£26.50 (Non JG member)
Overview
On Saturday 30 June, they re-opened the London site after a multi-million pound redevelopment. As part of this redevelopment they opened three new permanent exhibitions. Hanger 1: Explore the first 100 years of the Royal Air Force through the stories of its people and partners from its formation in 1918 as the world’s first independent air force. The shop and café can also be found in Hangar 1. Hanger 2: 11 years after the first powered flight, aviation emerged as a vital part of winning the First World War. Discover the vital work of the service men and women on the ground as well as the changing roles of those in the air. Hangers 3,4 & 5: War in the Air 1918–1980. In a relatively short lifespan, the RAF has become woven into the history of the UK and the world. Discover the aircraft of the Battle of Britain alongside extraordinary bombers, seaplanes, trainers and helicopters. The Battle of Britain. The important role of fighter pilots, and the many who support them on the ground, was perhaps best demonstrated during the Battle of Britain in 1940, ‘Their Finest Hour’, when the German Luftwaffe was repelled. Bomber Command. Don’t miss the versatile de Havilland Mosquito, nicknamed ‘The Wooden Wonder’, which was used by the Pathfinder Force to help mark targets in Germany. Probably the most famous, and certainly the most successful, heavy bomber used by Bomber Command was the Lancaster, also displayed in Hangar 5. Explore the story of the Dam Buster’s raid, No. 617 Squadron’s daring attack on three dams in Germany. Helicopters. Explore early auto-giros to the modern helicopters we recognise today. Wings Over Water. In the early days of aviation, airports were few and far between – so aircraft that could land on water were ideal for flying long distances to the far reaches of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Many personal artefacts including medals, letters and uniforms are displayed alongside the finest collection of First World War aircraft bringing both moving and inspiring stories to life – and ensuring that the bravery and sacrifice of these aviation pioneers will never be forgotten.