Date: 7 December 2018 /Time: 6pm-9pm / Cost: £13.50 per person

Aviation fans will have the rare opportunity to take seat inside the cockpit of the Cold War era British Aircraft Corporation TSR2 and get a close look inside the Second World War Junkers Ju88 at the final ‘100 Cockpits and Cabs’ event, taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Friday 7 December.

The event which has celebrated the Royal Air Force Centenary throughout 2018 at both its Cosford and London sites has given ticket holders exclusive access to 100 aircraft and vehicles, spanning the service’s entire career. The series of events concludes at Cosford in December, themed around aircraft and vehicles from the Museum’s Test Flight and War in the Air collection.

From the Test Flight collection and for the first time ever, visitors can enjoy on-board access to the British Aircraft Corporation TSR2, the only complete airframe remaining and one of only two examples in the world. Although never developed beyond the prototype stage, the TSR2 was one of the most exciting and controversial British combat aircraft designs of the 1960s. The increasing sophistication of air defence systems led the RAF to consider the procurement of a high speed, low level strike and reconnaissance aircraft to replace the English Electric Canberra. Christened the TSR2 (Tactical Strike and Reconnaissance Mach 2), eleven prototypes were ordered in October 1960, with the first maiden flight in September 1964. Initial reports indicated that the TSR2 was an outstanding technical success, however, political opposition to the project led to it being cancelled by April the following year. The cancellation of the project is a subject of great debate to this day.

Other Test Flight aircraft and vehicles open on the night include the sole example British Aerospace Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) (close view only). Built as an advanced technology demonstrator, many of the features pioneered by EAP, including the wing layout, were later refined for the Eurofighter Typhoon, in service with the RAF today. Also included in the event is the Bristol Type 188, Short Brothers SB5 WG768 (close view only) and the Hunting H126.

The event theme also extends to include a selection of the Museum’s War in the Air aircraft and vehicles and for the first time ever the Junkers Ju88R-1 will be open for close viewing. The Ju88 was the most versatile German combat aircraft of the Second World War, beginning life as a bomber, before becoming a night fighter and intruder; undertook anti-shipping operations and flew long-range reconnaissance missions. It was during the Battle of Britain, that Ju88’s played a major role in a number of daylight actions against British radar stations, airfields and ports. The aircraft was reasonably manoeuvrable for its size, and could take a great deal of punishment, however its lack of armoured protection and insufficient defensive armament meant that it was relatively easy prey for British fighters. At the time of the Battle of Britain the Ju88 was at the beginning of its service career and its remarkable adaptability, particularly as a night fighter, had still to be exploited by the Luftwaffe.

Also open on the night in War in the Air hangar will be fellow German fighter the Focke Wulf FW190A-8/R6, the Hawker Hurricane IIc (close view only), Sopwith Pup (close view only), Boulton Paul Defiant Mk1 (close view only), Crossley Ptn 1940 and the Museum’s latest arrival the Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3.

To ensure visitors get the most out of the event, there will be a large team of Volunteers manning each aircraft or vehicle who will be available to answer any questions.

A total of 300 tickets are available for the event taking place on Saturday 7 December and aviation fans will have up to three hours to enjoy the exclusive after-hours access from 6pm-9pm. The Museum will close at 4pm, however the Visitor Centre and Refuel Restaurant will remain open for ticket holders, before doors to the aircraft and vehicles open at 6pm. Plus, visitors can also enjoy perusing the Museum Shop from 4.30pm and take advantage of their 10% off discount voucher!

Tickets are now available to purchase through the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford and cost £13.50 per person which includes parking (minimum height restrictions apply).

Attending the exclusive ‘Open Cockpits and Cabs’ events is an opportunity to raise vital funds for the RAF100 Appeal, which is a joint venture between the Royal Air Force and the four major RAF charities – the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the Royal Air Forces Association, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and the Royal Air Force Museum. The aim of the Appeal is to raise money for the RAF family and to create a lasting legacy as we celebrate 100 years of the Royal Air Force.

#ThanksToYou

On Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December 2018, we are offering a free admission to the air museum to National Lottery players.

Newark Air Museum will be one of hundreds of participating National Lottery-funded visitor attractions across the UK saying ‘thanks’ to people who have raised money for good causes by buying a lottery ticket.

The idea is simple: any visitor, who presents a National Lottery ticket or Scratchcard on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December 2018, will gain free admission to the air museum site.

