New RAF Museum aircraft to make first appearance at Cosford Air Show

The British Aerospace Hawk T1A, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper and Westland Puma HC1 will go on static display in the Museum’s enclosure on the airfield, alongside the iconic Chinook ‘Bravo November’, to complete an incredible line-up of RAF aircraft.

Visitors attending this year’s Air Show will be the first to see the Museum’s new Hawk, Reaper and Puma. Following their appearance at the Air Show all three aircraft will be stored before going on permanent display in the Museum’s forthcoming exhibition ‘The RAF: 1980 to Today’. This new exhibition is part of a sitewide transformation, made possible with the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The new acquisitions were recently transported by the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS) by road to RAF Cosford, where they are currently being reassembled, ready for their first public appearance. Thanks go to the RAF Museum’s Technicians, Babcock (RAF Shawbury and RAF Cosford), and MOD colleagues for their support with preparing the airframes for the Air Show.

The Hawk was an advanced jet trainer that entered RAF service in 1976. In 1979, it was selected as the replacement for the Folland Gnat as the aircraft flown by the RAF Aerobatic Team, otherwise known as the Red Arrows.

The Reaper entered service with the RAF in 2007 and was its first combat-capable remotely piloted aircraft system or ‘drone’. The Reaper’s ability to loiter over targets undetected has given it an invaluable role in intelligence gathering and precision strike operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The Reaper retired from global RAF operations in 2025 following 18 years’ service.

The Puma is a French-designed, medium-lift helicopter, that was in service with the RAF from 1971 to 2025. Over an incredible 54 year history, the Puma has served on a staggering range of operations.

Tom Hopkins, RAF Museum Curator (Aircraft and Exhibits) said:

"We are delighted to announce the acquisition of these remarkable aircraft and look forward to sharing them with aviation enthusiasts at this year’s Cosford Air Show. Each represents a significant chapter in RAF history, whether that’s the Hawk which continues to inspire audiences as part of the world-famous Red Arrows display team, or the Puma which has more than five decades of distinguished RAF service.

"The recently retired Reaper will become the first aircraft of its type to enter a UK museum collection, and while it will be some time before these aircraft go on permanent display at the Museum, we are excited to offer Cosford Air Show visitors this exclusive early preview."

In addition to the aircraft line-up, there will be plenty more on offer for families visiting the Museum’s enclosure. Exclusively for the Cosford Air Show, aviation fans can get on board the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’, for a small donation. Known as ‘The Survivor’, Bravo November earned its reputation during the 1982 liberation of the Falkland Islands. After the MS Atlantic Conveyor was struck by a missile and later sank, Bravo November was the sole Chinook to survive, going on to play a crucial role in the conflict.

Families can also enjoy access to a replica Spitfire cockpit, try on RAF uniforms and hats, test out their coding abilities with interactive robotics activities, and browse an extensive retail offer with many exclusive items. Elsewhere on the airfield, the Museum’s Harrier GR3 and Wessex will also be making an appearance.

Air Show ticket holders will also benefit from an exclusive Museum offer. Enjoy free parking on a return visit to the Museum and a two for one offer on 4D Theatre rides. Simply present your Air Show ticket when registering your vehicle on arrival at the Museum, and at the point of purchase to receive the two for one 4D Theatre offer.

With just over a week to go, the Cosford Air Show is close to selling out with just a few tickets remaining.