Tag: January

RAF Museum Cosford Events 2016 Diary Dates

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford during 2016:

 RAF Museum Cosford 2016 events

Admission charges apply for some events and activities. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year, please visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford for details.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager Abi Betteridge said:

“This year’s event calendar is packed with popular favourites including the Large Model Aircraft Rally, Cosford Food Festival and Open Cockpits Evenings. Plus, we have added a new lunchtime lecture series themed around the Cold War and fascinating talks with special guests from Airfix and the Author of ‘How the Girl Guides Won the War’. In addition to the special events, we also have each of the school holidays covered with plenty of fun packed activities to keep the youngsters entertained.”

www.rafmuseum.org

Paul Beaver Lecture Series

Paul Beaver Lancaster Lecture

The Museum of Army Flying’s 2016 event calendar kicks off with a special new lecture series from Paul Beaver. As an aviation author, historian, commentator and pilot Paul is an expert in his field and will be giving three lectures on three much loved World War Two aircraft: The Lancaster, Mosquito & Spitfire. In each lecture, Paul will be joined by a special guest veteran to provide us with personal accounts and insights.

This exciting Museum of Army Flying lecture series will be brought to you with the help of Iconic Aircraft Partnership, Spitfire People and the International Bomber Command Centre.

14 January (7pm) 2016 – Lancaster at 75

The greatest bomber of the Second World War was born 75 years ago. Paul Beaver explores some of the lesser than known achievements of this greatest of aeroplane designs. Veteran Guest: Paul will be joined by Wing Commander Jim Wright DFC, a Pathfinder navigator on Lancasters from 1943.

*glass of wine / soft drink included in price
**Apache Cafe will be serving a curry supper at 6pm – this must be booked in advance (not included in ticket price)

18 February (7pm) 2016 – Mosquito: The Secret of the Wooden Wonder

To celebrate the 75th Anniversary, Paul Beaver explores some of the less known exploits of a unique flying machine which first flew 0n 25 November 1940 – the de Havilland Mosquito. The illustrated talk will also have unique posters, memorabilia on sale and Paul will be joined by a special veteran guest.

10 March (7pm) 2016 – 80th Anniversary: The Spitfires Maiden Flight

Best-selling Spitfire author, Paul Beaver reveals some newly discovered information about the design, first flight and development of the world’s most iconic aeroplane. The illustrated talk will also have unique posters, memorabilia on sale and Paul will be joined by a special veteran guest.

www.armyflying.com

BA Flies Business Class To Air Tattoo

BA A318

Britain’s national airline will make a rare airshow contribution at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

A British AirwaysAirbus A318, one of the rarest aircraft in its fleet, will go on static display at the airshow on July 17-19.

The A318serves a route aimed at the business community between London City Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. It is unique among aircraft types in the British Airways fleet in operating with an all-business class interior comprising 32 seats, each convertible into a fully flat bed.

British Airways flies just two A318s, this being the smallest member of the hugely successful Airbus A320 family of aircraft. In order to be certified for operations at London City, the A318 was subject to a stringent steep approach test programme, the airport requiring specific operational procedures. This the Airbus passed with flying colours, the first example being delivered to British Airways in September 2009.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “For many years, British Airways has kindly supported the Air Tattoo, most memorably sending Concorde and, more recently, the giant A380. I am very pleased that our national airline is able to spare an A318 for a rare appearance at a British airshow.”

The BA A318 joins Vulcan bomber XH558, a C-130J Hercules from Qatar and a Super Puma from the Swiss Air Force as confirmed participants at this summer’s airshow. The Swiss are also sending their PC-7 aerobatic display team.

Mr Arquati added: “Though it’s still early days, the Air Tattoo is already shaping up to be one of the UK’s most exciting outdoor events this summer. Anyone planning to attend has until January 31 to take advantage of our special Super Earlybird ticket offer.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Special Super Earlybird tickets priced from £26 are available until January 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Qatar Makes UK Airshow Debut

Qatar C-130J RIAT

Qatar will make its UK airshow debut this summer when it takes part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

The Qatar Emiri Air Force will send for the show’s static display a C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft, one of four such aircraft delivered to the small but strategically and economically-important Arab state by manufacturer Lockheed Martin in 2011-12. Qatar thus became the first Middle Eastern customer for the C-130J model.

Based at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, the country’s capital, the C-130J-30s -the stretched version of the so-called Super Hercules – and four Boeing C-17A Globemaster IIIs have provided Qatar with a much-improved air transport capability, for use on both military airlift and humanitarian taskings.

