Royal Air Force Museum London
Museum | London | England | United Kingdom
The Royal Air Force Museum London is a significant aviation museum dedicated to the history of the Royal Air Force. It is located on the site of the former Hendon Aerodrome in North London and spans several hangars showcasing different eras and aspects of aviation history.
Collections and Exhibitions
Hangar 1 – RAF Stories and First to the Future: This area highlights the first 100 years of the RAF and its development from 1918 to 2018. The "RAF Stories" exhibition provides insights into the diverse roles of the RAF and technological advancements over time. "First to the Future" showcases the RAF's visions and innovations for the future.
Hangar 2 – Grahame-White Factory: This area presents the history of early aviation on the site of the former London Aerodrome acquired by Claude Grahame-White in 1911. The exhibition includes original aircraft from World War I and the establishment of the independent RAF in 1918.
Hangars 3 and 4 – The Historic Hangars: These areas focus on aircraft from World War II and the Cold War, including original fighter planes from the Battle of Britain such as the Hawker Hurricane, the Messerschmitt Bf 109, and the Supermarine Spitfire. Additionally, helicopters and some jet aircraft from the Cold War era are on display.
Hangar 5 – The Bomber Hall: This hangar showcases bomber aircraft used during World War II, including the German Junkers Ju 87 Stuka and the Heinkel He 111. A special highlight is the Avro Lancaster S-Sugar, which flew 137 night missions and is considered the oldest surviving Lancaster bomber.
Hangar 6 – RAF in a Time of Uncertainty: This area is dedicated to the RAF from 1980 to the present, highlighting the challenges and developments of modern air forces.
Special Exhibitions and Collections
The museum houses an impressive collection of over 100 aircraft, including the only fully preserved Hawker Typhoon. In 2018, as part of the RAF Centennial exhibitions, a Westland Sea King helicopter, a Gnat Jet Trainer from the Red Arrows, and a scale model of the F-35 Lightning II Stealth Fighter were added.
Facilities and Offerings
In addition to the exhibitions, the museum offers a café where visitors can dine under the wings of a Sunderland flying boat, as well as a children's playground with miniature RAF aircraft and vehicles. The museum's archives, which include thousands of documents, books, and photographs, are located on the top floor of Hangars 3, 4, and 5.
The Royal Air Force Museum London is a significant site to explore the history and development of the RAF and gain insight into the aviation history of the 20th and 21st centuries.
