Buckle up for a thrilling arrival!

RIAT P3 Orrion

A hat-trick of helicopters for this week’s Take Off Thursday, including the Portuguese Air Force confirming their attendance at RIAT25!

Participating in the flying display and in a unique camouflage livery, their AW101 Merlin will be heading to RAF Fairford for the very first time and performing a SAR demonstration on both Saturday and Sunday.

Sticking with choppers, we are pleased to announce that Historic Helicopters will be supplying their Whirlwind and Wessex for this year’s static display, joining a line-up of search and rescue helicopters. Meanwhile, also on static display, the Portuguese will also be providing a Lockheed P-3C Orion for a very rare airshow appearance.

View Confirmed Aircraft

Is there someone you want to spoil this Valentine’s Day? Then why not buy them a ticket to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)? They’ll have the most amazing day experiencing sights and sounds that will raise the hairs on the back of their neck as aircraft from across the world touch down at RAF Fairford.

Or, if you’re already planning on joining us, why not make it even more special and upgrade to one of our enclosure packages? There’s one to suit every taste and budget. Take a look here at all the different options. But you’ll have to be quick as we’re already sold out for Viewing Village Garden, First Class Lounge, Flight Deck, Cotswold Club and Aviation Club on Saturday, but the Viewing Village Grandstand, Family Enclosure and Altitude Saturday, are still available for now. RIAT25 will return to RAF Fairford on 18th, 19th and 20th July and we can’t wait to see you there.

https://tickets.airtattoo.com

Take Off Thursday is finally here!

RIAT Thursdays

We’re up and running…

Take Off Thursdays are back and off to a flying start with an award-winning display heading to RAF Fairford. The Finnish Air Force will be providing their popular F/A-18C Hornet, which is set to feature in the flying display on Saturday and Sunday.

Joining the Finns is the Lithuanian Air Force, with its search-and-rescue Dauphin helicopter, which is returning to RIAT for only the second time, on static display.

Elsewhere on the ground and also tied to this year’s theme of Eyes in the Skies, are some intriguing civilian-owned aircraft courtesy of Fighter Aviation Engineering. The first of their two aircraft is a Supermarine Spitfire painted in Indian Air Force markings and equipped with aerial reconnaissance cameras, while the L-12A Electra Junior also carried out a specific role, as it was used for covert missions for the Special Intelligence Service.

View Confirmed Aircraft

We’re delighted that you are excited for RIAT25, with more than 50,000 of you having booked your spot for this year’s extravaganza. Like you, we can’t wait for the world’s greatest airshow to return to RAF Fairford on the 18th, 19th and 20th July. Five of our Saturday enclosures are already sold out, so don’t delay, book your tickets today and be part of the fun. Why not upgrade to one of our unique hospitality areas. You will need a general admission ticket to upgrade to an enclosure.

www.tickets.airtattoo.com

RAF Museum secures £650k grant from the Wolfson Foundation

RAF Museum Midlands Hangar 1

The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to announce it has been awarded a £650k grant from the Wolfson Foundation for the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.

This ambitious project will deliver a major regional engagement programme, alongside a site transformation, including:

  • A new immersive exhibition will explore the critical role of the RAF since 1980 to today, imagining how the service will adapt in the future as it delivers 24/7 Air, Space and Cyber defence
  • A new Learning Centre co-designed with students and teachers will provide bespoke facilities for lifelong learning programmes in subjects ranging from science, technology, engineering and maths, to geography, art and design
  • A new purpose-built Collections Hub will enable the Museum’s stored collection to be brought on site and opened to the public for the first time, providing opportunities for research, conservation, activities, talks and tours
  • The complementary development of a new public realm will provide spaces for outdoor activities, rest and relaxation, and picnicking.

The Wolfson Foundation’s £650k grant for the RAF Museum was announced in their latest round of grants. The generous funding from the Wolfson Foundation is a significant contribution to the Museum’s fundraising campaign for the project and will be specifically directed towards the creation of a new Learning Centre.

Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said:

‘We are deeply grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for their generous £650,000 investment. This will play a pivotal role in the creation of our new Learning Centre, enabling us to inspire future generations and share the RAF’s stories in innovative and engaging ways for people of all ages. The Learning Centre will transform our offer for school groups, enabling us to accommodate an additional 8,000 students per year. These state-of-the-art facilities will include two analogue and two digital classrooms, lunch spaces for up to 120 students, and spaces for outdoor learning. Support from the Wolfson Foundation underscores the importance of education, and we are delighted to have them as a key partner in this transformative project.’

