2. Aircraft

Museum of Scottish Aviation - East Fortune rd

The National Museum of Flight is Scotland's national aviation museum, at East Fortune Airfield, just south of the village of East Fortune, Scotland. The museum is housed in the original wartime buildings of RAF East Fortune which is a well preserved World War II airfield. RAF East Fortune was used as a fighter station during the First World War and later used by a night fighter operational training unit during the Second World War. The motto of the station is "Fortune Favours the Bold".
A trip round the Museum of Scottish Aviation at East Fortune for my birthday. 21/2/2009
A return visit was made on 25/6/2017
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  • This is a de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, a successful small commercial aircraft that was designed and built by the de Havilland company. It was a simple, light design with a plywood box fuselage using 2 × de Havilland Gipsy Major I 4-cylinder air-cooled inverted in-line piston engine, 130 hp each. It was originally designated the DH.84 "Dragon Moth" but marketed as the "Dragon". The prototype first flew at Stag Lane Aerodrome on 12 November 1932. It could carry six passengers, each with 45 lb (20 kg) of luggage. The wing panels outboard of the engines could be folded for storage. This Dragon was built in 1942. After the Second World War it was used in Australia by the Northern Territory Aerial Medical Service and then by Reverend Les Nixon for the ‘Outback Patrol’, a Christian community service.

    This is a de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, a successful small commercial aircraft that was designed and built by the de Havilland company. It was a simple, light design with a plywood box fuselage using 2 × de Havilland Gipsy Major I 4-cylinder air-cooled inverted in-line piston engine, 130 hp each. It was originally designated the DH.84 "Dragon Moth" but marketed as the "Dragon". The prototype first flew at Stag Lane Aerodrome on 12 November 1932. It could carry six passengers, each with 45 lb (20 kg) of luggage. The wing panels outboard of the engines could be folded for storage. This Dragon was built in 1942. After the Second World War it was used in Australia by the Northern Territory Aerial Medical Service and then by Reverend Les Nixon for the ‘Outback Patrol’, a Christian community service.

  • The Avro Anson is a British twin-engined, multi-role aircraft built by the aircraft manufacturer Avro. Large numbers of the type served in a variety of roles for the Royal Air Force (RAF), Fleet Air Arm (FAA), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and numerous other air forces before, during, and after the Second World War. In its day, the Avro Anson represented leading edge technology, and was the first RAF twin-engine aircraft to boast a retractable undercarriage. The Anson served with Coastal Command with great distinction as a capable search and rescue machine, but found a niche as a multiple engine trainer for bombers during the Second World War. More than 11,000 Avro Ansons were built for the British military and other forces around the world. This airframe is a C.19, very different in appearance from the original military Mk. I aircraft used by the RAF during the Second Word War. Just over 250 C.19 Ansons were built. It was given the civil aircraft registration G-APHV, but originally had the military serial VM360.

    The Avro Anson is a British twin-engined, multi-role aircraft built by the aircraft manufacturer Avro. Large numbers of the type served in a variety of roles for the Royal Air Force (RAF), Fleet Air Arm (FAA), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and numerous other air forces before, during, and after the Second World War. In its day, the Avro Anson represented leading edge technology, and was the first RAF twin-engine aircraft to boast a retractable undercarriage. The Anson served with Coastal Command with great distinction as a capable search and rescue machine, but found a niche as a multiple engine trainer for bombers during the Second World War. More than 11,000 Avro Ansons were built for the British military and other forces around the world. This airframe is a C.19, very different in appearance from the original military Mk. I aircraft used by the RAF during the Second Word War. Just over 250 C.19 Ansons were built. It was given the civil aircraft registration G-APHV, but originally had the military serial VM360.

  • The Beechcraft Model 18 (or "Twin Beech", as it is also known) is a 6- to 11-seat,[1] twin-engined, low-wing, tailwheel light aircraft manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. Continuously produced from 1937 to November 1969 (over 32 years, a world record at the time), over 9,000 were built, making it one of the world's most widely used light aircraft. Sold worldwide as a civilian executive, utility, cargo aircraft, and passenger airliner on tailwheels, nosewheels, skis, or floats, it was also used as a military aircraft. The Beech was converted to a nine-seat layout in 1968 for the Scottish airline, Loganair. This E-18S aircraft was operated by Loganair. It flew their first international service, from Glasgow to Stavanger in Norway, via Aberdeen, in July 1969. It was also used to carry newspapers on the Glasgow to Stornoway route.

    The Beechcraft Model 18 (or "Twin Beech", as it is also known) is a 6- to 11-seat,[1] twin-engined, low-wing, tailwheel light aircraft manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. Continuously produced from 1937 to November 1969 (over 32 years, a world record at the time), over 9,000 were built, making it one of the world's most widely used light aircraft. Sold worldwide as a civilian executive, utility, cargo aircraft, and passenger airliner on tailwheels, nosewheels, skis, or floats, it was also used as a military aircraft. The Beech was converted to a nine-seat layout in 1968 for the Scottish airline, Loganair. This E-18S aircraft was operated by Loganair. It flew their first international service, from Glasgow to Stavanger in Norway, via Aberdeen, in July 1969. It was also used to carry newspapers on the Glasgow to Stornoway route.

