Rare Argentine Jet arrives at SYAM

On Wednesday 23rd October the Museum welcomed a new addition to the collection.

The Aermacchi MB339A was used by the Argentinians during the Falklands War. This example was brought back to the UK following the conflict. The airframe has been acquired from the Fleet Air Arm Museum although it has been stored at Rolls-Royce, Derby for many years having been used for testing and away from public view. This is the only Argentine example to find its way back across the Atlantic, the only others outside of Argentina being located in the USA.

Engine Hall Re-Opens

Following a major refurbishment the Museum's engine hall has re-opened to visitors.

The ceiling has been under-drawn, preventing material falling from the ceiling onto the exhibits. The walls have ben clad and insulated, providing a better environment for the long term preservation of the objects. The lighting has also been replaced with modern low energy units switched on by motion sensors which is much more efficient that the older generation fluorescent tubes which were there before. Along with a good coat of paint the room is now a much brighter and more pleasant environment to view the items on display.

The engine hall displays introduce visitors to a selection of engines which span the history of aviation, from an early Liberty engine from the First World War period, through the inter-war years with engines including a very rare French Lorraine Dietrich engine, into the Second World War with engines including the iconic Rolls-Royce Merlin and engines from post-war designs like the Rolls-Royce Avon which powered the classic Hunter and Lightning aircraft.

The Engine Hall, prior to refurbishment

The new Engine Hall