Midland Air Museum

Airframes · Nov 14, 2012

Now I've got my connection problem sorted, I'll post some of mine.
The Museum is also home to the Sir Frank Whittle Heritage Centre, and just inside the main entrance there is a separate exhibition dedicated to the man and his work on the jet engine, which includes an original engine, parts and cut away sections and a very large scale model of the Gloster prototype used to test the first jet engines.
PICS 1 to 4 show these.
PICS 5 to 7 Show the contrast with the German Jumo 004 engine, just inside the main hangar.
PICS 8 to 10. There are a number of complete cockpit sections on display,many of of which are open for inspection, with the Meteor 8 being shown here. We were fortunate enough to start chatting to one of the museum staff, himself a former FAA pilot, who very kindly opened up some of the other cockpits, and complete aircraft, especially for us, of which more later in this 'tour'.
I'll post more over the coming days, as there are quite a number of photos covering this great little museum, which is situated on the north west corner of the present-day Coventry Airport, once known as Bagington, and the home of Armstrong Whitworth.

meatloaf109 · Nov 14, 2012

Great pictures!
Is that an F-80 nose sticking out there?

Wayne Little · Nov 15, 2012

Right shape Paul...nice Meteor Nose in the background too.

Airframes · Nov 15, 2012

Thanks guys. That's the front end of a complete T-33. The Meteor is the F8 mentioned, as are the cockpit shots. Nearby, just showing, is a Meteor F4, which will be shown later.

Crimea_River · Nov 15, 2012

Interesting Terry

Gnomey · Nov 15, 2012

Nice shots Terry!

Airframes · Nov 15, 2012

Thanks Andy and Hugh. I'll post some more later tonight, when I've sorted the next batch.

fubar57 · Nov 15, 2012

Great cockpit shots for the serious detailer and weathering Terry. Don't want to sound ultra dumb here(too late) but the seat wasn't in that condition during operational life was it. It had to have been store somewhere out back and then added to the cockpit later for display.

Geo

Airframes · Nov 15, 2012

The seat has taken a hammering over the years Geo, as visitors are allowed to sit in the cockpit. I'd guess the seat pan cushion is not original!

Airframes · Nov 17, 2012

A bit later than intended, as I'm feeling rather rough at the moment - darned arthritis is in 'flare up' mode - bl**dy painful and draining!
PICS 1 and 2. One of only two Meteor F4s left in the world, the Museum's example is the second oldest.
PICS 3 to 5. The SAAB Tunnan, the only one in Britain. As can be seen, access to the cockpit is allowed, although we didn't ask for it to be opened for us.
PIC 6. Yes, it is a real aircraft stuck up on a shelf! A Druine Turbulent, a couple of which used to be based at my local Aero Club.
PICS 7 and 8. The ex- French Air Force T-33, painted in US ANG colours. Again, cockpit access was possible, but I didn't ask for the canopy to be opened. (Got some shots through the canopy, but lots of reflections off the glass.)
PICS 9 to 11. This is a 'live' Harrier GR5 procedures trainer, with Karl enjoying himself at the controls. Our friendly ex-FAA pilot opened this up especially for us. Notice the huge contrast between this and the Meteor F8 cockpit posted earlier.
PIC 12. One of only two Vampire F1's left in the world, in the colours of 606 (County of Warwick) Sqn, RAuxAF.
Hope you like the pics, and I'll post a further batch when I'm more alive.

Gnomey · Nov 17, 2012

Good shots Terry!

T Bolt · Nov 17, 2012

Sure looks like sitting in that Harrier made Karl's day! Nice shots Terry.

Airframes · Nov 18, 2012

Thanks Hugh and Glenn.
Carrying on round the packed main hangar, here are some of the other exhibits. There was also a mezzenine floor, with the 'Wings over Coventry' exhibition, which included the only surviving piece of a Whitley fuselage, but my legs were to knackered to cope with the stairs unfortunately. Also listed in the museum's full aircraft complement are a Beaufighter nose, which we didn't spot, and a Typhoon forward fuselage, under restoration, which can be viewed by prior arrangement.
PICS 1 to 4. This little beauty is the Chichester-Miles business jet, a sleek four-seater, twin jet development aircraft. This example is the second prototype, having completed it's first flight in 1997, and done a total of 84 development flights. The last shot shows one of it's tiny jet engines.
PICS 5 to 8. Canberra T17A (ECM) nose section and interior. This example started life as a B2 and, whilst on loan to the RNZAF, saw action in Malaya. It's possible to view the fully equipped interior, which is lit as per on operations, and an authentic 'radio chatter' can also be heard.
PIC 9. The sole example of the Fairey Ultralight helicopter.
PIC 10. Slingsby glider, with part of the ejection seat display beneath.
PICS 11 and 12. Link simulator (similar to a Link trainer, but not specifically for 'blind' flying), and its modern-day equivalent, a Links-Miles simulator.
The museum also has some very nice model displays, some of which I've posted in the Modelling section.
Thanks for your interest so far, and there's lots more to come - I'll post another batch tomorrow.

N4521U · Nov 18, 2012

Great pictures. An interesting collection of aircraft. Thanks for posting.

rochie · Nov 18, 2012

good stuff Terry and yes Glenn i did enjoy getting in the cockpit of some exhibits !!!

Airframes · Nov 18, 2012

Karl, did you get any shots of the Whitley fuselage, or other stuff up on the gallery?

Gnomey · Nov 19, 2012

Nice shots Terry!

Vic Balshaw · Nov 20, 2012

Nice pictures gents, it looks like a nice intimate museum and a good place for reference material. I've a model of the T-55 Lightning on shelf, Ser no 55-712 and I'd forgotten how big the Argosy was.

rochie · Nov 20, 2012

Airframes said:
Karl, did you get any shots of the Whitley fuselage, or other stuff up on the gallery?

not sure, will have a look later to day

Airframes · Nov 20, 2012

Thanks mate. I'll post another batch sometime this evening, moving outside into the 'changing seasons within an hour' weather !

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