  • One of the most versatile aircraft ever built, the Britten-Norman Islander has been used in a multitude of different roles, including commercial passenger transport, air ambulance, fisheries protection, policing and counter-terrorist operations, to name but a few. The prototype first flew on 13 June 1965 and the first production aircraft on 24 April 1967, the launch customer being Loganair. This airframe G-BELF, was first registered on 13 January 1977 and started its flying career with an air taxi firm in Germany. It was later sold to Atlantic Air Transport before being operated by parachute clubs in England and Scotland. It was donated to the Museum by George Cormack of Cormack Aircraft Services Ltd and has been painted in the colours of an aircraft operated by the Scottish Air Ambulance Service in recognition of the contribution of this service to life in Scotland.

    One of the most versatile aircraft ever built, the Britten-Norman Islander has been used in a multitude of different roles, including commercial passenger transport, air ambulance, fisheries protection, policing and counter-terrorist operations, to name but a few. The prototype first flew on 13 June 1965 and the first production aircraft on 24 April 1967, the launch customer being Loganair. This airframe G-BELF, was first registered on 13 January 1977 and started its flying career with an air taxi firm in Germany. It was later sold to Atlantic Air Transport before being operated by parachute clubs in England and Scotland. It was donated to the Museum by George Cormack of Cormack Aircraft Services Ltd and has been painted in the colours of an aircraft operated by the Scottish Air Ambulance Service in recognition of the contribution of this service to life in Scotland.

  • The de Havilland DH.104 Dove is a British short-haul airliner developed and manufactured by de Havilland. The design was a monoplane successor to the pre-war Dragon Rapide biplane. The Dove was a popular aircraft and is considered to be one of Britain's most successful postwar civil designs, in excess of 500 aircraft being manufactured between 1946 and 1967. Several military variants were operated, such as the Devon by the Royal Air Force and the Sea Devon by the Royal Navy, and the type also saw service with a number of overseas military forces. This Dove G-ANOV was based at Stansted Airport in London. It was used for aircrew licence testing and also on calibration flights for airport radio aid systems and carries Civial Aviation Authority markings.

    The de Havilland DH.104 Dove is a British short-haul airliner developed and manufactured by de Havilland. The design was a monoplane successor to the pre-war Dragon Rapide biplane. The Dove was a popular aircraft and is considered to be one of Britain's most successful postwar civil designs, in excess of 500 aircraft being manufactured between 1946 and 1967. Several military variants were operated, such as the Devon by the Royal Air Force and the Sea Devon by the Royal Navy, and the type also saw service with a number of overseas military forces. This Dove G-ANOV was based at Stansted Airport in London. It was used for aircrew licence testing and also on calibration flights for airport radio aid systems and carries Civial Aviation Authority markings.

  • This is the triple fin tail section of a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer aircraft.

    This is the triple fin tail section of a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer aircraft.

  • Looking into the hangar from beside the Twin Pioneer with the left wing and one of its 2 x Alvis Leonides piston engines.

    Looking into the hangar from beside the Twin Pioneer with the left wing and one of its 2 x Alvis Leonides piston engines.

  • The Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer was a British STOL transport aircraft built by Scottish Aviation Limited at Prestwick Airport, Scotland, during the 1950s. It was designed for both civil and military operators. This example G-BBVF served with the RAF as XM961 in Borneo and was eventually bought by civilian company Flight One at Staverton Airport, which had a small fleet of Twin Pioneers for aerial survey work. It was sold to the Museum after another aircraft was blown into it when parked during a gale in 1982.

    The Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer was a British STOL transport aircraft built by Scottish Aviation Limited at Prestwick Airport, Scotland, during the 1950s. It was designed for both civil and military operators. This example G-BBVF served with the RAF as XM961 in Borneo and was eventually bought by civilian company Flight One at Staverton Airport, which had a small fleet of Twin Pioneers for aerial survey work. It was sold to the Museum after another aircraft was blown into it when parked during a gale in 1982.

