The Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd. (FNHT) is a UK-based charity dedicated to preserving the aviation heritage of the Royal Navy through the restoration, maintenance, and operation of historic aircraft. The trust plays a vital role in ensuring that the legacy of Fleet Air Arm aviation is preserved for future generations, both as a symbol of British military history and as a living representation of the Royal Navy’s aviation achievements.
Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd.
Navy Wings Heritage Centre
Building 412, South Dispersal
RNAS Yeovilton
Ilchester BA22 8H
Hangar visits on special days for Navy Wings supporters see their website
Aircraft collection
| G-CVIX/XP924/E-134
WK608/906 W5856/4A LS326/L2 VR930/Q-110 G-RNHF/VX281/VL-120 WV908/A-188 G-CBUI/XT420/606 | de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen D.3
de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T.10 Fairey Swordfish Mk.I Fairey Swordfish Mk.II Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 Hawker Sea Fury T.20 (crashed 28-04-2021) Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.6 Westland Wasp HAS.1 |
The Sea Fury T.20 G-RNHF/VX281/VL-120 was destroyed during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The 1950 Hawker Sea Fury T Mk 20 took off from RNAS Yeovilton at 14:09 on a local training flight. Following a loss of engine power the pilot attempted to turn back to the airport. The aircraft failed to reach the runway and came down in a field, about 1 km from the threshold of runway 01. Both occupants suffered minor injuries.
Overview Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd. (FNHT):
- Name: Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd. (FNHT)
- Founded: The charity was established in 2006.
- Mission: The primary mission of the FNHT is to conserve and restore historic aircraft associated with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, and to maintain a flying collection of these aircraft. The trust also aims to engage the public through educational programs, airshows, and historical displays, promoting awareness of the Fleet Air Arm’s rich history.
Key Activities:
1. Aircraft Restoration and Preservation:
- The FNHT is involved in the restoration and preservation of historic Fleet Air Arm aircraft, ensuring that these aircraft are kept in flying condition. The trust typically works with classic aircraft such as the Hawker Sea Fury, Fairey Swordfish, Sea Hawk, and Sea Vixen, among others.
- Many of the aircraft in the FNHT collection are vintage naval aircraft that have been restored to their former glory, with work undertaken by skilled engineers and volunteers who specialize in aircraft restoration.
2. Flying Collection:
- The trust operates a flying collection of historical aircraft. These aircraft are regularly flown in public displays, at airshows, and special events. The goal is to give the public the opportunity to see these iconic aircraft in action, helping to bring the history of naval aviation to life.
- The Fly Navy Heritage Trust’s flying collection includes several notable aircraft, such as:
- Fairey Swordfish: A biplane that played a pivotal role during World War II, particularly in the Taranto Raid and the Battle of the Atlantic.
- Hawker Sea Fury: A carrier-based fighter aircraft that served in the late stages of World War II and post-war conflicts.
- De Havilland Sea Vixen: A twin-engine jet fighter used by the Royal Navy during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Sea Hawk: A carrier-based jet fighter developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
3. Public Engagement and Education:
- The Fly Navy Heritage Trust seeks to engage the public and educate them about the history of naval aviation, particularly the Fleet Air Arm. The trust runs various educational programs and activities aimed at both adults and children.
- Educational efforts include hosting airshows, providing public demonstrations, and offering flying experiences or static displays at events. These activities aim to raise awareness of the historical significance of the Fleet Air Arm’s contributions to aviation and military history.
4. Airshow Participation and Flypasts:
- The FNHT actively participates in airshows and aviation events across the UK. These events often feature displays of the aircraft in the trust’s collection, giving the public the chance to see these historic aircraft perform in the air.
- The Fly Navy Heritage Trust also organizes flypasts at key events and ceremonies, such as military commemorations, Remembrance Day services, and celebrations of naval history.
5. Aviation History and Commemoration:
- The trust plays an important role in commemorating the Royal Navy’s aviation heritage. This includes honoring the pilots, engineers, and naval personnel who served in the Fleet Air Arm throughout its history.
- The trust’s work ensures that the legacy of naval aviation is preserved and remembered through the operation of these aircraft, allowing the public to connect with the history of the Royal Navy’s air services.
Key Aircraft in the Fly Navy Heritage Trust Collection:
1. Fairey Swordfish:
- The Fairey Swordfish is one of the most famous aircraft in British military history. It was instrumental in the Royal Navy’s success during World War II, including the Taranto Raid (1940) and the Battle of the Atlantic. The Swordfish was a torpedo bomber and played a crucial role in the sinking of the Bismarck.
2. Hawker Sea Fury:
- The Hawker Sea Fury was one of the last piston-engined fighters to serve on aircraft carriers, being used by the Royal Navy during the post-WWII era. Known for its powerful engine and excellent performance, the Sea Fury was highly regarded by its pilots.
3. De Havilland Sea Vixen:
- The Sea Vixen was a twin-engine jet fighter that operated from British aircraft carriers during the 1950s and 1960s. It was known for its distinctive twin-boom design and its role in air defense.
4. Sea Hawk:
- The Sea Hawk was an early jet-powered fighter used by the Royal Navy. It played a major role in carrier-based operations during the late 1940s and 1950s, and it was the first carrier-based jet fighter to enter service in the Royal Navy.
How You Can Get Involved:
1. Supporting the Trust:
- The Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd. is a registered charity and relies on donations and volunteer support to continue its work. Individuals and organizations can contribute by donating money, offering volunteer time, or supporting the charity through other fundraising efforts.
2. Visiting and Events:
- The trust hosts various events, airshows, and displays throughout the year. These events offer a chance to view the aircraft in action, meet the pilots and engineers, and learn more about the history of Royal Navy aviation.
- Visitors can also support the trust by attending events or taking part in flight experiences if available. Some aircraft may also be available for private hire or charity events.
3. Membership:
- The Fly Navy Heritage Trust offers membership programs, allowing aviation enthusiasts to receive updates, participate in events, and be more involved in the preservation of British naval aviation heritage.
Significance:
The Fly Navy Heritage Trust Ltd. plays a crucial role in ensuring that the legacy of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm is preserved for future generations. Through the restoration and operation of iconic aircraft, as well as its public engagement efforts, the FNHT helps to keep the stories of naval aviation alive and ensures that these remarkable machines continue to fly and inspire.
Photo Marcel van Leeuwen