Back in 2003 we received £453,000 from The National Lottery. The money helped to pay for the construction of Aircraft Display Hall 2 on our Southfield Site.

Tracey Crouch, former Minister for Sport and Civil Society, said: “This campaign is a fantastic way for National Lottery projects to give back to the players who support them every week, raising millions of pounds for good causes. There are hundreds of venues hosting events up and down the country, so I encourage everyone to get out there and take advantage of what is on in their area.”

Museum Trustee, Howard Heeley said, “Thanks to National Lottery players we were able to get around twenty five aircraft and cockpits displayed under cover, thereby protecting their condition for future generations of visitors to see and enjoy.” He concluded, “Through this #ThanksToYou offer it is nice to be able to give a little bit of enjoyment back to the local community.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

A newly-released DVD of this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo has captured all the aerial thrills and action from the world’s most exciting airshow.

In total, 302 aircraft from 30 nations participated in the event at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, with more than 120 taking part in the flying display. Expertly shot in high definition and ultra-high 4K resolution by aviation film specialists PlanesTV, the Air Tattoo DVD/Blu-ray includes in-cockpit footage, behind-the-scenes features and pilot interviews alongside coverage of the extensive flying display, arrivals and departures.

The focus of this year’s airshow was the RAF centenary and visitors to the three-day airshow were treated to a series of show-stopping joint flypasts to mark this special occasion. The RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) flew their evocative Trenchard formation comprising one of only two airworthy Avro Lancaster bombers in the world, a Douglas C-47 Dakota, Supermarine Spitfires and Hawker Hurricanes. Also featured on the DVD is the Diamond Nine formation of RAF Typhoons flown to mark RAF100 and the special tribute to the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron. This saw the BBMF Lancaster fly in formation with the squadron’s current aircraft, the Tornado GR4, and the RAF’s new state-of-the-art F-35B Lightning II.

Among the flying highlights featured are displays by the US Air Force Heritage Flight; the Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker; the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornet; the French Aeronavale Rafale M duo; the Italian Frecce Tricolori aerobatic display team and the RAF’s Red Arrows. Also captured is the surprise flypast by a USAF B-2A Spirit stealth bomber that had made the round trip from its base in Missouri, US.

In-cockpit cameras give dramatic views of the action during many of the displays, including the RAF Typhoon, Patrulla Aguila, A400M, French Rafale, Turkish F-16, Finnish F-18 and the Swiss PC-7 team.

The DVD features a number of special featurettes providing a fascinating glimpse behind-the-scenes at the Air Tattoo. These include a participant’s view of the airshow courtesy of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron plus the historic arrival of General Atomics’ MQ-9B SkyGuardian, the first civilian-registered Remotely Piloted Aircraft to land in the UK having made a transatlantic crossing.

A Collector’s Edition is also available offering an additional two hours of action including comprehensive coverage of arrivals and departures and extended in-cockpit features giving a sense of the full display routines on board with 12 of the displays including Canadian CF-188, Finnish F-18, Greek and Turkish F-16.

Sold in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the official Royal International Air Tattoo 2018 Official Souvenir DVD is priced £25 (Blu-ray, £30). The two-disc Collector’s Edition DVD, featuring an additional two hours of special features including extended in-cockpit action, is priced £30 (Blu-ray, £35).

A must-buy for aviation fans of all ages, the official Air Tattoo 2018 official souvenir discs can be purchased from www.airtattoo.com.

Tickets to the Royal Navy International Air Day, which takes place at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset on Saturday 13 July, are now on sale. The increasingly popular military airshow will celebrate modern and historical Air Power in its many forms not least its central role for Maritime Capability and for the capabilities of our sister services, the Army and Royal Air Force.

It is also an opportunity to welcome NATO, European and other close Allies and Partners from across the globe underlining the importance of international cooperation and the international nature of Royal Navy and UK military operations.

In 2018, the airshow welcomed participation from Qatar and Lithuania for the very first time and it is hoped that more nations will make their Air Day debut in 2019. Over 70 invitations have been sent out and the initial response has been very positive.

