Its chocks away for the Spitfire 10K

RAF Museum 10k run

Date: 4 September 2016

Time: Race starts at 10am

Cost: Standard entry £22.50 per person (15 years & over)

Calling all runners….the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford needs you! Launching for the first time this September, the Spitfire 10K will give participants the unique opportunity to race across the airfield and down the runway at RAF Cosford, in an exclusive charity fun run!

Taking place on Sunday 4 September 2016, registration is now open for up to 700 runners to sign up and set themselves a new sporting challenge.

Taking-off from the museum’s Hangar 1, visitors will head outside and onto the airfield at RAF Cosford. Participants will run alongside the wartime hangars and past the air traffic control tower and of course, the race wouldn’t be complete without a sprint down the runway! The scenic route around the military airfield will take runners past several historic landmarks along the way, before passing the rifle range and then back onto the museum for a loop of the site on the final stretch towards the finish line. Upon completion, runners will be rewarded with a bespoke 2016 Spitfire 10K medal, a perfect and well-earned memento of their day.

With a flat, tarmac and grass terrain, the Spitfire 10K is suitable for keen runners and novices alike, so if you’re aged 15 and over why not give it a go? So whether you’ve been running for years, or you’re just getting into the sport for the first time, the race at Cosford is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable one.

Organisers are also encouraging participants to get into the spirit and don their best wartime attire. Or, why not sport a bespoke 2016 Spitfire 10K t-shirt, available to purchase when you register online. The Spitfire 10K will be a fun family day out and spectators are invited to cheer on their loved ones and show their support on the day at the start and finish line. Plus, following the race, visitors have the added bonus of being able to enjoy time wondering round the free museum, where they will find over 75 historical aircraft on display.

Runners can arrive from 9.00am onwards and it will be ready, steady….scramble at 10.00am sharp!

To register for the event visit the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Entry costs £22.50 per person with proceeds going towards the RAF Museum (registered charity number 244708), to support work conserving and sharing the story of the RAF for current and future generations. Armed Forces Personnel and running clubs are eligible for the discounted entry fee of £20.50 per person. For further details about the event, visit the museum’s website or call 01902 376200.

French Navy Fast Jet Duo Set To Thrill Air Day Visitors

Yeovilton Air Day Rafale

French Navy fast jets will once again perform a spectacular role demonstration in Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016’s flying display. Expected to be one of the star attractions, a pair ofRafaleM multirole fighters will demonstrate operational tactics during a fast-paced and thunderous routine that is sure to thrill Air Day’s anticipated 40,000-strong crowd on Saturday 2 July.

Once again, the French Navy’s appearance at a UK airshow flying display is exclusive to RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, demonstrating the close relationship between both navies.

The Rafale M is an outstandingly agile, Mach 1.8 (1,900 km/h) capable combat aircraft that equips two French Navy squadrons. In service since 2001, it has seen much frontline service including operations in Afghanistan and Libya. Air Day’s expected Rafale M duo will be supported by aan additional Rafale M as a spare and a Falcon 10MER transport and communications aircraft, appearingin the static display.

Air Day’s static display will also feature contributions from other NATO partner nations. They include a Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter and Falcon 20E VIP transport aircraft, a first-footing Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare helicopter and, from Germany, a Tornado strike aircraft and C-160 Transall tactical transporter.

Further display team, fast jet and historic aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Légion d’Honneur to be Presented to 21 Normandy Veterans at Yorkshire Air Museum

Sunday 22nd May 12 Noon.

The Allied Air Forces Memorial & Yorkshire Air Museum is proud to announce that once again we have been requested by the French Embassy to host another regional ceremony to present the Légion d’ Honneur, the highest Military Honour the French Government can bestow, to 21 veterans of the Normandy “D-Day” Invasion campaign of June 1944. The Presentation will take place on Sunday 22nd May, commencing at 12 noon, in the impressive setting of the Yorkshire Air Museum’s Main Display Hangar, with the stunning visual backdrop of the WWII Halifax bomber, and other historic aircraft.

