TSR2 and German bomber open for inspection
AIRCRAFT fans will have the rare opportunity to sit inside the cockpit of the Cold Warera TSR2 and get a close look inside the Second World War Junkers Ju88 at RAF Museum Cosford this weekend.
This is the final event in the ‘100 Cockpits and Cabs’ series, taking place on Friday 7 December, between 6 and 9pm.
The event has celebrated the RAF centenary throughout 2018 at both its Cosford and London sites and has given ticket holders exclusive access to a hundred aircraft and vehicles, spanning the service’s entire career.
From the Test Flight collection and for the first time ever, visitors can enjoy on-board access to the British Aircraft Corporation TSR2, the only complete airframe remaining and one of only two examples in the world. Although never developed beyond the prototype stage, the TSR2 was one of the most exciting and controversial British combat aircraft designs of the 1960s.
The event also extends to include a selection of the museum’s War in the Air aircraft and vehicles and for the first time ever the Junkers JU88R-1 will be open for close viewing. The Ju88 was the most versatile German combat aircraft of the Second World War, beginning life as a bomber, before becoming a night fighter and intruder; undertaking anti-shipping operations and long-range reconnaissance missions.
The aircraft was reasonably manoeuvrable for its size, and could take a great deal of punishment, however its lack of armoured protection and insufficient defensive armament meant that it was relatively easy prey for British fighters. At the time of the Battle of Britain the Ju88 was at the beginning of its service career and its remarkable adaptability, particularly as a night fighter, had still to be exploited by the Luftwaffe.
Also open on the night will be fellow German fighter the Focke Wulf FW190A-8/R6, the Hawker Hurricane IIC (close view only), Sopwith Pup (close view only), Boulton Paul Defiant Mk1 (close view only), Crossley Ptn 1940 and the Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3.
A total of 300 tickets are available for the event and aviation fans will have up to three hours to enjoy the exclusive after-hours access from 6pm9pm.
The museum will close at 4pm, however the Visitor Centre and Refuel Restaurant will remain open for ticket holders, before doors to the aircraft and vehicles open at 6pm. Visitors can also enjoy perusing the Museum Shop from 4.30pm and take advantage of their 10% off discount voucher.
Tickets are available from www.rafmuseum.org/cosford and cost £13.50 per person which includes parking.