The Qatari aircraft joins the legendary Vulcan bomber and Swiss Air Force aircraft on the list of early confirmed participants for this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 17-19 and brings to 55, the number of nations that have taken part in the airshowsince it was first staged in 1971.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “Our thanks go to the Qatar Emiri Air Force for agreeing to participate in this year’s Air Tattoo. I’m particularly pleased that new nations continue to be added to the long list of those that have supported the event over the years. We look forward to welcoming the C-130 and its crew to Fairford in July.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Special Super Earlybird tickets priced from £26 are available until January 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Swiss To Star At RAF Cosford

Swiss Hornet at Cosford

The organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show today announced details of the first international participant for this year’s show. Visitors on Sunday 14th June will be treated to a stunning display of noise, power and agility from an F/A-18C Hornet provided by the Swiss Air Force.

The Hornet was designed as a naval fighter with reinforced undercarriage, folding wings and tail-hook, however it is used by many land based air arms across the globe. Air Show spokesperson Peter Reoch said, “The Swiss Hornet Display is likely to be one of the stars of the flying display, and another great attraction for both new and returning visitors to RAF Cosford.This is the first time a Hornet has featured in the flying display at RAF Cosford and will hopefully be the first of many international participants at this year’s event.”

Visitors to the show will be witnessing one of the world’s most capable fast-jet aircraft with the F/A-18C Hornet having a top speed of nearly twice the speed of sound and the ability to climb at 50,000ft per minute.The Swiss Air Force operate a fleet of 32 Hornets, which are used for air defence duties, armed with a 20mm Cannon and Sidewinder missiles.

For the first time, tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2015 are advance sale only. Adult tickets are priced £22.00 with accompanied under-16s coming free! For more details on the event and to purchase tickets, visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Chocks away for ‘First World War in the Air’ exhibition at Cosford

Cosford WW1 exhibition

This week the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford officially unveiled a brand new exhibition area celebrating the achievements of Britain’s air services, the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service along with the contributions made by the West Midlands in the race for the sky during the First World War. The exhibition entitled ‘First World War in the Air’ has been made possible with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) with support from BAE Systems and is now open for visitors to enjoy.

The exhibition was officially opened by Brendan Connor, Deputy Chairman of the RAF Museum Trustees in the presence of Fi Stephens, Grants Officer from the HLF and Directors from BAE Systems, with key partners and invited guests. The ‘First World War in the Air’ is a new permanent exhibition that will enable visitors to discover and explore the unique and often overlooked role of air power during the First World War through the incredible stories of the men and women who served and protected our nation in the earliest days of military aviation in Britain’s air services.

The exhibition uses the RAF Museum’s world-class collection of aircraft, documents, film and photographs to reveal how aviation changed the character of war forever. Set amongst the Museum’s collection of warplanes, three iconic First World War aircraft; the Sopwith Pup, Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter and the Bristol M.1c form the centre piece of the new display. The Sopwith Pup was used extensively during the First World War by the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps and considered the perfect flying machine by its Pilots. The Bristol M.1c and the Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter are full scale reproductions.

Displayed alongside the aircraft are the personal items of Second Lieutenant Kevin Robert Furniss of the RFC, who lived only a few miles from Cosford in Wolverhampton. Donated to the Museum in 2013 by his great niece, Kevin’s belongings included documents ranging from baby photographs and school reports to obituaries and memorials, telling the story of Kevin’s tragically short life. Artefacts on display include Kevin’s RFC flying helmet and wings, a complete wash kit and a letter to his father all returned to his next of kin following his death. The personal letters between Kevin and his family and friends provide an insight into the personality of this brave young man and his experiences during the First World War.

Karen Whitting, Director of Public Programmes at the Royal Air Force Museum, said:

“It is incredibly important for the Museum to share these First World War stories and experiences with the local community here at Cosford, particularly when considering the ‘local heroes’ from the West Midlands area such as 2nd Lt. Kevin Furniss. The exhibition also marks the beginning of an important phase for the Museum as it gears up to celebrate the RAF’s centenary in 2018.”

Fi Stephens, Grants Officer at the Heritage Lottery Fund said:

“It’s fantastic to see the opening of this new exhibition which, thanks to Lottery players, will mean the RAF Museum will be able to play a full part in marking the centenary of the First World War, bringing to the fore an important but currently less well known aspect of the war.”

Chris Boardman, Managing Director of BAE Systems Military Air and Information, said:

“The evolution of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force from 1912 to the present day is closely linked with BAE Systems and its predecessor companies. We are delighted to be supporting the opening of this new gallery and the ambitious plans to redevelop the site over the next four years to inspire future generations of engineers and entrepreneurs.”

