Showing 1 to 8 of 8 search results

Gloster Gladiator Mark I

Aircraft & Exhibits, AUG 1937-MAR 1948, Cosford, Hangar Two, 74/A/17

The Gloster Gladiator was the RAF's last biplane fighter and the first to feature an enclosed cockpit for the pilot. Deliveries began in 1937, with Gladiators continuing to serve in the early years of the Second World War.

Biplane with propeller and silver body and wings, © RAF Museum

Fiat CR 42 Falco

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1940-1943, London, Hangar Three/Four, 78/A/952

Designed by Celestino Rosatelli, the Italian Fiat CR 42 was the last single-seat biplane fighter to be manufactured by any Second World War combatant. CR 42s took part in the invasion of Southern France and later fought against the RAF in the Battle of Britain.

Biplane with propeller and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Supermarine Spitfire Mark Ia

Aircraft & Exhibits, SEP 1940-FEB 1944, London, Hangar Three/Four, 78/A/872

More than any other aircraft, the Spitfire has become a much-loved symbol of winning against the odds. Designed by RJ Mitchell, its speed, agility and firepower made it one of the RAF's leading fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

Single engine aircraft with propeller and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Messerschmitt Bf 109E

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1940-1943, London, Hangar Three/Four, 78/A/624

The Messerschmitt Bf 109 was the Luftwaffe's principal fighter aircraft during the Battle of Britain. It could outclimb and outgun the RAF's Hurricanes and Spitfires. However, its limited range allowed pilots only 20 minutes flying time during raids over south-east England.

Single engine aircraft with propeller and yellow nose and grey body, © RAF Museum

Heinkel He 111

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1944-1947, London, Hangar Five, 78/A/1033

The Heinkel He 111, a German twin-engined medium bomber, was used extensively in the late 1930s and early years of the Second World War. Like many Luftwaffe military aircraft, its development was concealed by claiming it was for high-speed commercial transport.

Side view of an aircraft with a camouflaged upper and a turquoise underside; a cross and swastika painted on the fuselage and, © RAF Museum

Recorded interview with Flight Lieutenant Phil Mobbs, 31 May 2024

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-7401

Interview with Phil Mobbs, who served as pilot in C130 Hercules and A400M Atlas transport aircraft. He describes operations around the world and the contrast between the Hercules and A400M.

Image pending

WAAF in air raids - Section Officer Hanbury

Film & Sound, In Storage, X003-6353

Recording in which Section Officer Felicity Hanbury (later Peake), a Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) officer, describes air raids on RAF Biggin Hill.

Image pending

The Deep Blue Sky

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-5625

Film on the development of RAF jet aircraft in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring various scenes of Hunter and Javelin fighter aircraft and Canberra, Valiant, Victor and Vulcan bomber aircraft.

Image pending