Farnborough Air Sciences Trust

Farnborough Air Sciences Trust is a charitable trust and museum dedicated to preserving the scientific and engineering heritage of the Royal Aircraft Establishment and its successor organizations at Farnborough Airfield. Founded in 1993, its mission is to safeguard a unique collection of historic aircraft, wind tunnel models, and scientific instruments that chronicle over a century of British aerospace research. The trust operates from several original World War I-era buildings on the historic airfield site, providing public access to a nationally significant collection. Its work encompasses conservation, public exhibition, and educational outreach related to the United Kingdom's pivotal role in aviation and aeronautical science.

History

The trust was established in response to the closure of the Royal Aircraft Establishment in the early 1990s, aiming to rescue historically important artifacts from dispersal or destruction. Its formation was championed by former RAE scientists, engineers, and local historians who recognized the site's global significance in aviation history, dating back to the Army Balloon Factory in the early 20th century. Key early figures included individuals who had worked on landmark projects such as the Concorde and military aircraft like the English Electric Lightning. The collection was initially housed in the original Trenchard Building, a structure from the First World War, with the trust gradually restoring other historic buildings on the site. Its development has been supported by partnerships with organizations like BAE Systems, QinetiQ, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Exhibits and collections

The core collection comprises full-size aircraft, including the unique Fairey Delta 2 which broke the world air speed record in 1956, a British Aerospace Harrier jump jet, and a Westland Scout helicopter. A significant portion of the exhibits consists of original wind tunnel models used in the development of iconic aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and Avro Vulcan. The museum also holds an extensive archive of technical drawings, photographs, and scientific instruments from the Royal Aircraft Establishment, alongside models of rockets and guided missiles tested at the nearby RAE Bedford site. Other notable items include reconstructions of early wind tunnels and interactive displays explaining aerodynamic principles.

Research and education

The trust supports academic research by providing access to its unique archives and artifacts for historians and aerospace students, often collaborating with institutions like the University of Southampton and the Royal Aeronautical Society. Its education programme delivers curriculum-linked workshops and lectures for school groups, focusing on STEM subjects and the history of technology, with activities often centered around the Farnborough International Airshow. Volunteers, many of whom are retired RAE engineers, conduct guided tours and restoration projects, offering firsthand insights into Britain's aerospace history. The trust also publishes historical papers and contributes to documentaries and publications concerning the legacy of Farnborough Airfield.

Facilities and location

The museum is situated on the western perimeter of the active Farnborough Airport, within the historic Farnborough Airfield complex in Hampshire. Key facilities include the restored Black Sheds, which are original World War I aircraft sheds, and the Trenchard Building, which serves as the main exhibition hall and visitor center. The site also encompasses the original RAE headquarters building and several structures that once housed pioneering wind tunnels. Its location provides a direct physical link to the airfield where landmark events like the early SBAC Show and the first powered flight in Britain by Samuel Cody took place.

Organisation and governance

The trust is a registered charity governed by a board of trustees, which includes individuals with backgrounds in aerospace, heritage management, and business. Day-to-day operations are managed by a small staff team supported by a large corps of dedicated volunteers, many of whom are former employees of the Royal Aircraft Establishment, British Aerospace, or Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). Funding is derived from visitor admissions, membership subscriptions, grants from bodies like the Heritage Lottery Fund, and donations from corporate partners such as BAE Systems and QinetiQ. The trust works closely with the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum Association, a membership organization that provides additional volunteer and fundraising support.

Category:Aerospace museums in England Category:Museums in Hampshire Category:Farnborough, Hampshire Category:Charities based in Hampshire Category:1993 establishments in England