The Fleet Air Arm Museum is located in Yeovilton, Somerset, England, and is one of the leading museums dedicated to the history of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. The museum preserves and showcases the history of naval aviation, from its early days through to the modern era. It is located at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton (RNAS Yeovilton), which has been a significant base for the Fleet Air Arm since its establishment.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
+44 1935 840565
Summer
- Daily 10:00 – 17:30
Winter
- Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 – 16:30
Closed Monday and Tuesday in Winter Time, Christmas Eve, Christmas and Boxing Day
Admission fee
Gift shop
The museum is located on the B3151 just off the A303 and A37. It is accessible from the M5 motorway, junction 25 at Taunton
Aircraft collection
| AE-331/ZE411 XT176/U D5397 G-BSST 0729/(1-A)411 AE422 G-AZAZ XN957 XK488 L2940 N5419 ZD433/45A XZ499/003 XZ493/N-001 WG774 XA127 XA129 WW138/Z-227 XJ481/VL XS590/E-131 G-ABUL LZ551/G WT121/CU-415 WV106/CU-427 N4389/4M DP872 LS931 Z2033/N-275 VH127/R-200 N1854 XL503/E-070 XA466/LM-777 P4139 100545 102/17 WS103/VL-709 WM292/841 KD431/E2-M XB446/992 KE209 AL246 XP841 XL580/VL-723 VX272 WJ231/O-115 WF219 WV856/163 XE340 XV333/H-234 XP980 XB480/537 XN462/17 XT596/AJ EX976 XW994 WP313/CU-568 G-BMZF/1420 XN332/759 XN334 8359 N2078 B6401 N6452 N5492 G-BGWZ VV106 SX137 L2301 WA473/J-102 XD317/R-112 VX595/29 WN493 XW864/54 XZ699 XZ720 XZ691/310 XZ725/MM-415 XZ574 XT176 XS527 XT427/606 XT778/430 XP142 XS508 XT482/VL-ZM XT765/J VR137 XG574/PO-752 XG594/PO-517 XL853/PO VR137 BAPC 58 | Agusta A-109A Hirundo Agusta Bell Sioux AH.1 Albatros (replica) BAC Concorde 102 Beech T-34C-1 Mentor Bell UH-1H Iroquois Benson B-8M Gyrocopter Blackburn Buccaneer S.1 AHU Blackburn NA39 Blackburn Skua I (wreck) Bristol Scout D (replica) British Aerospace Harrier GR.9A British Aerospace Sea Harrier F/A.2 British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS.1 British Aircraft Corporation 221 de Havilland Sea Vampire (pod only) de Havilland Sea Vampire T.22 de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.21 de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.1 de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 de Havilland Tiger Moth T.2 de Havilland Vampire F.1 Douglas Skyraider AEW.1 Douglas Skyraider AEW.1 Fairey Albacore Fairey Barracuda II (nose) Fairey Barracuda II (wreck) Fairey Firefly TT.1 Fairey Firefly TT.4 Fairey Fulmar II Fairey Gannet AEW3 Fairey Gannet COD.4 Fairey Swordfish I Focke Achgelis FA330A-1 Fokker Dr.1 Triplane (replica) Gloster Meteor T.7 Gloster Meteor TT.20 Goodyear FG1-A Corsair IV Grumman TBM-3S Avenger ECM6B Grumman Hellcat II Grumman Martlet I Handley Page HP115 Hawker Hunter T.8M Hawker P1052 Hawker Sea Fury FB11 Hawker Seahawk F.1 Hawker Seahawk FGA.6 Hawker Seahawk FGA.6 Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.2B Hawker Siddeley P-1127 Hiller HT.1 Hunting Jet Provost T.3A McDonnell Phantom FG.1 North American Harvard IIa Northrop Chukar Percival Sea Prince T.1 PZL-Mielec Lim-2 (MiG-15bis) Saro P531 Saro P531 Short 184 (forward fuselage only) Sopwith Baby Sopwith Camel (replica) Sopwith Pup (replica) Sopwith Triplane (replica) Super Eagle Hang Glider Supermarine 510 Supermarine Seafire F.XVII Supermarine Walrus I Vickers Supermarine Attacker F.1 Vickers Supermarine Scimitar F.1 Westland Dragonfly HR.5 Westland Dragonfly HR.5 Westland Gazelle HT.2 Westland Lynx HAS.2 Westland Lynx HAS.3SGM Westland Lynx HMA.8SRU Westland Lynx HMA.8SRU Westland Sea King HAS.5 Westland Sioux AH.1 Westland Wasp Westland Wasp HAS.1 Westland Wasp HAS.1 Westland Wessex HAS.3 Westland Wessex HU.5 Westland Wessex HU.5 Westland Wessex HU.5 Westland Whirlwind HAR.1 Westland Whirlwind HAR.3 Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 Westland Wyvern TF.1 Yokosuka MXY-7 Ohka II |
The Museum has the largest collection of Naval aircraft anywhere in Europe.
