The RAF Museum London, located in Hendon, is the official museum of the Royal Air Force. It tells the story of the RAF through its people and collections, from the early days of flight to modern aviation. The museum features over 100 aircraft, interactive exhibits, and personal stories of those who served in the RAF, making it a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history lovers.
Hangar 1 at the RAF Museum Hendon is dedicated to the "RAF Stories and First to the Future" exhibitions, which commemorate the first 100 years of the Royal Air Force (1918–2018). This hangar serves as the main entry point to the museum and explores the evolution of the RAF, the roles of its personnel, and the technological advancements that have shaped its history. It features interactive displays and iconic aircraft, offering visitors a comprehensive introduction to the RAF’s legacy and its ongoing impact on aviation and defense.
RAF Museum Hangar 2 is one of the main exhibition spaces at the RAF Museum London in Hendon. This hangar is dedicated to showcasing a diverse collection of historic aircraft, including iconic fighters, bombers, and reconnaissance planes from the early days of aviation to the modern era. Hangar 2 provides visitors with an immersive experience, highlighting the technological advancements and operational history of the Royal Air Force.
The Blériot XXVII is a rare and historically significant monoplane, believed to have been built by Louis Blériot himself around 1911. It is one of the museum’s highlights, showcasing the pioneering days of flight and the rapid technological advancements of the era
The Fokker D.VII is displayed at the RAF Museum Hendon in Hangar 2 (the Grahame-White Factory), which focuses on early aviation and World War I aircraft. This Fokker D.VII is an original example, built in 1918 under license by Ostdeutsche Albatros Werke (OAW). It is considered one of the best fighter aircraft of World War I, renowned for its handling and performance, which could turn a mediocre pilot into a good one. The aircraft’s welded steel tube fuselage was a significant technological advancement for its time
Hangar 2 at the RAF Museum Hendon is dedicated to the early days of aviation and the First World War in the air. This hangar, often referred to as the "Grahame-White Factory," immerses visitors in the pioneering era of flight and the significant role Hendon Aerodrome played in British aviation history. The exhibits focus on the technological advancements and the daring spirit of early aviators, as well as the impact of World War I on aerial warfare.
Inside Hangar 2, you can explore a collection of historic aircraft, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of how aviation evolved from its infancy to become a crucial component of modern warfare. The hangar provides a unique glimpse into the past, highlighting the bravery and innovation that defined the early years of flight and the First World War
Hangar 3 at the RAF Museum Hendon focuses on the Battle of Britain and the pivotal role of the Royal Air Force during World War II. It features iconic aircraft from the era, including the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Messerschmitt Bf 109, alongside bombers like the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka and Heinkel He 111, illustrating the intense aerial battles and technological advancements of the period
The English Electric Canberra PR.3 is displayed at the RAF Museum Hendon, located in Hangar 3 or 4 (the Historic Hangars), which focus on Cold War and post-war aircraft. The PR.3 was the first production photo-reconnaissance variant of the Canberra, featuring a lengthened fuselage to accommodate seven cameras. It replaced the Mosquito PR.34 in RAF service and was renowned for its high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance capabilities. Notably, the Hendon example (WE139) participated in the 1953 London-to-Christchurch air race, setting a record that still stands today
The McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 is displayed at the RAF Museum Hendon, located in Hangar 5 (the Historic Hangars), which focuses on Cold War and modern aircraft. The Phantom FGR.2 was a British variant of the iconic American F-4 Phantom II, optimized for ground attack and reconnaissance roles. It served as the RAF’s primary all-weather fighter and strike aircraft from the late 1960s through the 1990s, playing a key role in the Falklands War and NATO operations during the Cold War.
Westland Wessex HCC.4 XV732 is one of the most historically significant British VIP helicopters ever built — the penultimate Wessex, delivered in 1969 to The Queen’s Flight and now preserved at the RAF Museum. It served for decades transporting members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers, and foreign dignitaries, and remains one of the most photographed Wessex airframes in the UK
Hangar 4 at the RAF Museum Hendon focuses on the evolution of rotary-wing flight, displaying early autogyros through to modern RAF helicopters. It highlights key aircraft such as the Westland Belvedere HC.1 and presents the development of helicopter technology within the wider story of RAF operations.