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The Royal Air Force Museum - RAFM, RAF Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum - RAFM, RAF Museum Our purpose is to tell the story of the R.A.F through its people and collections. Our ambition is to Language. Please use appropriate language. Corrections.

The RAF Museum encourages people to share their opinion and experience and engage into the debates and discussions in our Social Media networks. We welcome the constructive criticism and constructive comments and respect the freedom of speech; however, we would kindly ask you to follow our outlined code of conduct to ensure that everyone has a positive experience when interacting with the Museum’s

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Respect. Please respect all our visitors, avoid posting any hateful, defamatory, obscene, threatening, abusive, or discriminatory comments. Any comments or posts that harass others or that could be deemed as offensive will be removed and the users who have posted them may also be blocked. Any comments that contain vulgar, obscene or indecent language or images will be removed and the users responsible may also be blocked. We always appreciate your corrections of the facts in the content, but the rules of respect apply here as well. Any disrespectful comments will be removed and the users responsible may also be blocked. Privacy. Please do not post someone else’s personal details such as e-mail addresses, home addresses or phone numbers on our channels. Advertising. Please do not post comments that advertise or promote other organisations, businesses, goods, services or people. All comments used as advertising or promotional tools will be removed. Illegal activities. Please do not post material that advocates illegal activity or discusses illegal activities with the intent to commit them. All such comments will be removed and the users responsible will be banned. Intellectual property. Please be aware that images, videos, texts and other creative content you are posting could be other people’s property, and subject to Intellectual Property Law, which you do not have a lawful right to share. Points of view. We would like you to remember that the views expressed by any of our users don’t necessarily reflect the RAF Museum’s position on a given subject. The Museum reserves the right to remove any and all materials from its social media channels that contravene its guidelines, and reserves the right, where appropriate to ban an individual posting such comments from its pages. We aim to monitor our main Social Media channels every day, but our core office hours are from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm excluding national holidays. We aim to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible, but please note that some enquiries can take longer to resolve particularly if posted to the Museum at weekends and on national holidays.

Operating as usual

One of the most elegant helicopters ever designed, this is the Westland/Aérospatiale . It became iconic through its 'fen...
23/02/2023

One of the most elegant helicopters ever designed, this is the Westland/Aérospatiale . It became iconic through its 'fenestron' tail rotor.

32 Gazelles were delivered to the Royal Air Force, and they served from the mid 70s until mid 90s. Others served with the Army Air Corps and Fleet Air Arm.

We're delighted to announce the winners of the RAF Museum's academic awards to Doctoral, Masters and Undergraduate stude...
22/02/2023
Winners of the 2022 RAF Museum Academic Awards Announced - RAF Museum

We're delighted to announce the winners of the RAF Museum's academic awards to Doctoral, Masters and Undergraduate students. The bursary and prizes are awarded to David Spruce, Jack Read and Matthew Bruce. Congratulations!

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/news/winners-of-the-2022-raf-museum-academic-awards-announced/

The RAF Museum is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Academic Prizes and Bursary.

Sopwith Triplane N5912 in Hangar 2 at the RAF Museum London. Compared to mono- and bi-planes, triplanes have always been...
21/02/2023

Sopwith Triplane N5912 in Hangar 2 at the RAF Museum London. Compared to mono- and bi-planes, triplanes have always been rather rare. The advantage of having a third step of wings was that it increased the wing area which in turn improved climb rate. By keeping the wing span short, it also meant the was very manoeuvrable. The downside is that triple wings also create a lot of aerodynamic drag, which made the aircraft rather slow. Yet, the Germans were sufficiently impressed with its performance and a captured Triplane inspired the development of the Fokker Dr. I, made famous by the Red Baron.

The was used in combat by the Royal Naval Air Service, which together with the Royal Flying Corps, became the RAF in 1918. British fighter ace Cecil Lewis said of 'all machines, the Triplane remains in my memory as the best . . . Other machines were faster, stronger, had better climb or vision; but none was so friendly as the Tripe. . . It could do more than this: set the engine at 3/4 throttle and wind the tail well back and the Tripe would loop indefinitely. I once did 21 loops in a row!'

in 1917 Our Triplane N5912 left for although some of its time there is recorded as unserviceable for unspecified reasons. Come and view her up close; book your free ticket: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-triplane/

 in 1948 : the very last Supermarine Spitfire is produced at Vickers Armstrong at Hursley Park. VN496 was a F24, the ult...
20/02/2023

in 1948 : the very last Supermarine Spitfire is produced at Vickers Armstrong at Hursley Park. VN496 was a F24, the ultimate development of the type. However, the advent of the jet fighter meant that only 70 were built, many of which converted F22s.

