The Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford
Welcome
Welcome to the Bedford RAE pages, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the history and achievements of the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Bedford.
The RAE site at Bedford was the UK’s premier flight test and wind tunnel research establishment from 1952 until 2001.
Bedford was Farnborough’s sister site and these pages are now maintained by FAST, on behalf of the Bedford Aeronautical Heritage Group, to provide information about Bedford’s significant contribution to the historic development of aviation science during the 20th century.
THE RAE BEDFORD STORY
History of the RAE at Bedford, the wind tunnels, airfield, major work programmes, research work and publication
RESEARCH AIRCRAFT
Some of the iconic aircraft that were developed, researched or tested at Bedford, and where are they now
PUBLICATIONS
Books by former members of staff detailing the historic work done at RAE Bedford
VIDEOS
Links to a collection of videos related to RAE Bedford
BAHG
About the Bedford Aeronautical Heritage Group and the Archive of material
FURTHER INFORMATION
Links to websites with further related information
MUSEUM OPENING HOURS
Saturdays, Sundays and
Bank Holiday Mondays
10.00am - 4.00pm
LATEST NEWS
The 2023 Wind Tunnel Tour Season is now CLOSED but the waiting list for 2024 is OPEN. The 2024 Wind Tunnel Tour Season runs from 31st March to 27th October 2024. Details at Wind Tunnel Tours>>
UPCOMING EVENTS
FAST Talks have now resumed, please see FAST Events for details.
FAST
Trenchard House
85 Farnborough Road
Farnborough
Hampshire GU14 6TF
Tel: 01252 375050
Email: secretary@airsciences.org.uk
(Office manned Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays)
