AirSpace

The original Hangar 1 was upgraded to a 'Superhangar' in the 1980s and then redeveloped and expanded to bring the museum's British and Commonwealth aircraft collection under cover.  It was opened in July 2008, providing 12,000 m2 of floor space, consisting of an aircraft conservation area, a large exhibition hall, and a mezzanine providing views of the aircraft; over 30 aircraft are on display, dating back to the First World War.

The collection has some of the most famous aircraft in the world, featuring the Concorde (built to fly at the speed of sound), an Avro Lancaster (one of the most recognised allied bombers of the Second World War, famous for its role in the Dambusters raid), an Avro Vulcan and an Airco DH.9 (one of only six surviving DH9s and the only example on display in the UK).  More recent notable aircraft include a Hawker Siddeley Harrier (which served during the Falklands War), a Panavia Tornado (which flew the highest number of bomber sorties of any Tornado in the 1991 Gulf War) and a Eurofighter Typhoon DA4.

AirSpace also houses Airborne Assault, the museum of the British Army's Parachute Regiment and airborne forces; the museum chronicles the history of British airborne forces from the Second World War to current operations in Afghanistan.  

It was great to see all these iconic aircraft, go inside the Concorde and to learn about the Parachute Regiment.Read more