Our Hangar 3 holds a rare Spitfire F24. It was produced at as Mk. 22 but taken to South Marston where it was completed as a Mk. 24. Like most F24s it was kept in storage. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/supermarine-spitfire-f24/

However, VN496 served with No. 80 Squadron in Hong Kong until struck of charge in 1950.

These ultimate examples of the Spitfire only vaguely resembled the early of the Battle of Britain. Equipped with a powerful Rolls Royce Griffon engine (replacing the legendary Merlin), a tear-drop canopy for greater visibility, enlarged tail, five propeller blades, four machine cannons, ... all of these changes created a Spitfire, twice as heavy as the original. Performance was stellar: 160 km/h (100 mph) greater top speed than the early Spitfires and almost twice the rate of climb.

In fact, the only reason why they were still called Spitfires was the propaganda value of the name. The final version received a new name: the Supermarine Spiteful. Very few were produced as the future of combat aviation lay with jet propulsion.

 : The Earl of Athlone inspecting No. 907 (Balloon) Squadron, RAF Stanmore Park, 1939.  RAF Stanmore Park opened in 1939...
19/02/2023

: The Earl of Athlone inspecting No. 907 (Balloon) Squadron, RAF Stanmore Park, 1939.

RAF Stanmore Park opened in 1939 as the home of Balloon Command. The squadrons it controlled were formed as part of the Auxiliary Air Force and manned by part time volunteers.

The squadrons flew barrage balloons to protect industrial and military locations around the country. When the Second World War started, they were embodied in the Royal Air Force and came under the operational control of Fighter Command, playing an important role in the Battle of Britain and the campaign against the German V-1 flying bombs.

(Charles Brown Collection 5873-10)

Exhaust of the  BAe Hawk. Diesel is mixed with a coloured dye and ejected into the jet exhaust to produce either red, wh...
18/02/2023

Exhaust of the BAe Hawk. Diesel is mixed with a coloured dye and ejected into the jet exhaust to produce either red, white or blue smoke for their displays.

On 10 December 1941 Arthur Scarf's parents received, via telegram, the news that every parent dreads: the loss of their ...
16/02/2023

On 10 December 1941 Arthur Scarf's parents received, via telegram, the news that every parent dreads: the loss of their child.

The fact that he died saving the lives of his crew and while successfully completing his mission would have been of some comfort to his family as would the posthumous award of his Victoria Cross.

We have raised almost £15,000 so far to keep it in the United Kingdom. Can you help us reach our £250,000 target?

The RAF Museum has launched the campaign to save the Arthur Scarf Victoria Cross from being taken overseas.

The medal has been sold at auction to an overseas buyer, but we have been given until Sunday 30 April 2023 to fundraise and match the sale price of £660,000.

A contribution is being made from the Museum’s own funds, and we also have a potential grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. We need your help to raise the remaining £250,000.

Without your help, this medal will be sent overseas and lost to the nation.

During the Second World War, 22 Victoria Crosses were awarded to RAF personnel.

Arthur Scarf was the recipient of the only Victoria Cross awarded to the Royal Air Force for services in the Far East during the Second World War. This incredibly rare medal, and Arthur’s Story, is a national treasure which represents an extraordinary and highly poignant story of great personal courage. The RAF Museum is determined for it to remain within the UK.

Please help us keep this precious piece of our history in the UK as part of the National Collection. If we are successful, we shall display the medal and bar alongside other objects from the RAF's campaign in the Far East, helping us to share Arthur Scarf’s incredible but little-known story both now and in the future.

Find out more about Arthur’s Story and how to donate by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-scarf-vc

Every contribution will play a part and no donation is too small to make a difference.

We would also be grateful if you could help by also sharing Arthur’s story on your social media and displaying our GoFundMe page. Thank you.

The Royal Air Force Museum is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC000922) and is a charity registered in England and Wales (1197541)

The Hawker Siddeley Andover was a tactical transport aircraft, which entered service in 1965. Come and sit inside our An...
16/02/2023

The Hawker Siddeley Andover was a tactical transport aircraft, which entered service in 1965.

