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Operating as usual
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/worlds-last-blackburn-beverley-aircraft-saved-plan-create-amazing-holiday-let-2991337?amp
Hot tub in the nose... What do you think, folks?
THE businessman who has saved the world’s last Blackburn Beverley aircraft from the scrapheap has revealed plans to turn it into a unique Airbnb let – with a jacuzzi in the nose cone.
Here's what our Meteor WD686 would look like if it flew... Sadly she won't be made airworthy again!
Here's a clip of a Gloster Meteor flying at the Kemble Classic Jets Airshow with a lovely low take-off. Watch the full Airshow film at WingsTV.co.uk
Our online Channel WingsTV.co.uk features more than 80 hours of Airshow Films . Available worldwide starting at less than £1.60/$1.99/1.8 Euros per month Subscribe now at WingsTV.co.uk
Stuck for something to do today? Come and visit us and find out more about early aviation, fast jets and flight testing. Here is our new Royal Flying Corps exhibition!
Jaguar XX761
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/BDACAppeal
We are 88% to our target of £15,000 to ensure the Collection can stay open for the foreseeable future! Please help share and support us!
BDAC has been badly affected by the COVID-19 situation and has been closed since the beginning of March. More than your help is needed to enable us to continue. please donate now to enable future generations to experience this unique collection.
https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/18751802.lancaster-project-boscombe-aviation-collection/
So great that Salisbury Journal covered the news about our Lancaster new-build and gave an update on our Royal Flying Corps exhibition. Come visit us!
An amazing transformation. Well done Neil.
Restoring a Parts Recovered airframe takes not only a lot of time but also a reasonable (telephone number sized) amount of money.
Although many parts are still available (with Jaguar still in service in India) prices mean sourcing 'new' isn't really practical in all cases - but I'm doing what I can.
If you'd like to help out it is possible to make a donation through the website: https://jaguarxx764.co.uk/donate/
Every penny (after Paypal fees) gets rolled through into the aircraft.
(Photo credit to Mike Allison)
Scramble Magazine
The giant almighty Herald, King of arms, is nearing its end
On 28 September 2020, "The giant almighty Herald" aircraft carrier, formerly known as British Royal Navy HMS Hermes and Indian Navy INS Viraat, arrived at its final resting place Gujarat (India).
Having departed Mumbai (India) on 19 September, INS Viraat R22 (ex HMS Hermes R12) made its final journey to the Alang Shipbreaking Yard in Gujarat. INS Viraat was the flagship of the Indian Navy before INS Vikramaditya was commissioned in 2013.
The ship was completed and commissioned in 1959 as the British Royal Navy's HMS Hermes, and decommissioned in 1984. Strikingly, during its career as HMS Hermes, it served also as the flagship of the Royal Navy's task force during the Falkland Islands conflict with Argentina in 1982. HMS Hermes was sold to India in 1987. It became INS Viraat and served for almost thirty more years.
After the recent failure of plans to convert the ship into a hotel and/or museum, the former aircraft carrier was sold for scrap and is scheduled to be broken up.
"So long, giant almighty Herald"
Photos: Indian Navy, Royal Navy and IWM
#avgeek #avgeeks #militaryaviation #carrieraviation #IndianNavy #RoyalNavy
Royal Air Force Coningsby
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster Bomber based at RAF Coningsby flew over Derwent Dam in the Peak District this afternoon. The event re-creates and commemorates the famous 617 Squadron "Dambusters" Operation "Chastise" during the Second World War. We didn’t have anybody on the ground but we did have a Royal Air Force Photographer in the nose and the rear gun turret. It’s a bumpy ride but worth it!!
#battleofbritainmemorialflight #lancasterbomber #royalairforceconingsby #derwentdam #617sqn #royalairforce #rafphotographer
Very sad to share that Colonel John Llewellyn Waddy OBE passed away on yesterday afternoon at 4.15 pm (BST) aged 100.
