Duxford in Cambridgeshire is a very popular venue for warbird enthusiasts. There is an extensive museum which is free to look around during a Duxford Airshow and includes many WWII examples.
Duxford is home to the Imperial War Museum Collection (IWM), The Fighter Collection (TFC), The Old Flying Machine Company (OFMC), The Aircraft Restoration Company (ARC), Historic Aircraft Collection (HAC), B-17 Preservation Society etc. The airfield itself is an historic site dating back to 1918. In the second world war it was home to the first operational Spitfire squadron. Duxford's fighters were frequently scrambled against the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.
Duxford has several Airshows during the season with the popular Flying Legends Air Show usually being held in July.
If you like warbirds then Duxford is the airshow to visit. Click here to visit the official website of Imperial War Museum at Duxford.
Remembering the Mighty Eighth
Starting the air show season in spectacular style, the Spring Air Show brings together contemporary and historic aircraft for a fabulous day of flying.
This year, the Spring Air Show commemorates the 70th anniversary of the United States Army Air Force arriving at RAF Duxford in April 1943. We’ll look at the impact of the American Forces on the course of the Second World War in Europe and their cultural influence on the East Anglian community.
Historic US warbirds will take to the skies as we remember the time when the stars and stripes flew at RAF Duxford.
Provisional Participating Aircraft:
26 May 2013 - Duxford Spring Air Show
The Red Arrows (F)
BBMF Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire (F)
RAF Tucano T1 (F)
Eagle Squadron(four-ship display):
-- P-47G Thunderbolt Snafu (F)
-- P-51C Mustang Princess Elizabeth (F)
-- Spitfire Ia (F)
-- Hurricane (F)
-- Spitfire Ia (static display) (S)
B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B (F)
TF-51D Mustang Miss Velma (F)
P-40B Warhawk (F)
P-40F Warhawk (F)
Spitfire IXT (F)
L-4 Cub (F)
L-4 Cub (static display) (S)
Lysander (F)
Dragon Rapide (F)
Harvard (TFC) (F)
Harvard (ARC) (F)
F-86 Sabre (F)
Breitling Wingwalkers – Stearman x 2 Stearman (F)
Stearman (static or flying display TBC)
C-47 Skytrain x 2 (Dakota Heritage / Aces High) (F)
Hispano Buchon (Messerschmitt Bf 109) (ARC) (F)
Hawker Hunter - TBC (F)
IWM Duxford will be open from 8am to 6pm. The flying display will start at approximately 2pm and finish at approximately 5.30pm, leaving plenty of time in the morning to explore the whole of the museum, take part in activities across the site and soak up the atmosphere provided by trade stands.
The Flight Line Walk opens at 10am and closes at 12.30pm. Last entry is at noon.
The Eagle Squadron will fly in four-ship formation, as pairs and also in an evocative display alongside B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B. More details on the press releases below:
The Eagle Squadron will also fly in formation with the Red Arrows, giving a spectacular finale to the Spring Air Show.
IWM Duxford
Experience the Spring Air Show in American style...
IWM Duxford Press release
Spring Air Show flies the stars and stripes. Remembering the Mighty Eighth and the aircraft that flew for the USA...
IWM Duxford Press release
IWM Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Americans to this fighter station during the Second World War...
A worldwide following has ensured that Flying Legends Air Show is the heritage air show event in the aviation calendar. Each of the historic aircraft on display at Flying Legends Air Show is a living tribute to the outstanding skills of the people who built, maintained and flew them and to the dedication of those who have brought these stunning aircraft back to life.
Flying Legends Air Show presents these iconic aircraft in a spectacular display that honours their history and aerial achievements. The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as a series of rare and unique piston-engined aircraft perform their breathtaking flights over the historic airfield at IWM Duxford.
More aircraft to be added when they have been confirmed.
IWM Duxford will be open from 8am to 6pm. The flying display will start at approximately 2pm and finish at approximately 5.30pm, leaving plenty of time in the morning to explore the whole of the museum, take part in activities across the site and soak up the atmosphere provided by trade stands.
The Duxford Air Show is the highlight of our programme of flying events, featuring an amazing array of aerial displays.
They showcase contemporary jet aircraft, historic warbirds, aerobatics and much more! With rare combinations of aircraft and show-stopping performances, The Duxford Air Show is a truly entertaining aerial spectacle.
IWM Duxford will be open from 8am to 6pm. The flying display will start at approximately 2pm and finish at approximately 5.30pm, leaving plenty of time in the morning to explore the whole of the museum, take part in activities across the site and soak up the atmosphere provided by trade stands.
The Autumn Air Show closes the flying season in relaxed and informal style.
The spotlight will be on the historic aeroplanes that are operated by flying partners based at the museum, with displays by some of the iconic aircraft that call IWM Duxford home.
There’ll also be fun activities across the museum to enjoy throughout the day. Join us for a celebration of IWM Duxford’s flying heritage, which continues to endure today.
IWM Duxford will be open from 8am to 6pm. The flying display will start at approximately 1.30pm and finish at approximately 4.30pm, leaving plenty of time in the morning to explore the whole of the museum, take part in activities across the site and soak up the atmosphere provided by trade stands.