Airscene.co.uk

During the coming Half-Term holiday period (16th February through to 24th February) we hope to have various aircraft cockpits open for people to go in, but this will depend on the availability of our volunteer cockpit openers.

We hope to be able to keep you advised via this news item about what may be open each day; if in doubt please call 01636 707170 before you travel.

We will also try to post daily updates via out Twitter feed.

Provisional cockpits opening schedule:

Saturday 16 February – Phantom CIM & Jaguar cockpit
Sunday 17 February – Shackleton
Monday 18 February – T.B.A
Tuesday 19 February – T.B.A
Wednesday 20 February – Argosy CIM & Varsity (pm)
Thursday 21 February – T.B.A
Friday 22 February – Varsity (pm)
Saturday 23 February – Phantom CIM & Jaguar cockpit
Sunday 24 February – Shackleton

Please remember that height restrictions apply to some cockpits – full details can be found elsewhere on the Museum website. This includes access to the Vulcan, which after 24th February is likely to be closed for a few weeks while important conservation work is carried out in the cockpit.

N.B. a small additional fee of is charged to access each aircraft. This money goes towards the restoration and repainting of our aircraft.

Visitors are also reminded that for some aircraft admission we simply ask that people consider making a donation to museum funds for being allowed into the aircraft or helicopter. These donations also go towards the restoration and repainting of our aircraft.

Additional aircraft cockpits may be open each day and other details will be updated as the information becomes available.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Applications for the 2019 Summer Time Advanced Aerospace Residency (STAAR) delivered by the global aerospace and defence technology giant, Northrop Grumman, in partnership with the Royal Air Force Museum, are now officially open!

This unique summer camp for young adults aged 14-15 years is delivered in association with RAF Cosford and Tablet Academy, providing students with five intense days, experiencing life as an RAF engineering trainee, where they will live, work, learn and solve tasks together!

Suitable for students with a demonstrable interest in and aptitude for one or more STEM subjects, STAAR recruits are introduced to aircraft design and important historical missions such as the Dambusters raid. During the week, students learn about all the elements required to plan a mission, identify an aircraft’s needs, including speed, refuelling and wing design. They do this through a series of workshops and getting hands-on working on real engines and real aircraft.

With a focus on innovative new materials and technologies, recruits get the opportunity to understand how to use unmanned aircraft (drones) and fly them during a mock mission. Working in teams, STAAR recruits investigate a 3-D model town, using drones and iPads to gather intelligence. They also learn to think about how different aerospace systems need different capabilities to successfully carry out a variety of roles and missions, as well as exploring current conflicts and potential ways in which technology will need to evolve in the future. The week concludes with a team mission where they will be challenged to design their very own advanced aerospace systems.

Two STAAR residential weeks are planned for up to 40 students and will be held jointly at RAF Cosford and the RAF Museum Cosford on 22-26 July and 29 July-2 August 2019, with 20 recruits taking part each week. The hands-on summer camp is fully funded by the Northrop Grumman Foundation and this year participants will also work towards a CREST Award and an Industrial Cadet Award during the programme.

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford Access and Learning Manager, Julie Brierley said:
“The STAAR programme is designed to inspire young adults, helping them understand more about advanced aerospace systems engineering and encourage them to study and take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields. As an ex Avionics Mechanic with the RAF myself, I know what an exciting, challenging and fulfilling career it can be. The opportunities and resources that STAAR offers students is second to none and invaluable for those interested in future careers in the world of advanced aerospace. Now in its third year, I am proud to be involved in such a unique, impactful programme, it’s great to see the students grow in confidence over the week and face the challenges with enthusiasm. I look forward to meeting this year’s students.”

Northrop Grumman UK & Europe, Nick Chaffey, Chief Executive said:
“Northrop Grumman is proud of the success of this unique, immersive and stimulating STEM experience, and the deep relationships we have formed with our partner, the RAF Museum, and supporters RAF Cosford and Tablet Academy. Hearing about the positive impact the programme has had on students who participated in 2017 and 2018, and seeing the growth and development planned in 2019 reaffirms our commitment to creating a legacy STEM programme. One that supports the vision of RAF100 – to inspire diverse and talented young people to become the next generation of experts in the innovative and high-technology Aerospace Sector.”

The programme is open nationwide to any UK Year 10 students showing an interest in and aptitude for STEM subjects. Applications for the 2019 STAAR residency are now open online via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/STAAR and must be completed by a teacher explaining why their student is suitable for the programme. The closing date for applications is 25 March and successful applicants will be announced on 28 March. The class of 2019 will be invited to attend the RAF Cosford Air Show where they will have the opportunity to meet with fellow recruits, STAAR partners and enjoy a day viewing the very pinnacle of the aerospace industry. Recruits will also be handed their starter packs and t-shirts ready to start the residential week in July.

