Posts Tagged ‘April’

Second World War Week at RAF Museum London

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

RAF Museum London

25 May – 02 June 2024

Travel back in time with the RAF Museum London this May Half-Term with a range of family activities. Discover all about the RAF and life during the 1940s, culminating in our D-Day Weekend.

D-Day, The RAF Story: The Tour

For the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landing, the RAF Museum will be offering a tour for a limited time only, telling the story of the role of the RAF during the D-Day Operations.
Explore the varied roles of the RAF during D-Day, from bombing to reconnaissance and logistics. See this story come to live in the Museum’s Hangars 3, 4, 5 among iconic aircraft such as the Avro Lancaster, the Handley Page Halifax and the de Havilland Mosquito. Delivered by our expert volunteer tours guides; they will meet you by the nose of the Lancaster at your tour time.

Tickets: £10.00
Location: Hangars 345
Date: Sunday 26 May, Tuesday 28 May, Thursday 30 May, Saturday 1 June, Wednesday 5 June and Thursday 6 June.
Timings: 30 min timeslots available 11:00am to 1:00pm then 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Recommended Age: 8+

Aircraft Access: Lockheed Hudson

This is the opportunity to fully experience the aircraft that bravely carried into and out of Nazi occupied Europe.
Although often a forgotten hero of WWII, visitors will be privileged to gain exclusive access to the first Allied aircraft to capture a U-boat, be equipped with airborne lifeboats and shoot down an enemy whilst operating form the British Isles.

Tickets: £5.00
Location: Hangars 345
Date: Saturday 25th, Monday 27th and Wednesday 29th of May
Timings: 15 min timeslots available 11:00am to 1:00pm then 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Recommended Age: 8+

Audio Story WW2 Trail

Embark on an exciting journey through aviation history with the RAF Museum’s brand new trail.

Meet Woof Commander Antis the Dog and Flight Lieutenant Percy the Parachuting Penguin!

Enchanting narration interspersed with the hum of engines and the buzz of crucial radio chatter will guide visitors as they learn of the tales of the brave men, women and animals who made the difference in Britain’s finest hour.

This audio trail promises an accessible experience that transcends anything you’ve heard before. All you will need you will need to access this journey to the pass is your own smart device, headphones and internet access.

What we want to know most is are you Team Antis or a Team Percy? Make sure you let everyone know who is your favourite during your visit!

Tickets: FREE
Location: Hangars 345
Date: Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June
Timings: Drop-in throughout the day, just scan the QR code and go!
Recommended Age: 4+

www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/

Greek F-16s, the FAAM flying laboratory and more..

Sunday, April 28th, 2024

RIAT Greek F16

More F-16s this week, with a pair of Block 52+ jets from Greece coming to RIAT24 on static display!

Not only will this be a first time visit from the squadron with these aircraft, but their striking ‘Aegean Blue’ colour scheme will make them a stand-out on our ‘Viper Line’ static display.

We also have an air defence variant of the Mirage 2000, which we haven’t seen at RIAT for many years, coming for static display as part of our North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) 75th anniversary theme.

Elsewhere, tying in with our ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’ theme, we have a British Aerospace 146, uniquely modified as an airborne laboratory, which is visiting RAF Fairford for the first time in over a decade.

Operating since 2004, the FAAM flying laboratory is a specially adapted research aircraft managed by a unique team of scientists, engineers, flight technicians and project managers providing a complete package of support for the scientific community. This jet has visited over 30 different countries and carries up to four tonnes of equipment in addition to 18 scientists.

www.airtattoo.com

Royal International Air Tattoo experiencing unprecedented demand

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

RIAT 2023

• Last year 150,000 people visited the event based at RAF Fairford
• Less than 10,000 tickets remaining for Saturday 20th July 2024
• Over 80 aircraft already confirmed for this summer’s show with weekly additions
• Free admission for those under 18-years-old

Interest in this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has reached record levels with the show on track for its earliest ever sell-out.

The event, which is taking place from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, is the world’s largest military airshow with over 250 aircraft involved in last year’s event.