The Légion d’Honneur will be presented to the veterans on behalf of the French Government by the French Consul to Yorkshire, Mr Jeremy Burton and Colonel Bruno Cunat, who is the French Liaison Officer to the Ministry of Defence, based at RAF High Wycombe. The City of York Civic Party will be in attendance, along with representatives from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

The Museum & Memorial has hosted three such ceremonies since April 2015, but this is by far the largest, with veterans attending from as far afield as Lincolnshire and Morpeth in Northumberland, and including Newcastle, Sunderland, Manchester, Leeds, York, Doncaster, Wetherby and Brighouse.

The veterans served with the Royal Navy, Army (various Battalions), Royal Artillery, Royal Marines, Royal Army Medical Corps and of course the Royal Air Force, making for a fascinating cross section of personnel gathering in one place, for a very special occasion.

Museum Director, Ian Reed, comments: “This is a historic and increasingly rare event with these very special people who represent a fast decreasing number of veterans from a period of our past history which still affects us to this day. From our experience, we know that this will be a very emotional time for all the veterans, as they remember many lost colleagues and friends, but a day also of pride, particularly for the many family members supporting them on this special day.”

http://www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

B-17 and Great War Team Leads an All-Star Century of Flying at Eastbourne Airshow

B-17 by Dan O'Hagan

Eastbourne Airshow is set to celebrate over a century of flying with the long anticipated return of the Flying Fortress and a large scale WW1 air display, both at this year’s free show from 11 – 14 August.

After a 15 year wait, Europe’s only flying B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B, will make a welcome return for historic fans, while the Great War Display Team brings its first ever 10-ship display of WW1 aircraft to Eastbourne seafront.

The historic line-up joins the already popular RAF Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, King Air and the sky scraping Typhoon.

Fans can look forward to even more teams plotting their flight path direct to Eastbourne, including the Blenheim Bomber and firm family favourite, the heavy duty Chinook.

The addition of the Great War Display team will see Eastbourne’s first ever WW1 display on this scale, demonstrating 10 iconic aircraft in one sequenced display, from the early prototype Sopwith Triplane to a Fokker Dr1.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “Many new types of aircraft joined military service during the Great War in 1916 so this is the perfect time 100 years on, to commemorate the part they played in WW1, along with their pioneering influence on the aircraft and pilots of today.”

The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Jet Provost duo, Mustang, Spitfire and The Tigers Parachute Display Team all make a welcome return, while Team Raven bring a new display to Eastbourne featuring a mix of RV-4 and RV-8 aircraft.

Flying the international flag, the B-25 Mitchell Bomber makes its first ever appearance from the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight, along with an Airbourne debut from the Belgian Bronco and the return of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron Vampire and MiG 15.

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow returns from 11 – 14 August with ground displays, military exhibition and pleasure flights, entry is free.

Sunday evening sees the fireworks return back to the traditional end of show finale, with a pyrotechnic twilight display from the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team and music acts for the Airbourne Live stage announced soon.

For prime views or as a special treat, upgrade to first class hospitality in the Aviator Club or Cirrus Rooms from £70 per person, with exclusive dining and drinks on the lawns. Or reserve a spot in the exclusive seating area all day from just £10 per adult (£6 per child).

Opportunities are also available for businesses to support the show and receive exposure to hundreds of thousands attending, with sponsorship and partnership packages available.

To book hospitality, seating, exhibition space or sponsorship, visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Nimrod tours are ready for half term take-off

Nimrod Tour RAF Museum

Date: 28 May – 5 June 2016

Time: Tours run between 10am and 4pm, each tour lasts 15 minutes

Cost: Adult and children £5 per person

As May half term fast approaches, organisers at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford are gearing up for a busy week of family tours on-board one of the RAF’s most sophisticated aircraft. From Saturday 28 May until Sunday 5 June, families can step inside the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 and learn about its intelligence gathering role in the Royal Air Force.

