Major sponsorship announced for RAF Museum.
The Royal Air Force Museum has announced a partnership with BAE Systems who have pledged to support the transformation of the museum at both its Cosford and London sites, in advance of the Centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018.
The announcement was made at the official unveiling of the Experimental Aircraft Programme (EAP) technology demonstrator exhibition at RAF Museum Cosford. The event was attended by The Chairman and Trustees of the RAF Museum and Directors of BAE Systems with key partners, contributors and invited guests. The new exhibition celebrates the ground-breaking achievements of thisunique aircraft through the use of previously unseen video footage, interactive kiosks and images.
Peter Dye, RAF Museum Director General said: “The Trustees of the RAF Museum would like to take this opportunity to thank BAE Systems for their generous support. The international success of the Eurofighter Typhoon, and its contribution to the Royal Air Force’s frontline, underscore the importance of the EAP in safeguarding our nation. The EAP can now take its proper place in the history of British scientific and engineering achievements, alongside other famous and iconic test aircraft that form the Royal Air Force Museum collection. We are privileged to be able to exhibit the EAP, to tell its story and hopefully, to inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers and pilots.”
Chris Boardman, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Military Air & Information business added: “EAP has played an important role in the recent history of BAE Systems. It paved the way for Eurofighter Typhoon, widely regarded as the world’s best swing-role combat aircraft. Today we continue our work on technology demonstrators in the shape of Taranis – the most advanced aircraft ever built in the UK. I am delighted that we are able to announce our partnership with the RAF Museum on their RAF Centenary Programme to mark it with the formal unveiling of EAP in its new exhibition area.
BAE Systems has been a partner in the museum’s success for more than forty years and the unveiling of the EAP is the start of a joint transformation of the museum. By developing new exhibitions and activities it will ensure that the Royal Air Force story endures and enriches future generations.
Phase one of the transformation will mark the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Supported by BAE Systems, a major new exhibition, exploring the birth of air power through the stories of men and women who took part in the war, will open at RAF Museum London in Autumn 2014. An accompanying exhibition will also be unveiled at RAF Museum Cosford by the end of 2014. BAE Systems funding will also support the Museum’s conservation and award winning apprentice programmes.
Members of the public are now able to view the new EAP exhibition at the museum’s Cosford site, located in the Test Flight Hangar. The creation of this new exhibition area has been funded by BAE Systems who deliver a wide range of advanced defence, aerospace, and security solutions globally.
The museum is open daily from 10am and admission is free of charge. For more information visit www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200. Keep up to date with the latest news and event information by following us on Facebook – Royal Air Force Museum or on Twitter @RAFMUSEUM.