UK Aviation Museum News – Page 9

Fleet Air Arm Museum launches new app featuring over 100 years of pioneering Royal Navy flying

Fleet Air Arm Museum App

• The collections explorer app means the museum joins more than 250 iconic cultural institutions around the globe on the Bloomberg Connects app
• Joining the platform is a museum first for The National Museum of the Royal Navy
• Bloomberg Connects makes it easy to access and enjoy arts and culture from mobile devices when visiting in person, or anytime from anywhere.

In a first for The National Museum of the Royal Navy, its Somerset-based Fleet Air Arm Museum has launched a new digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, joining a global community of over 250 cultural institutions.

The Bloomberg Connects app, available for download from Google Play or the App Store, makes the Fleet Air Arm Museum which is Europe’s largest naval aviation museum, accessible for either onsite or offsite visits through photographs, audio and video features offering insights into over 100 years of pioneering Royal Navy flying history.

Elliott Bailey, Public Programming Manager at Fleet Air Arm Museum explained:
“The Bloomberg Connects App will allow our visitors to access more content from our collection than ever before, with expertly curated audio, video and text content being available for visitors to enhance their museum experience- be that on site or from home on their personal device. As a supplement to our guide book, it enables visitors to get the very most from their visit.”

“Practically this will help our visitors to scope out our exhibitions before their visit, better explore and navigate our collections during their visit, and further engage with our museum from home after their visit. Future plans include expanding the content to show aircraft and other collection items which are not currently on display.”

Set amongst four vast aircraft hangars, Fleet Air Arm Museum is home to Europe’s largest naval aviation collection. With veteran aircraft like the Sopwith Pup and Supermarine Seafire which helped secure victory in two world wars, helicopters that saw action in the Falklands to up-to-date and award-winning Aircraft Carrier Experience, visitors also get a fascinating view across to busy air station RNAS Yeovilton.

New to the museum is the chance to see conservation in action as an extinct aircraft is bought back to life. Not a single complete Barracuda aircraft exists in the world today and its legend will live on with Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild as the Barracuda DP872 is reconstructed in the new Arthur Kimberley Viewing Gallery.

Legendary naval aviator and war hero Captain Eric “Winkle” Brown who was renowned for flying 487 different types of aircraft – a world record that is unlikely to be matched – is just one of the fleet air arm pilots featured at the museum which also includes his Vampire aircraft, the first jet to land on the deck of an aircraft carrier in 1945.

The Bloomberg Connects app is available for download from Google Play or the App Store

www.nmrn.org.uk/visit-us/fleet-air-arm-museum

Boxted Airfield Museum Guided Walks for 2024

Boxted Airfield Museum

We have two guided walks planned for 2024:

Sunday 14 April and Sunday 15 September

Guided walk approx 2 hours long to view buildings and parts of airfield not normally open.

Start at 11.00 from museum.
Tea & coffee and viewing of museum included.
£8 per person. booking essential . Phone 07503952354

https://www.boxted-airfield.com/boxted-airfield-museum

Special Events for 2024 at RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre

RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre

Join us at RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre for our Grand Re-opening at on Sunday 5th May. At 09.30 we will be opening our new building with all new displays and history of RAF Sculthorpe and our brand new AYA cafe and American Tuck shop.

On Sunday the 11th of August, we will be hosting our 1st Annual Anglo American Day, featuring:

Squadrons from Mildenhall and Lakenheath.
The first running of a R3350 engine in the UK for sometime.
(B-29/Constellation)
Come meet Norwichs American Football Team.
Classic American vehicles
Military vehicles
Cold War Reenactment
Live music
BBQ

www.rafsculthorpeheritagecentre.org

Painting unveiled by HRH Prince Michael for Concorde Delta-Golf’s 50th Birthday Celebrations at Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Delta Golf

This February half term, Brooklands Museum have been celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Concorde G-BBDG’s (affectionately known as ‘Delta-Golf). On the 13th February 1974, Delta-Golf took to the skies for the first time in a short flight from Filton to Fairford. Over the school holidays a range of activities took place at the museum to commemorate this occasion including the unveiling of a specially commissioned painting and a World record attempt at gathering Concorde models.