  • This beast is a General Electric CF6, US military designation F103, part of a family of high-bypass turbofan engines produced by GE Aviation. Based on the TF39, the first high-power high-bypass jet engine, the CF6 powers a wide variety of civilian airliners. The CF6 has a single-stage fan with one core booster stage, driven by a 5-stage LP (low pressure) turbine, turbocharging a 16-stage HP (high pressure) axial compressor driven by a 2-stage HP turbine; the combustor is annular; separate exhaust nozzles are used for the fan and core airflows. The 86.4-in (2.19-m) diameter fan generates an airflow of 1,300 lb/s (590 kg/s), resulting in a relatively high bypass ratio of 5.72. The overall pressure ratio of the compression system is 24.3. At maximum take-off power, the engine develops a static thrust of 41,500 lb

    This beast is a General Electric CF6, US military designation F103, part of a family of high-bypass turbofan engines produced by GE Aviation. Based on the TF39, the first high-power high-bypass jet engine, the CF6 powers a wide variety of civilian airliners. The CF6 has a single-stage fan with one core booster stage, driven by a 5-stage LP (low pressure) turbine, turbocharging a 16-stage HP (high pressure) axial compressor driven by a 2-stage HP turbine; the combustor is annular; separate exhaust nozzles are used for the fan and core airflows. The 86.4-in (2.19-m) diameter fan generates an airflow of 1,300 lb/s (590 kg/s), resulting in a relatively high bypass ratio of 5.72. The overall pressure ratio of the compression system is 24.3. At maximum take-off power, the engine develops a static thrust of 41,500 lb

  • After developing the TF39 for the C-5 Galaxy in the late 1960s, GE offered a more powerful variant for civilian use, the CF6, and quickly found interest in two designs the Lockheed L-1011 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. Lockheed eventually selected the Rolls-Royce RB211, but the latter stuck with the CF6 and entered service in 1971. It was also selected for versions of the Boeing 747. Since then, the CF6 has powered versions of the Airbus A300, A310 and A330, Boeing 767, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11.

    After developing the TF39 for the C-5 Galaxy in the late 1960s, GE offered a more powerful variant for civilian use, the CF6, and quickly found interest in two designs the Lockheed L-1011 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. Lockheed eventually selected the Rolls-Royce RB211, but the latter stuck with the CF6 and entered service in 1971. It was also selected for versions of the Boeing 747. Since then, the CF6 has powered versions of the Airbus A300, A310 and A330, Boeing 767, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11.

  • A side on view of the de Havilland Dove. In front of it is a de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine, a British six-cylinder aero engine of 9.2 litres (560 cu in) capacity that was developed in 1936 by the de Havilland Engine Company. It was developed from the de Havilland Gipsy Six for military aircraft use.[1] Produced between 1936 and 1950 Gipsy Queen engines still power vintage de Havilland aircraft types today.

    A side on view of the de Havilland Dove. In front of it is a de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine, a British six-cylinder aero engine of 9.2 litres (560 cu in) capacity that was developed in 1936 by the de Havilland Engine Company. It was developed from the de Havilland Gipsy Six for military aircraft use.[1] Produced between 1936 and 1950 Gipsy Queen engines still power vintage de Havilland aircraft types today.

  • The de Havilland DH.106 Comet was the world's first commercial jet airliner. Developed and manufactured by de Havilland at its Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, the Comet 1 prototype first flew in 1949. It featured an aerodynamically clean design with four de Havilland Ghost turbojet engines buried in the wing roots, a pressurised cabin, and large square windows. For the era, it offered a relatively quiet, comfortable passenger cabin and was commercially promising.

    The de Havilland DH.106 Comet was the world's first commercial jet airliner. Developed and manufactured by de Havilland at its Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, the Comet 1 prototype first flew in 1949. It featured an aerodynamically clean design with four de Havilland Ghost turbojet engines buried in the wing roots, a pressurised cabin, and large square windows. For the era, it offered a relatively quiet, comfortable passenger cabin and was commercially promising.

  • G-BDIX was the last of five built in the early 1960s for the Royal Air Force. She served from their transport command centre at Lyneham in Wiltshire, and could carry 94 passengers. In a crisis, the aircraft was sometimes used as a flying ambulance, with room for 50 seats, 12 stretchers and six medical personnel. The larger airline companies began phasing out Comets in the early 1970s. They were immediately snapped up by charter company Dan-Air, (known affectionately as Dan Dare). They acquired the last five RAF Comets in 1975 and flew a 119-passenger service with them until 1980.

    G-BDIX was the last of five built in the early 1960s for the Royal Air Force. She served from their transport command centre at Lyneham in Wiltshire, and could carry 94 passengers. In a crisis, the aircraft was sometimes used as a flying ambulance, with room for 50 seats, 12 stretchers and six medical personnel. The larger airline companies began phasing out Comets in the early 1970s. They were immediately snapped up by charter company Dan-Air, (known affectionately as Dan Dare). They acquired the last five RAF Comets in 1975 and flew a 119-passenger service with them until 1980.

  • Parked up outside is Avro Vulcan B2A XM597. Completed on 26 August 1963, it was delivered to 12 Squadron the next day. The only other surviving Vulcan to have engaged the enemy in the Black Buck missions of the Falklands War, setting the record for longest bombing raid in Black Buck 5, and causing an international incident when it had to divert to Brazil in Black Buck 6, both feats commemorated with two mission markings and a Brazilian flag painted on the nose. Latterly with 50 Squadron, it was delivered to East Fortune on 12 April 1984. Displayed outside Hangar 1.

