Royal Air Force Museum Cosford

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
Name	Royal Air Force Museum Cosford
Established	1979
Location	Cosford, Shropshire, England
Type	Aviation museum
Collection size	Over 70 aircraft
Publictransit	Cosford railway station

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is a major branch of the Royal Air Force Museum located at RAF Cosford in Shropshire. Opened in 1979, the museum is renowned for its extensive collection of historic military aircraft, with a particular focus on the technological development of aviation during the Cold War. It serves as a key national repository for aviation heritage and a leading public attraction in the West Midlands.

History

The museum was established on the active Royal Air Force station, RAF Cosford, which itself was opened in 1938 as a training base. The site played a significant role during the Second World War, training personnel for the Royal Air Force and allied air forces. The museum's creation was part of a wider initiative by the Royal Air Force Museum to expand its public outreach beyond its main site at RAF Hendon. Key developments included the transfer of the Aerospace Museum collection from the Science Museum and the construction of purpose-built hangars, such as the National Cold War Exhibition building which opened in 2007. This expansion was supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and partnerships with organizations like BAE Systems.

Exhibits and collections

The museum's core exhibits are organized into thematic displays that chronicle the evolution of military aviation. Its most significant exhibition is the National Cold War Exhibition, housed in a landmark arched building, which explores the geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union through aviation technology. Other permanent galleries detail the history of RAF Training Command, the development of aero-engine technology, and the role of aviation in conflicts from the Second World War to the Gulf War. The collection includes numerous rare prototypes, research aircraft, and missiles, providing a comprehensive overview of British aerospace engineering.

Aircraft on display

The museum holds one of the United Kingdom's most important collections of historic aircraft, with over 70 examples. Highlights include the only complete Avro Vulcan in the world displayed in a ground-running configuration, a British Aerospace Harrier used during the Falklands War, and a Handley Page Victor tanker. The collection features significant Cold War-era aircraft such as the English Electric Lightning, the General Dynamics F-111, and a Tupolev Tu-22 from the Soviet Air Forces. Other notable exhibits are the Fairey Delta 2 research aircraft, a Supermarine Spitfire, and a Hawker Siddeley Nimrod.

Facilities and attractions

Beyond its static displays, the museum offers interactive simulators, a 4D theatre experience, and hands-on activities in its Aeronauts interactive gallery, designed for younger visitors. The site includes extensive archives and a conservation centre where restoration work on aircraft like the Vickers Wellington is visible to the public. The museum hosts major annual events such as the Cosford Air Show, lectures by aviation historians, and educational programs linked to the National Curriculum. Visitor amenities include a large restaurant, a gift shop, and free parking.

Location and access

The museum is situated on the western side of the active RAF Cosford station, near the village of Cosford in Shropshire. It is located just off the A41 road, providing direct road links to Wolverhampton and Telford. The site is served by its own Cosford railway station on the Shrewsbury–Wolverhampton line, with regular services operated by West Midlands Trains. The museum is approximately 20 miles northwest of Birmingham and is accessible from the M54 motorway.

Affiliations and operations

The museum operates as part of the national Royal Air Force Museum, a registered charity, and works closely with the Ministry of Defence. It holds formal accreditation from the Arts Council England and is a member of the Association of Independent Museums. Key operational partners include BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the Royal Aeronautical Society. The museum engages in collaborative research projects with institutions like the University of Wolverhampton and participates in national initiatives such as the Imperial War Museum's "Their Past Your Future" programme.

Category:Royal Air Force Museum Category:Aerospace museums in England Category:Museums in Shropshire Category:1979 establishments in England