The South Wales Aviation Museum is located in Saint Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, and is dedicated to preserving the rich history of aviation in the South Wales region. Situated at St. Athan Aerospace Centre, the museum focuses on showcasing aircraft, aviation memorabilia, and stories related to the local aviation heritage, including military and civilian aviation from the Second World War to modern times.

South Wales Aviation Museum (SWAM)

Business Park, Hangar 872

Picketston Cl

St Athan, Barry CF62 4QR

United Kingdom

http://swam.online/

Saturday, Sunday 10:00 – 16:30

Admission fee

For sat-nav use CF62 4WB and look for the “Picketston Business Park” signs near the traffic light jungle on the opposite side of the road to the airfield.
Don’t use CF62 4QN as this takes you to a back lane on the wrong side of the fence.

Aircraft collection

F-BTGV/1 A7-ABX WR974/K ZE700 G-BLKP XX845 ZA195/710 G-APFG G-CEAG N858WL SX-OAD G-BDXG G-BDXH N747KD G-MKCA B-HUE B-HUI G-BMMF XK895 XE956 G-APXX WZ869/6 G-APSA WK128 WK126/843 XL472/R-044 XL500/CU XR993 WF784 WL405 XH670 XL573 G-AVFM G-BOCB XP672/03 XW420/83 G-BNPU/XL929 54439 XV499 XV582/M 2960525887/526 ZA326 ZA612 G-BRFC G-BYMT M25-04 G-AZHJ/XP295 XX845 XV104/U XV109 XZ729/DT-452 272 ZD627 ZG822/WS XM833 XP150/LS-18 XS507/27

Aero Spacelines B-377-SGT Super Guppy Airbus A300B4-622RF (cockpit) Avro Shackelton MR.3/3 BAe146 CC.2 BAe Jetstream 3102 BAe Harrier GR.3 BAe Sea Harrier FRS.2 Boeing 707-436 (cockpit) Boeing 737-229 (cockpit) Boeing 737-406 (forward fuselage) Boeing 747-212B (cockpit) Boeing 747-236B (cockpit) Boeing 747-236B (cockpit) Boeing 747-236F (cockpit) Boeing 747-2B5BF (cockpit) Boeing 747-467 (cockpit) Boeing 747-467 (cockpit) Clutton-Tabenor FRED Series 2 de Havilland Sea Devon C.20 de Havilland Vampire T.11 de Havilland Australia DHA-3 Drover Mk.2 de Havilland Canada Chipmunk T.10 (fuselage) Douglas DC-6A English Electric Canberra B.2 (nose section) English Electric CanberraTT.18 Fairey Gannet AEW.3 Fairey Gannet AEW.3 Foland Gnat T.1 Gloster Meteor T.7 Gloster Meteor T.7 (cockpit) Handley Page Victor B.2 (cockpit) Hawker Hunter T.7 Hawker Siddeley HS.121-2E Trident (cockpit) Hawker Siddeley HS.125-1B/522 (front fuselage) Hunting Jet Provost T.4 Hunting Jet Provost T.5A Hunting Percival C.1 Lockheed T-33A McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 (nose section) McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 Panavia Tornado GR.1 Panavia Tornado GR.4 Percival Sea Prince T.1 Quantum 15-912 Scottish Aviation Bulldog 102 Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer 3 SEPECAT Jaguar T.4 Vickers VC.10 C.1K (cockpit) Vickers VC.10 C.1K (nose section) Westland Lynx HMA.8SRU Westland SH-14D Lynx Westland Sea King HC.4 (cockpit) Westland Sea King HC.4 Westland Wessex HAS.3 Westland Wessex HAS.3 Westland Wessex HU.5

Highlights of the South Wales Aviation Museum:

1. Aircraft Collection:
   • The museum features a range of military and civilian aircraft, with a particular emphasis on post-World War II and Cold War-era planes. Some of the prominent aircraft in the collection include:
   • • English Electric Lightning: A supersonic interceptor aircraft used by the RAF, notable for its high-speed performance and steep climb rate.
     • Panavia Tornado: A multi-role aircraft used by the RAF and other NATO forces, which served in multiple conflicts, including the Gulf War.
     • McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2: A variant of the American-made Phantom, this fighter aircraft was used by the RAF for both air superiority and ground attack missions.
     • Vickers VC10: A British-built airliner and military transport aircraft, which served with both commercial airlines and the RAF.
   • The museum also has a variety of cockpits and other aviation components for visitors to explore.
2. Aircraft Exhibits and Displays:
   • The South Wales Aviation Museum showcases various aircraft exhibits, ranging from large military planes to smaller, historic aircraft. The museum’s exhibits provide detailed information about the history and role of each aircraft, and there are often interactive displays where visitors can get a closer look at the planes.
   • The museum’s collection includes aircraft from the Cold War period, reflecting the strategic importance of the South Wales region during that time.
3. Aviation Memorabilia:
   • The South Wales Aviation Museum is home to a wide range of aviation memorabilia, including uniforms, medals, documents, and personal items from airmen and aviation enthusiasts. These artifacts provide a personal touch to the museum’s collection and offer insight into the daily life of those involved in aviation history.
   • There are also various photographs, manuals, and technical documents related to the aircraft on display, offering visitors a chance to learn more about the design and operation of these aircraft.
4. St. Athan and the Aviation Legacy:
   • St. Athan has a rich history as an aviation site, particularly during World War II and the Cold War. The museum tells the story of how the St. Athan airfield was used by the Royal Air Force and other military branches over the years.
   • The museum offers detailed exhibits on the airfield’s role in aircraft maintenance, training, and repair during its operational years, including its significance in the Cold War and its contribution to the RAF’s preparedness.
5. Restoration and Preservation:
   • The South Wales Aviation Museum is actively involved in the restoration and preservation of aircraft, many of which are undergoing careful maintenance by a team of dedicated volunteers.
   • Some aircraft in the museum are in the process of being restored to flying condition, and visitors can often watch the restoration work taking place in the museum’s workshops.
   • The museum also engages in conservation efforts for historical aircraft and aviation technology, ensuring that these planes and artifacts are preserved for future generations.

Photo Rob Vogelaar