To return perhaps to earlier on in the thread i notice a lot of nasty things are being said about various “peace activists” vandalising aircraft. I am surprised the Hawk jet on the production line for indonesia has been mentioned.

It is my opinion that an aircraft which is to be used for illegal acts of war should not be protected from vandalism, i think it is our duty as citizens of the world to prevent such murders happening, and i have no problem if this involves spray painting an sr71 or some such.

However as an individual with a strong interest in the aircraft of world war 2 and their preservation i am horrified to hear about the acts of vandalism in museums to old aircraft which present no threat at all anymore, in the name of peace activism. I think education is the key-whatever side you’re on surely its important to preserve such artifacts as B29s or B52s as our duty to history-the way you interpret it on display is down to you. I find it hard to believe that a peace activist would see any a museum aircraft as a target. i am shocked. But i would like to assure you most of us “anti-war” types would never dream of such a thing

Just a few honest thoughts from a slightly shocked individual

Jay

Morning folks.

Regardless of moral and legal considerations, an SR-71 or even a Tornado, Hawk, F-15, you name it, are still historic as far as a museum is concerned and are considered (for the purposes of collections care, conservation and interpretation) just as important as the older aircraft.

I take it you are aware that the SR-71 was/is a reconnaissance aircraft? (I expect there’s some debate as to whether the F-12/A-12 was ever planned as an interceptor, but it certainly didn’t operate as such).

😀

From a professional interest point of view, who are the Architect, Consulting Engineer and main contractor……if that’s not a state secret :rolleyes:

If it hasn’t already been released to the press, I’m afraid I can’t really divulge. I would expect the information to be available fairly soon.

And yes, inevitably some former H1 aircraft will be outside until the main construction phase is complete. Rest assured wherever we can find space we will use it. This is why the IWM side of H2 is not currently accessible.

I won’t get into the argument of suspension, its too thorny!

Just to confirm for everyone, that this applies to all H1 aircraft from now until around that date, as we are doing a final decant prior to AirSpace building work commencing. Huzzah!

Jonathon O inocent one, the tales of woe that could be told of conservation staff that grew horns given a tractor & tow bar.

[fingers in ears]I’m not listening! I can’t hear you! Laaaalaaa![/fingers in ears]

I was being corporate and diplomatic; I haven’t heard about any specific ****-ups with aircraft movement 😉 For the sake of my blood pressure I’d rather not either!

[edit] – ^ the censored word above was a phrase in the common vernacular (ie ‘male chicken’!) and not nearly as rude as it now appears!

Good thinking Rebecca. We could do with some aviation related bits and bobs to spice things up over and above the inevitable “My Little Pony” offerings. And I don’t mean Transformers!

Adrian, I’ll have to have a look next time I’m in H4! I would hope its been repaired whether it was in-house accidental (which I’ve yet to hear of, new though I am!) or third-party damage.

As Airspace is upon us all, I was wondering where and when the Larger exibits will be painted (if they are to be at all). for example Aircraft like the Hastings which is looking a bit run down at the moment, will it be painted once in the new hanger or outside? or will it just be little touch ups on the paint work when there is five mins fee before it opens? I was just wondering as there are several of the larger aircratf which will not fit in to the paint shop in hanger 5 that look like they could do with a refresh before they are ready. Vulcan, Comet, and hastings really. as it would be nice to get some pictures of them done up smart before they are locked away. cheers

Hello (sort of) from Duxford! To be honest I’m not familiar enough with the conservation schedule to tell you the if/when/how of the larger aircraft. I will ask the guys in the morning for you.

That’s it pretty much. The fewer aircraft at the mercy of the elements, the better. Also don’t forget that around half the aircraft are suspended, so it shouldn’t be quite as cramped as it looks. There are also mezzanine/gallery levels to allow good views.