What is the best place to spend the weekend for aviation enthusiasts? At Wingly, we have found the answer thanks to our pilots who did flight sharing to the Duxford Imperial War Museum. From plane exhibitions to hangar dances this is the place to be if you are crazy about aviation and want to have a good time. A brief bucket list of things to see and do in Duxford Imperial War Museum.
There are lots of planes to see
There are dozens of aircrafts displayed across more than 8 exhibitions in Duxford Imperial War Museum, so we’ll just focuse on the most iconic ones. You know, those planes which names resonate throughout history.
1. Beloved Concorde
If you ask 10 people what their favorite aircraft is, nine will undoubtedly answer Concorde, and one will probably utter something like “well you know, that plane with the weird nose that flew really fast… aaah what’s her name again?” Genuine engineering prowess, Concorde first flew on 2 March 1969 and was operated until 24 October 2003. Her warp speed of twice the speed of sound made her the only supersonic jet airliner to this day. This, added to her tragic end of service, has made her the most fascinating plane in history. Come and admire her sheer beauty in Duxford Imperial War Museum.
Concorde flying at Mach 2. Shot taken by RAF Tornado
2. Aggressive Spitfire
What is the best-known plane of the Battle of Britain? Yes, you’re right: it’s the famous Supermarine Spitfire. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin piston engine this beast is one of the fastest single engine piston aircrafts in the world, reaching 370 mph. To this day, only 55 of them are still airworthy.
The Supermarine Spitfire
3. Legendary Lancaster
If I tell you British Second World War Bomber, you answer… Avro Lancaster, that’s correct! This heavy bomber was organised in night bombing squadrons that carried the largest payloads of the war. At Duxford Imperial War Museum, you will have the chance to come up close to one of those mighty dragons.
The Avro Lancaster
4. Venerable Tiger Moth
Probably one of the oldest aircrafts of the museum. The de Havilland Tiger Moth is a biplane used by the RAF throughout the 30s, mostly for training and maritime surveillance. Yes it’s not as cool as bombing and dog fighting, but show respect to an elderly aeroplane. You wouldn’t expect your grandma to engage in a street dance battle, right?
The Tiger Moth
5. Tech-savvy Vulcan Bomber
You might not know this one unless you are a retired military pilot, or an aviation geek, or a James Bond enthusiast who watched Thunderball 10 times. Anyway, the Avro Vulcan is definitely worth the trip. With its 99 ft of wingspan, and its 4 Bristol Olympus turbojets, the same engine that powered Concorde, this aircraft is terribly impressive. Do check her out at the museum.
The Vulcan Bomber
6. Spaceship-looking Blackbird Spyplane
Now you all know this one. The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a strategic reconnaissance aircraft that could fly at more than 3 times the speed of sound, and 83,000 ft of altitude. It broke several world records including speed and altitude. Fun fact: if locked by a missile, the standard evasive procedure was to simply accelerate to outfly it. Not fair play you said?
SR-71 in flight
Inside the cockpit of the Bird
View from the cockpit 83,000 ft above the Atlantic Ocean. Do you see the curvature of the earth?
Events to attend to
Although Duxford Imperial War Museum is all about planes and history, you can also enjoy mind-blowing airshows and sweet events. If you want to see planes flying rather than being grounded, the flying legend airshow is for you (or the top 10 UK airshows this summer). This year’s edition promises to be spectacular and breathtaking. Don’t miss it! You feel like partying and having fun? Then make sure to buy your ticket to the 1940s hangar dance. You are tired of seeing planes, planes and planes (but if you are reading this article I bet you won’t be)? Duxford Imperial War Museum has thought about you and organises a terrific car show as well every year.
We can only warmly recommend that you to spend a day in the Duxford Imperial War Museum. Several of our Wingy pilots are flight sharing there and had an amazing time wandering about retired aircrafts with enthusiastic passengers. Flying into the museum is the VIP ways of getting into the museum and live the full experience. You can fly there light aircraft doing flight sharing with Wingly. Do check out all our flights to Duxford.
Flight sharing to IWM Duxford with Wingly
Landing at IWM Duxford
Light aircrafts parked at IWM Duxford
Concorde at IWM Duxford
Comment
Great place to go, great to fly into with Wingly..!