2017 – Page 4 – Airscene News

Women’s Services Memorial day at Yorkshire Air Museum

Yorkshire Air Museum Women's Services Memorial

The Centenary of women serving within the Armed Forces will be marked during the poignant Women’s Services Memorial Day taking place here at the Allied Air Forces Memorial & Yorkshire Air Museum this coming Sunday 13th August.

It was on 7th July 1917 when the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp was formed, introducing women into the Army for the first time, although it was a largely clerical unit. This was followed in November 1917 by the formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service and the birth of the ‘Wrens’, as the service is affectionately known as.

“This annual Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony exists to pay tribute and fully recognise the role that women have played in the defence of the nation from the First World War to the present day, where they now take on frontline duties, shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts on the ground, at sea and in the air. In fact, it is a tribute to the diversity and inclusiveness of all forms of our service community that gender, sexual orientation and ethnic background is no barrier to serving in the defence of the nation.” – Ian Reed ONM FRAeS Museum Director

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have once again shown their support for the ceremony, with the allocation of a flypast by the legendary Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, which will set off proceedings in the early afternoon in quite spectacular style as the spine-tingling roar of Merlin engines fills the Elvington sky. As the aircraft disappear in the distance, the Parade will set off to march through the centre of the Museum to our unique and inspiring Women’s Memorial Garden, where a Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place.

Following this, the Parade will reform and march back, where, we are delighted to announce, the Salute will be taken by the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Hon. Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister.

“It is especially fitting that Susan has been able to join us for the occasion, as it will see the Laying Up of the Branch Standards of Keyingham and Stamford Bridge Royal British Legion Women’s Section, making this the last time that these Standards will be presented and Paraded. This is always a sad occasion, as these flags are symbols of service and friendship, carried and marched with pride and honour. Our Station Chaplain, the Revd. Charles “Taff” Morgan MBE will accept the Standards into our care for perpetuity, where they will join many others of various Service organisations already at rest in our Chapel.” – Ian Richardson, Communications Manager.

The Parade will be led by musicians from the Yorkshire Military Band & Corps of Drums, creating a rousing and colourful spectacle for all participants and visitors to enjoy.

Gates Open at 10:00am and normal Museum Admission applies: £10 Adults; £8 Concessions and £5 Children (5-15. Family admission £26 (2A + 3Ch.)

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

Royal Air Force Bircham Newton Veterans’ Day 2018

RAF Bircham Newton

We would like to draw your attention to a special event to be held at Bircham Newton in May 2018. In addition to being the centenary of the birth of the Royal Air Force, 2018 will also be the 100th anniversary of the birth of the former RAF station at Bircham Newton. The first unit to fly from its airfield, No. 3 Fighting School, arrived in May 1918, just one month after the birth of the Royal Air Force. The Fighting School was soon joined by a second unit flying giant Handley Page bombers, designed to bomb Germany from this Norfolk airfield. Flying continued beyond the Armistice and throughout the inter-war years, increasing dramatically during the second World War. The station was finally closed in the early 1960s, during the height of the Cold War, but flying briefly returned in the mid-1960s, when trials of the Kestrel jump jet were conducted on the airfield.

To mark the centenary of the birth of RAF Bircham Newton as a flying station, it is planned to hold a Veterans’ Day event at Bircham Newton on the afternoon of Saturday, 19th of May 2018. The event will be open to all former servicemen, who served or were trained at Bircham Newton, and their close families. The largest group of visitors is expected to be former RAF administrative apprentices, who trained at Bircham Newton in the late 1950s and early 1960s, but many other veterans are also expected to attend, such as former national servicemen, former members of the Women’s Royal Air Force and officers who were trained at the Officers’ Advanced Training School (OATS) or its successor the Junior Command and Staff School (JCSS).

