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We visited the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust on a whim. We were due to meet friends in the area, so we had a quick look on the map to see what was around. This little aviation museum popped up, so we decided to give it a punt. It’s a great little museum with a fascinating history.
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum
FAST, as it’s known, stands for Farnborough Air Sciences Trust and tells the enduring story of British aviation innovation at one of the country’s most historically significant airfields. The museum is the part of FAST that showcases its exhibits to the public, spread across two halls and what is known as the Cody Pavilion.
Their collection is vast from the beginning of the RAF Photographic trade to cameras, wind tunnels, helmets, real and model aircraft, simulators, engines, ejection seats, rockets, missiles, and even a black box recorder.
The FAST Museum sits on the eastern edge of Farnborough Airport, the first airfield in UK aviation history. This was also the location of the country’s first powered flight, conducted by Samual Franklin Cody.
Here, you’ll find everything from the very first days of British aviation to one of the world’s most iconic fighter jets, the Harrier. You’ll also get hands-on experience with one of the flight simulators.
But it’s not all about planes. After all, it’s about air sciences. You’ll find exhibits on elements about space and even Polaris, the UK’s nuclear missile programme, which was the UK’s first submarine-based nuclear weapons system.
A Brief History
FAST was set up in 1993 to help preserve the loss of Britain’s premier historic aviation research site. Its two aims were to protect vital historic buildings and conserve historic documents and artefacts.
The site where the museum now stands became a hub of aeronautical innovation in the early 1900s. Samuel Cody conducted his groundbreaking flight experiments here, which we’ll explain more about under the museum highlights and the Cody Pavilion.
During World War I, the area was designated as the Royal Aircraft Factory, an aircraft design, testing, and production centre. It played a significant role in aviation development throughout World War II and the following decades.
The museum is housed in Trenchard House, a historic Grade II* listed building. Built in 1907 as the headquarters of the Army’s Balloon School, it played crucial roles in the early days of the Royal Flying Corps.
The FAST Museum has steadily grown its collection and expanded its reach over the years. It now showcases an impressive array of artefacts related to British aviation history, covering everything from early aircraft designs to jet engines, wind tunnel models, and spacecraft.
Museum Highlights
Despite not being enormous, there’s a tremendous amount of stuff in the museum. It would be difficult to list everything, so here’s a rundown of the highlights:
The Cody Pavilion
On the 16th of October 1908, Farnborough Airfield saw Samuel Franklin Cody take off in his British Army Aeroplane Number 1A. This was recognised as the first official powered flight on British soil. Cody flew a distance of 1,400 feet at an altitude of between 30 and 40 feet in 27 seconds. Inside the Cody Pavilion, you’ll see a full-scale replicate of the British Army Aeroplane Number 1A, which was built in Farnborough by FAST volunteers and took 18 months to build
Aircraft Collection
As you enter the grounds of the FAST Museum, you will notice a ton of aircraft on display. They have all sorts, including a Puma, Hunter, Jindivik, Jaguar and Lynx, to name a few. You’ll also find a former RAF jet and one of the world’s most iconic aircraft – the Harrier, and you can get in the cockpit.
Flight Simulators
Inside the museum, there are a few simulators to try should you want to fly a plane, albeit on a computer! There are four to choose from: English Electric Lightning 1A, Harrier, Concorde, and a children’s simulator.
Visitor Information
You’ll find plenty of parking at the museum and a cafe upstairs, where you’ll find a selection of light refreshments. There’s also a gift shop jam-packed with aviation-related gifts and tons of model aircraft.
📍 Trenchard House, 85 Farnborough Rd, Farnborough, GU14 6TF
💷 Free
🕙 Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10 am to 4 pm
📞 01252 375050
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum FAQs
Is the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum worth visiting?
If you are a fan of aviation or air sciences, the museum is worth a visit. Despite its small size, there’s plenty to see.
Is there parking at the FAST Museum?
Yes, there is ample free parking at the museum.
When is the museum open?
The FAST Museum is open from 1000 am to 1600 on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays.
Is there a cafe at the museum?
Yes, there’s a cafe upstairs at the museum offering a selection of light refreshments.
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