FARNBOROUGH
AIR SCIENCES TRUST

Publications

Trustees' note on updating this section:

Please note that this section is incomplete. The Trustees feel that the information that we have here already is useful and that it is, on balance, better to make what we have available rather than wait for it to be completed and polished.

FAST Reports

From the beginning, detailed investigations, fully written up as reports, have been an important working method for FAST. These investigations and reports are a good means of giving depth to FAST's vision and establishing FAST as a serious-minded organisation that is prepared to work hard for what it sets out to do.

The older reports are, in a sense, obsolete (for example, recommendations for the listing of the historic wind tunnel buildings have been overtaken by the listing of those buildings as Grade I).

List of reports, newest first:

(note: not a comprehensive list yet)

How can I see the reports?

We may be able to make the text of these reports fully or in parts, available on-line in the near future. In the meantime if you are interested in any of these reports please contact the Trustees at the address in the "contact us" section. All the reports are in FAST's archive.

Press releases and News Archive

We aim to make all FAST press releases available on line as soon as they are released - usually in the "latest news" section - and to put copies of the text into this archive. They will be a mixture of printable pdf format documents and plain text in web pages. We aim to use plain text as much as possible to make the content easily searchable by Google etc.

The Archive - more to be added soon

31 Dec 2004: FAST REVIEWS ITS ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE HAMPSHIRE BUILDINGS PRESERVATION TRUST

Great progress has been made in the plans for the historic core of the former Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough.  The owner, Slough Estates plc, has committed many millions of pounds to conserving six major historic buildings and renewing the hard and soft landscaping around them. The aim is to create a unique mixed development with a balance of commercial, social and cultural uses, being presented by Slough Estates as a new cultural centre for Farnborough.

Scaffolding will go up quite soon around the two grade I-listed windtunnels to begin the long process of external refurbishment.  The 24 foot windtunnel (building Q121) will have its upper sheeted structure re-clad, its famous public clock restored and its lower concrete structure overhauled.  The rotting concrete walls of the transonic windtunnel (R133), built hurriedly to meet the urgencies of war in 1941/42, will be repaired after years of neglect and, we hope, be repainted in original wartime camouflage.  The adjoining building R136, although not listed and its concrete shell in a very poor condition, is also to be repaired, thus making its re-use as a working windtunnel (the  “11½  foot”) a distinct possibility.    Building R52 nearby, listed grade II, the earliest windtunnel building of 1917, will be given a new roof, its distinctive two-tone brick walls enhanced by removal of unsightly 1930’s additions, and its windtunnel (the 4x3 foot) retained. This is good news indeed.

The above four historic structures Q121, R133, R136 and R52, joined by one brand new building, will define a semi-pedestrianised space at the heart of what is now known as the Historic Quarter.  Slough Estate’s designers have been discussing with FAST how best to retain the essentially utilitarian feel of the hard landscaping and largely unplanned grassed areas and trees, in contrast to the formality of the surrounding Business Park.  Car parking will be confined to the periphery of the Quarter, with a pedestrian link to the square via a passage underneath the steel belly of the Transonic windtunnel. Any final decision about the future use of the windtunnels, however, has been deferred until the exterior work is more advanced.

Three other zones are planned by Slough Estates:  The Hub, based mainly on an imaginative conversion of Q134 building (unlisted), will form the Business Park’s focal point, containing the project management suite, a heritage centre, café bar and children’s nursery.  The Square to the west will become a new civic space, its centrepiece being the re-erected frame of the 1912 Portable Airship Shed retrieved from listed buildings Q65 and R51 (whose demolition has just received planning permission).   Partly surrounding the Historic Quarter will be the Residential District, where Slough Estates are actively researching the proposal put forward by SAVE Britain’s Heritage to develop an urban housing scheme to help finance the listed buildings.

With the exterior form of the major buildings now safe, the focus for conservation has moved to the extraordinary interiors of the windtunnels and their machinery.  Proposals put forward by FAST last year for an independent feasibility study into the re-use of R52 and its 4´3 windtunnel for educational and commercial use were turned down – in favour of a much wider study commissioned by Slough Estates into the feasibility of re-powering each and all of the windtunnels: a somewhat daunting task given the size, complexity and age of the plant and with electrical power demands up to 3 megawatts. FAST’s consultants have shown that three of the five windtunnels could potentially run again within reasonable limits of power consumption and cost.  The next stage of the study, now being discussed with Slough Estates, is to research market demand, prior to working up a business plan.

