The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection at Old Sarum Airfield is located at Old Sarum Airfield, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, England. This collection is dedicated to preserving the rich history of aviation, particularly focusing on aircraft that were tested at Boscombe Down Airfield, as well as the general history of aviation testing in the UK.

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

Hangar 1 South, Old Sarum Airfield

Old Sarum

Salisbury SP4 6DZ

United Kingdom

www.boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk

norm3392@hotmail.co.uk

+44 1722 323636

March – October

• Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
• Bank Holiday Mondays 10:00 – 17:00

November – February

• Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 16:00

Closed 24th, 25th, 26th December and 1st January

Admission fee

Aircraft collection

G-ALYG/MS968 WZ736 XX919 XV784 XX154 XX343/3 XZ457/VL-104 XS743 WA577 XJ476 G-BDCC/WD321 XK699 42-93510/CM WH876 WJ865 WJ992 XN726 WG763 A92-664 WD686/S WD790 WK800/Z WT648 WN890 XG290 XF375/6 WV910 XS790 XR650/28/8459M G-VIVM/XS230 XS231 ZD936/AO ZA319 2783 XN149 XX734 XX761 XW560 WZ753 WT859 XF113 XZ335 XP899/D XT437/423 XT793

Auster AOP.5 Avro 707A BAC One Eleven Srs.402 AP (nose) BAe Harrier GR.3 (nose) BAe Hawk T.1 BAe Hawk T.1  Mod (nose) BAe Sea Harrier FA.2 Beagle Bassett CC.1 Bristol Sycamore MK.3 de Havilland Sea Vixen FAW.1 (nose) de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 de Havilland Comet C.2 (fuselage) Douglas C-47A Skytrain English Electric Canberra U.14 (nose) English Electric Canberra T.4 (nose) English Electric Canberra T.4 English Electric Lightning F.2A  (nose) English Electric Lightning P.1A GAF 103A Jindivik Gloster Meteor NF.11 Gloster Meteor NF.11 (nose) Gloster Meteor U.16 Hawker Hunter F.1 (nose) Hawker Hunter F.2 (nose) Hawker Hunter F.6 (nose) Hawker Hunter F.6A Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.4 (nose) Hawker Siddeley Andover CC.2 (nose) Hunting Jet Povost T.4 Hunting Jet Provost T.5P Hunting Jet Povost T.4P/T.5 (nose) Panavia Tornado F.2 (nose) Panavia Tornado GR.1 Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 (replica) Sedbergh TX.1 SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1 SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1A (nose) SEPECAT Jaguar S06 (nose) Slingsby Grasshopper TX.1 Supermarine 544 Scimitar (nose) Supermarine Swift F.7 (nose) Westland Gazelle AH.1 Westland Scout AH.1 Westland Wasp HAS.1 Westland Wasp HAS.1

There are also more than 500 aircraft models. The collection also contains a number of weapon, such as  a cut away bomb, and trials pods.

Cockpits

Weapons, engines, ejection seats and more

Key Features of the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection:

1. History of Boscombe Down Airfield:

• Boscombe Down has been a test flying hub for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and industry for many years. It has been at the center of aeronautical innovation and testing in the UK, providing a crucial base for testing new aircraft designs and equipment.
• The museum highlights the role of Boscombe Down in the development of British military aircraft, as well as its involvement in aeronautical research and the testing of experimental aircraft.

2. Test and Experimental Aircraft:

• The Boscombe Down Aviation Collection showcases a wide variety of aircraft used for testing purposes. This includes jet fighters, propeller aircraft, and experimental aircraft that have been flown and tested at the airfield.
• Some of the notable aircraft on display include British aircraft from the RAF, as well as civilian test aircraft and planes used by other military organizations for research and development.
• Among the aircraft types that may be seen in the collection are Vickers VC10, Hawker Siddeley Harrier, SEPECAT Jaguar, and de Havilland Comet, as well as models used for radar tests and aircraft systems trials.

3. Interactive Exhibits and Displays:

• The museum features a range of interactive exhibits that delve into the science of aeronautical engineering, flight testing, and aircraft design.
• Displays help visitors understand the complex processes involved in testing aircraft, aerodynamics, and the challenges faced by test pilots in ensuring aircraft safety and performance. Visitors can see how the testing process has evolved, from the early days of aviation to modern aircraft technologies.
• Some exhibits focus on the development of technologies like radar systems, aerial refueling, and fly-by-wire controls, all of which have been tested at Boscombe Down.

4. Restoration and Preservation:

• The museum is involved in the restoration and preservation of historic aircraft. It actively works to keep aircraft that were once used for test purposes in good condition, ensuring they can be viewed by the public and appreciated for their role in aviation history.
• Visitors may have the opportunity to learn about the restoration process and the efforts involved in bringing aircraft back to life, preserving not just the machines but also their associated histories.

5. Aircraft Testing and Flight Records:

• The collection provides an in-depth look at the kinds of test flights carried out at Boscombe Down over the years, including high-speed trials, aerodynamic tests, and weapons testing.
• The museum showcases flight records and logbooks from test pilots, shedding light on the courage and precision required for this highly skilled work.

6. Significant Aviation Milestones:

• Boscombe Down is known for playing a key role in the development of new aircraft types for the RAF and other branches of the military. Many aircraft types that were part of the RAF’s operational fleet underwent testing and evaluation at Boscombe Down before entering service.
• Some of these aircraft include military jets like the Harrier and Jaguar, and airliners that were tested before their introduction to commercial airlines.

7. Role in the British Aircraft Industry:

• Boscombe Down has been a center for collaboration between the RAF and British aircraft manufacturers, playing a vital part in ensuring the success of various aircraft models that have gone on to serve both military and civilian purposes.
• The collection includes artifacts and models of British aircraft that were involved in testing, and it shows the interaction between the military and industry in developing cutting-edge aviation technologies.

When we visited the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection at Old Sarum Airfield we saw more historic aircraft see: Old Sarum Airfield, United Kingdom.

The Role of Old Sarum Airfield:

• Old Sarum Airfield itself has historical significance, having been used in both World Wars for military operations. Today, it serves as a civilian airfield and a base for the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, where many of the aircraft on display were originally tested.
• The site also hosts regular aviation-related events, including airshows and fly-ins, where visitors can see both vintage and modern aircraft in action. The airfield’s connection to aviation history and the museum’s presence there further enhances the experience.

Photos Rob Vogelaar