The Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, located in West Sussex, England, is a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. It showcases a rich collection of military aircraft, artifacts, and stories from Britain’s aviation history, particularly focusing on the role of RAF Tangmere during World War II. Stories of famous pilots, including Group Captain Douglas Bader.
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
+44 1243 790090
March – October
- Daily 10:00 – 17:00
February and November
- Daily 10:00 – 16:00
Closed December & January
Admission fee
Gift shop
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum lies approximately three miles East of Chichester in West Sussex and is clearly signposted from the A27
Aircraft collection
English Electric Lightning F.53 XR753/A RAF
| XV744
XZ459/R-126 XJ580/E-131 XH313/E WZ876 WE113 XR753/A EE549 VZ440/X WB188 WV332 WP190/K P3179 L1679/JX-G XV408/P XF840 K5054 WK281 V9875/MA-J XS511/M | BAe Harrier GR.3
BAe Sea Harrier F/A2 de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 de Havilland Vampire T.11 de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T.10 (cockpit) English Electric Canberra B.2 (cockpit) English Electric Lightning F.53 Gloster Meteor F.4 Gloster Meteor F.8 Hawker Hunter Mk.3 Hawker Hunter F.4 (cockpit) Hawker Hunter Mk.5 Hawker Hurricane (wreck) Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 (replica) McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 Percival Provost T.1 (cockpit) Supermarine Spitfire prototype (replica) Supermarine Swift FR.5 Westland Lysander Mk.III (replica) Westland Wessex HU.5 |
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum with relics, maps, photographs, medals and uniforms, plus working models and various flight simulators
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
Gloster Meteor F.8 VZ440/X RAF
43 Squadron Dispersal
43 Squadron Dispersal
BAe Harrier GR.3 XV744 RAF
Battle of Britain Hawker Hurricane wreck
de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.2 XJ580/131 FAA Royal Navy
de Havilland Vampire T.11 XH313/E RAF restoration
Bomber Command 1939 – 1945 display
Chipmunk cockpit
English Electric Canberra B.2 (cockpit)
Gloster Meteor F.4 EE549 RAF
617 Squadron – The Dambusters display
Badges of Squadrons who flew from Tangmere 1939 – 1945
Hawker Hunter Mk.3 WB188 Royal Air Force
Hawker Hunter Mk.5 WP190/K RAF
Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 L1679/JX-G Royal Air Force
Honour the Tangmere Squadrons
McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 XV408/P RAF
Percival Provost T.1 cockpit
SE5a cockpit experience
Supermarine Spitfire prototype (replica) K4054 RAF
Supermarine Swift FR.5 WK281 RAF
Westland Wessex HU.5 XS511/M Royal Navy
Search light
Lancaster Main Radio Transmitter Type T1154 and Receiver Type R1155
Tangmere Memorial Garden
Tangmere Typhoons Display
Exhibits and Highlights:
1. Aircraft Collection:
- An impressive display of both original and replica aircraft from different eras, including:
- Hawker Hunter: A supersonic jet fighter.
- Supermarine Swift: A post-war jet interceptor.
- Hawker Hurricane and Spitfire Replicas: Iconic WWII fighters.
- Gloster Meteor: Britain’s first operational jet fighter.
- Aircraft cockpits available for visitors to sit in, enhancing the interactive experience.
2. World War II Heritage:
- RAF Tangmere was a crucial fighter station during the Battle of Britain and a base for covert operations.
- Displays include:
- Artifacts from aircrew and operations, such as uniforms, equipment, and logbooks.
- Stories of famous pilots, including Group Captain Douglas Bader.
3. Cold War and Beyond:
- Explores Britain’s role in military aviation during the Cold War.
- Exhibits cover jet propulsion, reconnaissance, and technological innovations.
4. Special Features:
- The Tangmere Hall of Fame: Celebrating the achievements of notable RAF personnel.
- Interactive Simulators: Visitors can try their hand at flight simulators, mimicking the experience of flying historic aircraft.
Tangmere Military Aviation Museum offers a deep dive into Britain’s military aviation heritage and the pivotal role of RAF Tangmere in defending the nation. Would you like more information on current exhibits, upcoming events, or help planning a visit?
Pictures Rob Vogelaar