A welcome boost to this study has been an unexpected resurgence in the use of windtunnels for aerodynamic testing.  It seems that computer simulation has not provided all the answers.  The massive 5 metre windtunnel at the other end of Farnborough airfield and run by Qinetiq (the semi-privatised successor of the RAE), due to be mothballed only a year ago, has now been booked by Boeing for ten years’ use, plus a further option of 30 years, for the design of improved take-off and landing performance of new-generation airliners.  Meanwhile, Qinetiq themselves are interested in access to the 11½  foot windtunnel in R136 for testing that currently has to be taken abroad.  If readers of this article should happen to know of potential customers for a windtunnel, please contact FAST!

FAST have also undertaken a commission for Slough Estate’s conservation architects, Julian Harrap Architects, to study the history-in-use of listed buildings Q65 and R51 before they are demolished.  In the 1970s, Q65 housed the model making shop where all kinds of highly sophisticated aerodynamic models, carved out of solid steel and embedded with instrumentation, were prepared for testing in the Transonic windtunnel.  In its earlier days, Q65 was the Fabric Shop, where an all-female workforce cut, stitched, fitted and doped the linen covering for airframes, their work recorded in a remarkable collection of recruitment photographs taken in the darkest days of WW1.  A fascinating find to be unearthed during the research was the diary of a young woman volunteer in 1916.  She speaks of the frequent medical checks on the ‘dope girls’, and how large quantities of lemonade were dispensed, supposedly to counteract liver damage caused by the dope fumes.  R51 had a distinguished history as forge and foundry, with many key developments of alloys and discoveries such as carbon fibre, which contributed to the RAE’s worldwide reputation for research.

In May, FAST was proud to receive an award from the Air League for its efforts over ten years to safeguard Farnborough’s aerospace heritage. The presentation was made by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh at a very memorable ceremony in St James’ Palace. The more publicly obvious evidence of FAST’s work, visible to anyone driving along Farnborough Road and seeing the display of aircraft, has been the foundation of an archive and museum in listed building G1.  The formal opening, held in October 2003, was attended by former test pilots Neville Duke, Duncan Simpson and  ‘Winkle’ Brown.  Set up and run entirely by volunteers of the FAST Association, the museum contains a remarkable range of exhibits from Cody’s earliest kite experiments through to development models for Concorde, spanning two world wars and the Cold War. The task now is to find accommodation for the reserve collection currently housed in the old fire station at Pyestock (formerly the National Gas Turbine Establishment) but in line to be demolished as another major brownfield development site.  

Laurence Peskett,  Trustee

Note: Farnborough Air Sciences Museum is at 85 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hants GU14 6TF, telephone 01252 375050. Open 10 am until 4 pm at weekends, and for prearranged group visits during the week. E-mail: info@fasta.co.uk

21 Sept 2004:

SAFEGUARDING FARNBOROUGH'S AVIATION HERITAGE - LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

After less than a full year since the new Farnborough Air Sciences Museum was opened to the public, it has already become a major heritage attraction for Hampshire and has attracted official visits from the UK and overseas, as well as over 5,000 members of the public. The unique collection of aircraft, engines, missiles, equipment and examples of the massive archive and photographic collection that has been assembled by FAST, is now on public view for the first time in Farnborough’s aviation history. But Farnborough Air Sciences Trust, which for a decade campaigned to secure the future of the most historic ex-RAE facilities, is now looking ahead to work even more closely with developers Slough Estates plc, to help regenerate the famous wind tunnels in a unique and exciting plan for the future of the whole site.

FAST was recently commissioned by Slough Estates plc to produce a detailed report examining the feasibility of bringing the historic wind tunnels back into use, for research, testing and educational activities. In broad terms the conclusions of the report, which indicated that re-opening was a possible option, have been accepted and now further work is underway to investigate the potential for operational use of at least some of the tunnels. This new initiative was “launched” at the recent 2004 Farnborough Air Show and considerable interest has already been expressed from potential users. FAST is also assisting with the planning being undertaken by Slough Estates for new heritage facilities, including a new Visitors’ Centre. Together with the re-erection of the Airship Hangar, the restoration of the most dramatic wind tunnels, the 24ft low speed tunnel and the Transonic tunnel, will create major new public attractions at the heart of the regenerated site, which will undoubtedly become a world class location for cultural and science-based activities.

FAST is delighted to support the Slough Estates vision, which sits most comfortably with our long-held view that the site is worthy of international recognition, and we applaud the company’s commitment to the considerable investment that will now safeguard this outstanding location. FAST looks forward to the completion of the regeneration, which, with the museum, will create Britain’s premier aviation heritage trail – well in time to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the first powered flight in the country which took place at Farnborough in 1908.

