From Bristol Britannias to Vickers Valiants – the 1956 Farnborough Airshow in colour
To mark 75 years of Farnborough International Airshow, FINN is publishing remarkable footage from one of the earliest airshows where Gloster Javelins were displayed alongside Vickers Valiants and Bristol Britannias.…
To mark 75 years of Farnborough International Airshow, FINN is publishing remarkable footage from one of the earliest airshows where Gloster Javelins were displayed alongside Vickers Valiants and Bristol Britannias.
The colour video, provided to FINN by Mike Barber, was filmed in 1956 on an 8mm movie camera by Mike’s father, who served in the RAAF from 1942-1972.
Mike’s father was a member of the RAAF contingent that flew on the Berlin Airlift 1947-1949. His film shows the importance of the Farnborough Airshow in the post-war years – a legacy which has developed into the world-leading event, which is next held in 2024.
Among the aircraft to feature in the video are: Saunders Roe SR71; Blackburn Beverley; de Havilland Dove; AVRO Shackleton; Folland Gnat; Bristol Britannia; Vickers Valiant; Vickers Viscount; Gloster Javelin; Fairey Gannet; Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer; Fairey Firefly; Short Seamew; English Electric Canberra; de Havilland Vampire; de Havilland Venom; and Hawker Hunters.
Celebrating 75 years of Farnborough International Airshow
FINN is celebrating 75 years of the pioneering spirit of Farnborough International Airshow.
Since 1948, Farnborough International Airshow has been at the forefront of aviation breakthroughs that have shaped the skies, and inspired generations of future pioneers.
Farnborough Airport itself lays claim to several milestones in British aviation history, including the country’s first powered flight which took place at the airfield in 1908.
The airfield was also the home of the Royal Aircraft Factory which was later renamed the Royal Aircraft Establishment to avoid a clash with the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918.
At the RAE, research into all aspects of air and space vehicle design, construction, test and operation was undertaken for 100 years – the first century of powered flight.
From Samuel Cody’s first flight in 1908, through two World Wars and from Whittle’s jet engine to Concorde, the RAE was intimately involved and the nearby Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum showcases many of these achievements.
The airshow can be traced back to a flying and static display organised by the Society of British Aircraft Constructors at Hendon Aerodrome in June 1932.
In 1936, the show was moved to the de Havilland airfield at Hatfield, before switching in 1946 to the Handley Page works at Radlett. Finally in 1948, it moved to Farnborough where it has been held ever since.
FINN is owned by Farnborough International, the organisers of Farnborough International Airshow.
Do you have video from a historic Farnborough International Airshow? Let us know at editorial@wearefinn.com
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