 RAF Museum Cosford

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is pleased to announce that its latest acquisition, VC10 serial number XR808 has now arrived at Cosford, following a final road trip along the M6 motorway.

After a successful eight month dismantling process carried out by GJD Services, a specialist maintenance and aircraftsalvage company based at Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire, the VC10 finallyarrived at Cosford on Sunday 21 June.

The 93ft long fuselage departedfrom Bruntingthorpe early on the Sunday morningand arrived at Cosford shortly after 1.00pm. Transported on a low loaderlorry, the route saw the aircraft pass along the M69, M6 and the M54 to Cosford, via the nearby village of Shifnal. Too large to pass under the railway bridge at Cosford, the fuselage made its way to Junction 4 on the M54 and through Shifnal, with some tricky manoeuvring en route, before heading onto the airfield at RAF Cosford.

SqnLdr Chris Wilson, Media, Communication and Co-ordination Officer at RAF Cosford said:
“Having flown on VC10s throughout my career I’ve been looking forward to seeing this one arrive at RAF Cosford. The VC10 has been an iconic RAF aircraft for so many decades that it seems fitting that XR808 finally comes to rest at the RAF Museum at the end of its exemplary service. RAF Cosford is the Home of RAF Engineering so it is apt that the VC10 comes to our airfield to be rebuilt prior to going on permanent display at the Museum.”

The VC10 wings and tail plane will be transported on 28 June and work will then commence on the rebuild. Throughout July a team of engineers from GJD Services will unload the aircraft, position and trestle the inner wings before attaching them to the fuselage. Early August the aircraft will transfer from the RAF Cosford airfield to the Museum site for the final reassembly, which will take place directly outside the Museum’s Hangar 1.

Once on the Museum’s site, the wings will be rebuilt and the rear fuselage section attached. By late September the team anticipates to be fitting the fin and tail plane ready to install the engines, nacelles and outer wings. The final finishing touches of refitting the access panels and a little paint work touch up will be carried out late October before the fully reassembled VC10 is moved into its final position next to the Lockheed Hercules C130K Mk3, where the aircraft will go on public display.

Gary Spoors, Accountable/Engineering Manager at GJD Services said:
“When GJD were asked to move XR808 on behalf of the RAF Museum we were very keen to take on the challenge; to play our part in preserving this icon of British Engineering. Whist we were fully aware of the scope of the challenge presented to us, it has tested our engineering skills. Working as a team we have come up with some innovative solutions to problems as they arose, all of which we have overcome. Personally, I have a great affiliation with the VC10, having worked on the type throughout various stages of my career and I wanted to ensure that XR808 was dismantled and moved with care and precision. We chose to reverse engineer the aircraft, de-riveting the various section, wing, fin, tail and back end, in order to avoid any cuts which we felt would compromise the integrity and beauty of the aircraft. An enormous effort has gone into the dismantling of XR808 and we are very pleased with progress the GJD team has made so far. We are looking forward to the next phase and seeing XR808 complete in her new home.”

The VC10was a British aircraft originallybuilt 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. With the ability to carry up to 124 troops at a time with nine crew members or a freight load of up to 20,400kgs the VC10 has been 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.

Ian Thirsk, Head of Collections at the RAF Museum said:
“The BAC VC-10 formed the mainstay of the RAF’s long range strategic transport force for almost fifty years. For one aircraft type to have been in service for such a long period is remarkable in itself. However, when this is added to the variety of roles and worldwide scope of operations, it is clear this is a unique aircraft and 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 and long serving aircraft is preserved by the RAF Museum.”

Darren Priday, Conservation Centre Manager at the RAF Museum said:
“I completed two tours on VC10’s during my RAF career, totalling 6½ years on type, so I am looking forward to being reacquainted with an old friend. Renown for being a troop carrier the VC10 also excelled in other roles – carrying freight, aero-med, VIP duties and air-to-air refuelling. ‘BOB’, will be a great addition to the RAF Museum Cosford site.”

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

Flypasts honour Armed Forces Day guests

BBMF Dakota

Date: 27 June 2015

Time: 11.00am – 2.30pm

Cost: FREE (Veterans and their guests must pre-register)

Flypast: Dakota 2.15pm (weather permitting)

Vulcan time TBC (weather permitting)

On Saturday 27 June, events across the country will celebrate the contributions made by Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. The annual Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to our heroes past and present, including current serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets.

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again participate in this annual event by hosting veterans from all three services. During this special reunion, Veterans will be treated to a full day’s programme of activities. There will be free refreshments for guests, on arrival at 11.00am, followed by a short presentation. For lunch, veterans will have the rare opportunity of dining amongst the aircraft and artefacts on display in the Museum’s Hangar 1.

During the afternoon, guests will be treated to musical performances from The Jays, a 1940s Singing Quintet who love nothing more than resurrecting the wonderful hits of the Second World War made famous by The Andrews Sisters and The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Their toe tapping, memory jogging 1940s vocal harmonies will have Armed Forces Day Guests singing along to every song.

A highlight of the day will be a spectacular flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, scheduled for 2.15pm (weather permitting) and the world’s last flying Vulcan bomber (time TBC).

Abi Betteridge, RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager said:

“It is an honour for the RAF Museum to be able to host so many Veterans and Serving Personnel on Armed Forces Day. We have a fantastic day planned for guests and having two spectacular flypasts scheduled is a real treat for our guests and all visitors to the Museum. Spaces to the event are limited and we are already over half subscribed so we would advise anyone wanting to be part of the day to book soon.”

All-in-all this promises to be an exciting day which will enable Veterans to meet up with old friends, reminisce over shared experiences, and enjoy themselves in the authentic atmosphere and setting of the Royal Air Force Museum. The day will conclude at 2.30pm where guests are free to wander round the Museum.

Attendance to the event is free of charge and by advance registration only. Any Veterans who would like to attend the event, are asked to book their place now by calling 01902 376 200 or for more information visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Parking for Armed Forces Day guests is also free.