There will be many attractions for the veterans and their families to enjoy: the RAF Heritage Centre will be open for guided tours; an illustrated talk will be given on the role of Bircham Newton during the Great War; local history groups and service associations have been invited along to exhibit their material; military vehicles and large-scale model aircraft should be on display; local ATC squadrons and the Royal British Legion have also been invited to participate in a brief end-of-day ceremony, when the RAF ensign will be lowered to the sound of the Last Post. Tea, coffee and other refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon. It is also hoped to organise a short flypast, if possible.

Entrance will be free and free car parking will be provided. Disabled access and toilets will also be available, and help will be given to those with mobility problems. Further details regarding location etc can be found on our website:- http://www.rafbnmp.org.uk Our postcode is PE31 6RB.

Monster Truck set to rumble Wings & Wheels 2017

Monster Truck

Wings & Wheels are thrilled to announce that after the success of the Monster Truck passenger rides in 2016, the team will be returning on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August 2017 to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

The Mac Tools Cruiser, owned by Bigfoot 4X4, will be showing off its power and might in its very own arena as the team offer thrilling passenger rides over the weekend. Based on a 1988 Dodge Ram, the Monster Truck has been modified to sit on massive 66 inch tyres, stands at over 10 feet tall and is powered by a big American V8. Taking out ten passengers at a time, this is one ride not to miss.

Monster Trucks have been a part of the stunt and racing world in Europe for a number of years after first being developed in America. The Mac Tools Cruiser will take ten passengers on an exhilarating ride around the Monster Truck Arena, demonstrating its immense power and capabilities. Rides will cost £10 and be on a first come first serve basis over the Wings & Wheels weekend.

Ed Lowman, Wheels Zone Manager comments: “We are delighted that the Mac Tools cruiser is coming back to Wings & Wheels for a second year. Its sheer presence and noise brings a smile to the faces of our young and old visitors so it’s definitely something not to miss!”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires & Lancaster) air displays. Supercars, classic’s and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular, in our Motoring Demonstration. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as wells as four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

World Famous ‘Huey’ Joins Wings & Wheels Airshow

Huey at Wings and Wheels

For the first time at Wings & Wheels the Bell UH-1 or ‘Huey’ will be displaying in the five-hour Airshow on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August

One of the most famous helicopters in the world, it is to helicopters what the Spitfire and the P51 Mustang are to fixed wing aircraft. The Huey’s most famous role will be remembered as the Air Assault and Medivac operations in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975. They flew 36,145,000 sorties during the conflict. Somewhere in the region of 2,600 Hueys were based in Vietnam.

The Hughes OH-6A was designed for use as a military scout during the Vietnam war to meet the US Army’s need for an extremely manoeuvrable light observation helicopter.

The helicopter on display at Wings & Wheels is a genuine Vietnam veteran and the first time this magnificent helicopter will display at Dunsfold.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Helicopters are without doubt incredibly popular at Wings & Wheels and so we are all delighted to be adding the world famous ‘Huey’ to our five-hour Airshow. Another first for our line-up and will definitely be a hit with our visitors.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, Blades, B25 Mitchell and much, much more.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including the Royal Navy Wildcat, RAF Puma, Apache, Dunsfold’s resident Sea Hawk, and Hunter as well as the infamous Boeing 747, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, re-enactment groups, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32-acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts, kit-plane demonstrations, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of craft gifts and tempting tea time treats to take home as well as a *New* Vintage Market with hair and make-up, clothes and collectables.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Wolverhampton built Defiant is highlight of Open Cockpits Evening

Boulton Paul Defiant

Date: 15-16 September 2017
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm
Cost: £12.50 per person

The Wolverhampton built, Second World War British Battle of Britain fighter aircraft, Boulton Paul Defiant Mk1 will be one of the highlights at the forthcoming ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 15-16 September 2017.