During the Battle of Arnhem he was a Major, in command of "B" Company, 156th Parachute Battalion. A veteran of Arnhem, North Africa & Italy campaigns, and previous Director of the SAS, he joined the Joint Warfare Establishment at RAF Old Sarum in 1972 prior to his retirement in 1974. He is seen here, second from right, first row.
Rest in Peace, Sir.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-the-international-memorial-to-the-many
A very worthy cause. Please donate.
Help this award-winning project survive, after COVID decimated finances. Protect the heritage of a lost generation who protected our freedom
RAF Netheravon
2783 with sunlit tail
What lovely photos of our Royal Flying Corps exhibition before and after! Around 20 months separate these two photos and what a transformation it is. A world-class WW1 exhibition featuring a diverse array of characters of early aviators and their associated effects on display portraying the story of the war in the air.
Now what the heck should we do with this space, 😊I know turn it into a world class Royal Flying Corp collection. 😍
Pompey Pals Charity
Last year saw the 75th Anniversary Of Market Garden, A Bridge To Far.
This video was filmed as the pipes and drums marched across the Bridge in Arnhem.
Now known as The John Frost Bridge, named after Major-General John Dutton Frost (1912–1993), Commander of the British forces that reached and defended the bridge during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.
We politely ask you to share this post so that the knowledge of their sacrifice reaches as wide an audience as possible. Thank You.
We Will Remember Them.
#PompeyPalsRemember
A new exhibit has come it's way to BDAC! BAe Phoenix ZJ477, recently discovered at Larkhill by the Royal Artillery and donated to BDAC. The 'Drone Corner' team retrieved it last Tuesday. History of the airframe is currently under investigation however we do know it to be one of the last built.
San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office
Breaking news
Plane crash in the area of Roberts Rd and Muller Rd in Stockton. Please stay out of the area.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a World War II-era. The plane attempted a landing in an open field and appeared to have struck an irrigation ditch. The aircraft sustained significant damage. All injuries sustained during the incident appear to be non-life-threatening. We are in communication with NTSB and FAA as they will lead the investigation.
Three people were on the aircraft. Two were transported to a local hospital, and one was able to walk away.
Hello folks! Sadly, for the second time, our NHS event is to be POSTPONED until later in 2021 due to COVID restrictions. We cannot afford to take the risk unfortunately.
OPEN WEEKEND FOR THE NHS & KEY WORKERS! BDAC has a new event this coming October, Saturday 3rd October to Sunday 4th October. Free entry for NHS and key workers workers and a reduced entry for direct family members.
We have a craft sale, refreshments and raffle going on and you can enjoy the usual occurrings at the Collection.
All profits will be shared between the NHS Charities and the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection! For NHS and key workers PLEASE bring ID to confirm this.
Come and enjoy this wonderful weekend... ✈🌈
Richard
“”If you live in Longhedge Village do you realise that all of the streets were named in honour of World War 1 pilots who won the Victoria Cross ?
For example one of the roads providing entry to the estate commemorate William Rhodes-Moorehouse who joined the Royal Flying Corp (predecessor of the RAF) in 1914 and who died aged 27 on 27 April 1915 having carried out an audacious attack on an enemy position for which he was awarded the VC.
McNamara Street was named in tribute to an Australian pilot who having made his first flight in 1915 was awarded the VC in 1917 after landing his aircraft behind enemy lines to rescue a downed fellow pilot whilst under fire.
Many other streets honour brave pilots from both World Wars.
If you would like more detail of these and other pilots commemorated by the street names, you have on your doorstep the best display of memorabilia of the Royal Flying Corp in the UK, housed within the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection at Old Sarum Airfield. Why not visit and see if you can find any item related to the RFC pilot in whose street you live?
In addition to housing the RFC collection, the museum has a wonderful array of aircraft and cockpits, many of which you can climb into and “fly” !
Two particular attractions in the museum at the moment are the Salisbury Spitfire and the construction of the cockpit of a Lancaster Bomber.
