If we’re talking about true “Milestones”…
Keep the Bleriot XI (one of the first really practical and recognisable aeroplanes) as well as the Camel and LVG, as they show how far aviation had come by the end of WW1. The airship gondola exhibit is pretty significant too.
Not sure about the Hart? I’d certainly keep the Gypsy Moth though (the birth of affordable aviation and all that)
I’d thin out the WW2 fighters. The ME262 is undeniably significant, but does one really need BF109, Ki-100 and P-51? The latter two would look better at Cosford near the Ki-46 and near the other US stuff at Hendon respectively. I think to show the development through WW2, maybe Gladiator, Spit VB or BF109, and Me262. As for the Tempest, I reckon it’d be better at Cosford with the training displays. Nowhere at Cosford is target-towing depicted currently. The Mosquito should probably stay. It is quite seminal, and pretty much represents the zenith of piston-engined development.
What’s left? I have no objection to there being a Eurofighter Typhoon, but maybe the prototype would be better off at Cosford.
The Harrier and Hoverfly (to my mind) have an obviously assured place. And to represent the dawn of modern fighter aircraft, how about including the Phantom?
I would get rid of the Miles Mohawk from the RAFM altogether. Don’t get me wrong, it is a luscious aeroplane. But seminal? Does it say anything that the Gypsy Moth doesn’t? I for one would much rather see it pottering about over Old Warden on a summer’s evening.
The Mew Gull is an interesting exhibit, as it makes a nice memorial to Henshaw as well as representing the catalytic effect on aircraft development of inter-war air racing.
And lastly, just to irritate lots of people :diablo: but accurately portray Milestones of flight, I’d get one of those remote-control UAVs now used over Afghanistan etc (or at least a model)
Just my thoughts…
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