    Parked up outside is Avro Vulcan B2A XM597. Completed on 26 August 1963, it was delivered to 12 Squadron the next day. The only other surviving Vulcan to have engaged the enemy in the Black Buck missions of the Falklands War, setting the record for longest bombing raid in Black Buck 5, and causing an international incident when it had to divert to Brazil in Black Buck 6, both feats commemorated with two mission markings and a Brazilian flag painted on the nose. Latterly with 50 Squadron, it was delivered to East Fortune on 12 April 1984. Displayed outside Hangar 1.

  • The Hawker Siddeley Harrier is a British military aircraft. It was the first of the Harrier Jump Jet series of aircraft and was developed in the 1960s as the first operational ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft with vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities and the only truly successful V/STOL design of that era.

    The Hawker Siddeley Harrier is a British military aircraft. It was the first of the Harrier Jump Jet series of aircraft and was developed in the 1960s as the first operational ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft with vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities and the only truly successful V/STOL design of that era.

  • XV277 is the second pre-production Harrier, it led a life of trials and testing, and although modified to GR.3 standard it never saw operational service. Following retirement, it was used by the Fleet Air Arm at Yeovilton as a ground instructional airframe (hence the Royal Navy markings and the non-standard white undersides) before being sold to a private collector. It was purchased by the Museum of Flight in 2000.

    XV277 is the second pre-production Harrier, it led a life of trials and testing, and although modified to GR.3 standard it never saw operational service. Following retirement, it was used by the Fleet Air Arm at Yeovilton as a ground instructional airframe (hence the Royal Navy markings and the non-standard white undersides) before being sold to a private collector. It was purchased by the Museum of Flight in 2000.

  • Looking over the top of XV277 with the Aero S-103 and Messerschmitt Komet beyond and the tall tail fin of Tornado ZE934 to the right.

    Looking over the top of XV277 with the Aero S-103 and Messerschmitt Komet beyond and the tall tail fin of Tornado ZE934 to the right.

  • The rear end of XV277 with a Rolls Royce Pegasus engine below the starboard wing, a selection of armaments and a small jet engine of unknown details.

    The rear end of XV277 with a Rolls Royce Pegasus engine below the starboard wing, a selection of armaments and a small jet engine of unknown details.

  • The tail fin of the F3 Tornado towers above the cockpit of XV277.

    The tail fin of the F3 Tornado towers above the cockpit of XV277.

  • Beyond the Harrier is the Aero S-103. The Aero was the Soviet MiG-15bis, built under licence by the Aero Vodochody aircraft company. This example was flown by the Czechoslovakian 11th Air Regiment. The crest of the city of Ostrava is painted on the nose. To its left is the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet. It was the fastest aircraft of the Second World War, and the only rocket-powered fighter plane ever to be used in combat. Yet it was not as successful as expected. The engine gave a phenomenal performance that made it possible for the Komet to get close to the speed of sound. On 10 June 1945, this Komet serial number 191659, was flown Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown. He was the only Allied pilot ever to fly a Komet with the rocket motor running. In 1945 this Komet was shipped to Britain and two years later transferred to the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield (now Cranfield University). It remained part of their 'Library of Flight' until 1975, when it went on display at the National Museum of Flight.

    Beyond the Harrier is the Aero S-103. The Aero was the Soviet MiG-15bis, built under licence by the Aero Vodochody aircraft company. This example was flown by the Czechoslovakian 11th Air Regiment. The crest of the city of Ostrava is painted on the nose. To its left is the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet. It was the fastest aircraft of the Second World War, and the only rocket-powered fighter plane ever to be used in combat. Yet it was not as successful as expected. The engine gave a phenomenal performance that made it possible for the Komet to get close to the speed of sound. On 10 June 1945, this Komet serial number 191659, was flown Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown. He was the only Allied pilot ever to fly a Komet with the rocket motor running. In 1945 this Komet was shipped to Britain and two years later transferred to the College of Aeronautics at Cranfield (now Cranfield University). It remained part of their 'Library of Flight' until 1975, when it went on display at the National Museum of Flight.

  • The McDonnel-Douglas F4 Phantom II. 5,195 production models of this most successful, post-war, multi-role fighter have been built since the prototype flew in May 1958. Initially designed as an aircraft carrier based fighter, the US Air Force eventually became the largest user. Eleven other countries, including the UK, also adopted the Phantom. With a maximum speed of around 1,500mph and an initial climb rate of over 61,000 feet a minute, the Phantom had a combat radius of over 780 miles.