In October 2003, British Airways formally offered Concorde G-BBDG to Brooklands for restoration and display. By June 2004, after much organisation and planning, all the disassembled sections of the airframe had been safely transported the 125 miles by road to the museum. Following a lengthy and costly restoration Delta Golf was formally opened to the public in July 2006 by Museum patron HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

It was therefore very fitting that on the 50th anniversary of her maiden flight that Prince Michael would return to the museum to officially unveiled a newly commissioned painting. The Museum asked renowned aviation artist Simon W Atack AGAVA to bring Delta-Golf over Brooklands to life. He certainly met his brief. When the painting was revealed at an intimate gathering of former Concorde pilots, engineers and air crew, gasps of amazement could be heard at the sight of an immaculate Delta Golf flying high above the Brooklands site.

The guests included the following personnel, many of whom will be well known to Concorde enthusiasts;
• HRH Prince Michael of Kent (Royal Patron of Brooklands Museum)
• Captain Mike Bannister (Chief Concorde Pilot)
• Artist – Simon Atack
• Captain Richard Owen
• Captain Ian Smith
• Captain Tony Heald
• Captain Paul Griffin
• Captain Jock Lowe
• Captain Neil Rendall
• Captain John Tye
• Warren Hazelby (Chief Concorde Flight Engineer)
• Carl Percey (Senior Service Concorde Engineer)
• Dr Ben Spencer MP for Runnymede and Weybridge
• Mayor of Elmbridge Cllr Richard Williams
• Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux
• Mr Alex Patterson CEO Brooklands Museum

The Museum was delighted to share that the painting will also be available as a limited-edition print, signed by the artist, and the impressive gathering of former Concorde Pilots. This is the first time that Brooklands Museum has commissioned a limited-edition print, the proceeds of which will help to ensure the future preservation of it’s exhibits including the only Concorde open to the public in the south of England.

In addition to the painting unveiling there were several Concorde based activities during the day including the regular on-board tours and a nose drop. The enthusiastic crowd were treated to two nose drops on the day, the first was operated by HRH Prince Michael whilst the honour of the second was given to a very lucky raffle winner. Finally, members of the public were also invited to bring their personal models of Concorde and set them up under Delta Golf for a unique photo opportunity.

If you would like to visit Delta Golf and the incredible collection of aircraft and historic motor racing cars, then you can find more information out at www.brooklandsmuseum.com. You can also purchase a copy of the incredible piece of artwork and help to support the museum.

Report by Lee Chapman

The secret science that turned the tide of the Second World War retold in fascinating talk at the Fleet Air Arm Museum

Battle of the Beams

Award-winning science editor and Times journalist Tom Whipple joins Yeovilton’s Fleet Air Arm Museum for a special lecture on Friday 15 March at 7.30pm to mark British Science Week.

Surrounded by 100 years of naval flying history and Europe’s largest collection of aircraft, Tom will explore his recent book The Battle of the Beams: The secret science of radar that turned the tide of the Second World War in a fascinating account of the radio war of 1939-45, dubbed as one of the great scientific battles in history.

Relying on first-hand accounts, as well as papers recently released by the Admiralty, The Battle of the Beams fills a huge missing piece in the canon of Second World War literature.
It combines history, science, derring do and dogged determination and will appeal as much to fans of Second World War history as to those fascinated by the science behind the beams that changed our lives.
Elliott Bailey, Public Programming Manager at The National Museum of the Royal’s Fleet Air Arm Museum said:
“The use of radar in the Second World War is intertwined with naval history and aviation heritage, and was a pivotal moment in the allied victory.

“In this evening talk, Tom Whipple brings this story to life in a series of entertaining and engaging anecdotes, detailing the history and science of this crucial invention- all drawn from his book”.