Come and sit inside our Andover, and get up close to all our aircraft in Hangar 1, during Sunday’s members-only after-hours event. http://ow.ly/6MPH50MTh0O

It was developed from the Avro 748 airliner to become a military aircraft, capable of short distance taking off and landing, carrying troops, paradropping, freighting and medical evacuation roles.

The main modification incorporated a hydraulic kneeling arrangement in the main undercarriage. This allowed the rear loading door to adjust to any truckbed height.

Power was provided by two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines. These jet engines were a massive improvement over the older piston engines. They made the Andover substantially faster than the Vickers Valetta and Blackburn Beverley it replaced.

With a maximum payload of 6,691kg (14,750 lbs) of freight, the Andover could fly 602km (374miles). This short range limited its transport capability.

Many of the 31 RAF aircraft were used for other duties, such as photographic mapping and VIP transport. Our Andover E3A serial XS639 was used for calibration of ground navigation aids.

Escape the weekend crowds and explore our Andover and the many transport and training aircraft. From 5.00pm to 7.00pm on Sunday 19 February Hangar 1 will be open exclusively to members only! The aircraft on display include Chinook 'Bravo November', Armstrong Whitworth Argosy, Hawker Hart, Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the Mignet Flying Flee, the Avro Anson C19, de Havilland Comet 1XB and Chipmunk, and several other aircraft, weapons and aero engines.

Light refreshments and parking are free!
Find out here how to become a member and see all members' benefits: http://ow.ly/rgpG50MTlsT

 in 1953 : Operation Sandbag, involving 14 Handley Page Halifaxes and 6 Vickers Valettas of RAF Transport Command, flies...
15/02/2023

in 1953 : Operation Sandbag, involving 14 Handley Page Halifaxes and 6 Vickers Valettas of RAF Transport Command, flies several million sandbags from the Continent to the UK to repair breaches in sea defences caused by floods from Lincolnshire to Kent.

13/02/2023
Screen Recording at 11.51.11

Yesterday, we posted about the recent installation of the the 617 Dambusters Anniversary Window in Scampton church.

Since this post we have received enquiries from our followers asking whether we could show this happening. Thankfully Look North News where there to cover the installation.

To watch their report, just click on the link below.

 in 1928 : The Short Calcutta flying boat makes its first flight at Rochester. Derived from the military Short Singapore...
13/02/2023

in 1928 : The Short Calcutta flying boat makes its first flight at Rochester. Derived from the military Short Singapore, the Calcutta was the first British stressed skin, metal-hulled flying boat. More importantly, it's the first airliner with a full kitchen.🍴🍳🥗🍗😋

 : Hawker-Siddeley Trident 1C (G-ARPC), in flight to the SBAC Show, Farnborough, 1962.  The Trident began in the 1950s a...
12/02/2023

: Hawker-Siddeley Trident 1C (G-ARPC), in flight to the SBAC Show, Farnborough, 1962.

The Trident began in the 1950s as the De Havilland DH121. A consortium was formed to manufacture the aircraft and the name Airco was adopted. In 1960 De Havilland was acquired by Hawker-Siddeley and the Airco name dropped, the type making its first flight in 1961 as the Hawker-Siddeley Trident.

The actions of the British Government and British European Airways reduced the type’s value to other airlines, and it failed to achieve the sale of the similar Boeing 727.

Despite this lack of success, however, it did introduce an automatic blind landing system which allowed the aircraft to land in fog, something few could do.

(Charles Brown Collection 6857-11)

Diving down, this is the Hawker Hunter T7A in the National Cold War Hangar. The Hawker T series were a dual-control trai...
12/02/2023

Diving down, this is the Hawker Hunter T7A in the National Cold War Hangar.

The Hawker T series were a dual-control training version of the classic single-seat Hunter. Slightly unusual is the side-by-side seating for the student pilot and instructor. Most variants would have them seated in a row.

The first prototype Hunter trainer flew in July 1955, and the Hunter T7 first entered service with No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Chivenor, in August 1958.

The T7A was again slightly different in that it received Hawker Siddeley instrumentation in the cockpit for conversion training for RAF pilots, probably those having flown English Electric Canberra..

