The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitors Centre is located at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, England, and is part of the Royal Air Force‘s historic collection, dedicated to preserving and showcasing aircraft that were used during the Battle of Britain in 1940, as well as other iconic aircraft (Hurricane, Spitfire, Lancaster from World War II.
Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight Visitors Centre
RAF Coningsby, Dogdyke Road
Coningsby
Lincolnshire LN4 4SY
+44 1522 782040
Monday – Friday 10:00 – 17:00
Guided tours of the hangar from 10:30 – 15:30
(15:00 November – February)
Closed weekends, Bank Holidays and for two weeks at Christmas/New Year
Entry to the exhibition centre, souvenir shop and car park is free; there is a small charge for guided tours of the hangar, with special rates for groups
Gift shop
Aircraft collection
| PA474/VN-T (right side)
W5005/AR-L (left side) P7350/KL-B AB910/SH-F MK356/QJ-3 TE311/3W-M PM631 PS915 LA255/JX-U LF363/RF-J PZ865/ZY-V ZA947/A1 WK518/K WG486/G | Avro Lancaster B.1
,, Supermarine Spitfire IIa Supermarine Spitfire Vb Supermarine Spitfire LF.IXc Supermarine Spitfire LF.XVI Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX Supermarine Spitfire F.21 Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIc Douglas Dakota III de Havilland Chipmunk T.10 de Havilland Chipmunk T.10 |
Overview of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) is a part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) that keeps alive the memory of the courageous pilots who fought during the Battle of Britain and other major battles of WWII. The BBMF operates several vintage aircraft, many of which are still in flying condition and take part in various airshows and commemorative events.
Aircraft in the Collection
The BBMF’s aircraft collection includes several notable planes from World War II, primarily focused on those that played a pivotal role in the Battle of Britain, including:
- Supermarine Spitfire: One of the most famous British fighter aircraft used during WWII, renowned for its speed and agility.
- Hawker Hurricane: Another key fighter in the Battle of Britain, the Hurricane was critical in defending Britain from Luftwaffe attacks.
- Avro Lancaster: A heavy bomber that was used extensively by the RAF in various campaigns, including the Dambuster raids.
- De Havilland Chipmunk: A vintage trainer aircraft used for tailwheel training.
- Douglas Dakota III: transport aircraft
The Visitors Centre
The Visitors Centre at RAF Coningsby serves as a focal point for those wanting to learn more about the BBMF and its aircraft. Here, visitors can:
- Explore Exhibits: The centre contains informative displays about the aircraft, the pilots who flew them, and the history of the Battle of Britain itself. It’s a great place to learn about the events of 1940 and the significance of the aircraft that fought in the battle.
- Meet the Pilots and Crew: There are often opportunities to learn from the men and women who maintain and fly these iconic aircraft. The centre provides an in-depth look at the ongoing efforts to preserve these planes in flying condition.
- Aircraft Viewing: Visitors can get a close-up view of the aircraft when they are on the ground, and there are sometimes opportunities to see them in action during training flights or special events. The BBMF regularly performs flyovers for commemorations and public displays.
- Merchandise and Memorabilia: The shop at the visitors centre offers a range of memorabilia, books, and gifts related to the Battle of Britain and the aircraft of the BBMF.
Events and Airshows
The BBMF is often part of major airshows and public events, particularly around significant dates such as Battle of Britain Day (September 15th), which commemorates the victory of the RAF over the Luftwaffe in 1940. Visitors to the Visitors Centre might also have the chance to see the aircraft in flight during these events or participate in special tours and presentations about the planes and their history.