For a limited time, visitors can benefit from an early bird discount on tickets to this event. Until 18 February 2024 tickets cost just £12 per person (normal ticket price £15 per person) Tickets to the evening talk include light refreshments (tea and coffee). Doors will open at 7pm, with the event starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the evening or by pre-booking https://www.nmrn.org.uk/events/battle-beams-secret-science-radar

As this event is taking place outside of normal museum opening hours, access to the wider museum will be limited.

RAF Museum Midlands 2024 Events Diary

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands in 2024:
RAF Museum Midlands 2024 Events

This year, visitors to the RAF Museum Midlands can expect to see some brand-new additions to the events calendar.

A D-Day Weekend in June filled with live music and entertainment will commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Flying Theatre shows will dazzle audiences on the stage and in the air, with daily shows in a pop-up amphitheatre during the six-week summer break! And Spies Week during October half term will see families taking part in Cold War espionage activities and spy shows.

RAF Museum Public Events Executive, Amy Bertaut said:
‘We’ve got an exciting events programme planned this year. Families can enjoy themed activities during each school break in addition to exploring the Museum’s vast collection of aircraft and interactive displays. We’ll be kick-starting the events programme in February half term with Sky’s the Limit, where we’ll be exploring RAF stories through a series of shows, storytelling, and trails. Families visiting us during Easter can enjoy a fortnight of all things STEM with our Space, Race and Fly! event, featuring science shows, a planetarium, and drone races. There really is something for everyone.’

The Museum will hold the annual Remembrance Service in November supported by RAF Cosford personnel and the Cosford Military Wives Choir. In December, the Royal Elf Force will be returning to the Museum with more Elf Cadet Training, where new recruits will take on festive challenges and help Santa with his biggest mission of the year!

For further information on any of the events taking place at the RAF Museum Midlands throughout 2024, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. Admission charges apply for some events and activities, tickets are available online. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year.

The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.

www.rafmuseum.org

Operation Percy: Celebrating 80 Years

RAF Museum Operation Percy

Date: 29 January – 29 February 2024 (Registration now open)
Cost: £20 per person / £15.00 Armed Forces entry

If your new year’s resolution is to get active, why not join forces with the RAF Museum for Operation Percy, a brand-new fundraising challenge!

Those taking part in Operation Percy will be challenged to complete 80KM or 80 laps in honour of Percy the Parachuting Penguin, the lucky mascot of Flight Lieutenant Stan Chapman of 158 Squadron Royal Air Force. The challenge will commence on 29 January, exactly 80 years since Stan and Percy’s daring parachute escape from a damaged Halifax Bomber.

Once signed up, participants will each receive a welcome pack and exclusive RAF Museum running T-shirt allowing you to complete the challenge in style. Pledge to fundraise £80 for the RAF Museum, and once you’ve hit your fundraising target you will be rewarded with a limited-edition Operation Percy commemorative coin. Challengers will have until the leap year on 29 February to complete the distance.

Percy is one of several lucky mascots on display at the RAF Museum, each with a remarkable tale to tell. Percy’s story began over Berlin on 29 January 1944, when the Halifax HX333 ‘J Jane’ he was on board was hit by flak and badly damaged. Flt Lt Stan Chapman quickly tucked his lucky mascot, Percy the Penguin, inside his flying jacket and parachuted out. They landed safely and were soon captured by German soldiers and spent the rest of the War as prisoners in Germany. Stan believed Percy was lucky because he and all his crew mates survived being shot down that night. The element of risk involved with flying, especially in wartime, is why over the years aviators try to ward off bad luck by having lucky charms or mascots.

RAF Museum Individual Giving Manager, Sophie Wallace said:
‘Support and fundraising from challengers will help the RAF Museum keep stories like Stan and Percy’s alive and shared for many years to come. Challenges like this are a great way for us to share some of the more unknown stories of the RAF, while raising vital funds. Registrations for Operation Percy are now open, and participants can take part in this virtual challenge anywhere in the world, and run, walk, cycle, or swim their way to victory. Those who want to see the real Percy and find out more about his story can visit the RAF Museum Midlands where he’s on public display.’