Museum Opening Times
Weekends Opening10 am. Last admissions 4 pm. Midweek viewing, including school and group visits by prior appointment only. Museum Tel: 01252 375050 

Media contacts:
FAST – Richard Gardner. Tel: 01252 515562
Slough Estates plc – Stephen Lord. Tel: 01753 213472

Museum info website> www.fast.aero and FAST website> www.airsciences.org.uk

Tuesday 21st September 2004:

HISTORIC CORE LAUNCH: TEXT OF SLOUGH ESTATES' PRESS RELEASE

"Bringing Aviation History to Life at Farnborough Business Park

Slough Estates today outlined its £20m plans for the restoration and renovation of some of the most important buildings in British aviation history to be found on its Farnborough Business Park.

The plans, which have now received consent, cover a 25 acre cluster of wind tunnel and research buildings that formed the heart of the internationally renowned Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough. For decades these premises were covered by Official Secrets Act rules and hidden from public gaze. Now, under the Slough Estates' plan, the buildings and installations will be opened to the public.

Slough Estates has worked very closely with English Heritage, Save Britain's Heritage, Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) and the local authority, Rushmoor Borough Council, to ensure that the key installations were included in the restoration plan. The Historic Core of the 125 acre Farnborough Business Park contains two Grade 1 listed buildings and three other listed buildings.

The former RAE site at Farnborough represents the cradle of British aviation. Samuel Cody flew the first powered, controlled, aircraft flight here in 1908 and the Royal Flying Corps, predecessor of the Royal Air Force, was also founded here at Trenchard House in 1912. The RAE was the location of many of the most important aeronautical and technical innovations. Ejector seats, aircraft catapults, carbon fibre, head-up displays, airborne lasers and space suit technology were amongst the huge number of aerospace innovations originally developed at the RAE.

Slough Estates acquired the 125 acre site from the Ministry of Defence in 1999 and began discussions with stakeholders about the future for the Historic Core. Over many months, detailed plans were prepared via a Development Brief, a Conservation Plan and then detailed planning applications for a bold restoration programme which brings the buildings back to life as a new social and cultural heart for the Park and for Farnborough.

The regeneration will include the following:

A new public square, the size of London's Berkeley Square, with a 70 foot high, 250 foot long airship hangar frame as its centrepiece.

The restoration of the historic aviation research buildings for a mix of uses including offices, studio workshops, and new facilities including a heritage centre, management centre, cafe-bar, meeting rooms and children's nursery.

The possible commercial re-use of the five historic wind tunnels, as part of a joint project with FAST.
Building work on the Historic Core restoration will start this month with completion planned for July 2006.

Stakeholder View's:

Sir Nigel Mobbs, Chairman of Slough Estates

"We recognise our responsibility as guardians of these historic buildings and we are very pleased to have worked together with other stakeholders to find the right long-term solution for this important site. We believe that the restoration scheme will be a unique feature at the heart of a regenerated working campus and will provide many social and cultural facilities for local people. What is more, we are preserving an important part of Farnborough's aviation heritage that has significance not just for town but for the nation."

Dr Andrew Brown, Regional Director of English Heritage

"We are delighted that Slough Estates has found a way to bring these important historic aviation buildings and installations back into use. Heritage is often served best when buildings can be brought back into public use and Slough has achieved this with its imaginative plans."

The Mayor of Rushmoor, Councillor Colin Balchin

"The proposals prepared by Slough Estates and approved by Rushmoor Borough Council are exciting and will ensure that Farnborough's proud heritage and long association with the Royal Aircraft Establishment will be maintained and protected. Farnborough has an international reputation and the preservation of the heritage site in this practical and imaginative way is a great credit to the company and will provide a benefit to our community."

Gerald Howarth, MP for Farnborough

"The regeneration of the former Royal Aircraft Establishment into a modern working campus will bring 6,000 new jobs to Farnborough. This is an important mission for Slough Estates and their huge investment in the Historic Core as the new heart of the Park demonstrates their commitment to the project. This is good news for conservation, good news for commerce and very good news for Farnborough."

Adam Wilkinson, Secretary of Save Britain's Heritage

"We have campaigned hard for several years to raise awareness about the enormous significance of this historic site. We are delighted that the site owners are investing so much in the core historic area and wind tunnel buildings of the former Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough. Slough Estates' vision has the potential to blaze a trail showing how former MOD sites can be put to productive new uses."

