The Imperial War Museum Duxford is one of the most important and popular aviation museums in the United Kingdom, located at Duxford Airfield near Cambridge, England. It is part of the Imperial War Museums network, which is dedicated to preserving and telling the stories of the world’s conflicts. Duxford’s role in aviation history, especially during World War II, makes it an essential destination for anyone interested in military history, aviation, or the impact of war on society.

Imperial War Museum Duxford

Duxford

Cambridge CB22 4QR

United Kingdom

www.iwm.org.uk

duxford@iwm.org.uk

+44 1223 835000

Winter (Late October – 11th March inclusive)

• Daily 10:00 – 16:00 (last admission 15:15)

Summer (12 March – late October)

• Daily 10:00 – 18:00 (last admission 17:15)

Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

Admission fee

Gift shop

Duxford is just south of Cambridge on Junction 10 of the M11 motorway. Less than 50 miles from London and approximately 30 minutes from the M25. Easily accessible from the A1, A14, M1 and the North.

Aircraft collection (Duxford residents)

D-5649 V3388 G-ALZO XP281 G-AMDA/N4877/MK-V DV372 G-LANC/KB889/NA-I XF708/C-203 XJ824 G-ANTK G-BCYK/18393 G-AXDN G-AVMU RSAF1133 XR222 ZE701 XZ133/10 G-BRVE O-21605 XV865 F-BDRS/238133 G-BEDF/124485/DF-A G-BHDK/44-61748/Y 56-0689 CF-EQS/42-17786/25 G-EDMK G-RJAH/44 G-BPIV/L6739/YP-Q E2581/13 A19-144 G-AOVT G-BEVT G-BGPB/1747 G-BSAJ G-ACUU/HM580/KX-K G-USUK 44-51228/EC/493/C G-PBYA/433915 G-CCVH/82 G-CIXJ/NX80FR/50/PA50 G-CDWH/284 G-CIIO/10AB160/39-160 G-CGZP/41-19841/X-17 G-ASKC/TA719 N6635/25 G-ANRM/DF112 G-ANZZ/DE974 G-APAO/R4922 G-BJZF G-AGJG G-AIDL/TX310 G-AIYR/HG691 G-AKIF G-ALFU G-APDB XS576/E-125 WZ590/49 G-AVFB G-ACMN G-BCOU/WK522 G-BXCV/WP929 G-BYSJ/WB569 G-DHCZ G-EVMK G-BHUB/43-15509/W7-S G-RAID WH725 XM135/B 77-0259/AR SE-BRG/G-CGYD XG797/277 NF370/NH-L G-CBLS/MM6976/85-16 BAPC93 A-549/ZD487 Werke Nr 2100 100143 03-33120/CH 67-0120/UH G-GLAD/N5903 XH897 WK991 G-RUMM/121714/201/B G-KINL G-RUMW/JV579/F CF-KCG/46214/3-X PN323 TG528/T G-APWJ G-ALDG XH648 XH669 G-CBZP/K5674 G-CBEL/SR661 G-CBLK/L7234 Z2315/JU-E G-ROBT/P2902/DX-R G-HUPW/R4118/UP-W G-HRLI/V7497/SD-X G-HURI/R4175/RF-R N-250 XE627/T G-BWWK/S1581/573 G-BURZ/K3661/562 G-BUCM/VX653 G-CHFP/WG655/GN-910 WM969/10-Z 120235/6 G-AWHC/11 G-AWHK/10 G-ARUL/5 61-17962 51-4286 56-6692 76-0020/BT 155529/114-AJ/ZE359 XV474/T 1190/+4 3869/VJ+QO G-MOTW 501 G-AFBS/A – G-BPHZ/CF+HF G-BWMJ/N1977/8 42-12471 G-BDAM/ER-992 G-BTXI/FE695/94 G-CORS/KF183 N7614C/34064/8U G-SABR/8178/FU-178 USAF 54-2165/VM G-BYNF/3349 BAPC255/463209/WZ-S 44-11631/MX-V G-BTCD/44-13704/B7-H G-TROY/51-7692/LT-692 G-TFSI/44-14251/WZ-I G-ATBG/NJ+C11 XT581 ZA465/FF ZA469/029 G-ALCK/LZ766 BAPC57 G-AKAZ/57-G G-BKHG/479766/63-D 42-26413/UN-Z G-THUN/45-49192/F4-J 2699 F3556 N66630/252983 XX108 ML796/NS-F XN239/8889M G-AYGE G-BFYO/S-1/4513 G-ELRT/N6161 R96/LC G-CFGJ/N3200/QV G-CGUK/X4650/KL-A G-AIST/P7308/XR-D G-ASJV/MH434/ZD-B G-IRTY/MH424/H-53 (Actually MJ271) PK624 VN485 G-CGYJ/TD314/FX-P G-MKVB/BM597/RF-M G-CGJE/RK858 G-PRXI/PL983 G-CTIX/PT462/SW-A G-CCCA/PV202/5R-H G-LFIX/ML407/OU-V G-LFVB/EP120/AE-A G-IBSY/EE602/DV-V G-SPIT/MV268/JE-J G-CJWW/MH526/LO-D G-BWEM/RX168 G-RNLI/W2718 XD826 WJ945 G-ALWF G-ASGC G-FGID/KD345/130-A G-LIZY/V9673/MA-J G-CCOM/V9312/LX-E XZ194/V XV712/266 XS567/434-E XS863/304/R-04 XK963/62