    The McDonnel-Douglas F4 Phantom II. 5,195 production models of this most successful, post-war, multi-role fighter have been built since the prototype flew in May 1958. Initially designed as an aircraft carrier based fighter, the US Air Force eventually became the largest user. Eleven other countries, including the UK, also adopted the Phantom. With a maximum speed of around 1,500mph and an initial climb rate of over 61,000 feet a minute, the Phantom had a combat radius of over 780 miles.

  • 155848 first flew in 1968 as an F-4J and flew as such with the US Navy before being converted to F-4S standard and transferring to the US Marine Corps in 1978. In 1983 she was retired and the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton acquired her not long afterwards but was handed over to the Museum of Flight in 1999.

    155848 first flew in 1968 as an F-4J and flew as such with the US Navy before being converted to F-4S standard and transferring to the US Marine Corps in 1978. In 1983 she was retired and the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton acquired her not long afterwards but was handed over to the Museum of Flight in 1999.

  • The English Electric Lightning is a British fighter aircraft that served as an interceptor during the 1960s, the 1970s and into the late 1980s. It remains the only UK-designed-and-built fighter capable of Mach 2. The Lightning was designed, developed, and manufactured by English Electric, which was later merged into the newly-formed British Aircraft Corporation. Later the type was marketed as the BAC Lightning.

    The English Electric Lightning is a British fighter aircraft that served as an interceptor during the 1960s, the 1970s and into the late 1980s. It remains the only UK-designed-and-built fighter capable of Mach 2. The Lightning was designed, developed, and manufactured by English Electric, which was later merged into the newly-formed British Aircraft Corporation. Later the type was marketed as the BAC Lightning.

  • XN776 spent almost 15 years in RAF service, with Numbers 19 and 92 Squadrons. The cobra with maple leaves design on the tail is the badge of 92 Squadron. It is an F2A variant single-seat fighter (F.2s upgraded to near F.6 standard); featuring Avon 211R engines, retained ADEN cannon and Firestreak (replaceable Firestreak pack swappable with ADEN Cannon Pack for a total of four ADEN Cannon), arrestor hook and enlarged Ventral Tank for two hours flight endurance. A total of 31 converted from F.2.

    XN776 spent almost 15 years in RAF service, with Numbers 19 and 92 Squadrons. The cobra with maple leaves design on the tail is the badge of 92 Squadron. It is an F2A variant single-seat fighter (F.2s upgraded to near F.6 standard); featuring Avon 211R engines, retained ADEN cannon and Firestreak (replaceable Firestreak pack swappable with ADEN Cannon Pack for a total of four ADEN Cannon), arrestor hook and enlarged Ventral Tank for two hours flight endurance. A total of 31 converted from F.2.

  • Three very different tail fins. Central is the tall fin for Tornado F3 ZE934 in the markings of 56 Sqn

    Three very different tail fins. Central is the tall fin for Tornado F3 ZE934 in the markings of 56 Sqn

  • The Gloster Meteor is a fighter aircraft that was the first British jet fighter and the Allies' only jet aircraft to achieve combat operations during World War II. The Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations on 27 July 1944 with No. 616 Squadron RAF. Several major variants of the Meteor incorporated technological advances during the 1940s and 1950s. Thousands of Meteors were built to fly with the RAF and other air forces and remained in use for several decades. Meteor G_ARCX is a night-fighter version, with two seats and a longer nose to house the radar. It is a NF14 variant with a longer nose giving a length of 51 ft 4 in. The prototype was modified from an NF.11 and was first flown 23 October 1953 and was followed by 100 production aircraft built by Armstrong Whitworth for the Royal Air Force. The Ferranti Flying Unit, based at Edinburgh Airport, used it to test radar equipment and to transport company personnel. The paint scheme of white with a red stripe led to the aircraft being nicknamed ‘Mentadent’ after the brand of toothpaste.

    The Gloster Meteor is a fighter aircraft that was the first British jet fighter and the Allies' only jet aircraft to achieve combat operations during World War II. The Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations on 27 July 1944 with No. 616 Squadron RAF. Several major variants of the Meteor incorporated technological advances during the 1940s and 1950s. Thousands of Meteors were built to fly with the RAF and other air forces and remained in use for several decades. Meteor G_ARCX is a night-fighter version, with two seats and a longer nose to house the radar. It is a NF14 variant with a longer nose giving a length of 51 ft 4 in. The prototype was modified from an NF.11 and was first flown 23 October 1953 and was followed by 100 production aircraft built by Armstrong Whitworth for the Royal Air Force. The Ferranti Flying Unit, based at Edinburgh Airport, used it to test radar equipment and to transport company personnel. The paint scheme of white with a red stripe led to the aircraft being nicknamed ‘Mentadent’ after the brand of toothpaste.

  • Looking down on Meteor G-ARCX and Hawker Sea Hawk WF259. The Hawker Sea Hawk is a British single-seat jet day fighter formerly of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), the air branch of the Royal Navy (RN), built by Hawker Aircraft and its sister company, Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft.