Special offer discounted adult tickets are now on sale priced £25 representing a saving of almost 30% on the cost of an ‘On The Day’ ticket. The booking fee has also been waived on all transactions during this special offer period. Those wishing to purchase hospitality or viewing enclosure packages will benefit from an early choice of seat selections or enhanced seating positions. This also applies to the newly introduced Wessex Viewing Enclosure. This value for money outdoor enclosure is perfectly suited to families and visitors that do not want the trouble of bringing their own seating to the show and want their own reserved garden space.

For full details on various enclosure options or to book tickets visit www.store.yeoviltonairday.co.uk.

The popular Christmas carol concert under the wings of Concorde returns this year at Yeovilton’s Fleet Air Arm Museum on two evenings, Thursday 14th and Friday 15th December.

Visitors can join the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band under Concorde 2 in Hall Four of the Yeovilton museum.

The concert features several classics and festive numbers for the occasion. Doors open at 6.30pm, the concert starts at 7.30pm.

General Manager of the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Marc Farrance, said: “Our Christmas Carols are very popular and they’re held in such a unique setting – under the Concorde 2.
“We are delighted to host the HMS Heron Royal Navy Volunteer Band for the third year running.

“The event has been incredibly popular in recent years. And this year we are holding it over two nights to make sure no one misses out on tickets.”

Tickets are £15 each and include a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival. A bar and refreshments will also be available.

It is strongly recommended that those wishing to go purchase their tickets in advance.

They can be purchased from the museum during normal opening hours, by calling 01935 840565 or online at www.fleetairarm.com

The RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day was recognised for its achievements with a Silver award in the Tourism Event of the Year category at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards ceremony held at the Somerset County Cricket Club.

After 6 months of assessing evidence and judging by a panel of experts the winners were announced by Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol and presented with their awards by ex-England cricketer Marcus Trescothick MBE. On behalf of the Air Day, Commander Terry Tyack (Commander Air, RNAS Yeovilton) and Audrey Huelin (AHA Events) received the award in front of a capacity audience of the best tourism businesses from across the region.

“It is tremendous that Air Day has been recognised such a local thriving tourism industry. The success of the event is a combination of significant effort from a series of teams including AHA, the military, civil service and civilian contractors; it is an absolute pleasure to receive the award on their behalf,” said Commander Tyack.

Audrey Huelin added, “Our Air Day is truly living up to its international status. Our Early bird tickets for next year’s Air Day, which takes place on Saturday 7th July, recently went on sale and within one hour we received ticket orders from Brazil and Japan!”.

Successful businesses in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2018 and then possibly on to the National Visit England Awards later in 2018.

Early bird tickets for next summer’s Air Day are now on sale with no booking fees, for a limited period only, at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Old Buckenham Airfield is delighted to announce the opening, on Remembrance Sunday 2017, of its second Museum; the 8th Air Force Heritage Gallery.
This new addition to the Airfield has been designed as a complement to the 2015built 453rd Bombardment Group Museum which houses the largest collection of 453rd memorabilia in existence.

The new Gallery showcases some of the extensive collection of James Clarey. His collection, combined with that of the late Pat Ramm, is partly on display in the 453rd Museum, of which he is also Curator. James, however, did not limit his collecting to the 453rd and has so many exhibits relating to the 8th Air Force (of which the 453rd was a part) that the decision was made to create the 8th Air Force Heritage Gallery, in order to provide a place where they can be on public display.

Based in the Airfield’s ‘Small Blister Hangar’ the Gallery contains a host of displays and exhibits. At its heart is a faithful recreation of the Post Exchange which was a key feature of the lives of all the servicemen at Old Buckenham during the War. The Post Exchange, as the name suggests, was the place for parcels and letters to go back and forth between England and the U.S. and for most servicemen would have been the most tangible link with home. Post Exchanges also served as a shop and social centre on the base.

Remembrance Sunday will also see the unveiling of a new ornamental railing enclosure for the Memorial Garden. Built in house by the airfield, the railings required over a thousand fixings and took over a week to complete. A brand new LED lighting system completes this latest update, the first major improvement since the Garden was created in 2012.

Fittingly, the 8th Air Force Heritage Gallery will be formally opened following the traditional Remembrance Sunday Service, held at 1055 at the War Memorial. The United States will be represented by a senior officer from Lakenheath Air Base.

www.oldbuck.com

Date: Sunday 12 November
Time: 10.45am

On Sunday 12 November, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will hold a Service of Remembrance, paying respect to those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

Visitors who wish to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women are invited to join the service, led by the Station Chaplain at RAF Cosford. Those attending will also be treated to renditions from the Cosford Military Wives Choir, who will perform for visitors on arrival and during the service.