Let’s make Percy proud! For more information and to register for Operation Percy visit www.rafmuseum.org.
Entry costs £20 per person and all proceeds go towards supporting the RAF Museum’s mission to preserve the stories of the RAF and the brave men and women who served. Members of the Armed Forces Community (Cadets, serving personnel, veterans, and reservists) can register for the discounted rate of £15.00.

RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre 2024 Open Days

RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre

2024 Open Day Schedule:

The 2024 schedule of Heritage Centre openings, which begins on Easter Sunday, is included below:

First Open day – March 31st Easter Sunday

Sunday, 14th of April

Sunday, 28th of April

Sunday, 12th of May

Sunday, 26th of May

Sunday, 9th of June

Sunday, 23rd of June

Sunday, 14th of July

Sunday, 28th of July

Sunday, 11th of August

Sunday, 25th of August

Bank Holiday Monday 26th of August

Sunday, 15th of September

Sunday 29th of September

Sunday 13th of October

Sunday 27th of October

Final Open day November 10th Remembrance Sunday
Note that the Centre will be open from 10am until 4pm on each of these days. Parking and entrance will be Free, and disabled access and toilets will be available.

www.facebook.com/groups/455568478629653

Harvard news round-up from Newark

Newark Harvard

The long-term 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 restored nose cowlings to the fuselage.

The previous owners had modified the cowling fixtures and fittings, which has been challenging the museum’s team of volunteers. However, a recent glimpse into the Workshop indicates that
progress is being made.

The airframe being restored is 42-12417 (Dutch AF B-163 and RCAF FE930) and the restoration programme is now well underway, with rumours of a potential reassembly being made sometime this year.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Wing donation to Bomber Command Museum of Canada

RAF Museum Wing Donation

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT – Direct from the UK – DEC. 14, 2023 Major Donation from the RAF Museum to the Bomber Command Museum of Canada ”Halifax Project”

As your Curator and Halifax Project Manager we are searching worldwide to recover and restore a Halifax heavy bomber for our national memorial museum, BCMC, in Nanton, Alberta.

It is my pleasure to now announce a great donation by the Royal Air Force Museum – a right-hand Hastings outer wing panel – which is the same design as the Halifax outer wing panels except for the aileron attachment points.

After weeks and months of negotiations between BCMC and the RAF Museum – handled in the main by Harry Raffal – Head of Collections and myself as Halifax Project Manager, this ”new” wing section is a great donation to our project and a BIG leap forward in our progress.

Time constraints were tight just before Christmas but thanks to Harry and his team today we were able to bring this wing out of long-term storage at Cosford and transport it to Thirsk, Yorkshire – all thanks to our crane team and our sponsoring transport company ”POTTER PLANT HIRE” and president Giles.

How do you extract a 25 foot wing weighing 1,900 pounds from a big RAF storage hangar, —- with expert help and very carefully. Well done lads.
Today was that exciting day as we lifted – loaded – transported this SECOND 25 foot wing for our Halifax Project from RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford to the storage facility of Patrick Smart at Maddison 4X4 in Thirsk, UK.

At Patrick’s shop we will build the steel shipping cradle needed to hold this RIGHT wing, as the LEFT wing is already prepared in its cradle.

WHY the steel cradles for BOTH of these wings — over 50 feet of outer wing for our Halifax — because the RCAF will be airlifting these 2 wing panels direct from the UK to RCAF TRENTON, Ontario in the weeks ahead.

From there the wings will be going to our Halifax rebuildshop in Arnprior, Ontario – see the Facebook page called ”REBUILDSHOP” to see all of our Halifax rebuild magic performed by KNOX TECH — https://www.facebook.com/rebuildshopKT

See the photos and video of working on this little darling addition today, coming to Canada soon.
Our sincere thanks again to the RAF Museum and their great team for donating this treasure to us for the Halifax.

This is a great example of museums helping museums while sharing and saving our aviation history together.
regards, Karl – Curator