Guided tours
Access to the hangar is by guided tour only and admission charges apply.
You will be shown around the hangar by guides, many of whom have first-hand experience of the aircraft. Whilst in the hangar, you will be able to observe the RAF BBMF technicians maintaining the aircraft.
Tours of the hangar last approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
We are not currently taking advance bookings for tours. Simply come along to the Visitor Centre and we will get you on the first available tour.
Tours leave every half hour starting at 10.30am, but may go more frequently if we are very busy. Our last tour leaves at 3.30pm.
Please note that the Dakota is currently away for maintenance work.
The aircraft of the BBMF are:
Lancaster PA474
Out of 7,377 Lancasters built, PA474 is one of only two remaining in airworthy condition. The other is based in Canada.
Douglas Dakota ZA947
This came into service in 1942 with the United States Army Air Corps. It transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force before doing tours in Europe until 1971. It came to the BBMF in 1993.
RAF BBMF’s six spitfires, two hurricanes, and two chipmunks
P7350 is the oldest airworthy Spitfire in the world. A Mk V, a Mk II, a Mk IX, and two Mk XIX Spitfires also join her. The two hurricanes are Mk IIc.
Occasionally, due to RAF commitments we cannot guarantee public access to the hangar or the presence of specific aircraft.
Please visit the RAF website or call us on 01522 782040 to check if a particular aircraft will be present.
Current servicing of the BBMF aircraft
Douglas C-47 Dakota ZA947 is away undergoing a major servicing at Duxford and is not due back until spring 2024. (The Aero Legends Dakota KP220 will be resident in the BBMF hangar during that the winter period).
Spitfire Mk XVI TE311 is continuing its major servicing at Biggin Hill and is currently not due back until December 2023 or January 2024.
Spitfire Mk Vb AB910 is now also at Biggin Hill for a major servicing and is not due back until at least July 2024.
Whilst Lancaster PA474 will be resident in the BBMF hangar, it will be having its tail planes renewed this winter and will be tailless for much of the winter period.