    Looking down on Meteor G-ARCX and Hawker Sea Hawk WF259. The Hawker Sea Hawk is a British single-seat jet day fighter formerly of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), the air branch of the Royal Navy (RN), built by Hawker Aircraft and its sister company, Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft.

  • Like most naval aircraft, the Sea Hawk had folding wings to save space on an aircraft carrier. Six squadrons of Sea Hawks took part in operations after Egypt seized control of the Suez Canal. Between 1956 and 1957, Sea Hawks carried out ground attack missions against Egyptian installations. This Sea Hawk served with training squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm at Abbotsinch and Lossiemouth, two Scottish airbases.

    Like most naval aircraft, the Sea Hawk had folding wings to save space on an aircraft carrier. Six squadrons of Sea Hawks took part in operations after Egypt seized control of the Suez Canal. Between 1956 and 1957, Sea Hawks carried out ground attack missions against Egyptian installations. This Sea Hawk served with training squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm at Abbotsinch and Lossiemouth, two Scottish airbases.

  • Looking at the arse end of Sea Hawk WF259.

    Looking at the arse end of Sea Hawk WF259.

  • Blackburn Buccaneer S2B XT288. The Blackburn Buccaneer is a British carrier-capable attack aircraft designed in the 1950s for the Royal Navy in 1962, it entered RAF service in 1969. Variant S2B is a development of the S.2 for RAF squadrons. Capable of carrying the Martel anti-radar or anti-shipping missile. Forty-six built between 1973 and 1977

    Blackburn Buccaneer S2B XT288. The Blackburn Buccaneer is a British carrier-capable attack aircraft designed in the 1950s for the Royal Navy in 1962, it entered RAF service in 1969. Variant S2B is a development of the S.2 for RAF squadrons. Capable of carrying the Martel anti-radar or anti-shipping missile. Forty-six built between 1973 and 1977

  • XT288 has been restored externally (bar missing pylons, pitot probe and ECM bullets) but is missing her engines (at least that means no problems with dripping oil!) and her cockpit is near-gutted right now. XT288 had a varied career, serving with the Fleet Air Arm to begin with and then going on to serve with the RAF with 12 Sqn, 230 OCU, 28 Sqn and 208 Sqn. Ending her days with 12 Sqn, a ground accident caused one of the wings to become twisted, thus relegating her to ground weapons handling instructional use only thus she never had a chance to see service in the Gulf.

    XT288 has been restored externally (bar missing pylons, pitot probe and ECM bullets) but is missing her engines (at least that means no problems with dripping oil!) and her cockpit is near-gutted right now. XT288 had a varied career, serving with the Fleet Air Arm to begin with and then going on to serve with the RAF with 12 Sqn, 230 OCU, 28 Sqn and 208 Sqn. Ending her days with 12 Sqn, a ground accident caused one of the wings to become twisted, thus relegating her to ground weapons handling instructional use only thus she never had a chance to see service in the Gulf.

  • The Buccaneer seen beyond the tail booms of the Sea Venom.

    The Buccaneer seen beyond the tail booms of the Sea Venom.

  • Folded wings and cockpits. In the foreground is de Havilland Sea Venom WW145. It is on display with its wings folded as it the Buccaneer behind. The Phantom at the back can also fold its wings. This Sea Venom is a FAW.22 variant, it has the more powerful (5,300 lbf (23.6 kN)) Ghost 105 engine, giving improved high-altitude performance.

    Folded wings and cockpits. In the foreground is de Havilland Sea Venom WW145. It is on display with its wings folded as it the Buccaneer behind. The Phantom at the back can also fold its wings. This Sea Venom is a FAW.22 variant, it has the more powerful (5,300 lbf (23.6 kN)) Ghost 105 engine, giving improved high-altitude performance.

  • The Sea Venom was the navalised version of the Venom NF.2 two-seat night fighter, and was used as an all-weather interceptor by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA). The necessary modifications for use on the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers included folding wings, a tailhook (which retracted into a characteristic "lip" over the jetpipe) and strengthened, long-stroke undercarriage. The canopy was modified to allow ejection from underwater.

    The Sea Venom was the navalised version of the Venom NF.2 two-seat night fighter, and was used as an all-weather interceptor by the Fleet Air Arm (FAA). The necessary modifications for use on the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers included folding wings, a tailhook (which retracted into a characteristic "lip" over the jetpipe) and strengthened, long-stroke undercarriage. The canopy was modified to allow ejection from underwater.

  • Looking at the rear end of the Sea Venom with its twin boom leading to two fins and a one piece tail plane.

    Looking at the rear end of the Sea Venom with its twin boom leading to two fins and a one piece tail plane.

  • Folded wings everywhere.

    Folded wings everywhere.

  • The Sea Venom cockpit seen over the rear fuselage of the Sea Hawk.