Richard Gardner, Chairman of FAST

"FAST has been working closely with Slough Estates from the outset to find the right solution for this unique historic site. It is fair to say that forthcoming restoration will transform the quality of Farnborough's cultural and aviation heritage facilities. With the opening of the Farnborough Air Sciences Museum and the creation of a new visitor centre in the restored Historic Core, a very exciting and accessible future is assured for what used to be one of Britain's most guarded and secret locations."

For Further Information:

Tim Roberts/Tony Danaher
Tamesis Business Communications
Telephone number: 02079083200

Stephen Lord/Fraser Robinson Slough Estates plc
Telephone number: 01753537171

19 Aug 2004:

FORMER CREW REDEDICATE PRESERVED TRIDENT

Two former BEA airline pilots who in the 1970s flew the Hawker Siddeley Trident tri-jet, once the fastest civil airliner in the world, took part in a re-dedication ceremony recently at the Farnborough Air Sciences Museum, where the restored cockpit of “Zulu India” has been put on display.

Trident 3B, G-AWZI, first flew in August 1971 and was retired by British Airways in May 1985. This aircraft had a cruising speed of Mach 0.88, faster than any airliner now flying, and pioneered the use of automatic landing in “blind” conditions- in daylight or at night in any weather including thick fog. Considerable research work on blind landing technology was conducted at Farnborough at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in the 1960s, and the addition of this important exhibit and attraction is highly appropriate for Farnborough's new aviation museum.

After a period in use for ground training, and then fire training, all but the nose section of “Zulu India” was scrapped. Now, after a considerable restoration effort, the fully refurbished cockpit, complete with all working instruments, controls and lights, and even authentic sound effects, has been lovingly brought back to life by a team led by Andy Lee. At selected times, usually most Sunday mornings, the cockpit is open to visitors at the museum who can see for themselves what it was like to pilot a modern jetliner.

Capt Tony Angus (in right hand seat) was the former Senior Training Captain on the Trident fleet and flew the first delivery flight of this aircraft when it was new. Joining him was fellow Training Captain Jack Randell, and (unrelated) Bob Randell who was a BEA Trident Dispatcher. In the group picture, in front of the Trident nose, are (left to right) restorers Russ Clancy and Andy Lee, Bob Randell, Jack Randell, Tony Angus and team restorer Ken Bowen.

End
Contact details:
Richard Gardner
FAST

Tel 01252 515562

19 July 2004:

SAFEGUARDING FARNBOROUGH’S AVIATION HERITAGE – NEW DEVELOPMENTS

After less than a full year since the new Farnborough Air Sciences Museum was opened to the public, it has already become a major heritage attraction for Hampshire and has attracted official visits from the UK and overseas, as well as over 5,000 members of the public. But already, Farnborough Air Sciences Trust, which for a decade campaigned to secure the future of the most historic ex- RAE facilities, is working closely with developers Slough Estates plc, to help regenerate the famous wind tunnels as a part of a unique and exciting plan for the future of the site.

FAST was recently commissioned by Slough Estates plc to produce a detailed report examining the feasibility of bringing the historic wind tunnels back into use, for research, testing and educational activities. In broad terms the conclusions of the report, which indicated that re-opening was a possible option, have been accepted and now further work is underway to investigate the potential for operational use of at least some of the tunnels. Interest is being generated and the 2004 Farnborough Air Show will provide a timely opportunity to canvas opinion right across the aerospace and autosport sectors. FAST will once again have a stand at the show, which will be used to draw attention to progress to date and future aspirations.

FAST is assisting with the planning being undertaken by Slough Estates for new heritage facilities on the RAE wind tunnel site, as well as its involvement in the studies for the regeneration of the wind tunnels themselves. It is looking forward to continuing to play a role in consolidating Farnborough’s former Royal Aircraft Establishment historic site as a world class location for cultural and science-based activities. It is hoped that eventually this will link in with the expanding museum to create a comprehensive aviation heritage trail that will fully reflect the outstanding aeronautical history associated with Farnborough over a century- the century of flight.

Air Show museum opening times

Due to temporary road traffic alterations, security and flight safety issues, the museum, located close to the SBAC air show site, will be closed during the week of the show and will open after the flying display has concluded on the final two public days, 24 and 25 July, remaining open until late so that air show visitors can call in on their way home. After the show, the museum opening times will revert to the usual 10am-4pm opening times at weekends, and during the week for group visits by prior arrangement.