The Boulton Paul Defiant Mk 1 joined the aircraft display at Cosford only a few short months ago and with just 300 tickets available per evening, organisers are anticipating the event will be hugely popular with aviation fans eager to get the first close look inside (no internal access). The aircraft is the last surviving example of its kind, built by Boulton Paul at its Pendeford, Wolverhampton factory in 1938. This two-seat turret fighter, operated with mixed fortunes during the Battle of Britain period but found its niche as a night fighter during 1940-42.

The RAF Museum’s example, serial number N1671 was operated by the newly formed No 307 (Polish) Squadron RAF, who became operational in December 1940. It was painted in its all black night fighter colour scheme the following January and carried out 15 patrols before moving to No 285 (Anti-aircraft Co-Operation) Squadron in June 1942, its last operational user.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Al McLean said:
“After four decades on display at the RAF Museum London, the sole surviving intact Defiant example of its type was transferred to Cosford for aviation fans in the Midlands to enjoy. The new arrival has been added to the list of aircraft open at the September Open Cockpits Evening, making this the first time enthusiasts will be able to view inside the cockpit of this iconic British fighter.”

Also new to the ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ line-up is a former frontline fighter the Gloster Gladiator 1 – the first enclosed cockpit and last biplane fighter introduced into RAF service. Although Gladiators saw operational service at home it was most successfully employed overseas particularly in the defence of Malta. At the outbreak of the Second World War, four home based RAF fighter squadrons equipped with Gladiators were sent to France and after just ten days of hard fighting, all the aircraft had been lost. In a desperate attempt to provide fighter cover for the ‘little ships’ involved in the Dunkirk evacuation, a detachment of home based aircraft known as ‘G’ Flight was formed at RAF Manston, Kent. They were quickly deployed to assist with the rescue of more than 338,000 British and French soldiers trapped on the beaches.

During the early war years, Gladiators were used by the RAF in several other overseas operations including; Norway, Greece, North Africa and the Middle East. The Museum’s example, serial number K8042 was also used for gun trials and experiments, whereby an additional pair was fitted under the top wing, giving a total of six guns instead of the usual four. Like the Defiant it’s displayed alongside, the Gladiator is also a new addition to the aircraft display at Cosford and the September event is the first opportunity for aviation fans to view the interior (no internal access).

Other highlights for visitors on the night will include 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. Plus, the Saunders-Roe SR53 – this interceptor used a rocket motor to climb rapidly to high altitudes and reached Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) at high altitude during trials.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“Visitors will also be able to view inside the rear fuselage of the Avro Lincoln B2, never before opened to the public. Just too late to see service during the Second World War, the Lincoln became the mainstay of Bomber Command post-war, but was destined for a short front line career as the Cold War and the jet age brought the shortcomings of its performance into sharp relief. It’s one of our most popular aircraft and this is the first time it’s been included in the event, we hope visitors will enjoy the rare opportunity to take a look inside the fuselage.”

Ticket holders will also have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum from 6pm to 9pm to 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. A total of 15 aircraft will be available on the night and to make sure visitors get the most out of the event and access as many cockpits as possible, there will be a large team of Volunteers manning each aircraft to answer any questions from visitors.

Tickets are now available to purchase through the Museum’s website http://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 ticket holders and will be serving a special ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ menu.

Thrilling Chinook to display at Wings & Wheels

Chinook at Wings and Wheels

A familiar sight over the skies of Dunsfold Aerodrome, the Chinook will be displaying at Wings & Wheels on Saturday 26th August.

For the 2017 Display Season Squadron Leader Matt Holloway and the team have created a new display formation sequence consisting of 17 different manoeuvres including, the opening Run in to Crowd Centre for Nose Over with Turn Away, Pedal Turn, ‘Roller Coaster’ (Nose Over followed by Nose Over), 360 degree Wingover at Crowd Centre, 180 degree Nose Down Quickstop, Taxi Sideways for Crewman Wave, 540 degree ‘Gorni’ Corkscrew, 315 degree Spiral Descent to break from Crowd
Before they finish with the Over the Shoulder Departure.

