On Thursday 8 th October fourteen cadets from 2030 (Elmdon & Yardley) Squadron travelled 110 miles to Royal Air Force Station Coningsby in Lincolnshire to visit the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) and 29(R) Squadron Typhoon's.  

An early start at 6:30am meant that after the two and half hours journey in the morning, the cadets would arrive at the start of the working day at Coningsby.

The first visit was to the aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which includes a collection of airworthy Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Dakota, and a Lancaster bomber. As it is now the end of the display season the aircraft were in the hangar for maintenance ready for next year's display season. The tour was given by a former Commanding Officer of BBMF and the amount of knowledge that was given during the tour was amazing, including the histories of the individual aircraft, and the origins of the designs painted on the aircraft.

Following the visit to BBMF cadets were invited for lunch at the Junior Ranks Mess, where the hot topic for discussion was about the BBMF aircraft, and the upcoming visit to the Typhoon Squadron.

After lunch cadets travelled on to the airfield where 29(R) Squadron are based. Part of the ACLO team gave a very interesting presentation about the Typhoon, from its original plans to what the future is for it, and its part within the Royal Air Force. The cadets were now very eager to get out in to the Hangar and see the Typhoon aircraft up close. A comprehensive tour was given to the cadets around the aircraft, 2030 Squadron's Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Bennett commented that “it is like star wars with all of the technology and advanced systems in such a futuristic aircraft.”

At the end of the day it was now time to travel back home. The visit was enjoyed by all of the cadets, it was a great opportunity to see the history and the up to date modern Royal Air Force.

Article Submitted by:-
FS Sam Hanna 2030 (Elmdon & Yardley) Squadron
18 Oct 09