RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
A collection of iconic aircraft from WW2 based at a front line fighter airfield and flown by the luckiest pilots in the RAF.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is part of the RAF and operates WW2 aircraft for air displays and special events in the UK.
It is crewed by serving RAF aircrew and flies six Spitfires, two Hurricanes and a Lancaster Bomber. It also has a Dakota and two Chipmunk aircraft for training purposes, filling the need to get pilots used to single or multi engine aircraft with tail wheel undercarriage.
It is one of the most sought after postings in the RAF. An RAF pilot once said that if selection for the flight was based on a race there would be lots of pilots crushed in the rush and the added that he would win.
The Lancaster ( one of only two flying examples in the world), both hurricanes and all but one of the Spifires were operational in WW2 although only one aircraft, the Mk IIa Spitfire, actually took part in the Battle of Britain. Two of the Spitfires are Mk PRXIX photoreconnaissance aircraft built in 1945 of which one did not see service in WW2 but was in service with the RAF until 1958 (on meteorological observation duties).
The Dakota was built in Long Beach CA. in 1942 and served with both the US and Canadian forces. As well as being used for training the aircraft is popular in its own right at airshows and, equipped with para seats is used for commemorative parachute drops.
The BBMF operates from RAF Conningsby, a front line jet fighter station which is in Lincolnshire. There is a visitor centre and visits to the hanger are available.
The motto of the BBMF is ” Lest We Forget” and certainly a visit to the centre of operations or seeing them at an airshow gives one a lot of cause to remember.
Know Before You Go
Because of the military nature of the site no bags are allowed on tours of the hanger and there are no secure bag storage facilities on site at the visitor centre. Guided tours of the hanger cost £7.50. The hanger is hired out for private events from time to time and this stops public guided tours so check the website before planning a visit
https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/visiting/battle-of-britain-memorial-flight/plan-your-visit/46339.article
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