Overview Fleet Air Arm Museum:
- Location: Yeovilton, Somerset, England.
- Historical Significance: The Fleet Air Arm Museum is the home of one of the most important collections of naval aviation artifacts, celebrating the history of the Royal Navy’s aircraft and the men and women who served in the Fleet Air Arm.
- Established: The museum opened its doors in 1964 and has since grown to become a key center for the preservation and presentation of naval aviation history.
Key Exhibits and Highlights Fleet Air Arm Museum:
1. The Collection of Aircraft:
The museum houses a vast collection of historic aircraft, many of which played pivotal roles in both World War II and subsequent conflicts. Key aircraft on display include:
- Sea Vixen: A British twin-engine jet fighter, used by the Fleet Air Arm during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Supermarine Sea Otter: A maritime reconnaissance and air-sea rescue amphibious aircraft.
- Avenger: A torpedo bomber that played a key role during WWII, particularly in the Battle of Midway.
- Sea Harrier: Known for its vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, the Sea Harrier revolutionized naval aviation in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Sea King Helicopter: A helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and transport, crucial in the Cold War and beyond.
- Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer: A carrier-based strike aircraft used by the Fleet Air Arm during the Cold War.
- Westland Lynx: A maritime helicopter used for anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue operations.
- Fairey Swordfish: Famous for its role in the Taranto Raid and the Battle of the Atlantic during WWII, this biplane torpedo bomber was instrumental in the sinking of the Italian fleet and other strategic operations.
2. The Concorde Experience:
- One of the most notable features of the Fleet Air Arm Museum is the Concorde display, where visitors can explore a real Concorde 102 aircraft. It is one of only a few Concorde aircraft that are available for public tours.
- The Concorde was a supersonic passenger jet that revolutionized commercial air travel, and its presence at the museum is a significant connection to British aviation history.
- Visitors can step inside the Concorde cockpit and experience what it was like to travel on this iconic aircraft.
3. The Aircraft Carrier Experience:
- One of the museum’s most popular and immersive exhibits is the Aircraft Carrier Experience.
- This exhibit allows visitors to experience what life was like aboard a Royal Navy aircraft carrier, with interactive displays, films, and a recreated flight deck complete with aircraft.
- The HMS Ark Royal (R09) and other significant ships have been a central part of the Fleet Air Arm’s history, and this exhibit highlights their vital role in operations around the world.
4. Naval Aviation Through the Ages:
- The museum’s exhibitions take visitors through the history of naval aviation, covering major events such as World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and modern-day operations.
- Detailed displays explain the development of naval aircraft, their role in air-sea battles, and their contribution to the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities.
- The museum covers the evolution of aircraft carriers, carrier-based operations, and the Fleet Air Arm’s role in modern warfare, including their involvement in conflicts like the Falklands War and Gulf War.
5. Historic Naval Aviation Artifacts:
- The museum holds an impressive collection of uniforms, medals, personal stories, and documents related to the men and women who served in the Fleet Air Arm.
- There are also displays of propaganda posters, wartime equipment, and memorabilia that help tell the human stories of those involved in the Royal Navy’s aviation units.
6. The Navy Wings Collection:
- The museum is also home to the Navy Wings Collection, which includes a variety of vintage aircraft that are restored and maintained for future generations to enjoy.
- Many of these aircraft are flown as part of historical events and fly-pasts, and visitors can often see them in action during airshows and special events.
Special Events and Activities:
1. Airshows and Special Events:
- The Fleet Air Arm Museum hosts various airshows and aviation events throughout the year, including air displays, aircraft flypasts, and other themed days.
- These events often feature aircraft from the Navy Wings Collection and other flying displays showcasing the history of naval aviation.
2. Educational Programs:
- The museum runs educational programs for schools, families, and aviation enthusiasts. These programs often include hands-on activities, workshops, and guided tours that offer deeper insights into the role of the Fleet Air Arm and the evolution of naval aviation.
3. Lectures and Talks:
- Regular lectures and talks are held at the museum, often focusing on topics like the history of the Fleet Air Arm, famous naval battles, or the technical aspects of aircraft design and operations.
- These sessions are usually delivered by aviation historians, veterans, or experts in naval aviation.
4. Aircraft Restoration Projects:
- The museum is actively involved in the restoration of historic aircraft, and visitors can often view these restoration projects in action. This provides a fascinating look at the work that goes into preserving and restoring classic naval aircraft.
Significance:
The Fleet Air Arm Museum is a vital institution for anyone interested in the history of the Royal Navy’s aviation operations, from the early days of flight to the modern era. Its collection of historic aircraft, interactive exhibits, and immersive experiences provide a comprehensive and engaging way to learn about the Fleet Air Arm’s contributions to military history and aviation technology.
Photos Rob Vogelaar