Come and see this Hunter at the NCWE http://ow.ly/TwJ750MNoN9

 in 1985 : The  bus crash happened. A bus carrying RAF personnel crashed into an aviation fuel truck on a German Autobah...
11/02/2023

in 1985 : The bus crash happened. A bus carrying RAF personnel crashed into an aviation fuel truck on a German Autobahn between Nuremberg and Munich.

The bus became engulfed in flames and 19 musicians from the Band of the Royal Air Force Germany, an RAF Policeman and their coach driver lost their lives.

RIP.

Royal Air Force Police Royal Air Force RAF Music Royal Air Force Music Services Association

Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer with folded wings. If the name didn't already, the folding wings reveal the Buccaneer's naval ...
11/02/2023

Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer with folded wings.

If the name didn't already, the folding wings reveal the Buccaneer's naval origins. designed this jet bomber for the Royal Navy as a response to the Soviet Union's Sverdlov-class cruisers. Armed with bombs, anti-ship missiles or even nukes the Buccaneer would fly at low altitude to take out these powerful warships. As to the folding wings, they took up less space in the aircraft carrier hangar.

Following the cancellation of the TSR2 and F-111K, the RAF ordered 46 new Buccaneers. In the late 1970s took over the Buccaneers of the Royal Navy when they retired their aircraft carriers. That decision would come to haunt the British government when the Falklands were invaded.

The RAF Museum London has a on display. This week we're opening up the cockpit for you! Sit down, strap in and see how all the controls work, and experience what it must have been like to be a Buccaneer pilot. Book your ticket via https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/february-half-term-buccaneer-experience/

 in 1938 : The commanding officer on No. 111 Squadron, Squadron Leader JW Gillan, makes headline news when he flies a Ha...
10/02/2023

in 1938 : The commanding officer on No. 111 Squadron, Squadron Leader JW Gillan, makes headline news when he flies a Hawker Hurricane 327 miles from Edinburgh to RAF Northolt at an average speed of 408 mph (657km/h). The night flight benefited from a strong tail wind.

From Sweetheart Pin Badges to Pilot Watches and our exclusive 2023 Pilot Bear, give a gift that your aviation fan will a...
08/02/2023

From Sweetheart Pin Badges to Pilot Watches and our exclusive 2023 Pilot Bear, give a gift that your aviation fan will adore this Valentine's Day.

To see our range of exclusive affordable gifts, visit our online shop at: https://www.rafmuseumshop.com/ Love is in the air ...

The Sopwith Dolphin in the First World War in the Air exhibition at the RAF Museum London.In a most simple way, it is a ...
08/02/2023

The Sopwith Dolphin in the First World War in the Air exhibition at the RAF Museum London.

In a most simple way, it is a Sopwith Camel mated with the V8 engine of an RAF . New was the wing arrangement. The upper wing was level with the top of the fuselage. This gave the pilot unobstructed view above. However, many pilots feared this meant their heads would get crushed if the aircraft flipped over.

Although it was considered to be the RAF's finest fighter aircraft, a shortage of Hispano-Suiza engines meant that only a few hundred were built before the Armistice. Had the war continued, it would have seen the French licence produce thousands with a more powerful engine, as the Dolphin II.

In the end, the Dolphin equipped Nos 19, 23, 79 and 87 Squadrons on the Western Front in 1918 and won many admirers thanks to its stability, speed and manoeuvrability. Some Dolphins were equipped with upward firing machine guns to shoot down enemy bombers from below. In the end, Home Defence did not accept the Dolphin, preferring the Sopwith Snipe instead.

Our Dolphin was rebuilt with several original parts, acquired by the RAF Museum in 1967. Come and have a look at it for yourself on your next visit. Book your free ticket via our website https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-dolphin-5fi/

Or if you wish to find out more about the fighters, we can recommend this blog post: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/blog/camels-dolphins/

The Boulton Paul Defiant in the War in the Air Hangar at our Midlands site. The Defiant was a two-seat turret fighter, w...
07/02/2023

The Boulton Paul Defiant in the War in the Air Hangar at our Midlands site. The Defiant was a two-seat turret fighter, which was used as a rudimentary night fighter in 1940-42.

in 1968 our N1671 was repainted in the night fighter colours it had carried as part of No. 307 (Polish) Squadron. It became part of the RAF Museum collection in 1971.

The Defiant was an unusual fighter aircraft. It was solely armed with a 4-gun turret to intercept enemy bombers. During the Battle of Britain it also had to combat German fighter aircraft, a task it was unsuited for. As a result, the Defiant was quickly withdrawn and used for other roles. The main role became as a , and later versions were equipped with radar.

