Despite being showcasing Europe’s largest collection of naval aircraft, RNAS Yeovilton remains somewhat hidden from public knowledge. With over 90 extraordinary aircraft on display, from the Short S.27 to the Sea Harrier FRS.1, the base remains the spiritual home of the Fleet Air Arm, currently housing the Royal Navy’s Lynx helicopters and Royal Marines Commando Westland Sea Kings – an absolute must visit for any aviation enthusiast.
Whether you’re based in the UK and only need to drive down to see the base or will need to book a no fly cruise or flight to reach the site, it really is essential viewing for anyone with even a passing interest in aircraft and aviation.
Early Beginnings
Constructed from 1939 whilst being bombed by the Luftwaffe, the base has always had a strong connection with the Fleet Air Arm (FAA). The first squadron to be formed there was 794 NAS, dedicated to training the finest pilots in the niche art of aerial gunnery. 827 NAS was the first front line squadron stationed at the base, flying Fairey Albacores and Barracudas, British designed and built carrier-borne torpedo dive bombers, famous for sinking the German battleship Tirpitz.
After World War Two, Yeovilton was the Royal Navy’s main demobilization centre and many of the men who stayed there helped to refurbish the runways to accommodate the new all weather jet aircraft. Through to the 1970s, Yeovilton housed Sea Venoms, Sea Vixens and Phantoms and became home to the Flag Officer Flying Training and School of Fighter Direction. The Sea Venom’s based at Yeovilton went on to see action in the Anglo-French ‘Operation Musketeer’ to counter Egypt’s General Nasser’s nationalization of the Suez Canal, bombing many vital Egyptian military targets. The Venom was replaced in 1959 by the Vixen, bearing the distinctive twin-boom tail and was the first British aircraft armed exclusively with missiles, bombs and rockets – four Firestreak air-air missiles (In service all the way to ’88), two Microcell rocket packs and could carry two 1000 lb or four 500 lb bombs making for a formidable jet fighter/bomber.
After the Sea Vixen was phased out, the base became largely inactive until in the early 80s it became the main shore base for the Sea Harrier FRS.1, one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world – famous of course for its vertical takeoff capability. Yeovilton’s role as a major base for helicopters also began to take off. The Commando Helicopter Squadron utilised the Wessex HU.5, seeing service in the Falklands war along with the Sea King Commando, another legendary helicopter used in every major British combat operation since the Falklands and continues to serve the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force today.
RNAS Yeovilton remains the home of the ‘Junglies,’ a nickname the Commando helicopters picked up after years of adventures in the thick jungles of Borneo and Brunei, as well as the Lynx helicopters following the closure of RNAS Portland. The Royal Navy Historic Flight is also based at Yeovilton, including two Sea Furies, two Swordfishes, a Sea Hawk and a Chipmunk for tail dragging training. It is precisely because of RNAS Yeovilton’s rich and diverse history as the epicentre for all things aviation in the Royal Navy that the base has become the home for the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
The Collection
Established back in 1964, it emerged over the years to become one of the world’s leading aviation museums, taking the visitor on an incredible journey of the FAA’s small beginnings right through to its continuing and vital role in global military operations. Many of the aircraft in the collection are the only survivors of its type in the world; such beauties are housed in Cobham Hall just across from the main museum and are only open twice a year – a rare and unique chance to see some of the finest aircraft ever built.
The recently opened ‘Hall 1′ is a World War One themed collection and was altered in 2009 to celebrate 100 years of British Naval history. The hall exhibits a wonderful visual history of the advancement of FAA aircraft during its 100 year service, the first aircraft being the Short S.27, the first plane to successfully takeoff from a moving ship. The Sopwith Pup represents World War One, bearing a particular significance in aviation history as it was the first plane to land on a moving ship and thus setting the scene for the development of the aircraft carrier, one of the most powerful military assets a nation can have at sea. One of four remaining Supermarine Walrus’, recovered from a dump and lovingly restored in 1966 pitches in for World War Two having its role changed dramatically from long range bombing to sea-rescue operations. For the latter half of the 20th century examples include the Fairey Firefly as used during Korea War, sit alongside aircraft that are synonymous with Yeovilton – the Sea Harrier, Dragonfly, Lynx and Sea King.
Through to Hall 2, the World War Two collection, the visitor is instantly greeted by the last remaining Fairey Fulmar. The Fulmars long range and massive eight-gun armament was a useful asset for long escort and reconnaissance missions, most notably being used to scout out the Bismarck. The Fairey Swordfish, standing by the Fulmar, was one of the most vital aircraft at the FAA’s disposal, performing hundreds of missions including the 1940 attack on the Italian fleet stationed at Taranto. American aircraft were very much prominent in the FAA during World War Two, having used the Grumman Hellcat and Avenger, as well as the Vought Corsair. Their service to the FAA was a deciding factor in the FAAs success throughout the war, vastly increasing the capabilities of the FAA. The Corsair KD431, AKA the ‘Time Capsule Fighter,’ went through an extensive restoration to ensure it looked precisely as it would during the war, demonstrating the clear toll that these incredible machines undertook.
The third hall is a carrier themed one and a unique experience for any visitor. The hall is essentially a mock-up of what the deck of HMS Ark Royal would have looked like during the ’70s. Before going on deck, visitors take a ‘flight’ in a Wessex helicopter before climbing aboard and being part of a simulated flight recovery whilst browsing the impressive collection. Ten aircraft from 30 years of carrier operations history make for a history lesson you won’t forget, from the early Sea Vampires and Supermarine Attacker to the Sea Venoms and Sea Hawks. What is also unique about this collection is that the visitor will also experience the typical day-to-day operation of an aircraft carrier in a variety of mock-up rooms, including an ‘Ops Room,’ giving a fascinating glimpse into the realities of some of the challenges faced by the crews.
Leading Edge
This is the final collection of the Fleet Air Arm Museum, with a more diverse focus on the wonders of aeronautical achievements of the last century. The hall is almost entirely dominated by the Concorde 002 – the second prototype built – which visitors are free to wander round. Two planes integral to the design development of the Concorde stand proudly beside it, the Handley Page’s HP 115 was utilised to extensively test the handling characteristics of the delta wing design at civilian speeds whilst the BAC 221 was the test design for the ogival wing that the Concorde adopted. The Hawker Hunter T.8 has a long history with Yeovilton and demonstrates the FAAs commitment to technological advancement through the years. The one on display is the last pre-production example to have been built and uses the original Rolls Royce Eagle piston engine, a significant step forward in aeronautical engine design. The Harrier ‘jump jet’ makes for a fitting end to the collection, one of the most recognisable aircraft ever built and still in service across the world. The Harrier is a tribute to the FAAs vast contribution to aeronautical innovation, being the first close-combat reconnaissance aircraft with vertical/short takeoff/landing capabilities. The Fleet Air Arm Museum has an unmatched collection of naval aircraft which continues to grow. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a sight or sound of one of the Commando or Lynx helicopters taking off, reminding you of the important role this historic site has served and will hopefully continue to serve for many years to come.