It’s a thrilling display which not only shows how skilful the pilots are, but the versatility and manoeuvrability of the Chinook helicopter used for trooping, resupply and battlefield Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) and for carrying internal and/or underslung loads.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We can never see enough of the Chinook and its impressive display. The skill the pilots use to command the large helicopter has to be seen to be believed and we are thrilled to be welcoming the popular team back to Wings & Wheels.”
The RAF Chinook Display Team is drawn from front line pilots who still have important primary roles to fulfil. Whilst the team are rehearsing the display, the Display Manager is busy putting together the team’s promotional material, organising the year’s air show visits, engaging with the media and among many other tasks readying the transport arrangements that allow a team of around 10 people to arrive at all our air shows ahead of the display aircraft. All these tasks must be done alongside the crew members’ regular jobs and secondary duties.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (two Spitfires and Lancaster), Chinook (Saturday only), Apache Display Team with pyrotechnics, Tigers Parachute Team, The Blades and much, much more.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Live your Dreams at Brooklands Museum this Summer

Concorde at Brooklands

An Extraordinary range of FAMILY Fun until 25th August

Build a giant tower from everyday objects, or a Bellman Hangar from paper while watching the real thing being refitted; ride the famous Brooklands Banking in a vintage-style car or tour the area in an iconic Routemaster London bus; take a “Kids Special” experience on Concorde; get a special deal on Brooklands Top Trumps. These are just a few of the things that families can tackle this summer at Brooklands Museum – and their souvenir photographs of the day could win younger visitors prizes in the Brooklands Young Photographer 2017 competition.

Weekday workshops running in this period will explore themes connected to Brooklands’ exciting past. Youngsters and parents will be able to participate in a variety of activities from archaeological digs in the sand and pendulum painting to helping the team with the Great Brooklands Build-Off to create a giant structure using a variety of shapes and materials. Sessions run from 11.00am to 12.00pm and from 1.00pm to 3.30pm; all materials are supplied and no extra charges or booking apply – just turn up.

From 24th July to 24th August, the now-legendary Brooklands Car Rides* will run every Monday to Thursday, allowing visitors to experience a blast up Test Hill and a cruise along the Banking in an open top vintage-style car, courtesy of the Car Rides Team volunteers. There are morning and afternoon sessions and the minimum donation of £1 per passenger offers exceptional value for this exhilarating experience. Alongside the car rides, the resident London Bus Museum will be offering tours of the local area by Routemaster or other historic bus every day*.

For youngsters who like flying, Kids Tours on Concorde* run every weekday until August 25th. The tour has been specially tailored for our younger visitors with participation encouraged, making this half hour virtual supersonic ‘flight’ experience something not to be missed. For those who are excited by all the amazing machines on display at Brooklands, the Museum is offering a special summer deal on Brooklands Top Trumps, with packs available at just £4 each for the holidays.

Any or all of these activities could provide inspiration for budding photographers entering The Brooklands Young Photographer Competition. Children are invited to get their cameras out when they visit the Museum with a chance to win a prize. There are three age categories from 3-16 years and theme of the competition this year is ’Built at Brooklands’. Entries need to reach competitions@brooklandsmuseum.com by 8pm on Friday 1st September 2017. For details of categories, prizes and other information, see the ‘Summer’ page at www.brooklandsmuseum.com.

For those who want to really experience speed and exhilaration without leaving their seats, there are three fantastic rides running in the 4D Theatre* EVERY day including weekends. Sit behind the driver of the Napier-Railton and race around the banked circuit, join the RAF Red Arrows in the cockpit with the display team as they embark on one of their breath-taking aerobatic routines or go back to 1956 with British racing legend Mike Hawthorn for a lap at Le Mans in his Jaguar D-Type.

