Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum

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Established	1977 (1977)
Location	Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway
Type	Aviation museum

The Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum is a fantastic place to explore aviation history! It's run by dedicated volunteers and is located at the old RAF Dumfries airbase. This airbase was used during World War II and closed in 1957. The museum opened in 1977. It has a great collection of aircraft, including both military and civilian planes. You can also see powerful aero engines, old artifacts, and cool items honoring airborne forces. It's a fun and educational spot for anyone interested in planes and flying!

Discovering Aviation History

Check out the museum's amazing English Electric Lightning F53 jet!

The unique Fairey Gannet XL497 plane on display.

The museum's story began with a Vickers Wellington bomber. This plane, called HE746, crashed near the airbase in 1943. Years later, in 1973 and 1974, its two Bristol Hercules engines were found and recovered. One of these engines, still with its wooden propeller, is now a special exhibit at the museum.

Finding these engines sparked an idea! More items were found in 1976. This led to the creation of the Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Group. They wanted to display these cool finds. The perfect spot was the former RAF Dumfries airbase. The museum officially opened its doors in 1977. It was first set up in an old pilot's hut. This building had a long history with flying, as it was once used by a local gliding club.

The first complete airplanes to join the museum were a de Havilland Vampire T11 and a Gloster Meteor T7. These were brought from an airfield about 80 miles away. The museum's opening ceremony was a big event. It was led by Michał Cwynar, a brave Polish fighter pilot. He became a special supporter of the museum.

The museum also has an engine from another interesting aircraft. This is a Bristol Centaurus engine from the Blackburn B-20. This was an experimental flying-boat that crashed in 1940. The plane's wreck is still underwater and is considered a war grave. In 1998, one of its engines was recovered after being caught in fishing nets.

You can also see a Junkers Jumo 211 engine at the museum. This engine came from a German Heinkel He 111 bomber. This plane crashed in the Galloway Hills in 1940 during a mission. The bombs on board exploded, and sadly, the crew members were lost.

By 1979, the museum had grown a lot! It had acquired more planes, like a North American F-100 Super Sabre, a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, and a Dassault Mystère. The old hut was too small. So, the museum moved into the three-story watch tower, which is where it is today. In 2003, the museum became a registered charity, helping it continue its important work.

Amazing Aircraft on Display

See the unique escape pod from a General Dynamics F-111E jet!

Check out the massive Grand Slam bomb on display.

The museum has an impressive collection of aircraft for you to explore. Here are some of the cool planes and parts you might see:

See also

• List of aerospace museums