The service will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 and visitors are politely requested to assemble no later than 10:30am ready for the Service to commence at 10.45am. As well as readings from Museum volunteers, there will be hymns and the sounding of ‘The Last Post’ performed by a bugler, followed by a two minute silence. Students from Muxton Primary School in Telford will also be in attendance, reading a poem they have written especially for the service.

RAF Museum Cosford Events Executive, Nathan Davis said:
“The RAF Museum is a fitting location for this poignant occasion and we hope that local residents will choose to join us on Remembrance Sunday so we can remember together. I would like to thank the Station Chaplain and the Cosford Military Wives Choir for their involvement in this years’ service. I’m sure visitors will enjoy the special service we have planned as well as the performances from the choir.”

During the service, wreaths will be laid by representatives from RAF Cosford and the Museum in honour of those who have fallen in the line of duty. Following the service visitors are free to explore the Museum at their own leisure.

If you would like to find out about Service Personnel who fell serving in the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force during the Great War of 1914 to 1918, or to dedicate a digital poppy, please visit the RAF Museum’s online story vault: www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk

The Museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm and entry to the Museum is FREE of charge. For further information please visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day is delighted to announce the participation of two aircraft types from debuting nation Lithuania. The Baltic state’s air force will send an Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer and a Mil Mi-8T utility helicopter for static display. Rarely seen at Western European events, they get Air Day’s international line-up off to the very best of starts.

The L-39 Albatros was a real success for Czech firm Aero Vodochody. During a 25-year production run, 2,900 were built and supplied to almost 50 militaries. Lithuania, plus around a dozen other nations, took delivery of the L-39ZA armed trainer/light attack variant. Its duties include surveying and defending Lithuanian airspace.

The remarkable Mil Mi-8 (NATO codenamed ‘Hip’) is the world’s most produced-helicopter: a staggering 17,000-plus examples of the Soviet-origin design having been manufactured. Lithuania only employs three Mi-8Ts (‘Hip-Cs’) in the troop transport and search and rescue roles.

As the Lithuanian Air Force continues with their modernisation programme these assets are a very welcome addition to the Royal Navy’s air show at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on Saturday 7 July. Early bird tickets with no booking fees are now on sale for a limited period only at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

With Christmas fast approaching, tickets to the RAF Cosford Air Show are now on sale and they make great presents for all your loved ones. With accompanied under-16s entering for free and early bird tickets costing only £22.00, the Air Show is a great value for money day-out for the entire family.

As well as an action packed six-hour flying display there are also a huge variety of things to do and see on the ground at the RAF Cosford Air Show to excite all ages. With six hangars jammed with interactive exhibitions, the 1960s Vintage Village, plenty of military ground displays, vintage vehicles, funfair and over 1km of trade stalls – you might struggle to see it all in one day!

Another reason to buy your tickets soon is that today the Air Show Organisers announced another aircraft which will wow the crowds on Sunday 11th June 2017; dare-devil pilot Rich Goodwin will be flying his unique Muscle Biplane at the Air Show. Rich’s aircraft is based on the world-famous Pitts Special but a special modification programme has given this aircraft enhanced capabilities which means that Rich’s Muscle Biplane can hover like a Harrier, fly the amazing Tower of Power and master high-alpha knife-edge flypasts!

The Muscle Biplane wears a spectacular colour scheme based on the Union Jack; fitting for a man who served in the Royal Air Force as a Tornado GR1 ground attack pilot and flew in combat. Rich said; “As an ex-RAF pilot I’m honoured to be invited back to display the Muscle Biplane and demonstrate my passion for aviation in front of a capacity crowd. I continue to develop the aircraft and at RAF Cosford I will be flying a new enhanced elevator and wing. I also look forward to updating the crowds on the development of the new Anana Jet Pitts which I hope will be ready to display in 2018.”

Those who purchase their Air Show tickets soon will be able to take advantage of the Early-Bird ticket offer, with adult tickets priced at only £22.00. Accompanied under-16s enter the show for free, making the RAF Cosford Air Show a great value for money day-out!

Early-Bird tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 are on sale now, priced at £22.00 and with free entry for accompanied Under-16s. Tickets are available online from www.cosfordairshow.co.uk