Please note that BDAC have made considerable efforts to meet the required Covid-19 regulations to ensure your visit is safe and secure. Two large hangers well ventilated with a one way system and lots of space for visitors ensure your safety.
Graham Horner
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
We are always on the look out for new volunteers to join our award wining volunteering team. If you have any spare time, please email [email protected]
Sea Vixen Mk1 cockpit
Let's remember all of those who fought for our freedom on today, Battle of Britain Day!
September 15 is nationally marked as Battle of Britain Day and is the only battle of either of world war which has its date formally set in the British calendar.
On that day in 1940, the Luftwaffe launched two major daylight raids on London and in the evening the defenders triumphantly proclaimed that 185 enemy aircraft had been destroyed - a tremendous boost to British morale.
In fact, the actual number of aircraft lost by the Luftwaffe was only 56 - although the day's hard fighting had forced German high command to realise that there would be no quick victory over RAF Fighter Command before the weather broke in the autumn. Consequently, air superiority - which was required for any invasion attempt - had not been achieved. This meant that a halt had to be called to any preparations or plans to invade the British Isles.
However, the hardest fought day of the Battle of Britain was actually 18 August 1940, and not 15 September as was supposed to be the case across subsequent years.
Nevertheless, 15 September remains the officially marked date of commemoration and remembrance, with a national service of thanksgiving in Westminster Abbey still held on the nearest Sunday to that date. To mark its national importance, the service is usually attended by the reigning monarch.
At Iron Cross magazine, we mark and celebrate the heroism and fortitude of the airmen on both sides who fought bravely during that hectic summer of 1940, look objectively at German military history and the story of Luftwaffe air operations over Britain while saluting the courageous airmen of RAF Fighter Command on the 80th anniversary.
We also echo the sentiments of Luftwaffe fighter and bomber crews who collectively and unreservedly admired and respected their gallant foe.
https://militaria.ma/3kmkfpo
Contrary to our earlier post, the NHS and Key Worker weekend is NOT CANCELLED and IS going ahead. We look forward to seeing all of you soon!
Don't forget we are still fundraising through the link here as sadly we are not eligible for any support grants. Please support us!
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/BDACAppeal?fbclid=IwAR27_uDZxMxwn-dhPFnEmJj_lRZqn5MwpODCCd1BIba2FMqFNapJyJ14ovU
OPEN WEEKEND FOR THE NHS & KEY WORKERS! BDAC has a new event this coming October, Saturday 3rd October to Sunday 4th October. Free entry for NHS and key workers workers and a reduced entry for direct family members.
We have a craft sale, refreshments and raffle going on and you can enjoy the usual occurrings at the Collection.
All profits will be shared between the NHS Charities and the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection! For NHS and key workers PLEASE bring ID to confirm this.
Come and enjoy this wonderful weekend... ✈🌈
Trial fitting of the Astrodaome and Sextant on Lancaster B1A Special PD130 cockpit
Brilliant work at Montrose.
We're delighted to say that the first phase of our infrastructure work is complete. Our museum site has been re-surfaced; giving much improved appearance and access for visitors and volunteers.
We can't wait to reveal the project when it's fully complete!
A massive thanks to our friends at East Coast Surfacing for their hard work and support in this project.
As soon as the surfacing works are completed we are looking to improve the rest of the grounds and especially the areas of worn grass. To this end we are appealing for anybody who could donate top soil, grass seed and gardening expertise.
If you know someone who could help, please get in touch.
#improvement #museum #heritage #montrose #garden #gardening #gardeningtips
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-54002195
No-one came forward to take the Victor aircraft away, says RAF Marham.
RAF Benevolent Fund
All at the RAF Benevolent Fund are saddened to hear of the passing of one of the last Spitfire aces of the Second World War, Squadron Leader Allan Scott DFM.
Allan, 99, was an incredible supporter of the Fund, giving his time generously to spread the word about our work supporting RAF veterans like him who served their country during the Second World War.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Our condolences go to Allan’s family and friends at this sad time. Allan was a remarkable man, indefatigable in his championing of RAF veterans and their sacrifices during the Second World War.
