The Imperial War Museum at Duxford, one of the country’s most historic airfields, played host to the Royal Air Force (RAF) during its Battle of Britain Air Show this weekend (22nd-23rd September 2018), in a collaboration which saw vintage and modern aircraft fly together in celebration of 100 years of RAF history.
On the ground, air show goers were treated to a glimpse into the RAF’s next century, with the opportunity to view a concept model of a brand-new, next-generation fighter jet, created by the Team Tempest partnership. Displayed alongside two of the most iconic current-serving RAF aircraft – the Chinook and the Typhoon – the “Tempest” fighter jet (provided by BAE Systems) proved to be a popular attraction, having only been seen once before in the UK at its initial unveiling in July.
For those who couldn’t get tickets to the air show, the latest release of the RAF100 Augmented Reality Flypast App includes the “Tempest” concept model as well as many of the RAF’s most technologically-advanced aircraft. Available to download today from the App Store and Google Play, the App – RAF100Flypast – has been created in partnership with students from Lincoln University.
Following an exciting six months of events to mark the RAF’s centenary, the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show rounds off the public RAF100 celebrations with a desire to look forwards and inspire future generations. Activities to encourage young people to engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects have been central to the centenary programme and Duxford was no exception.
Filling an entire hangar, the RAF Inspire Showcase contained the largest display of educational and interactive STEM exhibits within the centenary programme to date. This significant investment brings the RAF and industry partners together with one common aim: to increase uptake in STEM subjects to tackle the national skills shortage.
Other activities designed to inspire the next generation included the hosting of the finals of the RAF Engineering Competition, sponsored by Raytheon. Bringing together finalists for the Youth Competition from the Air Scouts and Air Cadets and for the Senior Competition from across the RAF and University Air Squadrons, the entries were reviewed by judging panels consisting of RAF and industry personnel, as well as the Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, Member of Parliament for Harlow and Chair of the Education Committee, and Brian McManus, a popular STEM vlogger.
The overall youth winner was 1378 (Mold) & 1918 (Ruthin) Sqns ATC (Air Cadet Experience (ACE)) and the overall whole force winner was RAF Brize Norton – 47 Sqn (Waste Oil Bio-Remediation System). They received their awards from Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff.
“It has been a pleasure to attend the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show today, not only to witness the spectacular flying displays of vintage and modern aircraft but also to have an opportunity, once again, to engage with everyone in a way which tells the RAF story: past, present and future. Our partners at the Imperial War Museum Duxford have helped us succeed in delivering a fitting and inspirational event as we start to bring the RAF Centenary celebrations to a close. Announcing the winners of the RAF Engineering Competition was a personal highlight for me, as we seek to inspire a new generation to engage with STEM subjects and develop the aerospace pioneers of the future. As we approach the conclusion of RAF100, I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved and we look forward to our next century with great confidence.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier
Chief of the Air Staff