Tours will run throughout the day for groups of up to six people, lasting approximately 15 minutes. During the tour visitors will learn about the history of the aircraft, hear about the crews on board and view the sophisticated surveillance equipment up close. Perfect for any budding aviators, there will be plenty of opportunities for photos and tour guides will be on hand to answer any questions the inquisitive youngsters may have.

Families will discover why this aircraft and its missions were so secret that even the existence of 51 Squadron who operated it wasn’t mentioned in official documents until 1992, after the end of the Cold War. They will learn why the aircraft’s capabilities were such that even flying through friendly and allied nation airspace required diplomatic clearance. Mixed with a few light hearted stories of the crew stationed on board the Nimrod, including tales of the giant tea pot that could brew almost a gallon of tea, these fascinating tours led by museum staff will have visitors wondering what really goes on in the skies above us. Eagle eyed youngsters are challenged to see if they can find the Argos controls? This equipment was so secret that there was never any mention as to what it was or what it did even in the restricted crew manuals.

RAF Museum Cosford Events Manager Abi Betteridge said:

“Nimrod tours have proved popular with aviation fans in the past, but there is also a real demand from families and our younger visitors who are eager to get on-board and find out more – for some children, this is the first time they have stepped inside an aircraft and what a fascinating one it is! We are able to tailor the tours depending on our audience so the youngsters visiting us during half term will learn lots about the aircraft’s capabilities as well as quirky stories about what it was like to work on board the Nimrod, keeping it fun and not too overwhelming.”

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 forty years in all these roles, and more.

Nimrod tours are available daily throughout May half term week from 10am – 4pm and tickets cost £5.00 per person. Organisers are advising any interested visitors to pre-book their time-slot now via the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased on the day subject to availability. All children must be accompanied by an adult, tours are not recommended for children under the age of 5. For further information please call the museum on 01902 376200. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry to the museum is FREE of charge.

Air Day Tickets on sale

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Air Day at Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose. The event, which will be held on Thursday 28th July 2016, has become a firm favourite in the Cornish calendar, and enables the general public to experience life on board of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. It is one of only three military air shows in the country.

Everyday life for Royal Navy Pilots could include hunting for enemy submarines in state-of-the art helicopters, simulating threats to ships in fast jets, transporting troops of Royal Marines Commandos or rescuing casualties from stricken vessels. Air Day enables budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying, to learn about this exciting ‘world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates.

The organisers of this year’s event are working hard to make it a day to remember. As jets, helicopters and military aircraft zoom across the skies, visitors will be able to meet aircrew who have served on frontline squadrons all over the world, pilots who have just earned their ‘wings’ and those who use cutting edge technology to train future Naval Aviators.

The team at Culdrose has already lined up a variety of aerobatic teams and aircraft to woo the crowds with their dazzling displays and highly skilled manoeuvres. But as well as an exciting, action-packed flying display, there will also be lots of things to see, touch and try on the ground. Amongst other activities, visitors will be able to climb onboard aircraft, find out what it’s like to sit at the controls of a 15 tonne helicopter surrounded by the latest technology, take a pleasure flight, be winched high into the air or jump into the driving seat of a military fire engine. All of Culdrose’s Naval Air Squadrons and units will also be out on display, ready to talk about what they do and helping the public to try out specially devised activities and challenges.
Advance tickets at a reduced price (£15 for adults, £5 for children and £40 for families (2 adults and 3 children) are now on sale online (www.ticketzone.co.uk) and by phone (08444 99 99 55). Visitors can also purchase tickets at various Tourist Information Centres in Cornwall and the Gweek Seal Sanctuary.

Culdrose Air Day is great value for money and will be a thoroughly enjoyable day out for the whole family. Under 5’s are free and once inside, most attractions are free. For the first time, visitors can buy tickets to special enclosures one the crowd line this year. Visit www.culdroseairday.com from more information.