"His love of flying was evident in his determination to return to the cockpit of a Spitfire to mark the 100th birthday of the Royal Air Force. The news of his passing comes at a time when we are turning our thoughts to the brave men who defended our skies during the Battle of Britain, 80 years ago.
"Although Allan missed this battle by just a few months, he shared the selflessness and sense of duty of all of those quiet heroes who to them were ‘just doing their job’ and risking it all for our futures. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all of his friends at the Fund."
Allan, who lived in Witney, joined the RAF in 1940 and became a fighter pilot flying Spitfires from Biggin Hill before heading out to Malta. By the end of the career Allan had flown more than 80 different aircraft types.
Following a flight in a Spitfire to mark the RAF’s centenary in 2018, Allan was looking forward to taking to the skies again at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar to mark his own 100th birthday.
Allan shared some of his career memories with us last year for All Stations Series 1 ▶️ https://bit.ly/32f5hv7
The Air Defence Collection
80 years ago today was an important Day in the Battle of Britain. The Luftwaffe switched to bombing London and the other major cities. The photos below show two tiny parts associated with this day. The RAF fighter pilots saw the sky darken with Luftwaffe bombers and fighters heading towards London. One brave pilot was Pat Hughes a Spitfire pilot based with 234 Squadron at Middle Wallop. In the late afternoon he shot down a Dornier 17z that blew up damaging Pats Spitfire. He bailed out but sadly his parachute failed to open. This display board shows a photo of Pat with his Squadron at Middle Wallop which is only 4 miles from where I live. There is a small plate from the Dornier and one from the Spitfire. Somewhere I have the Bosch undercarriage Horn from the Dornier.
Harrier GR3 XV784
The Royal Flying Corps Collection yesterday was treated to the fantastic launch of Mark Hillier's new book, The Royal Flying Corps Kitbag. The book details the advancements in Royal Flying Corps uniforms, flying kit and personal items that would have been used by the young, brave airmen of the First World War.
Mark took those who visited the launch through a personal tour of the timeline of uniforms used in the war and was always happy to answer any questions posed! I certainly know I have purchased a copy, as did many others. It was a very successful day for both Mark and Frontline Books and we would like to thank him and Martin Mace for visiting us on what became a great day for all who were there. BDAC would like to thank Roger Green for organising the event with Mark & Frontline Books and many thanks to Richard Drew, Ben Cartwright and Sue Thompson for being fantastic RFC guides on the day.
Have you bought a copy yet? 😃 They are still available either from Mark direct, or via Frontline Books!
Hangar 1 North Old Sarum Airfield
Salisbury
SP4 6DZ
Via the Red 11 Bus from Salisbury to Old Sarum. Also includes Salisbury Train Station.
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
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Stuck for something to do today? Come and visit us and find out more about early aviation, fast jets and flight testing. Here is our new Royal Flying Corps exhibition!