Millions of viewers tuning into the final episode of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series on the Red Arrows next week will see the Royal International Air Tattoo take centre stage.

Channel 5’s Red Arrows: Kings of the Sky documentary concludes next Wednesday (February 13) at 9pm with their appearance at the world’s greatest airshow.

As well as offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the airshow from the team’s perspective, the episode features footage of their thrilling flying display and their interaction with the many Reds’ fans on the ground.

Last month, the Red Arrows confirmed that they will be returning to the Cotswolds in the summer to take part in the Air Tattoo. Their displays at RAF Fairford on July 19-21 will be their last in the UK this year as they will be jetting off shortly after on a high-profile tour of the US and Canada.

The Western Hawk 19 Tour will see the team travel to North America as UK ‘ambassadors’ promoting trade and co-operation.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “We’ve been told that next week’s episode is not to be missed by all Reds’ fans and Air Tattoo supporters. We were delighted to host the TV series’ production team at RIAT 2018 and what they’ve produced is a wonderful tribute to this amazing team.

“Permitting cameras behind-the-scenes at last summer’s airshow enables viewers to get a fuller appreciation of how important it is for all our participating aircrew and the airshow team to work closely together.

“I hope that after watching the series, viewers will want to come to the Air Tattoo in July to see their final UK display this year and to bid them farewell on their upcoming tour.”

Tickets for the Air Tattoo are already selling fast with Super Earlybird Saturday and Sunday tickets, and Saturday Earlybird tickets already sold out. To find out more about the airshow, book tickets and view the wide variety of enclosure options available, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

The world’s favourite aerobatic display team will be performing their final salute at the Air Tattoo this summer, before they jet off on a high-profile tour of the USA and Canada.

The RAF Red Arrows will perform their last public displays in the UK on 19-21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, before they fly to North America for the Western Hawk 19 Tour.

The team will travel across the two nations with a view to promoting trade and co-operation in support of the UK’s prosperity agenda.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster announced their participation earlier this week: “The Red Arrows are an international symbol of Britain and this landmark event will generate a significant amount of investment. It is only right that, after more than a decade away, they return to the home of our closest defence ally.”

The Red Arrows are no stranger to the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and have been a firm crowd-favourite at the airshow for the past three years.
Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “As always, we are delighted to welcome the Red Arrows back to the show.

“Their breath-taking flying displays never fail to disappoint however this year will be extra-special in light of their upcoming tour – we wish them a successful trip”.

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will feature a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

Date: 16 March 2019
Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm
Cost: £25 per person (Over 16’s only)

Photographers are being given the unique opportunity to capture rare images of the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford’s external aircraft collection during an exclusive Photography Night Shoot. Taking place on Saturday 16 March, just 200 places are available for the nighttime aircraft event and tickets are selling fast!

The Museum has teamed up with Threshold Aero, specialists in aviation night shoot photography, to deliver this brand-new event. Aircraft including the Bristol Britannia 312 and the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.Mk.1 will be lit with LED lights, giving photographers the chance to capture shots of the aircraft in their Museum setting, showcased like never before.

The Night Shoot will commence at 5.00pm allowing those attending the chance to capture images in changing lighting conditions at sunset, before the light fades and after dark. The illuminated aircraft are guaranteed to provide a spectacular photo opportunity.

Eight historic aircraft from the RAF Museum’s collection will be illuminated for the evening, ranging in size from the single seat fighter Hawker Siddeley Hunter F6A to the giant long range airliner Vickers VC10 C1K. Other highlights will include the Hawker Siddeley Dominie T.Mk.1, Lockheed Hercules C130K Mk3 and the Lockheed SP-2h Neptune. As a special addition to the event, the Scottish Aviation Jetstream T Mk1, usually housed inside Hangar 1, will be displayed outside the hangar, giving photographers another aircraft to capture on the night.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“We’re excited to be showcasing our iconic aircraft in a completely different light for this brand-new event which we hope will appeal to photographers and aviation fans alike. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to enjoy the Night Shoot, it’s suitable for all abilities and there will be a team from Threshold Aero, Museum Staff and Volunteers on hand throughout the evening to provide assistance. So far the interest has been incredible with over a third of the tickets already gone in just under a week.”

Event organisers are confident the Night Shoot will not only appeal to photographers but also aviation fans who want to enjoy exclusive after hours access to view the aircraft in a different light. Tickets to the Photography Night Shoot event are now available to purchase in advance via the Museum website and cost £25 per person (including onsite parking fee). Ticket holders must be aged 16 years and over. Visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford for more details.

Two aircraft from the German Navy will be heading to Shropshire later this year to join the exciting array of aircraft displays planned for the RAF Cosford Air Show on
Sunday 9th June, including an extremely rare flying display by a Lockheed P-3C Orion.