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said:

‘We are delighted to support the redevelopment of the RAF Museum Midlands, especially the new Learning Centre. Support for education is at the heart of our work, and this ambitious project will engage and inspire new audiences, including young people, by connecting them with the story of the RAF in fresh and innovative ways.’

The Development Programme will increase the Museum’s capacity to engage with a wider, more diverse audience than ever before. The transformation will be underpinned by, and feed into, activities that welcome more of our communities to use the RAF Museum and RAF story as a resource, enabling the Museum to play a more impactful role across the Midlands. The project will also support the Museum’s ambition to become a Carbon Net Zero organisation. Work will commence later this year and is expected to be complete by summer 2027. 

The Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme is supported by a number of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.

To find out more about the redevelopment project and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.

The Acclaimed Midlands Air Festival will return to Ragley Hall in 2025

"Midlands Air Festival"
Photo by Lee Chapman

Dates have been confirmed for this year’s amazing Midlands Air Festival. From 30th May to 1st June 2025, this annual aviation and ballooning spectacular will fill the skies over the historic Ragley Hall estate with another thrilling international line up. Classic and military jets, high energy aerobatics, formation teams, helicopters, aerial ballet, flying circus, WW2 warbirds and parachutes will provide three days of almost continuous excitement.  

As well as the air displays, organisers have confirmed they will be bringing over 150 giant hot air balloons, including some massive character balloons, known as ‘special shapes’ including Thomas the Tank engine, Snow White, Astro the Alien, Princess Nelly the Pink Elephant, The UP balloon from the film of the same name and our star balloon direct from the USA standing nearly 150ft – Oggy the Friendly Dragon.   

A sneak peek at what’s in store

Described as the perfect way to start the summer, this year’s highly anticipated three-day event promises a thrilling programme of superb entertainment for families and enthusiasts alike.

Some of the highlights will include, from France, the mighty F86 Sabre classic fighter jet.  Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Pitts special there will be two versions of this famous aerobatics aircraft with top female Aero’s pilot Lauren Wilson in her standard S2 and world famous Rich Goodwin in his insane jet powered Pitts special.

The brilliant Flying Bulls from Austria will return to the Festival with several aircraft including the Bolkow 105C twin engine helicopter. This amazing display will feature the only chance in the UK to see a helicopter actually flying upside down. Only the B105C can undertake this due to a special fixed pitch rotor system.

Also look out for a flock of Bell 47 helicopters which are also celebrating their 80th anniversary. Easily recognised with their bubble canopies and their TV appearances in Whirlybirds and the Korean War programme M-A-S-H. 

New to this year’s festival is the award-winning father-son duo Team Niebergall from Germany, performing their unique display, flying Marchetti SF-260 aircraft, nicknamed the ‘hotrod’ for their speed and grace.  

Organisers say this is just a small taster of what’s to come, with more rare aircraft and of course the highly anticipated UK military formation teams yet to be announced.

Up, up and away

The excitement kicks off on Friday with an afternoon air display, followed by the spectacular sight of over 100 hot air balloons taking part in a mass ascent. As night falls, the festival’s signature Nightfire display will commence featuring illuminated aircraft performing pyrotechnic displays with fireworks streaming from their wingtips.  The grand finale will leave visitors in awe as the event concludes with the breathtaking Fireglow display, where balloons fire their burners in sync with music, shooting massive flames into the night sky. The evening will be crowned by a dazzling firework festival finale, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for all.

Trevor Graham, Midlands Air Festival flying director, said; “We are delighted to confirm we are back once again and would like to thank our regular and enthusiastic audience for their support already.  I invite those we have yet to meet to join us for another unforgettable weekend. There will be further announcements about even more exciting aerial displays in the very near future.”

Don’t miss a moment of the action

Some of the most magical and ethereal ballooning moments take place early in the morning, so the organisers are providing a comprehensive premium camping facility, right in the heart of the show site for those wanting to experience ‘breakfast with the balloons’. The camp site will cater for tents, caravans and motor homes, and will provide electric hook ups, showers, toilets, a dedicated bar and catering concessions.  This year, Midlands Air Festival’s campsite will offer the perfect opportunity for guests to stay  in the beautiful surroundings of the Ragley Hall estate, only a two minute stroll from the show ground.