Today also marks the launch of a brand new First World War workshop for school groups entitled ‘Life above the Trenches’. Year 6 pupils from Albrighton Primary School attended the opening event and took part in a variety of activities throughout the day, including readings from Writer in Residence Tom Palmer based on the letters of Second Lieutenant Kevin Furniss (RFC). This new workshop will help children understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed using a range of artefacts. Focusing on the life of a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) pilot, interactive activities will introduce children to the history of the RFC with the opportunity to examine First World War artefacts including uniform, maps letters and aircraft in order to build a picture of the life of a pilot. Any schools interested in the ‘Life above the Trenches’ workshop can book their place now by contacting the Museum’s Access and Learning team on 01902 376243 or email learning-cosford@rafmuseum.org.

A linked online resource includes the digitisation of and wider public access to historical documents such as First World War Casualty Cards, Casualty Forms and Muster Rolls, that tell the story of the men and women of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force. These can be accessed at www.rafmuseumstoryvault.com

In December 2014 the RAF Museum successfully opened a major new ‘First World War in the Air’ exhibition at its London site and today’s exhibition opening at Cosford marks the first step in a joint transformation of the Museum at both its sites, in advance of the Centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018.

The Museum is open daily from 10am and admission is free of charge. For more information on the Museum, visit www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

BBC’s Flog It at RAF Museum

The popular BBC One antiques programme Flog It presented by Paul Martin, is coming to London on Thursday 29th January 2015.

Flog It – the major BBC antiques show is now on its fourteenth series and regularly achieves an audience of over two million viewers in its weekday afternoon slot.

RAF Museum London will be hosting the Flog It valuation day. Rather like a treasure hunt, members of the public are invited to bring along up to three antiques and collectables they might be interested in selling. Once valued, the owner and a team of experts decide whether an object should go forward for auction. If the item is chosen it is included in a sale a few weeks later – hopefully when the auctioneers hammer falls its owners make a tidy sum. Everyone who goes along to the Valuation Day will receive a free valuation – even if their antiques are not chosen to go forward for auction.

The show recently made a significant find when a rare Aboriginal Broad Shield that had been kept hidden away in a Flog It viewers wardrobe was brought along to a valuation day in North Lincolnshire and went on to sell at auction for £30,000! The series also uncovered an unusual Royal Doulton Spook figurine in Blackpool which had been bought at a car boot sale for £2; it went on to sell at auction for £5000.

Alex Habgood, Location Manager says “Paul Martin and the entire Flog It team are really pleased to be bringing the show to RAF Museum London. We always receive a warm welcome when we come to the capital. The museum will provide the perfect setting for our filming; our experts are all looking forward to welcoming people along for their free valuations amongst such a significant collection of aircraft. If you’ve ever wondered how much your boot sale bargains or clutter in the loft might be worth, now is your chance to find out.”

Paul Martin, Presenter of Flog It said “I’m delighted to be bringing Flog It to RAF Museum London, and I hope as many people as possible will come along to see us with their items for valuation.”

Vicki Hibbert, RAF Museum London Corporate Events Manager said “The Museum is looking forward to hosting the Flog It team. Our collection of historic aircraft should make for a great setting and a really special set of shows!”

Paul Martin will be joined on the valuation day by Flog It on screen experts Anita Manning, Mark Stacey and Michael Baggott. The BBC are planning to transmit the four editions of Flog It featuring RAF Museum London within a year of recording.

Flog It will be at RAF Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5QW on Thursday 29th January 2015 between 10.00am and 4.30pm. The items selected at the valuation day will go under the hammer at Chiswick Auctions, 1 Colville Road, London, W3 8BL on Tuesday 17th February 2015.

www.rafmuseum.org

Air Tattoo To Welcome Aviation Icon

Vulcan Bomber

ONE of the world’s most iconic aircraft will touch down at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds this summer to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Vulcan XH558 is the only flying example of this large Cold War bomber having been restored to flying condition in 2007 following a public fundraising campaign by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST).

Since then, displays by the aircraft, demonstrating both its grace and immense power, have been among the most eagerly-anticipated on the UK airshow circuit.

Based at Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster, XH558 is the first aircraft to be confirmed for the airshow which takes place on July 17-19.

Named The Spirit of Great Britain, Vulcan XH558 will fly into RAF Fairford on Friday, July 17for a special ‘Pit Experience Day’ offering people close access to the aircraft and the opportunity to meet members of the Vulcan to the Sky team and the dedicated band of volunteers who help keep the aircraft airborne.