The Orion is an iconic maritime patrol aircraft of Cold War era, which is currently flown by 18 different countries around the globe, with the German Navy operating a
fleet of eight airframes which perform patrols over the North Sea. On the ground at the Air Show, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a Westland Sea
Lynx Mk.88A helicopter, also from the German Navy.

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “We’re thankful to the German Navy for planning to support the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019 with these two fantastic aircraft, which will be highlights of the 2019 event for many aviation enthusiasts. These aircraft join the exciting aerial extravaganza planned to mark the 70th Anniversary of NATO at the RAF Cosford Air Show this year.”

Tickets for the Air Show are currently available at the discounted ‘early-bird’ price of £25.00, with accompanied under-16s entering free of charge, making the Air Show a great value for money family day out. This discounted ticket price will only be available for a limited time so Air Show organisers advise buying yours today to avoid missing out. Tickets are only available to purchase in advance of the Air Show, and last year’s event was a complete sell-out in the week prior to the show.

For more information about the displays planned at the Air Show, and to purchase your admission tickets, visit the Air Show website: www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

27th January 2019 – TALK – Mike Hallett – W/C H BLACKBURN 1430 Cirrus Room

17th February 2019 – TALK – Brian Mann – THE AVRO CANADA STORY 1430 Cirrus Room

24th March 2019 – TALK – P Fitxgerald – IN PRAISE OF THE C130 – 1430 Cirrus Room

14th April 2019 – TALK – Cliff Hill – SPITFIRE MT627 TBC – 1430 Cirrus Room

20th April 2019 – Sywell Aviation Museum GRAND OPENING 2019

20th-23rd June 2019 – British Aerobatic Championships

27th-28th July 2019 – ATOMIC Festival*

30th August – 1st Sept 2019 – LAA Rally*

14th September 2019 – Young Aviators Day

21st-22nd September 2019 – Sywell Classic Pistons & Props

www.sywellaviationmuseum.org.uk

For details on all our events, including dates for our live engine runs and Thunder Days, go to the Calendar page on our website at www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

21st & 22nd April – “Cherchez les Lapins Blancs” (The White Rabbit Trail – An Easter trail with a French Twist)

11th & 12th May – “Against the Odds” (Our famous Wartime Revival weekend, this year celebrating 75 years since D-Day)

2nd June – “Cockpits & Jets Day” (We open selected cockpits to the public and celebrate jet powered aviation)

27th June – “Inspirations” (STEM Educational Challenge)

29th June – “Scouts Takeover Day”

28th July – “Vintage Day” (A day of fun for all the family with music, dance and vintage motorcycles display)

11th August – “Women’s Services Memorial Day”

1st September – “Allied Air Forces Memorial Day” (Our annual international commemoration)

22nd September – “999! – Emergency Services Day”

10th November – Remembrance Day ceremony

14th & 15th December – “Christmas at Elvington”

Work has been ongoing throughout 2018 to finish the 6 year restoration of its unique Hawker Hunter F.2 WN904 nicknamed ‘Heidi’ at Sywell Aviation Museum. Currently the only ‘gate guardian’ aircraft on display by a Museum in Northamptonshire the 1954-constructed jet is the only complete F.2 variant left in the world.

Museum staff have applied a fresh coat of paint to her upper surfaces and it remains now to complete her markings in time for her unveiling at the Museum’s Grand Opening on the 20th April 2019.

With that in mind the Museum would be grateful for any donations of military/aviation books, model kits or diecast models to help raise sufficient funds to complete her restoration by April.

If you’re able to help please contact the Museum at sywellaviationmuseum@gmail.com or call 07968061708

One of the world’s most iconic jets will make a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer – almost a decade since it last made an appearance in the flying display.

The Spanish Navy EAV-8B Harrier II Plus from 9 Squadron will display as part of the Air Tattoo, which takes place on 19-21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds. The aircraft is based at Rota Naval Base and operates from the Spanish Navy’s amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I.

Until the arrival of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Harrier had been unique in being able to take off and land vertically, fly backwards, sideways and rotate on the spot. Its gravity-defying aerial displays were regularly among the highlights of the airshow’s flying programme.

Spanish Navy Harriers, in the form of the earlier AV-8S and TAV-8S variants, were last seen at the Air Tattoo in 1994. In 2010, an RAF Harrier GR.9 performed its final Air Tattoo display prior to its retirement from service in March 2011. Spain remains one of only a handful of nations that continue to operate the Harrier, Italy and the US (US Marine Corps) being the others.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The chance to see a flying Harrier is always a hugely welcome one, and we at the Air Tattoo are delighted that the Spanish Navy will be participating at RIAT 2019, especially in this NATO 70th anniversary year.

“The Harrier has been a major part of NATO since it first entered RAF service 50 years ago, and its attendance will be an important part of our tribute – as well as offering a spectacular flying display.”

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will feature a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. (Tickets for Friday 19 July come with a £10 money off merchandise voucher if booked before 31 January). All accompanied under-18s go free.