RAF Museum Midlands – Custodians of the nation’s aviation heritage
Welcome to this latest edition of Aerodrome and our regular look at the fascinating world of aeroplanes and the historic aviation scene around the UK.
In the previous edition of Aerodrome, we published our review of the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands excellent new Bomber Command exhibition, covering all the interesting new display developments and including most of the exhibit movements required to accommodate it. Although this was our main reason for heading down to Cosford on the day, any visit to this magnificent museum is time spent in the very history of aviation and with so many historic exhibits on site, there is always something interesting to see and discover each and every time.
For this reason, we really wouldn’t be doing our Royal Air Force Museum Midlands day out justice unless we included an update on the early 2024 presentation of their aviation exhibits, which is what we intend to do in this latest edition. Colloquially entitled ‘RAF Museum Midlands visit part II’, we will be taking this opportunity to take a wider look at the other display hangars, looking at some of the other aircraft movements and hopefully encourage a few Workbench readers to plan their own first visit to Cosford for the year.
Making this an intentionally image rich review, we will begin by looking at one of the most impressive exhibits at Cosford, an aircraft which still looks futuristic even though this year marks the 60th anniversary of its first flight, the incomparable BAC TSR-2. Please join us as we head back to RAF Cosford for more of Britain’s preserved aviation heritage.
An aircraft to take your breath away
Sure to be receiving plenty of attention this year, 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the first flight of the stunning BAC TSR-2.
Throughout the history of aviation, there are some aircraft which simply demand our attention, be they the first of their kind, the most effective in what they do, or by virtue of their service achievements. There is one British aircraft which managed to do this despite the fact that only a single development aircraft made it into the air, an aircraft which was so advanced that it held the potential of providing the Royal Air Force with an aircraft which was a genuine world-beater, the still futuristic looking BAC TSR-2. Unfortunately, due to cost overruns and a change in government, this particular story of aviation triumph ended in the most ignominious manner and the almost brutal dismantling of anything to do with the programme. Thankfully, one of these magnificent aircraft is preserved at the RAF Museum’s Cosford site and for those who are lucky enough to see it, they will attest to the fact that TSR-2 still looks futuristic to this day.
From the perspective of Britain’s aviation history, many commentators over the years maintain that the BAC TSR-2 project represented everything which was wrong with the British aviation industry during the 1950s and 60s, whilst at the same time illustrating how the country’s finest minds could lead the world in the technological advancement of aviation. Had the aircraft completed its development programme, it would undoubtedly have resulted in the Royal Air Force being equipped with a strike and reconnaissance jet which was significantly more capable than anything else in service at that time, a real world-beater of an aeroplane which could claim to be well ahead of any competition.
Right from the very beginning, it was clear that the new aircraft engineers at the British Aircraft Corporation were working on would be a significant leap forward in technological terms, with almost every aspect of its design incorporating new and ground-breaking equipment, materials and technologies. Unfortunately, the extremely advanced nature of the project, whilst undoubtedly extremely impressive, would also prove to be its Achilles heel, as the various manufacturing companies, sub-contractors and indeed government of the day, all failed to establish a coherent management structure to oversee this monumental aviation project.
Due to the advanced nature of this project, it could be argued that the development programme slowed to a pedestrian pace at times, suffering almost constant delays and numerous setbacks as a result of the advanced nature of the technologies being adopted, with costs rising all the time as a consequence. In addition to this, official interference resulted in numerous frustrating requirement and design changes being regularly requested, to a point that when the prototype aircraft was nearing its first flight, this astonishing aircraft was being held back by the bureaucracy which should have been championing it.
The majestic TSR-2 XR220 occupies a slightly different position within the Test Flight display hall than she did previously.
TSR-2 XR220 on a rare excursion outside the protection of her hangar in 2020.