One such aircraft was N1671 which was operated by No. 307 (Polish) Squadron from September 1940. Puchacze, the Lwów Eagle Owls were the only night fighter squadron of the war. Their badge depicts not only the owl which refers to their nickname, but also a moon to depict their role as night fighters.

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/boulton-paul-defiant-mk-1/

Now the sole surviving intact example of its type, it was set aside for preservation in September 1944, which means before the war had ended! It is now part of the Museum’s Display which also includes the fascinating Rhino suit, worn solely by Defiant gunners. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/news/commemorate-battle-of-britain-80-at-the-raf-museu/

If you wish to support the Museum, please consider adopting an Artefact from the RAF Museum Collection. Both the badge of No. 307 Squadron and the itself can be (virtually) adopted to support the Museum. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact/badge-of-307-squadron/
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/adopt-an-artefact/boulton-paul-defiant_i/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAZ-iyMKe-M
307 Squadron Project British Poles

 : Mrs Rika Harwood flying a Slingsby Skylark 3b, Lasham, 11 May 1963.  Rika Harwood was Assistant Editor and Production...
05/02/2023

: Mrs Rika Harwood flying a Slingsby Skylark 3b, Lasham, 11 May 1963.

Rika Harwood was Assistant Editor and Production Manager for Sailplane and Gliding magazine. She was born in the Netherlands and is seen during the National Gliding Championships.

The Skylark 3 was the last British-designed sailplane to win the World Gliding Championships and one of the last high-performance gliders built from wood and fabric. Its successor, the Skylark 4, was made using fibreglass.
(Charles Brown Collection 6861-14)

Sepecat Jaguar GR1 (EM) of No. 6 Squadron, RAF ColtishallBoth our London and Midlands site have a  on display. (Photogra...
04/02/2023

Sepecat Jaguar GR1 (EM) of No. 6 Squadron, RAF Coltishall

Both our London and Midlands site have a on display.

(Photographic Collection RAF Museum - P015215)

 in 1953 : English Electric Canberra PR3 71110, now at the RAF Museum London, enters service with the RAF as WE139. Late...
03/02/2023

in 1953 : English Electric Canberra PR3 71110, now at the RAF Museum London, enters service with the RAF as WE139. Later that year it won the air race UK to New Zealand in a time of 29 hours 51 minutes.

The  and the   at our Age of Uncertainty Exhibition at the RAF Museum London. in 1991 : The first successful Buccaneer/T...
02/02/2023

The and the at our Age of Uncertainty Exhibition at the RAF Museum London.

in 1991 : The first successful Buccaneer/Tornado co-operative strike took place against an Iraqi bridge over the Euphrates. The Buccaneer 'illuminated' the target with a laser designator while the Tornado dropped laser-guided bombs.

 : Gatwick Airport, 1960.   was originally opened in the 1920s, becoming an airport in the 1930s using a distinctive ‘be...
29/01/2023

: Gatwick Airport, 1960.
was originally opened in the 1920s, becoming an airport in the 1930s using a distinctive ‘beehive’ as its terminal building. During the Second World War the airfield was used by the RAF and USAAF, becoming a civil airport again in the 1940s.

In 1952 Gatwick Airport was selected as London’s second airport and plans drawn up for its redevelopment. The new terminal and runway were opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1958 and this is the airport shown in this photograph. It was one of the first to link road, rail and air travel in a single terminal complex.

Since 1958 the airport has constantly developed, allowing it to accommodate more passengers each year.

(Charles Brown Collection6836-4)

The Sopwith Camel at the RAF Museum London.  in 1918 : The first unqualified air combat victory at night against another...
29/01/2023

The Sopwith Camel at the RAF Museum London.

in 1918 : The first unqualified air combat victory at night against another aeroplane takes place, when two Camels of No. 44 Squadron shoot down a bomber during a raid on London.

The Camel was the highest scoring fighter of the First World War. It was also used as home defence against German airships and bombers which frequently raided Britain. Most of these incursions were at night which forced the British to fly their interceptors at night. Without radio or radar, in extreme cold and darkness, it was a dangerous job.

This was aggrevated by the fact that the Camel was not an easy aircraft to fly. It was equipped with a powerful rotary engine which gave it plenty of power but which could oscillate the aircraft out of control. Its handling characteristics were a gift to the skilful pilot but a possible death sentence for the slow or unwary.