So far there have been 86 aircraft unveiled to take part in this year’s event, including international display teams, large transport aircraft and a variety of helicopters.

Every week new aircraft are added to the line-up as the show celebrates 50-years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, 100-years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

In 2023, organisers announced Saturday had sold out in early June but with unprecedented interest ahead of this summer, organisers are thrilled with levels of interest.

All proceeds from RIAT are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, a forward-looking charity aiming to inspire the next generation of aviators, which received almost £2m from last year’s aviation showcase.

Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “RIAT is a world-renowned event which takes place in the heart of the Cotswolds and we are proud to deliver it every year.
“Not only do visitors come from all over the country, they travel from across the globe to see what we put together at RAF Fairford.

“The support for this year has been incredible and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone in the summer.”

With an operational theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, this year’s RIAT gives people the opportunity to get up close and see aircraft they’d never normally have access to.

One example is the British Antarctic Survey’s Twin Otter aircraft, which usually operates in the polar regions collecting scientific data and will be on static display this summer.

“This year’s theme means we are expecting some unique aircraft which operate in unique areas and it really demonstrates the role of aviation, whether that is in defence, transport or scientific work,” added Paul.

“If you haven’t been to the event before, or are starting to make plans for the summer then we are an event that accommodates for everyone.”

Tickets are available via www.AirTattoo.com.

East Midlands Aeropark Aviation Museum – Late Evening Openings for 2024

Sunday, April 21st, 2024

East Midlands Aeropark

During the year the Aeropark holds a number of events where subject to availability we open up the cockpits of our aircraft in order that visitors can view the inside and in certain of the aircraft actually have the opportunity to get inside the aircraft and/or cockpits.

The late evening opening events will also see some of our aircraft lit up for the chance of a great photo opportunity and to also view movements at the airport later in the day including possible movement of cargo aircraft.

http://www.eastmidlandsaeropark.org/aeropark-events.html

Aircraft from Turkey, Belgium and Draken Europe at RIAT24

Sunday, April 21st, 2024

RIAT Viper

This week we are unveiling assets from the Turkish Air Force, Belgian Air Force and Draken Europe to join the RIAT24 line-up.

A highlight for aviation enthusiasts will be the participation of a pair McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II on static display, coming from the Turkish Air Force as part of our NATO 75th anniversary theme. In addition, for the first time in six years, the Turkish Air Force will be sending their SOLOTÜRK demo, with their Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon, to perform in the flying display.

Joining them in our celebration of the F-16’s 50th anniversary, we have a further F-16 to join the ‘Viper Line’ on static display, with a F-16AM courtesy of the Belgian Air Component.

Finally, a further two civilian aircraft for static display, with a L-159 Honey Badger and a Falcon 20, both coming from Draken Europe.

www.airtattoo.com

Objects gifted to Newark by the RAF Museum

Thursday, April 18th, 2024

Yellow Sun at Newark

Following a short meeting on 9th April 2024, the ownership title of several objects that had been on long-term loan from the Royal Air Force Museum (RAFM), were formally transferred over to the Newark Air Museum [NAM].

These items comprised of: A Rolls-Royce R.B.108 engine and jet pipe; a Yellow Sun bomb casing; and a Fireflash Missile and trolley. Some of these items have been displayed at NAM’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the border with Lincolnshire, for more than fifteen years.

The generous donation was made as part of ongoing discussions between the two organisations, about a range of subjects. It follows a similar donation of the Lockheed TriStar simulator from the RAFM, back in autumn 2015, which is now displayed in Hangar 2 at the museum.

“The museum trustees are grateful to the RAF Museum for donating these objects to the museum,” commented Newark Air Museum Trustee, Colin Savill. He concluded, “Such donations illustrate the benefits of our Accredited Museum status, and we look forward to the possibility of working with the Royal Air Force Museum to explore similar loans and donations in the future.”