Despite all the aircraft’s many challenges, all the clouds of doubt appeared to be blown away on 27th September 1964, when BAC’s chief test pilot Roland Beamont accelerated TSR.2 XR219 down the runway at Boscombe Down and into the annals of aviation history. As the world looked on in awe, it genuinely seemed as if Britain was on the verge of introducing the most capable military aeroplane the world had ever seen and for the British public, their spectacular new TSR.2 was a source of immense national pride. On that day, a bond was formed between the British public and TSR-2 which continues to endure to this day.
Ultimately, despite possessing huge potential, the incredibly ambitious nature of the TSR.2 project arguably doomed it to failure before it ever had the chance to progress beyond the development stage. With project cost overruns now spiralling at an alarming rate, the new incoming government of the day already found themselves in a period of severe financial austerity and serious questions were being asked. Despite the fact that the test programme had already highlighted how good an aircraft TSR-2 was, the new government’s first budget in April 1965 included the announcement of the immediate termination of the TSR.2 project, contrary to the many assurances given by the previous government.
Perhaps the most distressing development within this entire sorry episode was that the government directive also included orders for the immediate destruction of not only the TSR.2 airframes already at various stages of construction, but also the actual manufacturing jigs used to build them.
Was the end of Britain’s BAC TSR.2 dream all about project overruns and future costing uncertainties, or were there more sinister international forces at play behind the scenes? Presenting the British public what appeared to be the most capable aircraft in the world, only to snatch it away in an almost vindictive manner, still gives rise to many conspiracy theories and has people scratching their heads in disbelief.
Undoubtedly, if you’ve been fortunate enough to stare admiringly at one of the two surviving (complete) airframes at either Cosford or Duxford, it’s difficult not to think the government made a huge mistake, because of all the aircraft on display around them, TSR-2 still looks by far the most capable. Surely, a modern Royal Air Force equipped with hundreds of these mighty aircraft would have been a force to be reckoned with and may just have made the Cold War a little less chilly by virtue of the deterrent threat it possessed. Can you imagine seeing one of these magnificent beasts wearing full RAF Strike Command markings?
Despite being an icon of the British aviation industry, TSR-2 XR220 never managed to take to the skies. Nevertheless, she serves to preserve the legacy of an amazing aircraft which promised so much, but ultimately achieved so little.
An imposing aviation sight if ever there was one, had TSR-2 made it into service, surely the RAF would have been the operators of one of the most capable strike and reconnaissance aircraft in the world.
This September will mark the 60th anniversary of the first flight of TSR-2 XR219, the only example of this magnificent aircraft to ever take to the skies and whilst she was subsequently scrapped, her sister aircraft XR220 does survive at Cosford, helping to preserve the legacy of this world-beating aircraft that never was. This aircraft does possess a fascinating history of its own and must therefore be considered as one of the most important preserved items of Britain’s rich aviation heritage.
British Aircraft Corporation TSR.2 XR220 was one of nine development aircraft ordered as part of an ambitious programme to equip the Royal Air Force with the world’s most advanced strike jet. This airframe was subsequently damaged during its road transport delivery to A&AEE Boscombe Down in early September 1964, an incident which would prove incredibly significant in its history. The repairs the airframe needed, combined with the fact that numerous components were stripped and used to support the maiden flight of the more famous XR219, resulted in XR220s own maiden flight date being deferred several times.
The aircraft would embark on a series of live engine tests in preparation for her first flight, however once again, various technical issues conspired to prevent this from taking place as planned. Finally, a maiden flight date for the aircraft was set for the afternoon of 6th April 1965, the very day the TSR-2 programme was cancelled. It has been documented that the aircraft was fuelled up and ready to go when the aircraft’s Certificate for Flight was revoked and even though some wanted to fly anyway, it was over, TSR-2 had been killed.
Much of the ground-breaking technology developed in support of TSR-2 would subsequently find its way into the Jaguar and Tornado programmes which followed in the years to come, and although this is open to some debate, neither of those aircraft could claim to possess the imposing presence of their famous strike predecessor, even though they did both go on to prove their service credentials.
Is there a better sight in aviation? Cosford is one of only two places in the world where you can see a complete example of this magnificent aircraft.
