Research & Development Collection
Each advance in aircraft technology comes from a great deal of trial and
error. Here you see the aircraft that were built to test a new theory or line of
research. Most of these exhibits were produced in secrecy, often utilising
components borrowed from other types. These were the machines that
helped Britain open new frontiers of flight.
Before the advent of computers
and sophisticated simulators, highly skilled pilots had to test fly these
aircraft. Each in its own way reached into hitherto unknown realms of risk,
often with tragic results but, eventually led to well known successes like the
Hunter, Victor, Vulcan, Lightning and Concorde.
Test Pilot: Alex Henshaw
During the Second World War, Castle
Bromwich Aeroplane Factory produced
more then 11,500 Spitfires. Alex Henshaw
and his team of pilots test flew each aircraft.
The work of test pilots at Cosford was
crucial in meeting the operational demands
of the RAF during the War.