An additional comment has also been made by Dr Harry Raffal, Head of Collections and Research, RAF Museum. “The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to be gifting these objects to Newark Air Museum with the knowledge that we are sharing the RAF story and making it more accessible to people across the country. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship and working together to inspire new generations.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Hungary and Jordan display teams with Qatar on static at RIAT24

Monday, April 15th, 2024

RIAT Falcons

This week we’re pleased to announce the return of two popular favourites for the flying display at RIAT24, in the form of the SAAB JAS-39C Gripen of the Hungarian Air Force and the Royal Jordanian Falcons display team.

In addition, as part of our theme celebrating 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, we’re very excited that the Royal Jordanian Air Force will be sending us a pair of their jets to RIAT for the first time, with one F-16AM and one F-16BM. They’ll also be sending a C-130H Hercules to accompany them on static display.

Finally, the Qatar Emiri Air Force will be showing two of their BAE Systems manufactured aircraft on static display, with a Typhoon and Hawk, in addition to their NH90 helicopter and the large Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.

www.airtattoo.com

Patrouille Suisse and German Air Force set to attend RIAT24!

Sunday, April 7th, 2024

Patrouille Suisse at RIAT

In what is their only planned UK appearance this year, we are delighted to announce Switzerland’s elite Patrouille Suisse display team are heading to RAF Fairford with their colourful F-5E Tiger II jets this summer.

Also participating in the flying display, a first-time attendee in the shape of the German Air Force’s Eurofighter solo display. Furthermore, also from Germany, we also have an Airbus A400M in a solo flying display, in what will be an eye-catching display of this large transport aircraft.

On the ground, under our operational theme of Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space, we’re very excited to be welcoming a Panavia Tornado from the German Air Force’s special Flight Test unit, WTD 61. Other German aircraft on static display include their unique A319 ‘Open Skies’ jet, mighty CH-53 helicopter and another Tornado.

Celebrating 75 years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), we have one of their Boeing E-3A Sentry aircraft attending, performing a flypast on Friday and then on static display over the weekend.

www.airtattoo.com

Red Arrows to Thrill Crowds at the RAF Cosford Air Show with Diamond Season Display

Saturday, April 6th, 2024

RAF Cosford Air Show Red Arrows

The RAF Cosford Air Show are thrilled to announce that the Red Arrows will return on Sunday 9th June 2024. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, more commonly referred to as ‘The Red Arrows,’ will be performing a brand-new display in the skies above Cosford as part of their 60th Diamond Season celebrations.

A capacity crowd of 55,000 people attended the Air Show in 2023 and organisers are promising more excitement in the air and on the ground for 2024.

The Red Arrows formed in 1964, and have since performed almost 5,000 shows in over 57 countries. Celebrating their 60th ‘Diamond’ Anniversary in 2024, a new nine-aircraft show is part of plans for the milestone season.

Squadron Leader Chris Wilson said: ‘We’re so pleased to confirm today that the Red Arrows will be returning to Cosford this year. As a crowd favourite, the Red Arrows always thrill audiences with their jaw-dropping displays.

‘Performing in their brand-new livery for 2024, the Red Arrows’ display routine will feature manoeuvres not seen for a generation.

‘It’s exciting that the display team will be back as a nine-ship display this year, performing the Red Arrows’ trademark Diamond Nine formation in their diamond year, bringing back an iconic shape not seen since 2021.

‘We can’t wait for audiences to experience this very special display and we’re looking forward to welcoming the Red Arrows’ to Cosford again this year.’

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are now on sale and can be purchased at www.CosfordAirShow.co.uk/Tickets

Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot Aviation & Avionics Sale

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024

Newark Aeroboot

Saturday 13th April, 2024

The next Newark Air Museum Outdoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 13th April, 2024. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers across the UK and is taking place alongside the quarterly meeting of Aviation Heritage UK (formerly known as BAPC).

The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.

More than thirty (30) sellers, who come from around the UK have pre-booked selling spaces on the wide expanses of our Southfield Site, close to the aircraft display line and the museum café.

Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and a wide range of aircraft parts.

Normal museum admission rates will apply: Adults £11.00, Over 65s £10.00, Children £5.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £30.00.

The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.

Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.