Open cockpits event at RAF Cosford Museum

Visitors to the RAF Cosford Museum will be able to experience aircraft from a different point of view — the cockpit.

A total of 16 aircraft will be opened to the public during the open cockpits evening on May 19, including transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes.

And the museum will be opening up one of its latest arrivals – the Hercules military transport aircraft, weather permitting.

Tickets for the event will be limited to 300 and are expected to sell out quickly.

Clare Carr, assistant curator at the museum, said: "This open cockpits evening allows visitors to have close up access to the interiors of some of the world's most historic and iconic aircraft, from Cold War warriors such as the F-111 and MiG21 to work horses such as the Hercules and Belfast. The evening is a must for any aviation fan."

During the event, which runs from 6pm to 8.30pm, visitors will be able to get a feel for what it was like to fly the planes, including the unique supersonic research monoplane Bristol 188, the American F-111 attack aircraft, and the Sikorsky MH-53 long range combat search and rescue helicopter.

Other highlights for aviation enthusiasts include the opportunity to see inside the museum's Tornado P02, one of the prototypes of the RAF's twin-engined, two-seat ground attack jet fighter that saw extensive action during the first Gulf War.

The evening in May will be the third time the museum has held this event. Numbers will be strictly limited to 300 people and admission is by advance ticket only, priced £10.

Minimum height restrictions of 1.07m will apply, and parking charges are included in the ticket price. Open cockpits and aircraft available for close viewing may be subject to change.

Contact the museum on (01902) 376200.