Showing 1 to 10 of 12 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

Wreck of Gloster Gladiator Mk II N5628

Aircraft & Exhibits, 22 APR 1939-25 APR 1940, London, Hangar Three/Four, 72/A/472

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. However, it had been rendered almost obsolete by newer monoplane designs such as the Hurricane even as it was being introduced. Though often pitted against more formidable foes during the early days of the Second World War, it performed reasonably well in combat.

Gloster Gladiator II wreck. Engine and front section of wrecked aircraft., © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Supermarine Spitfire Mark Vb

Aircraft & Exhibits, DEC 1941-DEC 1982, London, Hangar One, 82/A/1716

The Mk V was regarded by pilots as the best handling Spitfire, despite its very short development time. It was also the most widely produced, equipping over 140 RAF squadrons.

Single engine aircraft with camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

De Havilland Mosquito TT.35

Aircraft & Exhibits, APR 1945-JUL 1967, Cosford, Hangar Three, 67/A/595

Combining speed, long range and the ability to operate at high altitudes, the De Havilland Mosquito was one of the truly outstanding aircraft to emerge during the Second World War. The TT.35 is a target tug variant.

De Havilland Mosquito TT.35, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan / RAF Museum

De Havilland Chipmunk T.10 WP912

Aircraft & Exhibits, NOV 1952-DEC 1976, In Storage, 85/A/65

The Chipmunk entered RAF service in 1950, replacing the Tiger Moth as as an initial pilot trainer, offering relatively modern features such as flaps, brakes, radio and an enclosed cockpit. His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, learned to fly this Chipmunk - he made his first solo flight on 20 December 1952.

de Havilland Chipmunk on display at RAF Museum Midlands, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF.14 WS843

Aircraft & Exhibits, MAY 1954-MAR 1967, Cosford, Hangar Four, 1990/0689/A

The Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF.14 was the ultimate variant of the Meteor night fighter family, combining the most technically advanced avionics suite with a new clear-vision canopy.

Armstrong Whitworth Meteor NF14 cut out on white background., © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Recorded interview with Flight Lieutenant Robert Winston Osborne, 14 January 2014

Film & Sound, In Storage, X005-6742/022

Recorded interview with Robert Osborne, who served as a pilot in Hastings and Hercules aircraft during the 1960s and 1970s. His experience includes Hercules operations from Singapore with 48 Squadron.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Group Captain Peter Charles Vangucci 19 November 2014

Film & Sound, In Storage, X005-6790/007

Peter Vangucci served as a pilot in Hunter and Lightning aircraft in the UK and Germany, developed Lightning tactics and was a launch control officer for Thor ballistic nuclear missiles.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Squadron Leader John Robinson, 11 January 2024

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-7394

John Robinson was a pilot in Canberra aircraft in support of British nuclear testing in Australia and the Pacific. As a flying instructor he flew with the then-Prince of Wales.

Image pending

Recorded interview with Flight Lieutenant John Stansfield, 18 October 2024

Film & Sound, In Storage, X008-7408

Interview with John Stansfield, who was a pilot in Victor bomber aircraft during the 1960s. He remembers flying in the Far East, the Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War scrambles.

Image pending