RAF Cosford Air Show: Planes primed for the spotlight as air show preparations take flight
Eight planes usually kept inside will be joining the outdoor line-up for the Cosford Air Show.
The RAF Museum will be rolling out the planes from its collection to be exhibited outside on the airfield as part of the static ground displays.
Aircraft confirmed to appear will include the Bristol M1C a First World War monoplane introduced into the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) to compete with the Fokker monoplanes. Displayed alongside the Bristol and representing the early days of aviation will be the Sopwith Strutter, a two seat multi role aircraft used widely by the RFC, the Royal Naval Air Service and by the French, Belgian and United States Air Forces.
The Wolverhampton-built Boulton Paul Defiant, a two-seat turret fighter operated by No 307 (Polish) Squadron RAF during the Battle of Britain, will be rolled out of the Museums 'War in the Air' Hangar to represent the Second World War era in the shows ground displays. Joining the Defiant will be the Gloster Gladiator 1, the first enclosed cockpit and last bi-plane to enter into RAF service, most successfully employed overseas particularly in the defence of Malta.
A collection of post Second World War and Cold War transport aircraft, the de Havilland Devon C2, Percival Pembroke C1, both lightweight communications and transport aircraft and the Scottish Aviation Jetstream T1 pilot trainer, will also be joining the ground displays.
This is the first time in many years these aircraft have been moved outside and is a chance for aviation fans and photographers to get stand-alone photos.
The Cosford Air Show, set to take place on June 10, will feature a variety of planes from throughout the RAF's 100 year history.
Michelle Morgans, of RAF Museum Cosford, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the show again this year and celebrate the RAF centenary in such a spectacular way.
"In addition to the aircraft being moved out of our hangars for display on the airfield, we will also be bringing the Gloster Meteor F9/40 out of storage exclusively for the show, which we hope will prove popular with visitors."
For more information visit cosfordairshow.co.uk