The Sunbeam Café will be open for refreshments all day, Bertie the Brooklands Bear will be making guest appearances and the Museum Shop will be selling games, toys, books and Brooklands-related memorabilia. So, bring your camera, take a ride, take a flight and hold on to your seats as Brooklands Museum offers a day out that is like no other! Certainly, there is so much to do at the Museum this summer that visitors might find themselves wanting to return, in which case they will find our annual Membership packages very attractive.

Admission prices for Brooklands Museum (including London Bus Museum) are:
Adults £11, Seniors & Students £10, Children (5-16 yrs) £6.00, Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £30. Under 5s are FREE. The Concorde Experience is £5 for adults, £3 for children. Rides in the 4D Theatre are £4 for adults, £2 for children.

For full details of events, directions and general Museum information, please visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com or telephone 01932 857381. The Museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm during the summer (last entry one hour before closing).

*Extra charges and restrictions apply. Car and Bus Rides are subject to weather, Track and operational conditions.

New exhibition plots the Fleet Air Arm’s post Cold War role around the world

Harrier GR9

Four iconic aircraft and nearly 40 years of changing world tensions are the focus for a new exhibition opening on July 19 at The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s Yeovilton-based Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Key aircraft include a Sea King (ZA298) two Harriers FRS1GR9 and ZD433 and a Lynx (XZ720) all of whom have experienced front line action in conflicts such as the Falklands, Gulf Wars, Bosnia and Afghanistan. They will be used to help explore how the Fleet Air Arm has operated in the theatre of war including some of the most difficult terrains on the planet and to tell the stories of the men and women who fly such aircraft and keep them airborne.

It will also examine the perhaps less obvious roles of the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm including humanitarian assistance, civilian evacuations, anti-piracy and anti-drug patrols where the focus is on saving lives and upholding the rule of law.

Marc Farrance, General Manager from The National Museum of the Royal Navy, which owns the Fleet Air Arm Museum said: “The ending of the Cold War did not mean an end to the vital role played by the Fleet Air Arm. Instead it had to adapt and develop to meet the new demands made upon it in a constantly changing world. This exhibition tells the story of the part played by the Fleet Air Arm as the world moved from the era of Cold War politics in 1989, driven by the fear of nuclear war, into one dominated by international tensions, globalization and terrorist action.

“All in all, this exhibition will show how, in the post-Cold War era, the Fleet Air Arm has continued to provide air power from the sea in hazardous, diverse and complex operations around the world.”

Tickets are available on www.fleetairarm.com and include a 20% discount when purchased online.

An American Giant comes to Wings & Wheels 2017

Monster Truck at Dunsfold Wings and Wheels

Wings & Wheels are thrilled to announce that the beautifully decorated American Kenworth W900L truck will be displaying in the Wheels Zone on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August 2017 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

Imported to the UK in 2002, the Kenworth W900L is a true giant of the road standing at over 13 feet tall and an impressive 33 foot in length. In its first five years of work, the W900L travelled to the moon and back, covering an astonishing 700,000 miles. Powered by its gigantic 12.6ltr engine, averaging 5-8mpg it could cover over 2,000 miles before it would need to refuel its family sized hot tub fuel tanks.

Trucks play a major role within the US market, delivering over 80% of all communities from fuel to clothing and medicine across the vast country. This privately owned, immaculate example will be on display at Wings & Wheels for everyone to see.

Ed Lowman, Wheels Zone Manager comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome this jaw dropping road giant to Wings & Wheels. It’s an impressive piece of machinery and a welcome addition to our Wheels line-up.”

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Balloons over Lincolnshire… Lighter than Air

Balloons over LIncolnshire

Saturday 30 September to Sunday 25 March 2018

An exhibition exploring the vital role airships and hot air balloons played during World War I and the involvement of the Light than Air Section at Cranwell.

See their development over time including which types of balloon operated from Cranwell; learn about the working life of an airship crew, find out about Zeppelin raids on Lincolnshire as well as the early career of Barnes Wallis, a designer of airships.