Lecture highlights the RAF’s forgotten role during the Korean War

Korean War

Date: 20 May 2016

Time: 12.30pm

Cost: FREE

The forgotten role of the Royal Air Force during the Korean War will be the focus of the next Cold War Lunchtime Lecture held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford later this month. The lecture entitled ‘The RAF in the Korean War, 1950-1953′, will be presented by Ewan Burnet, Curator of Film and Sound at the RAF Museum and examines an often overlooked aspect of the RAF’s history. The lecture will take place on Friday 20 May 2016 at 12.30pm.

This forthcoming lecture is the second in the new series of lectures launched earlier this year, which each cover a different topic related to the Cold War. During this discussion, Ewan will look back to 1950 when the Korean War broke out and how at that time, British resources, severely depleted by the Second World War, were already stretched by existing commitments in parts of the world such as Malaya. As a result, the RAF’s involvement and British involvement more generally, was limited by this and by more pressing Cold War concerns over Soviet intentions.

Despite limited resources and the global unrest in the midst of the Cold War, the RAF was there to offer support with Sunderland flying boats. Based at Iwakuni in Japan, they patrolled the sea around the Korean peninsula and RAF pilots often served on exchange tours with the United States Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. Offering additional support, Auster’s, still under RAF authority although often manned by Army personnel, provided reconnaissance and artillery spotting capability and aircraft such as the Hastings evacuated casualties back to the UK.

RAF Museum Curator of Film and Sound, Ewan Burnet said:

“Korea highlighted the importance of effective aircrew training and the inadequacy of the Gloster Meteor against modern Soviet designs such as the MiG-15. It underscored the flexibility of air power; a Shorts Sunderland could be patrolling the sea around Korea on one day, and very soon after be on search and rescue duty from Hong Kong or bombing targets in Malaya while based in Singapore. During this lecture I will explore the RAF’s involvement in Korea, and attempt to place it in a broader Cold War context.”

The Cold War lunchtime lectures form part of the RAF Museum’s Research Programme for 2016. ‘The RAF in the Korean War, 1950-1953′, is the second of four lectures taking place at Cosford this year. The programme also consists of the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies and the First World War in the Air Lunchtime Lectures, which are held at the University of Wolverhampton, the Royal Aeronautical Society in London and the RAF Museum in London respectively.

This FREE lecture will be held in the RAF Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition lecture theatre at 12.30pm on Friday 20 May. As spaces are limited, organisers advise visitors to book their tickets in advance via the museum’s website to avoid disappointment.

For further information about the museums research programme or to book your FREE ticket to the lecture, please visit the museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. The museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the museum is FREE of charge.

Air Show Set To Be A Fun Filled Family Day Out

The RAF Cosford Air Show 2016, taking place on Sunday 19th June falls on Father’s Day, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy a family day out for all generations. From interactive exhibits showcasing the Royal Air Force to an eclectic mix of trade stands, awe inspiring flying displays to the chance to jump inside a cockpit and act like a fast jet pilot there is something to keep both children and adults entertained for hours.

Helping to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Air Cadet Organisation, the Air Cadet Village will inspire the younger generation with their interactive displays and simulators and encourage those thinking of joining the organisation. Incorporated in to the flying display will be historic aircraft associated with the ACO, giving a sense of nostalgia to those who grew up as an Air Cadet.

With just over five weeks to go until this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show organisers are encouraging the public to buy their tickets soon to avoid disappointment. For the second year running tickets are advanced sale only and will not be available to purchase at the show. ‘The Air Show is a fantastic chance for the whole family to enjoy a day out together, taking part in activities across the showground everyone will be entertained’ said Clive Elliott, Air Show Director. For those wishing to give the day that special touch there are a range of hospitality options available for all budgets and ages.