    The Sea Venom cockpit seen over the rear fuselage of the Sea Hawk.

  • The Percival P.56 Provost is a basic trainer aircraft that was designed and manufactured by British aviation company Percival. During the 1950s, the Provost was developed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a replacement for the Percival Prentice. The Provost entered service with the RAF during 1953 and quickly proved to be more capable than the preceding Prentice. This airframe is WV493 and was one of the first aircraft to make their final flight to East Fortune.

    The Percival P.56 Provost is a basic trainer aircraft that was designed and manufactured by British aviation company Percival. During the 1950s, the Provost was developed for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a replacement for the Percival Prentice. The Provost entered service with the RAF during 1953 and quickly proved to be more capable than the preceding Prentice. This airframe is WV493 and was one of the first aircraft to make their final flight to East Fortune.

  • The Saunders-Roe Skeeter was a two-seat training and scout helicopter that was developed and produced by British manufacturer Saunders-Roe ("Saro") of Cowes and Southampton. It is a light all-metal, two-seat single-rotor helicopter, complete with a tail rotor for torque compensation and yaw control. It was intended to perform as an all-purpose rotorcraft, primarily being used for light civil work as well as aerial observation and training missions in military service. XL762 is a Skeeter AOP.12 variant. Air Observation Post helicopter for the British Army Air Corps and training helicopter for the Royal Air Force.

    The Saunders-Roe Skeeter was a two-seat training and scout helicopter that was developed and produced by British manufacturer Saunders-Roe ("Saro") of Cowes and Southampton. It is a light all-metal, two-seat single-rotor helicopter, complete with a tail rotor for torque compensation and yaw control. It was intended to perform as an all-purpose rotorcraft, primarily being used for light civil work as well as aerial observation and training missions in military service. XL762 is a Skeeter AOP.12 variant. Air Observation Post helicopter for the British Army Air Corps and training helicopter for the Royal Air Force.

  • The de Havilland Vampire is a British jet fighter which was developed and manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. It was the second jet fighter to be operated by the RAF, after the Gloster Meteor, and the first to be powered by a single jet engine. XA109 is a T22 training variant Sea Vampire. It could be easily distinguished by the presence of a V-shaped arrester hook that retracted to a high-mounted position above the jet pipe. The Sea Vampire was fitted with enlarged air brakes and landing flaps for superior low-speed control during landing approaches, along with stronger construction for the higher stresses involved in carrier landings and catapult launches. As of 2017 this airframe is now at the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre.

    The de Havilland Vampire is a British jet fighter which was developed and manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. It was the second jet fighter to be operated by the RAF, after the Gloster Meteor, and the first to be powered by a single jet engine. XA109 is a T22 training variant Sea Vampire. It could be easily distinguished by the presence of a V-shaped arrester hook that retracted to a high-mounted position above the jet pipe. The Sea Vampire was fitted with enlarged air brakes and landing flaps for superior low-speed control during landing approaches, along with stronger construction for the higher stresses involved in carrier landings and catapult launches. As of 2017 this airframe is now at the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre.

  • The de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth is a 1930s British biplane designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and built by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. It was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and other operators as a primary trainer aircraft. In addition to the type's principal use for training, the Second World War had RAF Tiger Moths operating in other capacities, including maritime surveillance and defensive anti-invasion preparations; some aircraft were even outfitted to function as armed light bombers. It is powered by 1 × de Havilland Gipsy Major I 4-cylinder air-cooled inverted in-line piston engine, 130 hp. G_AOEL

    The de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth is a 1930s British biplane designed by Geoffrey de Havilland and built by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. It was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and other operators as a primary trainer aircraft. In addition to the type's principal use for training, the Second World War had RAF Tiger Moths operating in other capacities, including maritime surveillance and defensive anti-invasion preparations; some aircraft were even outfitted to function as armed light bombers. It is powered by 1 × de Havilland Gipsy Major I 4-cylinder air-cooled inverted in-line piston engine, 130 hp. G_AOEL

  • The D.31 Turbulent was designed to be amateur-built and is a single-seat ultra-light aircraft with cantilever low-wing and fixed tailwheel landing gear. Designed to be powered by a 30hp (1200cc) Volkswagen or similar engine. The fuselage and wings use wood construction with fabric covering. This aeroplane was built by John Sharp in his house in Airdrie. The wing was constructed across a hallway into bedrooms on either side. The family had to crawl under the wing each night on their way to bed. Final assembly of the aircraft was completed in a local school playground around 1967.

    The D.31 Turbulent was designed to be amateur-built and is a single-seat ultra-light aircraft with cantilever low-wing and fixed tailwheel landing gear. Designed to be powered by a 30hp (1200cc) Volkswagen or similar engine. The fuselage and wings use wood construction with fabric covering. This aeroplane was built by John Sharp in his house in Airdrie. The wing was constructed across a hallway into bedrooms on either side. The family had to crawl under the wing each night on their way to bed. Final assembly of the aircraft was completed in a local school playground around 1967.