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-f1-camel/

We're calling on the public’s support to help keep Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf’s Victoria Cross medal in the UK.He was ...
28/01/2023

We're calling on the public’s support to help keep Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf’s Victoria Cross medal in the UK.

He was the recipient of the only Victoria Cross awarded to the RAF for services in the Far East during the Second World War. This incredibly rare medal, and Arthur’s Story, is a national treasure which represents an extraordinary and highly poignant story of great personal courage.

Please donate to on the Museum’s dedicated Save the Scarf VC GoFundMe page https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands/whats-going-on/news/save-the-arthur-scarf-victoria-cross-medal/

On 9 December 1941, he led a formation of Bristol Blenheim aircraft in a daylight attack on Japanese forces occupying airfields in Burma, now called Myanmar. As Scarf became airborne, a formation of Japanese bombers swept over the airfield destroying every British aircraft on the ground.

Although alone, Scarf was determined to complete his squadron’s allotted task. Flying low into enemy occupied territory, Scarf skilfully evaded several attacks by Japanese fighters, and bombed the target.

Heading home, more Japanese fighters attacked. Greatly outnumbered, hopelessly outgunned and in aircraft slower than the enemies, machine gun fire riddled the Blenheim. Scarf was mortally wounded but continued to fly the aircraft while being held upright by his crew mates and brought his crew back on a British controlled airfield. However, Scarf died from his wounds shortly afterwards.

The Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously, and it's this medal that we want your help for to keep in the UK. If successful, the VC will go on display at our Museum. It will allow us not only to tell Arthur Scarf's story but the often overlooked campaign of our forces in the Far East.

Go to our fundraising page; any help is greatly appreciated! https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-keep-preserve-arthur-scarfs-vc

It’s been a doggy take over this week at the RAF Museum Midlands for a national capability exercise with Police and Pris...
25/01/2023

It’s been a doggy take over this week at the RAF Museum Midlands for a national capability exercise with Police and Prison search dogs.

50 dogs from forces all over the UK have been completing training exercises in various spaces around the Museum, including onboard the VC10 aircraft.

The team of dogs and their handlers, have been training together all week, allowing them to operate efficiently together for future large scale events taking place around the country.

It’s been a pleasure to have our furry friends on site this week, and we wish them the best of luck with their careers in the Police and Prison service.

Hawker Hurricane Mk. Is, flying in close formation with a Bristol Blenheim. However, the details tells a different story...
24/01/2023

Hawker Hurricane Mk. Is, flying in close formation with a Bristol Blenheim. However, the details tells a different story. The Hurricanes are equipped with underwing fuel tanks - a rather rare sight. The background also indicates this is not Blighty.

What we're looking at here are Hurricanes which were shipped to in Ghana, West Africa. From here they were assembled, fitted with extra fuel tanks, and flown across the Sahara to the Middle East theatre. The on board of the Blenheim bomber would guide the formation to their destination.

Some of these were used over Greece and Crete in the Spring of 1941. At this stage of the war, Spitfires were kept in the UK.

Both of our sites have a Hurricane on display. Recently our was relocated to our Midlands site in Cosford.

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General information

The Royal Air Force Museum hosts a unique collection of iconic aircraft at two main sites, Colindale in North London and Cosford near Birmingham in the West Midlands. Admission and Parking to both sites are free, and both sites host throughout the year a series of free family orientated events. For further details, please visit the What's On section of our website www.rafmuseum.org.

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 5pm
Tuesday 11am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+442082052266

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Comments

One of the most elegant helicopters ever designed, this is the Westland/Aérospatiale . It became iconic through its 'fenestron' tail rotor.

32 Gazelles were delivered to the Royal Air Force, and they served from the mid 70s until mid 90s. Others served with the Army Air Corps and Fleet Air Arm.
We're delighted to announce the winners of the RAF Museum's academic awards to Doctoral, Masters and Undergraduate students. The bursary and prizes are awarded to David Spruce, Jack Read and Matthew Bruce. Congratulations!

