THE history of a popular wartime aircraft has been brought to life for visitors.

Volunteers at Boscombe Down Aviation Collection (BDAC) have been busy working to recreate the front section of an Avro Lancaster Bomber.

A large number of original parts have been used while other replacement items had to be manufactured. Volunteers also used a set of original plans for the aircraft fuselage which has been kitted out with the instrument panels and seats to add to the experience for visitors.

Progress on the project had been delayed due to Covid.

Visitors are now able to see inside the Lancaster and get a feel for what it would have been like for the crew flying inside.

BDAC project director John Sharpe says the response from visitors has been “really positive” with people jumping at the chance to get inside and have their picture taken. He added: “It is somewhat unusual to be allowed to climb into something like that I’m not sure how many other museums with Lancaster’s in them, and there aren’t that many, allow visitors to climb in and sit in the pilot seat and radio operator seat.

“It’s what we’re about – putting people in aeroplanes.”

The plane is representing one that flew with the Dambusters squadron, 617 Squadron, and was involved with the Grand Slam bombs.

A special unveiling of the Lancaster was held on June 18.

But, the project is far from finished with volunteers moving on to the next stage to complete the bomb aimer nose section of the aircraft. They are waiting the arrival of internal frames and it is hoped worked can start soon.

BDAC’s collection features a range of aeroplane cockpits as well as complete aircrafts, including a Hawk Jet XX154.

The museum, which is located at Hangar One South on Old Sarum Airfield, has also recently welcomed the arrival of an Avro 707A WZ736 and English Electric P1A WG763.

The team at the museum is also doing work to a Tornado aircraft, which is a nine-to-ten-month programme of work.

“There are quite a lot of things ongoing at the moment,” added John.

It is a special year for BDAC which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at its site in Old Sarum.

The collection tells the story of flight and flight testing at Boscombe Down and houses a number of nationally significant exhibits at its Hangar 1 South location.

For more information visit: boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk

 

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