In September 2025, the RAF Museum Midlands undertook a major project to move two historic aircraft, the Westland Whirlwind and the Armstrong Whitworth Argosy fuselage, into the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition for permanent display.

Watch the 90-second timelapse below to see the dramatic move of the Whirlwind and Argosy into their new display space.

These complex aircraft moves form part of the Museum’s Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme, made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Over 12 days, a specialist team from Base Structures carefully temporarily removed four curtain wall panels and supporting vertical structures from the National Cold War Exhibition building, to make way for the aircraft moves. A bird net was even temporarily installed to protect the hangar during the process.

The Museum’s own Technicians then carried out the aircraft moves. The Westland Whirlwind helicopter, previously displayed at the RAF Museum London, has now joined the Museum’s Midlands exhibits. It can be seen on display alongside the Argosy, which has relocated to the National Cold War Exhibition from Hangar 1 which is about to undergo a huge transformation.

The redevelopment of Hangar 1 will deliver a new exhibition that explores the role of the RAF from 1980 to today and into the future, exploring stories including space and cyber defence, as well as a dedicated Learning Centre, alongside more green areas for visitors to enjoy, opening in summer 2027.