Royal Aircraft Factory & RAE Reports on Microfilm

The majority of our pre-1950 reports – over 25,000 which date back to 1916 – are recorded on 35mm film and represent a particular treasure trove for technically minded historians, authors and aviation enthusiasts.

The paper reports collection continued the chronology of the microfilm collection and currently numbers over 4000 with more adding to the list on a regular basis. Overall and in general these reports trace the history of the research and development at The Royal Aircraft Factory and Establishment from its inception to its demise.

The work of 18 Departments are reported: Aero Department. tops the list with just under 5000 reports dating back to 1916, with a good number of WW2 origin; the RAE Experimental Engines Department follows with 4744 reports starting in July 1916; and, of perhaps particular interest to WW2 historians, the Enemy Aircraft Department files starting with a Heinkel 111H analysis in November 1939 through to November 1946 with a total of 673 reports.

Enquiries & Access

If you wish to see any of our archives or artefacts, or to enquire whether we have a particular item, please see Enquiries & Access for details and forms.