The Solent Sky Museum is located in Southampton, Hampshire, England, and is dedicated to the history of aviation in the Solent region and the wider maritime and aviation history of the area. The museum houses a fascinating collection of historic aircraft that played important roles in both civilian and military aviation.

Solent Sky Museum

Albert Road South

Southampton SO14 3FR

United Kingdom

www.solentskymuseum.org

aviation@spitfireonline.co.uk

+44 23 8063 5830

Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 – 17:00

Sunday 14:00 – 17:00

School holidays,  open on Monday 10:00 – 17:00

Admission fee

Gift shop

Aircraft collection

C4451 ZH763 G-ALZE – BB-807 WM571 XD596 U-1215 XK740 XJ571/242 G-ADZW XL770 G-APOI TG263 VH-BRC XN246 – – N248 PK683 XF114 (G-SWIF) W2718 N546

Avro 504J BAC1-11-539GL (fuselage) Britten Norman BN-1F Finibee Cody British Army Aeroplane No.1 De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth De Havilland Sea Venom FAW.22 De Havilland Vampire T.11 De Havilland (FW Emmen) DH-115 Vampire T.55 Folland Gnat F.1 De Havilland DH-110 Sea Vixen FAW.2 Mignet HM.14 Flying Flea (replica) Saro Skeeter AOP.12 Saro (Saunders-Roe) Skeeter 8 Saunders-Roe SR./A.1 Short S-25 Sandringham IV Slingsby Cadet TX.3 Slingsby T.31 SUMPAC man-powered aircraft Supermarine S.6A Supermarine Spitfire F.24 Supermarine Swift F.7 Supermarine Walrus I Wight Quadraplane (replica)

Solent Sky Museum located near Ocean Village, is dedicated to telling the incredible story of aviation in the Solent area. At the museum many of the planes that made Southampton famous are on display.

Highlights of the Solent Sky Museum:

1. Aircraft Collection:
   • The museum houses a fascinating collection of historic air race aircraft that played important roles in both civilian and military aviation. The exhibits cover a range of periods, from early aviation pioneers to the Second World War and beyond. Some of the key aircraft on display include:
     • Supermarine Spitfire: A legendary British fighter aircraft used during World War II. The museum has a model of this iconic aircraft, and its connection to the Supermarine factory in Southampton makes it a key part of the museum’s collection.
     • Supermarine S.6B: A racing seaplane developed by Supermarine, which set the world speed record for aircraft on water in 1931.
     • Fairey Swordfish: A biplane torpedo bomber used by the Royal Navy during WWII, particularly notable for its role in the attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto and the sinking of the Bismarck.
     • Short Sunderland: A British flying boat used by the Royal Air Force during WWII for reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime patrol.
     • Solent (Supermarine): The museum features a model of the Supermarine Solent flying boat, which was a civil aircraft designed and built in Southampton for commercial flights.
2. The Supermarine Connection:
   • The Solent Sky Museum places particular emphasis on Supermarine Aviation, a company that became famous for its development of the Supermarine Spitfire. This aircraft played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain and is one of the most iconic aircraft in British history.
   • The museum showcases the history of Supermarine’s founder, R.J. Mitchell, and his contribution to aviation, including the development of the Spitfire and other significant aircraft. This is an especially important part of the museum’s collection due to Southampton’s connection to Supermarine, which was headquartered in the city.
3. Flying Boats and Maritime Aviation:
   • A significant portion of the museum’s collection is dedicated to flying boats, which were a key part of both civil aviation and military operations during the early and mid-20th century.
   • The Short Sunderland flying boat is one of the museum’s most prominent exhibits, and the museum also has a model of the flying boat Solent, used by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) for passenger travel.
   • The Solent Sky Museum highlights the role of Southampton Docks as a major hub for flying boat operations and the development of seaplane technology, with numerous flying boats operating from the Solent during the 1930s and 1940s.
4. Interactive Exhibits and Displays:
   • The museum has a variety of interactive displays to engage visitors, including cockpits, flight simulators, and videos that demonstrate the history of aviation in the region.
   • There are also models, posters, and other artifacts related to aviation history, providing a deeper understanding of the technical developments and historical significance of the aircraft.
5. Historical Memorabilia and Artifacts:
   • The Solent Sky Museum‘s extensive collection of aviation memorabilia includes uniforms, medals, documents, and personal items that belonged to aircrew members and others involved in aviation. This collection offers a personal insight into the experiences of those who flew and worked in aviation during the First and Second World Wars and beyond.
   • Visitors can also explore the development of aviation from its early years, with detailed exhibitions that chart the milestones in both military and civilian aviation.
6. The Role of Southampton in Aviation History:
   • The Solent Sky Museum also explores Southampton’s significant role in the development of aviation. Southampton Docks was a major location for the production and testing of early flying boats, and the museum showcases the importance of the local area to both the civil and military aviation industries.
   • The flying boat services operated from the Solent region were some of the first long-distance air routes, and Southampton was an important hub for transatlantic flights before the advent of larger land-based passenger planes.
7. Aircraft Restoration and Preservation:
   • The museum is actively involved in aircraft restoration and preservation. Some aircraft are in the process of being restored, and visitors may have the chance to see restoration work being carried out by the museum’s skilled team of volunteers.
   • The museum also works closely with aviation heritage organizations to ensure that the history of these aircraft is preserved for future generations.
8. Educational Programs:
   • The Solent Sky Museum offers a variety of educational programs for schools and groups, designed to introduce young people to the history of aviation. These programs include guided tours, hands-on workshops, and detailed discussions of the technology behind the aircraft and their role in history.
   • The museum also hosts talks and presentations, often featuring guest speakers from the aviation industry or experts in aviation history, offering visitors the chance to learn more in-depth about various aspects of flight.

Photos Rob Vogelaar.