Aerospace Bristol
Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol
This is a new museum which commemorates Bristol's long-established aerospace industry and also aims to advance learning, skills and training, particularly in science, technology, and engineering, and to conserve the local aerospace heritage.
There is much to appeal to visitors interested in the history of the industry, and to inspire an interest in present and future technology.
The quality of display of the exhibits is excellent, and sets a standard which many museums would do well to emulate. This applies across the spectrum, from small exhibits to Concorde, which is shown to advantage in its own dedicated building. The other exhibits are housed in well-restored hangar with Belfast roof trusses supported by brick pillars.
Museum website here. This should be consulted to find the museum's location.
Anyone who has wondered what lies behind the panels or under the carpet of an airliner will be well served by two sections of the fuselage of a BAe 146 aircraft (see photos). One part shows the construction before fitting out, while the other shows the fully fitted-out condition. The well-executed sectioning clearly shows how the fuselage skin and the ribs and spars are fixed together with countersunk rivets. Even the pipes and cables are sectioned.