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/news/winners-of-the-2022-raf-museum-academic-awards-announced/
Sopwith Triplane N5912 in Hangar 2 at the RAF Museum London. Compared to mono- and bi-planes, triplanes have always been rather rare. The advantage of having a third step of wings was that it increased the wing area which in turn improved climb rate. By keeping the wing span short, it also meant the was very manoeuvrable. The downside is that triple wings also create a lot of aerodynamic drag, which made the aircraft rather slow. Yet, the Germans were sufficiently impressed with its performance and a captured Triplane inspired the development of the Fokker Dr. I, made famous by the Red Baron.

The was used in combat by the Royal Naval Air Service, which together with the Royal Flying Corps, became the RAF in 1918. British fighter ace Cecil Lewis said of 'all machines, the Triplane remains in my memory as the best . . . Other machines were faster, stronger, had better climb or vision; but none was so friendly as the Tripe. . . It could do more than this: set the engine at 3/4 throttle and wind the tail well back and the Tripe would loop indefinitely. I once did 21 loops in a row!'

in 1917 Our Triplane N5912 left for although some of its time there is recorded as unserviceable for unspecified reasons. Come and view her up close; book your free ticket: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/sopwith-triplane/
in 1948 : the very last Supermarine Spitfire is produced at Vickers Armstrong at Hursley Park. VN496 was a F24, the ultimate development of the type. However, the advent of the jet fighter meant that only 70 were built, many of which converted F22s.

Our Hangar 3 holds a rare Spitfire F24. It was produced at as Mk. 22 but taken to South Marston where it was completed as a Mk. 24. Like most F24s it was kept in storage. https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/supermarine-spitfire-f24/

However, VN496 served with No. 80 Squadron in Hong Kong until struck of charge in 1950.

These ultimate examples of the Spitfire only vaguely resembled the early of the Battle of Britain. Equipped with a powerful Rolls Royce Griffon engine (replacing the legendary Merlin), a tear-drop canopy for greater visibility, enlarged tail, five propeller blades, four machine cannons, ... all of these changes created a Spitfire, twice as heavy as the original. Performance was stellar: 160 km/h (100 mph) greater top speed than the early Spitfires and almost twice the rate of climb.

In fact, the only reason why they were still called Spitfires was the propaganda value of the name. The final version received a new name: the Supermarine Spiteful. Very few were produced as the future of combat aviation lay with jet propulsion.
: The Earl of Athlone inspecting No. 907 (Balloon) Squadron, RAF Stanmore Park, 1939.

RAF Stanmore Park opened in 1939 as the home of Balloon Command. The squadrons it controlled were formed as part of the Auxiliary Air Force and manned by part time volunteers.

The squadrons flew barrage balloons to protect industrial and military locations around the country. When the Second World War started, they were embodied in the Royal Air Force and came under the operational control of Fighter Command, playing an important role in the Battle of Britain and the campaign against the German V-1 flying bombs.

(Charles Brown Collection 5873-10)
Exhaust of the BAe Hawk. Diesel is mixed with a coloured dye and ejected into the jet exhaust to produce either red, white or blue smoke for their displays.
On 10 December 1941 Arthur Scarf's parents received, via telegram, the news that every parent dreads: the loss of their child.

The fact that he died saving the lives of his crew and while successfully completing his mission would have been of some comfort to his family as would the posthumous award of his Victoria Cross.

We have raised almost £15,000 so far to keep it in the United Kingdom. Can you help us reach our £250,000 target?

The RAF Museum has launched the campaign to save the Arthur Scarf Victoria Cross from being taken overseas.

The medal has been sold at auction to an overseas buyer, but we have been given until Sunday 30 April 2023 to fundraise and match the sale price of £660,000.

A contribution is being made from the Museum’s own funds, and we also have a potential grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. We need your help to raise the remaining £250,000.

Without your help, this medal will be sent overseas and lost to the nation.

During the Second World War, 22 Victoria Crosses were awarded to RAF personnel.

Arthur Scarf was the recipient of the only Victoria Cross awarded to the Royal Air Force for services in the Far East during the Second World War. This incredibly rare medal, and Arthur’s Story, is a national treasure which represents an extraordinary and highly poignant story of great personal courage. The RAF Museum is determined for it to remain within the UK.

Please help us keep this precious piece of our history in the UK as part of the National Collection. If we are successful, we shall display the medal and bar alongside other objects from the RAF's campaign in the Far East, helping us to share Arthur Scarf’s incredible but little-known story both now and in the future.

Find out more about Arthur’s Story and how to donate by visiting: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-scarf-vc

Every contribution will play a part and no donation is too small to make a difference.