Media contacts:

FAST - Richard Gardner, Tel: 01252 515562
Slough Estates plc - Stephen Lord, Tel: 01753213472

19th July 2004:

CELEBRATING FARNBOROUGH’S UNIQUE AVIATION HERITAGE- Britain’s cradle of aerospace development

In 1905, Farnborough Common was established as a permanent aviation location when the British Army’s Royal Engineers moved their balloon factory and training unit from nearby Aldershot. The arrival of Sam Cody, an American-born aviator, was to transform the pace of work on heavier-than-air flying machines. His efforts perfecting man-carrying kites were to lead directly to his success in October 1908, performing the first controlled, powered flight in Britain.

In 1909 a new military headquarters was commissioned, the Balloon School being renamed the “Air Battalion”. By 1912 the factory had become The Royal Aircraft Factory, and the Air Battalion was renamed The Royal Flying Corps. The factory’s aircraft designs were mass produced in their thousands, the most outstanding aircraft being the SE 5A fighter, which was widely regarded as the best fighter of the period. After the end of the conflict, the creation in April 1918 of the Royal Air Force led to the Royal Aircraft “Factory” being renamed “Establishment” to avoid confusion when using the initials “RAF”. For the next 75 years, the RAE prospered and grew as the centre for government research and development. The last ten years have seen the RAE become the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and then, more recently, split between the MOD Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the privatised QinetiQ. The former military airfield is now a dedicated business airport, operated by TAG Aviation.

Preserving the heritage

Established in 1994 to safeguard what was then a threatened site of outstanding historical interest, Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) is self-funded, and even today has no paid staff. The granting of the highest Listed status for the key historic buildings at Farnborough vindicated a decade of campaigning and the arrival of Slough Estates plc, as new owners and developers of the RAE site, enabled a new start to be made, with the offer of the Old Balloon School, now renamed Trenchard House, as a new base for FAST. Officially opened on 1st October , 2003, the new museum has created, for the first time, a publicly accessible heritage and educational facility celebrating Farnborough’s aviation history. Located in one of the earliest aviation-related structures in the country, the museum includes an indoor exhibition and outdoor exhibits, and is the base for FAST, Farnborough Air Sciences Ltd, which handles commercial aspects of the project, and also the Guild of Aviation Artists, many of whose superb original paintings grace the interior walls. The museum is open to the public every weekend, and entrance is free. Organized groups and school visits can be accommodated during the week by prior arrangement.

For further information on the Museum and its facilities contact:

Farnborough Air Sciences Museum Tel : 01252 375050
Media contact: Richard Gardner on Tel: 01252 515562

19th July 2004:

"fast.aero" launches on-line access to research reports and photographs

This year's Farnborough Air Show sees the launch of www.fast.aero which for the first time will make the historic scientific work of the Royal Aircraft Establishment available online.
The site gives access to technical research reports and photographs covering a period of nearly 90 years: 1908 - 1977.  This is an archive that ranges from the Cody flier at the very beginning of European aviation to Farnborough's development of carbon fibre and beyond.  Although and immense number of records are available on the site, more will be made available over time as they are classified and processed. Income from this site will contribute towards development of the current museum and the restoration of the wind tunnel site.
Further details on www.fast.aero or contact Will Rees of Claire Chambers on 01252 512494 or email archive@fast.aero.

Editor's note: "fast.aero" ceased operations in 2005 .

21st May 2004:
FAST EFFORTS RECOGNIZED

On 21 May, local Member of Parliament, Gerald Howath, called in to the Farnborough Air Sciences Museum to congratulate the Trustees, volunteers and supporters of Farnborough Air Sciences Trust who have been awarded with the Air League’s Framed Address for their “tremendous work over the past ten years to preserve the aviation heritage of the Farnborough site, involving the opening of the museum, the establishment of an association of supporters and its continuing work to return areas of the site to a working condition.”

Last week, three of the original Trustees, Fin Gordon, Lawrence Peskett and Richard Gardner travelled to St James’s Palace, with Steven Lord and Will Jewson of Slough Estates for the presentation before 400 members and guests of the Air League. Richard Gardner received the award from HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, on behalf of FAST.

Gerald Howath MP, who also attended the presentation, was given an up-to-date briefing on progress on the FAST project and had an opportunity to meet many of the volunteers who help man the museum  at weekends, and work on various restoration activities throughout the week. He was shown the latest exhibition of historic flying clothing, from the First World War to the RAE-developed liquid cooled pressure suits, similar to those used by the US space astronauts.

END
Further info from:
R Gardner Tel 01252 515562

We are still busy with assembling archive material.

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