Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton

Within a 20 minute drive from where I live is the Fleet Air Arm Museum at the Royal Navy Air Station, Yeovilton. After living here for 9 years I felt it was about time I paid it a visit, especially with Op Nostalgia now underway! I have absolutely no idea why I have left it so long. One of those things on the 'to do' list but never seemed to get around to it.

For anybody who has not had a chance to visit the museum, it is very impressive spread over 4 halls. Unfortunately I ran out of time for the Carrier experience which lasts about 45 minutes. Here are a few photos from that visit.

Continued -

Hall 1

Walrus Seaplane (now these look like fun!)

Walrus Seaplane

Swordfish

Fairey Fulmar

Seafire

Grumman Martlet

Grumman Martlet

Corsair

de Havilland Vampire. First jet propelled aircraft to make a landing on an aircraft carrier in December 1945.

Overview of Hall 4.

The museum has many good looking models spread through all its halls. Here are some examples:-

The 3 photos of HMS Furious partially converted to what was to become the first aircraft carrier. Following these trials it was converted with a full flight deck installed.

Empire Macalpine

HMS Argus

HMS Fencer

HMS Fencer

HMS Ark Royal

HMS Ark Royal

HMS Eagle

HMS Ocean

HMS Victorious

HMS Vengeance

 The last photos are of a huge model of HMS Indomitable. The photos do not really do it justice.

If anybody is down in this area I thoroughly recommend a visit. Children are amply catered for with plenty for them to do. There is a cafe, shop and restaurant on site and there is also a viewing area of activity on the base.  

There are plenty of other aircraft and models, I have only given a snapshot here.