We would also be grateful if you could help by also sharing Arthur’s story on your social media and displaying our GoFundMe page. Thank you.

The Royal Air Force Museum is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC000922) and is a charity registered in England and Wales (1197541)
The Hawker Siddeley Andover was a tactical transport aircraft, which entered service in 1965.

Come and sit inside our Andover, and get up close to all our aircraft in Hangar 1, during Sunday’s members-only after-hours event. http://ow.ly/6MPH50MTh0O

It was developed from the Avro 748 airliner to become a military aircraft, capable of short distance taking off and landing, carrying troops, paradropping, freighting and medical evacuation roles.

The main modification incorporated a hydraulic kneeling arrangement in the main undercarriage. This allowed the rear loading door to adjust to any truckbed height.

Power was provided by two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines. These jet engines were a massive improvement over the older piston engines. They made the Andover substantially faster than the Vickers Valetta and Blackburn Beverley it replaced.

With a maximum payload of 6,691kg (14,750 lbs) of freight, the Andover could fly 602km (374miles). This short range limited its transport capability.

Many of the 31 RAF aircraft were used for other duties, such as photographic mapping and VIP transport. Our Andover E3A serial XS639 was used for calibration of ground navigation aids.

Escape the weekend crowds and explore our Andover and the many transport and training aircraft. From 5.00pm to 7.00pm on Sunday 19 February Hangar 1 will be open exclusively to members only! The aircraft on display include Chinook 'Bravo November', Armstrong Whitworth Argosy, Hawker Hart, Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the Mignet Flying Flee, the Avro Anson C19, de Havilland Comet 1XB and Chipmunk, and several other aircraft, weapons and aero engines.

Light refreshments and parking are free!
Find out here how to become a member and see all members' benefits: http://ow.ly/rgpG50MTlsT
in 1953 : Operation Sandbag, involving 14 Handley Page Halifaxes and 6 Vickers Valettas of RAF Transport Command, flies several million sandbags from the Continent to the UK to repair breaches in sea defences caused by floods from Lincolnshire to Kent.
Yesterday, we posted about the recent installation of the the 617 Dambusters Anniversary Window in Scampton church.

Since this post we have received enquiries from our followers asking whether we could show this happening. Thankfully Look North News where there to cover the installation.

To watch their report, just click on the link below.
in 1928 : The Short Calcutta flying boat makes its first flight at Rochester. Derived from the military Short Singapore, the Calcutta was the first British stressed skin, metal-hulled flying boat. More importantly, it's the first airliner with a full kitchen.🍴🍳🥗🍗😋
: Hawker-Siddeley Trident 1C (G-ARPC), in flight to the SBAC Show, Farnborough, 1962.

The Trident began in the 1950s as the De Havilland DH121. A consortium was formed to manufacture the aircraft and the name Airco was adopted. In 1960 De Havilland was acquired by Hawker-Siddeley and the Airco name dropped, the type making its first flight in 1961 as the Hawker-Siddeley Trident.

The actions of the British Government and British European Airways reduced the type’s value to other airlines, and it failed to achieve the sale of the similar Boeing 727.

Despite this lack of success, however, it did introduce an automatic blind landing system which allowed the aircraft to land in fog, something few could do.

(Charles Brown Collection 6857-11)
Diving down, this is the Hawker Hunter T7A in the National Cold War Hangar.

The Hawker T series were a dual-control training version of the classic single-seat Hunter. Slightly unusual is the side-by-side seating for the student pilot and instructor. Most variants would have them seated in a row.

The first prototype Hunter trainer flew in July 1955, and the Hunter T7 first entered service with No. 229 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Chivenor, in August 1958.

The T7A was again slightly different in that it received Hawker Siddeley instrumentation in the cockpit for conversion training for RAF pilots, probably those having flown English Electric Canberra..

Come and see this Hunter at the NCWE http://ow.ly/TwJ750MNoN9
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Other History Museums in London (show all)

The Royal Air Force Museum London The Magic Circle South West Herts Model Railway Society Gunnersbury Park &  Museum William Hawkes Conservator Goldsmith Museum of Freemasonry National Portrait Gallery Benjamin Franklin House Household Cavalry Museum The Household Cavalry Museum and Shop The History of Chelsea FC UK Parliamentary Archives The Museum of Methodism & John Wesley's House Jewel Tower Florence Nightingale Museum