  • The Scottish Aviation Bulldog is a British two-seat side-by-side (with optional third seat) training aircraft designed by Beagle Aircraft as the B.125 Bulldog. The prototype Bulldog flew on 19 May 1969. This airframe is the prototype built by Beagle Aircraft. G-AXEH

    The Scottish Aviation Bulldog is a British two-seat side-by-side (with optional third seat) training aircraft designed by Beagle Aircraft as the B.125 Bulldog. The prototype Bulldog flew on 19 May 1969. This airframe is the prototype built by Beagle Aircraft. G-AXEH

  • The Bristol Fairchild Bolingbroke is a maritime patrol aircraft and trainer used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Built by Fairchild-Canada, it was a license-built version of the Bristol Blenheim Mk IV bomber. This airframe is 9940 and uses the outer wings of 9059. This Bolingbroke was used to train air gunners. It is painted in the yellow colour scheme of training aircraft which flew as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War. More than 230,000 men took part in this training.

    The Bristol Fairchild Bolingbroke is a maritime patrol aircraft and trainer used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Built by Fairchild-Canada, it was a license-built version of the Bristol Blenheim Mk IV bomber. This airframe is 9940 and uses the outer wings of 9059. This Bolingbroke was used to train air gunners. It is painted in the yellow colour scheme of training aircraft which flew as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the Second World War. More than 230,000 men took part in this training.

  • The Miles M.18 was a light civil aircraft, only four were built, between 1938 and 1942. In 1941 this aircraft was considered by the Royal Air Force for training pilots but no order was placed. In 1948 Brian Iles bought this aircraft. He flew it in many air races, with great success. He won the Goodyear Trophy Air Race in 1956, the 1956 and 1957 British Air Racing Championships, the Osram Cup Air Race in 1957 and the King’s Cup Air Race in 1961. G-AHKY

    The Miles M.18 was a light civil aircraft, only four were built, between 1938 and 1942. In 1941 this aircraft was considered by the Royal Air Force for training pilots but no order was placed. In 1948 Brian Iles bought this aircraft. He flew it in many air races, with great success. He won the Goodyear Trophy Air Race in 1956, the 1956 and 1957 British Air Racing Championships, the Osram Cup Air Race in 1957 and the King’s Cup Air Race in 1961. G-AHKY

  • I am struggling to find any details about this airframe.

    I am struggling to find any details about this airframe.

  • The General Aircraft GAL.42 Cygnet II was a 1930s British single-engined training or touring aircraft built by General Aircraft Limited at London Air Park, Hanworth. The Cygnet was the first light aircraft made in Britain with all-metal construction and only 11 were built between 1936 and 1941. This Cygnet was originally built for recreational flying. Like many civilian aircraft, it was taken into military service during the Second World War. It was flown twice by Squadron Leader Guy Gibson, in February 1942, he was an instructor at a training unit. He flew the Cygnet to train pilots who were not used to aircraft with a nose wheel. G-AGBN

    The General Aircraft GAL.42 Cygnet II was a 1930s British single-engined training or touring aircraft built by General Aircraft Limited at London Air Park, Hanworth. The Cygnet was the first light aircraft made in Britain with all-metal construction and only 11 were built between 1936 and 1941. This Cygnet was originally built for recreational flying. Like many civilian aircraft, it was taken into military service during the Second World War. It was flown twice by Squadron Leader Guy Gibson, in February 1942, he was an instructor at a training unit. He flew the Cygnet to train pilots who were not used to aircraft with a nose wheel. G-AGBN

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    After developing the TF39 for the C-5 Galaxy in the late 1960s, GE offered a more powerful variant for civilian use, the CF6, and quickly found interest in two designs the Lockheed L-1011 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10. Lockheed eventually selected the Rolls-Royce RB211, but the latter stuck with the CF6 and entered service in 1971. It was also selected for versions of the Boeing 747. Since then, the CF6 has powered versions of the Airbus A300, A310 and A330, Boeing 767, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11.
    A side on view of the de Havilland Dove. In front of it is a de Havilland Gipsy Queen engine, a British six-cylinder aero engine of 9.2 litres (560 cu in) capacity that was developed in 1936 by the de Havilland Engine Company. It was developed from the de Havilland Gipsy Six for military aircraft use.[1] Produced between 1936 and 1950 Gipsy Queen engines still power vintage de Havilland aircraft types today.
    The de Havilland DH.106 Comet was the world's first commercial jet airliner. Developed and manufactured by de Havilland at its Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, the Comet 1 prototype first flew in 1949. It featured an aerodynamically clean design with four de Havilland Ghost turbojet engines buried in the wing roots, a pressurised cabin, and large square windows. For the era, it offered a relatively quiet, comfortable passenger cabin and was commercially promising.