World War I

Through the Great War, the Royal Naval Air Service extended its capabilities, by using aircraft operating from ships and from airfields ashore. This hall uses dioramas to put contemporary aircraft into context.

Unforgotten Falklands

The South Atlantic conflict, and the recovery of the Falkland Islands is remembered in a special display centred on a Westland Wasp Helicopter helicopter which played a major part in the conflict.

Between The Wars

In 1918 the Royal Naval Air Service was absorbed into the newly formed Royal Air Force. The term Fleet Air Arm was adopted in 1924 to describe those units that operated at sea under Admiralty control.

World War II

In 1939 the Admiralty regained full control of the aircraft embarked in its ships. By VJ Day there were 3243 operational pilots and 53 operational aircraft carriers.

Taranto

Proof that, in aircraft, the Royal Navy had its most devastating weapon was provided in November 1940 when 21 Swordfish from HMS Illustrious disabled the Italian Fleet in its own harbour at Taranto.

Swordfish

The Fleet Air Arm’s most famous aircraft is showcased in its own exhibition.

Women’s Royal Naval Service

The Women’s Royal Naval Service was formed in 1917 and disbanded after the Armistice in 1918. It was re-established in the Second World War and became a permanent service after the war.

Telegraphist Air Gunners

This special exhibition celebrates the work of the Telegraphist Air Gunners during the Second World War.

Brush with War

The Second World War produced many fine artists. This exhibition highlights their work.

Operation Skua

In 1940 a Royal Navy Blackburn Skua (Serial No L2940) made a forced landing on a frozen lake in Norway. It was recovered in 1974, and this exhibition shows it as it lay on the lake bed.

Merlin

Lockheed Martin sponsored this insight into the capabilities of the Royal Navy’s most advanced combat helicopter.

Korea

Supermarine Seafires, Hawker Sea Furies and Fairey Fireflies from a succession of light fleet carriers provided the only British air contribution to the Korean War. The Westland Dragonfly, was one of the first Search and Rescue helicopters, it was first used in this war.

Carrier

The Carrier exhibition takes you aboard a representation of one of the big carriers of the 1970’s, with aircraft ranged on the angled flight deck, and a tour of part of the ship’s “island”, to see various departments of the ship going about their duties

Projecting Power

Since the end of the Second World War, the Fleet Air Arm has been involved in over sixty operations. This exhibition gives you the scope of their work.

Restoration Hangar

The Restoration Hangar provides the Engineering Department with a facility to conserve, preserve and restore aircraft and large aeronautical artefacts. You can view the current project being worked on from behind safety glass viewing windows.

Leading Edge

With key aircraft and engines on display, Leading Edge demonstrates how advances in design and technology allowed the British aircraft industry to lead the world in these fields.