Hangars 3, 4 and 5
War in the Air 1918–1980
In a relatively short lifespan, the RAF has become woven into the history of the UK and the world. Discover the aircraft of the Battle of Britain alongside extraordinary bombers, seaplanes, trainers and helicopters.
The Battle of Britain
The important role of fighter pilots, and the many who support them on the ground, was perhaps best demonstrated during the Battle of Britain in 1940, ‘Their Finest Hour’, when the German Luftwaffe was repelled. In one two-week period 295 Hurricanes and Spitfires were lost, 171 were badly damaged and 231 pilots were killed or wounded. However, Hitler was forced to postpone his invasion plans after losing around 2,600 Luftwaffe aircrew.
In Hangar 3, discover the ‘Fighter Four’ – a Battle of Britain Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1A, Hawker Hurricane Mk 1, Messerschmitt Bf109E-4/B ‘Emil’, Fiat CR42 Falco (Falcon) that all took part in the Battle of Britain. The story continues in Hangar 5.
Downloadable Large Print Guides
- 15 August 1940
- The Battle of Britain
- People of the Battle of Britain (Part I)
- People of the Battle of Briatin (Part II)
Bomber Command
During the Second World War, the RAF carried out an extensive strategic bombing campaign against targets throughout Europe. In Hangar 5, don’t miss the versatile de Havilland Mosquito, nicknamed ‘The Wooden Wonder’, which was used by the Pathfinder Force to help mark targets in Germany.
Probably the most famous, and certainly the most successful, heavy bomber used by Bomber Command was the Lancaster, also displayed in Hangar 5. Explore the story of the Dam Buster’s raid, No. 617 Squadron’s daring attack on three dams in Germany. 19 Avro Lancasters were flown armed with a new weapon – the ‘bouncing bomb’. Of the 133 young men who set out on that mission, 53 died in the attack and three became prisoners of war.
Partnerships
Partnership with Allied countries has always been essential to the success of the RAF in delivering its missions. This was clearly demonstrated during the Second World War in the close co-operation between the US and UK which continues today – and through aircraft such as the North American P-51D Mustang on display in Hangar 5, one of the best fighter aircraft in the world.
Helicopters
Explore early auto-giros to the modern helicopters we recognise today in Hangar 4. Highlights include the Westland Belvedere HC Mk 1 H4 which was the RAF’s first twin-engine, twin-rotor helicopter.
Please note: The Museum regularly undertakes a programme of maintenance and conservation, so some exhibits or Hangars may be temporarily inaccessible. If you are visiting us to see something specific, please contact us in advance to ensure it that it is on display and available for public viewing.