Airco DH.9 Airspeed AS.40 Oxford I Airspeed AS.57 Ambassador Auster AOP.9 (dismantled) Avro Anson 1 Avro Lancaster I (nose) Avro Lancaster Mk.X Avro Shackleton MR.3/3 Avro Vulcan B.2 Avro York Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Mk.4 BAC/Aerospatiale Concorde BAC One-Eleven 510ED BAC 167 Strikemaster 80A BAC TSR.2 BAe 146 CC2 BAE Harrier GR.3 Beech GB-2 Traveler Bell UH-1H Iroquois Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Boeing B-29A Superfortress Boeing B-52D Stratofortress Boeing PT-13D Kaydet Boeing Stearman A75N1 Kaydet Boeing Stearman D75N1 (PT-27BW) Kaydet Bristol 149 Bolingbroke Mk4T Bristol F-2B Fighter Bristol (DAP) 156 Beaufighter Mk.XIc Bristol Britannia 312 Britten-Norman BN-2A Mk3-2 Trislander Canadian Car Factory Harvard 4 CASA 1-131E Jungmann Series 2000 Cierva C.30A Colt 2500A  Virgin Hot Air Balloon Consolidated B-24M Liberator Consolidated PBY-5 Canso A Curtiss H-75A-1 Hawk Curtiss P-36C Hawk Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Curtiss P-40C Warhawk Curtiss P-40F Warhawk de Havilland Mosquito TT.35 de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth de Havilland DH.82a Tiger Moth de Havilland DH.89A DragonRapide de Havilland DH.89A DragonRapide de Havilland DH.89A DragonRapide de Havilland DH.89A DragonRapide de Havilland DH.104 Dove 6 de Havilland DH.106 Comet 4 de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen FAW.2 de Havilland DH.115 Vampire T.11 de Havilland DH.121 Trident 2E de Havilland Leopard Moth de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 de Havilland DHC.2 Beaver AL.1 de Havilland DHC.2 Beaver 1 Douglas C-47A Dakota Douglas A-4NA Skyraider English Electric Canberra B.2 English Electric Lightning F.1A Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II Fairey Firefly TT.1 Fairey Gannet ECM.6 Fairey Swordfish II Fiat CR42 Fieseler Fi.103 (V-1) FMA IA58A Pucara Focke-Wulf Fw189-A1 Focker-Achgelis Fa330A-1 Bachstelze General Atomics MQ-1B-10 Predator General Dynamics F-111E Gloster Gladiator Mk.2 Gloster Javelin FAW.9 Gloster Meteor F.8 Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat Grumman FM-2 Wildcat Grumman FM-2 Wildcat Grumman TBM-3E Avenger Handley Page Halifax VII (nose) Handley Page HP67 Hastings C.14 Handley Page Herald 201 Handley Page Hermes 4 (fuselage) Handley Page Victor B(K).1A Handley Page Victor K.2 (cockpit) Hawker Fury 1 Hawker Fury FB.11 Hawker Hind (fuselage) Hawker Hurricane (replica) Hawker Hurricane I Hawker Hurricane I Hawker Hurricane I Hawker Hurricane XIIB Hawker Hunter (cockpit) Hawker Hunter F.6A Hawker Nimrod I Hawker Nimrod II Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 Hawker Sea Fury T.20 Hawker Sea Hawk FB.5 Heinkel He162A-1 Salamander Hispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon Hispano HA.1112-MIL Buchon LeVier Cosmic Wind Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Lockheed T-33A Lockheed U-2C McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 Messerschmitt Bf109E Messerschmitt Bf110D (wreck) Meyers OTW-145 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21 Miles M.14A Hawk TR.3 Mitsubishi A6M5 Zeke (Cockpit & wing stubs) Morane Saulnier MS.505 Criquet Nieuport 17 (replica) Noorduyn AT-16 Harvard IIB Noorduyn AT-16 Harvard IIB Noorduyn AT-16 Harvard IIB Noorduyn AT-16-ND Harvard IIB North American B-25J Mitchell North American F-86A Sabre North American F-100D Super Sabre North American NA-64 Yale I North American P-51 Mustang (replica) North American P-51D Mustang North American P-51D Mustang North American T-28B Trojan North American TF-51D Mustang Nord 1002 Pingouin II Northrop SD-1 (MQM 57A) Panavia Tornado Gr.1 Panavia Tornado Gr.4 Percival Proctor III Pilcher Hawk (replica) Piper J-3C-65 Cub Piper J-3C-65 Cub Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Royal Aircraft Factory BE-2c Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8 Schweizer TG-3A Glider SEPECAT Jaguar Gr.1A Short Sunderland Mk.V Slingsby Cadet TX.3 SNCAN Stampe SV-4C SPAD XIII (replica) Sopwith Scout Supermarine Spitfire (replica) Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 Supermarine Spitfire IA Supermarine Spitfire IX Supermarine Spitfire IX Supermarine Spitfire F.22 Supermarine Spitfire F.24 Supermarine Spitfire HF.IX Supermarine Spitfire LF.Vb Supermarine Spitfire LF.IXe Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI Supermarine Spitfire T.IX Supermarine Spitfire TR.IX Supermarine Spitfire TR.IX Supermarine Spitfire V Supermarine Spitfire Vc Supermarine Spitfire XIVe Supermarine Spitfire LF.IX Supermarine Seafire III Supermarine Walrus I Vickers Valiant BK.1 (cockpit) Vickers 668 Varsity T.1 Vickers Viscount 701 Vickers 1151 Super VC10 Vought FG-1D Corsair Westland Lysander III Westland Lysander IIIA Westland Lynx AH.7 Westland Sea King HAS.6 Westland Wasp HAS.1 Westland Wessex HAS.1 Westland Whirlwind HAS.7

