Showing 11 to 20 of 206 search results

Ki-Gass Engine Priming Pump

Aircraft & Exhibits, Circa 1945, London, Hangar One, X005-2723

Prior to starting, piston engines require fuel to be fed to the cylinders. This can be done by hand-turning the propeller or by the use of a priming pump.

Brass coloured tube topped with a circular plug with Ki Gass inscription, © RAF Museum

Commemorative Cigarettes

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1941, London, Hangar One, 80/C/1124

In an effort to raise morale, RAF aircraft would occasionally drop items that had become unobtainable in occupied countries.

Orange paper carton of cigarettes with W and crown motif, © RAF Museum

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

Power Jets W2/500

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1943-1945, London, Hangar One, 71/E/1313

The Power Jets W2 series of experimental gas turbines, like this W2B dating from 1942, led to the development of Britain's first production jet engine – the Rolls-Royce Welland.

Compact cylindrical engine mounted on a metal stand, © RAF Museum

Short Sunderland MR5

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1944-1961, London, Hangar One, 71/A/1408

By the start of the Second World War three RAF squadrons were equipped with the Short Sunderland, a long-range reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrol flying boat.

Large white metal aircraft with two wings and no wheels, © RAF Museum

Nagoya Prisoner of War Camp Fan

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1945, London, Hangar One, X003-4209

This fan shows the names of some of the inmates of the Nagoya Prisoner of War camp. Like many camps in Japan the prisoners were treated as slave labour and, in the case of the inmates of camp No. 9, they were forced to work for the Nippon Express Company.

Beige paper and bamboo fan with inscriptions, © RAF Museum

Operations Plotting Stand

Aircraft & Exhibits, Circa 1950, London, Hangar One, X005-5739

Plotting rooms were vital to the defence of the UK. Information gathered from radar and the Observer Corps was collected together so defensive measures could be co-ordinated.

Freestanding metal frame topped with paper square with large letter B, © RAF Museum

Liberty Pennant

Aircraft & Exhibits, SEP 1946, London, Hangar One, X005-5722

Many nations have gone out of their way to show their gratitude towards RAF personnel who fought to liberate them.

Triangular cloth flag with Union Jack motif, © RAF Museum

Mikoyan Mig 17 Recognition Model

Aircraft & Exhibits, Circa 1960-Circa 1980, London, Hangar One, X004-6150

Recognition of potential enemy aircraft – as well as your own – is a vital skill learned by RAF personnel. Scale models were useful tools as they could be studied from every conceivable angle.

Stylised white plastic model of aircraft, © RAF Museum

Operation GRAPPLE H-Bomb Test Pennant

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1957, London, Hangar One, X003-1405

Operation GRAPPLE was a series of nuclear weapons tests carried out on the Malden and Christmas Islands during 1957 and 1958.

Navy triangular flag with while lettering and seabird motif, © RAF Museum