Thunder Day, 16th March, 2024
A chance to experience some of the aircraft performing static engine runs. This is likely to include: Victor, Nimrod, Jet Provost, Dakota, Devon, Kitten, SE5a (all subject to serviceability).
Yorkshire Air Museum
Thunder Day
Handley Page Victor K.2
BAe Nimrod MR2
De Havilland Devon
Hunting Percival Jet Provost T.4
Port Victoria P.V.8 Eastchurch Kitten
Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A
Inside The Hangars
Avro Anson
The Avro Anson is a British twin-engine, 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), Royal Australian Air Force and numerous other air forces before, during, and after the Second World War.
Initially known as the Avro 652A, the Anson was developed during the mid-1930s from the earlier Avro 652 airliner in response to a request for tenders issued by the British Air Ministry for a coastal maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Having suitably impressed the Ministry, a single prototype was ordered, which conducted its maiden flight on 24 March 1935. Following an evaluation in which the Type 652A bettered the competing de Havilland DH.89, it was selected as the winner, leading to Air Ministry Specification 18/35 being written around the type and an initial order for 174 aircraft being ordered in July 1935. The Type 652A was promptly named after British Admiral George Anson.
The type was placed into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was initially used in the envisaged maritime reconnaissance operation alongside the larger flying boats. After the outbreak of the Second World War, the Anson was soon found to have become obsolete in front-line combat roles. Large numbers of the type were instead put to use as a multi-engine aircrew trainer, having been found to be suitable for the role, and became the mainstay of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The type continued to be used in this role throughout and after the conflict, remaining in RAF service as a trainer and communications aircraft until 28 June 1968.
en.wikipedia.org
Blackburn Mercury Monoplane
The Blackburn Mercury Monoplane is regarded as the first truly successful aircraft made by Blackburn at their factory in Leeds. The Mercury I, powered by a 50 hp Isaacson radial engine, was displayed at the Olympia Aero Show in March 1911 and made its debut flying from the beach at Filey with the newly formed Blackburn Flying School.
In May 1911, it flew from Filey to Scarborough and back in 19 minutes at an average speed of 50 mph, reaching an altitude of 1200 feet. This aircraft crashed the next day when the engine seized and the propeller flew off!??
The Mercury I was followed by two Mercury II aircraft, powered by 50 hp Gnome engines, and six Mercury III aircraft, with a number of different engines. Sadly, a Renault engined Mercury crashed at Filey in December 1911, killing an instructor and passenger.??
yorkshireairmuseum.org
De Havilland Goblin Turbojet
De Havilland Goblin Turbojet
Commer ‘Bikini’ Fire Pump Unit
Commer ‘Bikini’ Fire Pump Unit
De Havilland Vampire D.H.100 T11
De Havilland Vampire D.H.100 T11
Douglas Dakota IV C-47B
Douglas Dakota IV C-47B
Fairchild Argus II
Gloster Meteor
Gloster Meteor
Handley Page Halifax"
Handley Page Halifax"
Handley Page Halifax"
Hawker Hunter FGA.78
Hawker Hunter FGA.78
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3
Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR.3
Messerschmitt Bf109 G-6
Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5A
Saro Skeeter AOP12
Saro Skeeter AOP12
SEPECAT Jaguar"
Westland – Sikorsky Dragonfly HR.5
Open the full set
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About Yorkshire Air Museum
The Museum sits on the former site of Bomber Command Station RAF Elvington. This station was typical of the many which were dotted around the whole of Britain during World War Two. Over 30 airfields were in operation within the York area alone.
RAF Elvington was originally a grass airfield but in 1942 it was completely rebuilt with the addition of three hardened runways. It was re-opened in October that year with the arrival of 77 Squadron and their new four-engine Handley Page Halifax heavy bombers.
77 Squadron was stationed at RAF Elvington from October 1942 until May 1944. In that time they lost almost 80 Halifaxes and over five hundred aircrew.
In May 1944, Elvington became a French enclave in the United Kingdom, known as ‘La petite France’ home to 2,00 French airmen, part of the only two French heavy bomber squadrons of the war.
In October 1945 the two French squadrons returned to France, where they became part of the post-war French Air Force. In 1952 RAF Elvington was handed over for use by the United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command. A major reconstruction began which included lengthening and strengthening the runways to accept jet bomber aircraft as part of the Western Powers’ nuclear deterrent. However, the base never became operational and was vacated in 1958.
In the early 1960s, the Blackburn Aircraft Company at Brough (now BAe Systems) used the runway for test flying the prototype Buccaneer aircraft. The RAF Flying Training Schools at Church Fenton and Linton-on-Ouse also used the airfield as a Relief Landing Ground to practise circuits and landings. RAF Elvington was officially closed in March 1992.
In 1983, the original WWII Control Towers and buildings had become derelict and a small team lead by local resident Rachel Semlyen set about trying to save this special site. They negotiated a temporary lease and began the long process of clearing the land and restoring the buildings, to turn it into a Museum.
In June 1985, the Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial was born and granted charitable status. It began receiving donations and artefacts and purchased the wartime site which now extends to 20 acres. Since opening, the Memorial Museum has grown in strength and reputation.
yorkshireairmuseum.org