Day tickets are available to purchase as 1-day, 2-day and 3-day passes through the Midlands Air Festival website. The event is free to attend for children under 13 years old when accompanied by a paying adult. Standard parking is also free. The event is always a sell-out show, advance tickets are already on sale at discounted price until the end of January via midlandsairfestival.com. Children under 13 are currently free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Standard parking is also free.

www.midlandsairfestival.com

STAAR Programme: Propelling Young Minds into Aerospace

STAAR at RAF Museum

Register online at www.rafmuseum.org/STAAR (applications close 29 March)
Residential 22-26 July / 29 July-2 August

Students from across the UK have a chance to explore aerospace engineering and technology during a summer residential, delivered by the Royal Air Force Museum in partnership with Northrop Grumman in the UK.

Designed to engage and inspire young minds, the RAF Museum’s Summer Time Advanced Aerospace Residency (STAAR) programme offers participants a unique opportunity to discover the exciting world of aerospace.

Specifically tailored for Year 9 (Scottish S3) students aged 14-15 with a keen interest in STEM, STAAR participants will engage in a series of hands-on activities, including flight simulators, flying drones, exploring aviation engineering, and behind-the-scenes access to the Museum and RAF Cosford. This immersive approach enables participants to explore and enrich their knowledge and understanding of aerospace in a stimulating environment.

During this once-in-a-life-time opportunity, STAAR recruits will be challenged with a series of tasks, encouraging them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Industry experts in STEM along with RAF personnel will be on hand to mentor participants, sharing valuable insights and experiences.

With a limit of 40 places available, the immersive five-day residential experience will run over two weeks between 22-26 July and 29 July-2 August, with 20 students each week. In addition to the daytime learning, a series of social activities including sports and movie nights will be available each evening, helping STAAR participants build new friendships and improve their teamwork.

Lucy Watkiss, Access & Learning Officer (STAAR & History) at RAF Museum Midlands said:
‘The STAAR programme is not just a fantastic educational opportunity, it’s a journey into the thrilling world of aviation that we hope will inspire and shape the next generation of aviators, engineers, and innovators. By providing a first hand experience of the aviation world, we aim to not only cultivate a love for STEM but also inspire young individuals to pursue their dreams.’

Nick Chaffey, Chief Executive of Northrop Grumman UK said:
‘It is a pleasure to continue our partnership with the Royal Air Force Museum on our groundbreaking STAAR programme, now in its seventh year. STAAR is a unique opportunity to learn, experience and apply STEM subjects taught in the classroom to the real world of engineering. This inspiring programme aims to encourage more students to study STEM subjects, as well as develop a clearer view of the career opportunities and pathways that await them. At Northrop Grumman our mission is to define possible every day. We are a global team of pioneers with a passion for science, engineering, and technology at our heart, and we are constantly working to share that passion with young people across the UK.’

The STAAR programme is fully funded (including travel, food and accommodation) by Northrop Grumman,
with the support of the Northrop Grumman Foundation, and in partnership with the RAF Museum. The residential week will be delivered at the Museum’s Midlands site and on base at RAF Cosford, with support from TA Education.

Applications for the STAAR programme are now open. Students who have an aptitude in STEM subjects who would like to take part in STAAR must complete an online application form, in conjunction with a teacher, school representative or organisation leader. Applications close on 29 March.

For more information on the STAAR programme visit www.rafmuseum.org/STAAR.

More additions to the RIAT line-up

RIAT SF-5M

This week, we have a great update for aviation enthusiasts with a pair of Spanish Air Force SF-5M Freedom Fighters joining our static display.

In July, they will feature alongside a host of aircraft from other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) nations as we celebrate their 75th anniversary this summer.
Also included in this week’s announcement, we have additions from the Czech Air Force.

Firstly, their popular SAAB Gripen will be taking part in the flying display, Plus, an L-159 ALCA will be on static display across the weekend.

Our final update is a trio of HM Coastguard helicopters from Bristow Helicopters, including a brand new AW139.

www.airtattoo.com

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

Contact us for further details:

www.rafsculthorpeheritagecentre.org

Fantastic additions to our static display

RIAT Hunter

This week, we add four fantastic civilian operated aircraft to our static line-up.

Pictured above, we have the iconic Hawker Hunter returning to the show. Operated by many North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Air Arms during its early years, we thought it would only be fitting to have one at the show as we celebrate their 75th anniversary.

Joining our theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, we have another aircraft used for scientific research.

After its debut last year, we are very happy to welcome back Cranfield University’s SAAB 340 aircraft, a fully capable flying laboratory.

www.airtattoo.com