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Aircraft of The A and AEE
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Aircraft of The A and AEE
A Gloster Javelin, four English Electric Lightnings, a Hawker Hunter and P1127 flying in formation over Boscombe Down
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 4487578
© Crown Copyright, Royal Air Force Museum
Postwar Royal Air Force Research And Development
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In this evocative photograph from the archives of the Royal Air Force Museum, a formation of pioneering postwar aircraft soar over the scenic landscapes of Boscombe Down, home to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) of the Royal Air Force. The A&AEE, a hub for research, development, and testing of new and innovative military aviation technology, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the RAF's aerial capabilities. At the heart of the formation is the Gloster Javelin, a versatile all-weather interceptor and strike aircraft that entered service in the late 1950s. Its sleek, delta-wing design and powerful engines made it a formidable force against potential air threats. Accompanying the Javelin are four English Electric Lightnings, another iconic British military aircraft. Known for their distinctive shape and impressive agility, the Lightnings served as interceptors and strike aircraft from the late 1950s until the 1980s. Their advanced radar systems and supersonic capabilities made them a vital component of the RAF's air defense network. In the background, a Hawker Hunter can be seen gracefully flying alongside the formation. This versatile jet fighter, which first entered service in the late 1950s, served as a key transitional type between the propeller-driven aircraft of the past and the supersonic jets of the future. Rounding out the formation is the P1127, an experimental research aircraft that was part of the RAF's ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of aviation technology. Its innovative design and advanced systems paved the way for future military aircraft developments. Together, these iconic aircraft represent the spirit of innovation and progress that defined the postwar era of the Royal Air Force. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence military aviation to this day.
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