Miles Magister

The Miles M14 Magister is a two-seat monoplane basic trainer aircraft which was used in large numbers by the RAF and other friendly air forces. Around 1,200 …

Westland Lysander

The Lysander was originally designed for Army Co-operation duties including artillery spotting and reconnaissance. However, its lasting fame is not in this role, but as a Special …

Teddy Cooper, born 1925

Aircrew are understandably suspicious. Many carry charms or undertake rituals in the belief that these will help protect them. This bear was the companion of Flight Sergeant …

Volkswagen Beetle

Production of the “People’s Car” began briefly in 1939 but stopped during the Second World War (1939 – 1945). Major Ivan Hirst of the British Army restarted …

Focke Wulf FW190A-8/R6

The FW190A-8 was a fighter-bomber version of the ‘Butcher Bird’, and was produced in greater numbers than any other sub-type. This variant was very effective in combat …

Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI

The Spitfire XVI was the last major version of the Spitfire to be powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin before introduction of the RR Griffon powered variants. Externally …

Scheufeln Taifun (Typhoon)

This unguided rocket was mass-produced in 1945 and used in conjunction with more conventional Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA). The weapon design was initiated by Scheufeln (a range officer …

RAF Lightweight Torpedo Mk30

This is a passive anti-submarine weapon which reaches a speed of 19 knots and carries a 45kg (100lb) warhead activated by a proximity fuse. The acoustic head …

Rheinmetall Borsig Rheinbote

Although unguided, this was the first multi-stage missile to be used in warfare. The Rheinbote’s powerful first stage delivered 38,000kg (83,774lb) thrust for just 1 second, to …

Ruhrstahl Kramer X4

The X4, was developed as an Air-to-Air Missile (AAM), although its use of wire guidance paved the way for modern anti-tank missiles, which often used wire guidance …