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are available to purchase from selected Mid Counties Coops, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon, Midlands Air Museum in Coventry and on our website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Tickets are £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Rare Historic Naval Warbirds to Perform at Air Day

RNHF Swordfish

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016on Saturday 2 July will host a rare pair of restored WW2 fighters at the Royal Navy’s premier airshow. Joining RNAS Yeovilton’s resident historic naval aircraft, the UK’s only active Corsair and one of just three Seafires airworthy in the world will both perform solo displays and a joint flypast during Air Day’s five-hour flying display. Underlining naval airpower’s rapid evolution during WW2, these classic types will very much bring naval aviation heritage to life.

The powerful Corsair was in Fleet Air Arm (FAA) service between 1943 and 1947. Many examples equipped the British Pacific Fleet, the Royal Navy’s response to Japan during WW2’s final months. Painted to represent just such an aircraft, The Fighter Collection’s FG-1D Corsair will be making its first Air Day appearance in many years. Also in a British Pacific Fleet scheme, Air Leasing Ltd’sSeafireLFIIIc, which was originally built at the nearby Westland factory, is brand new to the show. Built in 1944 and, after a lengthy restoration, reflown in 2015, it is among the 2,000-plus ‘navalised Spitfires’ produced.

The Royal Navy Historic Flight based at RNAS Yeovilton will also be out in force at Air Day. Its Swordfish I, W5856, will perform in the flying display while its Swordfish II, LS326, plus its Sea Fury FB11, will be on static display. First flown in 1934, the Swordfish was already considered passé when WW2 broke out but on numerous occasionswon its spurs on operations staged thereafter. With its ‘Bismarck 75′ theme, Air Day will acknowledge a landmark Swordfish engagement thattook place 75 years ago during which examples helped sink the German Navy’s largest battleshipat the time – Bismarck. W5856 – Air Day’s flying Swordfish – wears an authentic 820 NAS scheme that directly represents one of these Bismarck attackers.

It was a later conflict, Korea, that saw the Sea Fury rise to prominence. Introduced in 1945, the Sea Fury was the FAA’s ultimate piston-engined fighter. While not currently flying, the RNHF’s Sea Fury FB11 will be just one of the static highlights for Air Day’s expected 40,000 visitors.

Further display team, fast jet and historic aircraft participation news will be announced in due course.Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

WIN a Red Arrows prize package worth £1,000

To celebrate the successful launch of the Royal Air Force Museum’s ‘Names on a Plane’ fundraising campaign, museum bosses are giving members of the public the opportunity to win a Red Arrows prize package worth £1,000. The winner will see their name written on the wings of a world famous RAF Red Arrows Hawk Jet, that will fly throughout the 2017 display season!

For one spectacular season of air shows and celebrations, the underside of a Red Arrow Jet will display names chosen by members of the public who have contributed to this unique campaign, including one lucky competition winner who will also receive an exclusive personalised prize bundle.

In addition to their ‘Name on a Plane’, the winner will receive a commemorative RAF Bluey with a special message from the Reds; a personalised die-cast Corgi Red Arrow Hawk Jet with their chosen name; a limited edition ‘Names on a Plane’ pin badge and a complimentary one year RAF Museum membership package, packed with added benefits. ‘Names on a Plane’ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from the RAF Museum for everyone to be a part of the RAF’s history and to add to the lasting legacy of the prize, the competition winner will see their chosen name on the digital wall in the Members Room at the RAF Museum London – opening in 2018.

The competition is now open and to be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, all you need to do is head to the RAF Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org and answer a simple question. Entry is free of charge and all correct entrants will go into a prize draw and the winner will be selected at random. The competition closes at midnight on Sunday 19 June 2016, so aviation enthusiasts are encouraged to enter now so they don’t miss out.

The campaign will raise funds for the museum’s RAF Centenary Programme which will see the RAF Museum celebrate and commemorate the centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018, through a major transformation of its visitor experience at its London site, sharing the RAF story on site and online.

For more information about the campaign and the naming packages available, which start from donations of just £30, visit www.namesonaplane.org. The Royal Air Force Museum is a registered charity, Charity Number 244708.