The aircraft will perform two flying displays during its visit, one on Saturday July 18 and the other on Sunday July 19. Weekend visitors will also be given the opportunity to visit her on the ground in return for a small donation toVTST.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Vulcan is arguably the most popular historic aircraft flying today and I am delighted that we’re able to welcome her back to the Air Tattoo this summer.

“What better way to launch our 2015 theme Securing the Skies – Past, Present and Future than with an aircraft that performed a crucial role in the UK’s strategic nuclear strike force during the Cold War, on standby 24 hours a day with crews ready to launch the aircraft with two minutes’ notice.

“I am confident the Vulcan will be the first of many exciting aircraft from around the world to confirm their participation over the coming months – but what a start!”

VTST Chief Executive Dr Robert Plemingsaid: “We are really delighted to return XH558 to such a prestigious event on the aviation calendar.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Special Super Earlybird tickets priced from £26 are available until January 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Canberra PR9 to display at Abingdon Air & Country Show

The iconic and celebrated Canberra XH134, the world’s only airworthy PR9, will join an array of aviation acts, including the Breitling Wingwalkers, Trig Team and a P40 Kittyhawk, at the Abingdon Air & Country Show on Sunday 4th May.

In her first scheduled airshow of the year, XH134 will perform a revised display, showcasing the exceptional PR9 capabilities, under the skilled piloting of Sqn Ldr Dave Piper and Flt Lt Mike Leckey. Incorporating a variety of impressive manoeuvres, visitors will be captivated by the power and noise of XH134.

Designed as the RAF’s first jet bomber, the Canberra had an exceptional career spanning 55 years of active service, before retiring from operations in July 2006. Following an extensive restoration by C2 Aviation, XH134 unveiled the striking new silver colour scheme of the Midair Squadron in September 2013, and will be flanked by two Hawker Hunters as the 2014 season progresses.

Aircraft owner, Michael Davis, explains, “The refined PR9 display showcases XH134 in all her glory. Demonstrating the sheer power and capabilities of the photo reconnaissance aircraft, it is a pleasure to introduce XH134 back to the display circuit.”

Speaking of the new air display, Sqn Ldr Dave Piper comments, “It is an honour to fly such an internationally recognised aircraft, in front of crowds who have supported her restoration from the outset.”

The annual Abingdon Air & Country show, located at Abingdon Airfield, is staged to raise money for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, donating over £45,000 since 2007. Over 9,000 visitors are expected this year.

www.abingdonfayre.com

Swiss Turn Airshow Into Joint Celebration

Patrouille Suisse

The Swiss Air Force has ensured the Red Arrows won’t be the only aerobatic display team celebrating an aviation landmark at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 11-13.

It has announced plans to send their aerobatic display team, the Patrouille Suisse, in their 50th anniversary year, along with an F-18 Hornet and Super Puma helicopter to take part in the Air Tattoo’s flying display.

Air Tattoo organiserssaid that official celebrations markingthe 50th display season of the Red Arrows would also include the Patrouille Suisse in order that their anniversary was also recognised.

Formed in 1964, the team fly six F-5E Tiger IIs painted in a bright colour scheme that incorporates the red and white of the Swiss national flag. The pilots, who are all volunteers from various frontline squadrons, are famed worldwide for performing precise formations at high speed.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said that as an international celebration of aviation,it was important thatthe Air Tattoo recognised important anniversaries being celebrated by other participatingair arms.

He said: “The Swiss have particular cause to celebrate this year. Not only is it the 50th anniversary of the Patrouille Suissebut it is also the 25th anniversary of their PC-7 aerobatic display team. On top of that, the Swiss Air Force will also be marking the 100th anniversary of military aviation in their country. Given all these anniversaries, we’re really pleased that the Swiss have agreed to support our airshow in such an incredible way.”

The Swiss Air Force have been regular visitors to the Air Tattoo since first attending the airshow at RAF Greenham Common in 1979 with the Patrouille Suisse. Then, the team flew six Hawker Hunter F-58s before switching to their current Northrop F-5E Tiger II jets in 1995. Accompanying the display team on their first visit was a Swiss Air Force de Havilland Venom FB.4, which was presented as a gift, to the Royal Air Force Museum.

This summer could be one of the last times the Patrouille Suisse perform in the UK after it was announced last year that the team would be disbanded in 2016 due to the withdrawal of the F-5 from Swiss Air Force service.

Specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 11-13, are available until the end of January from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.