Britain’s V Force
See Britain’s Vulcan, Victor and Valiant together and discover the story of the V Force.
ExhibitionFind out moreStep inside the National Cold War Exhibition at RAF Museum Midlands and explore one of the defining periods of the 20th century.
Discover how tensions between the Western powers and the Soviet Union shaped more than 40 years of global history under the threat of nuclear war. Learn about the RAF’s early responsibility for Britain’s nuclear deterrent through the V Force bomber fleet and see remarkable Cold War aircraft, objects and personal stories.
The exhibition also explores the wider impact of the conflict, from everyday life and political change to technological innovation, ending with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Highlights
Avro Vulcan B2 XM598
Meet Vulcan XM598, a Cold War nuclear bomber later prepared for the Black Buck missions.
AircraftFind out more
English Electric Lightning P1B/F.1
Discover the RAF interceptor built to meet enemy aircraft at supersonic speed.
AircraftFind out moreExplore the skies and uncover the immense history of the RAF
Book your free entryKey objects
Gloster Javelin FAW1
Explore Britain’s distinctive all-weather fighter, designed to intercept high-flying bombers.
AircraftFind out more
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PF
See the iconic Soviet fighter that became one of the Cold War’s most recognisable aircraft.
AircraftFind out more
English Electric Canberra PR9
Discover how the Canberra PR9 gathered vital intelligence through aerial photography.
AircraftFind out more
Sachsenring Trabant
Explore East German everyday life through one of the Cold War’s most distinctive cars.
CarFind out moreFeature people
Brian Burgess: Guarding the V Force
Hear Brian Burgess recall guarding nuclear-armed Vulcans and the dangerous Blue Steel missile.
RAF PoliceFind out more
Bob Tuxford and the Black Buck Missions
Hear Bob Tuxford explain the complex Victor refuelling plan behind the Black Buck missions.
PilotFind out moreResources
Cold War KS3 Learning Resource
Continue exploring the Cold War with this downloadable learning resource for Key Stage 3 students and teachers.
The activities support investigation of the political tensions, military technology and competing ideologies that shaped the period. They also encourage students to examine historical evidence and consider the RAF’s role in Britain’s defence.
The resource can be used during a museum visit, as preparation before visiting or as part of follow-up classroom learning.
Download the resource