To this day, Cosford’s TSR-2 has to be considered one of the most impressive sights in aviation and if for no other reason than to stand and admire this icon of British aviation, surely a visit to the museum really should be made in this 60th anniversary year of the aircraft’s first flight.
I wonder if museum officials have ever considered giving their famous aviation exhibit a temporary RAF camouflage scheme and markings associated with a Tornado squadron - now wouldn’t that be a crowd puller of a sight.
Cosford’s aviation voyage of discovery
One of the new display aircraft in the far end of the Test Flight hall, this beautiful former Royal Afghan Air Force Hawker Hind was one of 8 aircraft supplied to this fledgling force back in 1937.
With so many preserved aircraft, weapons and aviation artefacts housed in the various hangars and purpose-built buildings at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands site, no single review could ever do this magnificent museum justice and even if you tried, you’re bound to leave something significant out. There is definitely a fresh new feel to the Museum for 2024 though and with so many historic aircraft now occupying new positions following a reshuffle of exhibits, it really is a good idea to come and confirm the current whereabouts you’re your aviation favourites.
We will conclude this review by including a selection of images all take during our recent visit to Cosford, but purposely avoiding the hangar which now hosts the Bomber Command exhibition. The adjoining hangar to that one houses the museum’s Test Flight collection of aircraft, however although TSR-2 can still be found where she usually resides, she has some new aviation friends for company. From the famous captured Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2 ‘Black 6’ which once graced the UK Airshow circuit to a magnificent pair of inter-war Hawker biplanes, there is much to admire about the changed display format in what must be described as a truly world class aviation display space.
One of the fastest aircraft on display, the Fairey Delta 2 was a high-speed research aircraft, one which was eventually used in the Concorde development programme.
This early example of a Supermarine Spitfire was one of the first batch of 174 aircraft ordered by the Royal Air Force and is yet another of Cosford’s truly historic British aircraft.
A beautiful fighter from around the same time as the first Spitfires, many RAF fighter squadrons would exchange their Gloster Gladiators for Spitfires in the months prior to the start of the Second War.
No visit to Cosford can ever be complete without paying your respects to the Boulton Paul Defiant nightfighter, an aircraft which was build just ten miles from where she is currently on display back in 1940.
Moving out from the hangars at the top end of the site, the next display building you can see is the imposing National Cold War Exhibition building, a beautiful structure which has now become an iconic feature of a Cosford visit in its own right. A display space which is renowned for the exciting and innovative way in which the museum has arranged many of their aviation exhibits, this building is also the only place in the world where you can see complete examples of Britain’s three V-Bombers displayed together. Any display space where you can see a Vulcan, Victor and Valiant under the same roof is a place worth visiting, but that’s only part of the story here and there’s much more to see.
Always attracting plenty of attention amongst visitors to this display hall, English Electric Lightning F.1/F,1B XG337 is an example of one of the most exciting aircraft produced by Britain’s aviation industry, a gleaming silver arrow designed to slip through the air at incredible speed. The aircraft is displayed in a dramatic vertical pose and looks as if it’s about to mount an escape bid through the glass panels at the apex of the roof, an eye-catching display if ever there was one. As impressive as the Lightning is, I never find myself loitering under it for too long, just in case she does manage to wriggle free from her shackles – I imagine a Lightning on the head might result in a lump or two.
The first of Britain’s V-Bombers, the Vickers Valiant was the only aircraft of the three V-Bomber types to actually drop a live nuclear weapon.
A real aviation heavyweight, the Vulcan is a perennial favourite with Cosford visitors and stands imperious at the head of this Cold War display.
The Victor was the third of Britain’s V-Bombers to enter service and is generally regarded as the most advanced from a design perspective.
A real aviation landmark at Cosford, Lightning XG337 is one of the most imaginatively displayed historic aircraft in Britain today.
