Get right inside aviation history
Our Newquay air museum is home to the giant VC10 in-flight refueller. She's a magnificent beast, over 170 feet long and nearly 40 feet tall. You'll be able to explore her flight deck and marvel at the mass of dials and knobs that confront her four-man cockpit crew. She may look sleek and modern outside, but inside she's very much a computer-free child of the sixties.
Further back you'll find the surprisingly comfortable passenger cabin. This VC10 was capable of staying airborne for very extended periods, so a place to relax and a decent galley were a vital component. And then, taking up two thirds of that immense fuselage are the bowser tanks. This is the business end of the Vicky, which could carry up to ninety tons of fuel, and replenish up to three aircraft simultaneously.
As was traditional among RAF VC10s, our example was christened in the name of a holder of the Victoria Cross. When each Vicky reached the end of its service life, that name was transferred to another VC10. So ZA148 now bears scrolls commemorating eight heroic airmen. We hope you'll take a moment's quiet reflection to pay tribute to them before you move on with your visit to Classic Air force.
If you like the idea of exploring the VC10 then you shouldn't miss the chance to climb aboard the BAC 1-11. The type first flew in 1963 and it quickly became one of the world's most successful medium-haul airliners, on the way giving birth to the package holiday market. Our example served as an electronics test bed for QinetiQ, on occasion even flying under remote control from a nearby aircraft.
Get Moving
We have simulators in two flavours. The ride-in full-motion sim* lets you experience a flight with the red arrows, or if you prefer to take the controls yourself you can take to the Cornwall skies in our static simulator.
* The ride-in simulator is subject to an additional charge of £3
We never stop adding and improving, but here's a taste of what's here today:
- Lots of aircraft – of course!
- Great food and hot and cold drinks in the café
- Cinema
- Huge model collection
- Gift shop
- Friendly and knowledgable guides
- Regular special events
There's something very special about flying in a historic
aeroplane. Everything happens at a sedate, gentle pace. The world slides by below as you enjoy the panoramic views from the huge windows of the Rapide or the spacious glasshouse of the Prentice.
Unless, of course, you decide to try the Chipmunk. Then all bets are off as this fiery little demon twists, loops and dives around a sky that keeps changing places with the ground. Either way, you'll remember your flight for ever. And you can book yours here.