The Royal Air Force Museum is the collection of different planes that were used from the WW1 period till the modern period. It is located near Colindale station, and you have to walk for around 15 minutes to reach the place. It is free entrance though, and I can recommend everyone (especially families with kids) to come and take a look. I love it so much that I came here twice! Once in 2018 and once in 2019.
The museum is vast, and it is divided into 4 – 5 different hangers for multiple different eras of fighter planes. I started the tour with the history of the RAF. My favourite part of this hanger must be the various missiles, from Sidewinder missiles/heatseekers to unguided rockets, and of course the latest F35 stealth fighter. You can also try to squeeze into a big WW2 cargo plane (I think?) here.
Hanger 2 consists of mostly WW1 planes and infantry gears. Again, thanks to the game Battlefield 1, I could recognise some pieces of equipment. The hanger also explains the importance of airpower and how nations were beginning to realise the importance of combined arms. And we headed to Hanger 2,3,4.
Hanger 3,4,5 is three warehouses combined into one huge area. It is the main attraction of the RAF museum as it has almost all the famous WW2 and Cold War-era planes. The first plane you encountered is none other than the iconic British Supermarine Spitfire. There is one small section that is dedicated to the aircraft that participated in the Battle of Britain back in 1940. The German BF-109 and the British Hurricane and Spitfire were restored and in sublime conditions. And yes, I did get to explore the cockpit of a Spitfire! It was surprisingly large and comfortable. A Cold-War era U.S Navy plane F4 Phantom is resting around these WW2 fighter planes. After checking out all the fighter jets, we moved into a different segment made for bombers from different eras.
Right – British Supermarine Spitfire
The first bomber that stands out tall is the Lancaster bomber with its Grand Slam earthquake bomb. The B17 bomber and P-51 mustang are also in this section, alongside with its enemy, the infamous German JU-87 Stuka. The biggest bomber in the hanger is the British Vulcan bomber; a plane made for nuclear deterrents against the Soviet.
Right – German Stuka bomber
Hanger 6 is the modern era. The Eurofighter Typhoon welcomed us into the exhibits, and we could see a Predator UAV and a Harrier hanging on the ceiling. (5 killstreak and 7 killstreak, if you know what I mean 😉 )
Right – Harrier jet
I enjoyed all the displays in the RAF museum, but the location is way too far from Central London. I still recommend you to come here at least once as it is quite a grand attraction that is suitable for everyone. My friends and I had spent at least 3 hours trying to take some cool pictures.