Colin Froude has sent us another fascinating insight into the trials testing that went on with the A&AEE 1-11's. In the attached video, it shows XX105's artificial horizon during a test trial of a new Inertial Reference System (IRS). Colin explains the video in the below text; "This was in the early days, and before my time, when they needed an inertial reference system (IRS) for both the left seat digital display and the new autopilot. Although you can test the system by moving the platform on the ground and seeing how the attitude display reacts flight test likes to make sure it does what it should in the air. So off they went with a camera fixed to record how the display behaved. The plan was long the lines of fly a wing over to get up to 90 degrees of bank i.e. more than you would ever need (or want!) in reality. As can be seen the aircraft was level at 15000 ft and 170 kt, pitched down to build up speed then pulled up to around 40 degrees nose up and bank applied. Having spoken to the flight test engineer who was on board what happened next was not what was expected. The aircraft rolled okay but when the aileron was reversed the aircraft continued to roll and nearly ended on its back before the roll reversed! Watch the sunlight and shadow chasing around the flight deck and remember that this is a civil airliner. The 1-11 has manual ailerons and they are generally well balanced and harmonised with the other, powered, controls. However, they are designed for civil airline flying and not for fighter manoeuvres. You also want to avoid the pilot inadvertently over-stressing the aircraft. Having ‘proved’ the new IRS they went home!" Colin explains that later, 1-11 ZH763 - now located down at Newquay after serving an extensive trials career like XX105 - required a twin IRS because a lot of the trials flying required low angles of bank for extend periods. "As a result the first IRS, then the other ADI would topple with the autopilot dropping out and the st
Many thanks to Colin Froude for forwarding this video, taken of him landing one of A&AEE's BAC 1-11's, XX105, in a crosswind at Boscombe Down. The video was shot and is owned by Qinetiq. At the end of her retirement from test flying in 2003, she was the longest-flying 1-11, being only #8 off the production line. She sadly crash-landed on Salisbury Plain during the BAC 1-11 flight test programme, but was repaired and put into airline service before being purchased by the Ministry of Defence in 1971. XX105 was rightly recognised as the most capable, flexible and reliable flying laboratory in Europe, and probably second to none in the world. She was operated at RAE Bedford from 26th March 1973 until February 1994, and then at Boscombe Down until 2003. The days before Christmas 2012 saw this renowned aircraft broken up and removed from Boscombe Down in skips - a sad end to a 30 year career at the forefront of avionics research.
Hawk XX154, the pre-production aircraft, had it's electrics fired up today by its owner. A very nice sight to see!
A fantastic end to a fantastic day. A big, big thank you to all who turned out in such brilliant conditions. The stars were moved to make this happen by a great team of people - I hope many of those who visited today went away with smiles. The Optica G-BOPO flying past the hangars at Old Sarum after taking off this evening. Many thanks to Old Sarum Airfield for their assistance today and allowing people to get close to such a rare and historic aircraft!
And now to relax.. What a bumper few days it's been at Armed Forces Day 2019 in Salisbury. An amazing turnout, we hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did! Do share your photos if you sat in our Jet Provost, ejection seat or stopped by for a chat - we'd love to see them! 🙂 Of course, the Reds were brilliant as ever. Only the best!
Perfect Merlin sound.. Who doesn't love it? 😍
Fantastic flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Official) Dakota ZA947 past us just now. It is particularly apt to us at BDAC as she is an ex Defence Research Agency & RAE aircraft, so a few of our members were able to enjoy her in the D-Day scheme she is emblazoned in now.
Here's a video of our Harrier GR.3 LRMTS nose opening, which does make quite a sound! LRMTS stood for Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker (LRMTS). The Jaguar GR1 & Tornado GR1 had LRMTS too, fitted in the nose and under the forward fuselage respectively. The LRMTS is a dual-purpose unit which can be used as a self-contained laser ranger or as a target seeker with simultaneous range-finding. In the target seeking role it can be used to detect and attack any target designated by ground troops with a compatible laser, enhancing the effectiveness of battlefield close air support. Once the LRMTS has detected the laser energy reflected from the target, provided by a pulse from a Forward Air Controller, it provides steering commands to the pilot on the head-up display. Ranging data is also shown and fed directly into weapon aiming computations for the accurate and automatic release of weapons.
Off with the Historic Army Aircraft Flight! Give them a follow and donate to keep these pieces of Army aviation history in the air. With great thanks to the Wings Over Stonehenge group for organizing this day out.
We talk to Project Director John Sharpe about the upcoming events at the Collection
Great turnout for our monthly VW Group meet up. Even more have arrived now! Car and aeroplane fans don't need to wait long for our next event... 'Vintage Sunday' - this time next week.
A nice mix to kick off today's Vintage Sunday!
"It's a good little toy." One of the visitors to our VW Group April meet up.
The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum
The Wardrobe, 58 The Close
The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum
The Wardrobe, 58 The Close