My final port of call during this latest visit was to Hangar 1, a massive display space which is simply packed full of historic aeroplanes, everything from helicopters to the world’s largest Airfix Spitfire model can be found in here. Amongst all these aviation riches, the undisputed jewel in Cosford’s historic aviation crown is undoubtedly Boeing Chinook ZA718, an aircraft which is probably better known to most as ‘Bravo November’. One of five RAF Chinooks sent to the South Atlantic during the Falklands War, Bravo November was the only one to escape the destruction of the requisitioned container ship Atlantic Conveyor, consequently becoming the only British heavy lift helicopter available to the Task Force once hostilities commenced.
Used extensively during the conflict, Bravo November would go on to post a glittering service career record which spanned over 40 years and earning the reputation as a heavy-lift helicopter workhorse which simply would not be beaten. Ensuring her troops were safe and supplied, if they were ever in need of medical assistance, this incredible helicopter came to their aid no matter how intense the fighting around the landing zone was, transporting them to where they could receive the vital medical assistance they needed.
Known as ‘The Survivor’ to those who were aware of her history, this magnificent aircraft has taken part in all major conflict where British forces have had boots on the ground during her period of service and has benefited from major upgrades on three separate occasions. Over that time, most of her parts have gradually been replaced, but Bravo November just kept on flying. Boeing Chinook ZA718 is arguably the most significant individual RAF aircraft of the post war era, and as such, no visit to Cosford can ever be considered complete unless you have dropped in to check on her in Hangar 1.
Boeing Chinook ZA718 ‘Bravo November’ is in with a shout as being the most significant historic British aircraft currently on museum display. Her story is simply amazing.
Harrier GR.3 has kept watch over Bravo November since she went on display at the RAF Museum Midlands.
The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands site at Cosford is a fantastic day out for all the family, whether you would describe yourself as having an interest in aviation or not. With so much to see and do, the fact that there are so many historic aircraft in the same location makes this one of the most popular visitor destinations in the region but made all the more impactful by the fact that this is the only place in the world where you can see many of the rare exhibits on display.
With aircraft which have such fascinating stories to tell, such as TSR-2 XR220 and ‘The Survivor’ Boeing Chinook ZA718, you quickly realize that the RAF Museum is as much about the history of people as it is about aeroplanes. People who designed, built, maintained and flew these magnificent machines are all honoured with these displays, but we also must include the people who have cared for them over the years and not forgetting the millions of visitors who have been to admire them. These people will be your own family members who loved coming to Cosford time and again, and whilst some may no longer be with us, you know that if you go back to this place they enjoyed visiting so much, they will still at your side in spirit.
These classic training RAF training aircraft of the post war era lived up to their name in providing young pilots with an education in flight. This pair of Provosts are displayed in both piston and jet powered variants.
By Royal appointment, this de Havilland Chipmunk is the aircraft in which the Duke of Edinburgh made his first solo flight in December 1952.
It was nice to see these two aircraft back indoors, having spent time outside following their starring role in the static display at last year’s Cosford Airshow. This first image shows Gloster Meteor F.8 WK935 with its unusual prone position nose, with Hunting H126 high lift research aircraft pictured below.
In summary and to end this latest edition of Aerodrome, the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands remains one of the country’s most accomplished visitor attractions and the opening of the recent Bomber Command exhibition has only enhanced the visitor experience. With so many historic aircraft under their charge, it really is difficult to pick out any one individual aviation highlight, but in this 60th anniversary year of the first flight of the BAC TSR-2, a visit to marvel at XR220 will be time well spent and if this will be the first time you will have seen the aircraft in the metal, prepare to be amazed – she’s a real stunner!
I’m afraid that’s all we have for you this time, but we will be back again in four weeks’ time with more news and pictures from the world of aviation. Thank you for your continued support and as always, if you would like to comment on anything blog related or suggest a subject you would like to see covered in a future edition of Aerodrome, please do drop us a line at aerodrome@airfix.com, where we would be delighted to hear from you.
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The next edition of Aerodrome is scheduled to be published on Friday 1st March, where we will hope to be bringing you another feature linked to the fascinating world of historic aviation.
See you all back here then.
Michael