Overview of the Imperial War Museum Duxford

Duxford Airfield has a long history dating back to its founding in 1917. During both World War I and World War II, Duxford was used as a military airfield, playing a critical role in the Battle of Britain and in the defense of the UK. After the war, it continued to serve as an active airbase until its closure in the 1960s. Following its closure, the airfield was transformed into a museum, where it now houses one of the world’s finest collections of military and civilian aircraft.

Today, the Imperial War Museum Duxford showcases a wide range of aircraft, from historic World War I planes to modern jet fighters and everything in between. The museum also features exhibits on the impact of aviation during wars and peacetime, as well as collections of tanks, military vehicles, and objects from other periods of history.

Key Features of the Imperial War Museum Duxford:

1. Aircraft Collection:
   • The museum boasts an extensive collection of over 200 aircraft, including some of the most iconic and historically significant planes ever built. The aircraft are displayed in multiple hangars, many of which are housed in the original historic aircraft hangars of Duxford Airfield.
   • Highlights include:
     • Supermarine Spitfire: One of the most iconic British fighter planes from World War II, famous for its role in the Battle of Britain.
     • Concorde: A supersonic passenger aircraft that revolutionized air travel in the 1970s and 80s. The museum has a full Concorde on display, allowing visitors to explore this engineering marvel.
     • Vickers VC.10: A key early jet airliner used by both commercial airlines and military services.
     • B-17 Flying Fortress: An iconic American heavy bomber from World War II.
     • Hawker Hurricane: Another crucial British fighter from WWII that worked alongside the Spitfire during the Battle of Britain.
2. Battle of Britain Exhibition:
   • Duxford played a critical role in the Battle of Britain, with several RAF squadrons based at the airfield during the conflict. The Battle of Britain exhibition at Duxford commemorates the brave pilots and the vital role of aviation in defending Britain from Nazi Germany.
   • The Imperial War Museum Duxford features various aircraft used in the Battle of Britain, as well as detailed displays on the airmen who fought and the strategies employed to defend the skies of Britain in 1940.
3. Air and Space Exhibits:
   • Duxford also has an exhibit dedicated to space exploration, highlighting the role of aviation in the development of modern space travel. The museum features models of spacecraft, rockets, and exhibits about key figures and missions in space history.
   • A notable display includes the Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird, which set numerous records in the World Book of Records.
4. Modern Aviation:
   • The museum’s collection also includes modern military jets and civilian aircraft, illustrating the technological advancements in aviation. This includes aircraft like the Panavia Tornado, McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, McDonnell Phantom, Lockheed U-2, Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawker Siddeley Harrier.
   • There is also an exhibit that explores the Cold War and its influence on aviation, including aircraft used by NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
5. Tank and Military Vehicles:
   • While Duxford is primarily known for its aviation displays, it also has a significant collection of military vehicles and tanks, many of which were used during World War II and other conflicts.
   • Some of the notable vehicles on display include World War II tanks like the Churchill tank, Challenger 2, and other armored vehicles that played important roles in the ground battles of various wars.
6. Interactive Exhibits and Educational Programs:
   • The museum offers numerous interactive exhibits that allow visitors to engage with the history of aviation and conflict. For example, flight simulators and interactive displays provide a more immersive experience in understanding how aircraft are piloted and how battles were fought.
   • The museum also has a wide range of educational programs, workshops, and events designed for children, schools, and families, including hands-on learning experiences with aviation and military history.
   • Special events like airshows, wartime reenactments, and flying demonstrations bring the museum’s collection to life, offering visitors the chance to see some of the aircraft in action.
7. Hangars and Airfield:
   • One of the most unique aspects of Duxford is its location. Visitors can explore the historic airfield and view aircraft up close in the IWM museum’s vast hangars. Some of these hangars are still used for aviation purposes, making Duxford a working airfield in addition to a museum.
   • Many of the aircraft on display are housed in period hangars, which are preserved as part of the museum’s effort to maintain the authentic atmosphere of a historic airfield.
8. Aircraft in Flight:
   • One of the highlights of Duxford is the opportunity to see aircraft in flight during one of the museum’s airshows, held annually. Duxford’s location allows it to host these spectacular events, where visitors can watch historic aircraft, military jets, and modern airliners perform aerobatic maneuvers and demonstrations.
9. Restoration and Preservation:
   • The Imperial War Museum Duxford is actively involved in the restoration and preservation of historic aircraft. Many aircraft on display are part of ongoing restoration projects, and visitors can see firsthand how expert teams work to preserve these aviation treasures. The museum also offers behind-the-scenes tours where visitors can learn about the restoration process.

Airshows

Since 1973, Duxford has held regular air shows. Duxford is the home of several private aviation companies, such as Classic Wings, The Fighter Collection, the Old Flying Machine Company and The Aircraft Restoration Company. Between them these companies provide pleasure flights, historic aircraft for film or television work, and aircraft restoration services. Perhaps the most notable privately owned and operated aircraft based at Duxford is B-17 Preservation Ltd’s Sally B, the only airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe.

As a historic site, many of Duxford’s buildings are of particular architectural or historic significance. Three hangars dating back to the First World War and the operations block, houses the wartime operations room from which Duxford’s aircraft were directed.

Photos Rob Vogelaar

Flying Legends 2018, Duxford UK black and white photo report