The US Government gave the French money to build up their armed forces, which was split into building the Dassault Mystere IV and leasing F-100s. At the end of the lease period the remaining aircraft were given back to the US Government. Most of these aircraft ended up in British aircraft museums.

318 Mystere IVA, 3Jul05

This North American F-100 served with the French Air Force as 42163. At the end of the lease period it was returned to the US Government and in turn it was donated to the museum.

It is now painted up in false US markings.

54-005 HA 42163 F-100, 3Jul05

One of the problems of ejecting out of high speed aircraft was solved by encapsulating the cockpit into an escape module. The two crew of this F-111 ejected over The Wash and landed safely, 5Nov75.

The escape module was donated to the museum by the USAF.

68-0060 F-111E, 3Jul05

This Lockheed T-33 trainer was leased to the Belgian Air Force during the Cold War. At the end of the lease, this aircraft and several others were flown to Prestwick for disposal. Some went to be targets at the Spedadam ranges while this one was donated to the museum.

FT-36 T-33A, 3Jul05

This Trident 3 was withdrawn from use by British Airways and used by the Fire Department at Prestwick for Training.

It was put up for disposal and the museum rescued the forward fuselage.

G-AWZJ Trident 3, 3Jul05

This is flying at its simplest, a home built microlight aircraft, whose wings fold back and can be transported on a trailer.

G-MMIX Tiger Cub, 3Jul05

This Spitfire has had a colourful past. It crashed into Loch Doon Oct41 and was recovered by the Museum in 1982. It has been undergoing a very slow rebuild process.

Parts of the original aircraft can be seen on the top of the fuselage.

P7540 Spitfire IIA, 3Jul05

The Canberra was arguably the most successful post war aircraft made in Britain. This aircraft was destined to be exported to India, when the aircraft was impounded following the outbreak of the Indian - Pakistan War. It was stored at Samlesbury until put up for disposal. It is hoped that one day a set of wings can be located to show the aircraft in its full glory.

Q-497 Canberra T.4, 3Jul05

This cockpit section was rescued and has been brought up to display standard. It tours airshows etc as a traveling exhibit.

WJ880 Canberra T.4, 3Jul05

Another of the successful post war British aircraft, the Hawker Hunter. This one is painted to represent XF506 one of the famous Black Arrows display team of 111 Sqdn. The teams claim to fame was with the help of aircraft from 56 Squadron at the 1958 Farnborough Air show they successfully looped 22 aircraft.

WT746 Hunter, 3Jul05