The BAe 146 aircraft, specifically registration ZE700, had a significant history within the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Queen's Flight. It was operated by No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron, primarily for transporting members of the Royal family and high-ranking officials. ZE700 made its final flight on March 16, 2022, and is now preserved ready to become a static exhibit at the South Wales Aviation Museum.
Since receiving the aircraft, the South Wales Aviation Museum put the aircraft into storage and preservation. However, it is time to put the aircraft on display to the public.
Here is the problem, the aircraft is located at St Athans and the Museum is now separated from the airport by a new road and gates. This means we need to make the aircraft ready for its move and lift the aircraft over two gates and transport it a short distance.
This is where we need your help? The move is a significant cost to the museum if you think you can help us keep this important part of our aviation heritage and let the public enjoy seeing such special aircraft could you please go to our GoFundMe me page at https://gofund.me/78da1ddf donate what you can.
Any funds received more than the move costs will go to towards bring several other significant aircraft to the museum such as the Supermarine Swift, Bristol Britannia, BAE Hawk, Westland Sea King and so on. However, the focus of the Museum currently is the BAe 146.
For those interested below is a bit of the service history of this aircraft.
· Initial Service:
ZE700 was delivered to the RAF on June 14, 1983, and was initially allocated to No. 241 Operational Conversion Unit at Brize Norton. It was one of the first BAe 146s to be delivered to the Queen's Flight.
·
Royal and Government Use:
The aircraft served for over three decades, transporting members of the Royal family, senior government ministers, and Ministry of Defence personnel.
· Accident History:
On June 29, 1994, ZE700 was involved in an accident at Islay Airport when it overran the runway after landing. The pilot, HRH The Prince of Wales, was at the controls at the time. The accident report indicated negligence on the part of both the Captain and the Navigator.
Final Flight and Preservation:
On March 16, 2022, ZE700, piloted by Wing Commander Chadwick, the Commanding Officer of 32 Squadron, made its final flight. The aircraft flew to St Athan in South Wales, where it was officially retired and will be placed on display at the South Wales Aviation Museum.
The South Wales Avaition Museum is growing at a significant rate and hopefully will become a major attraction in South Wales. If you feel you can help, please contribute what you can. Thanking you in advance, SWAM and the volunteers.
About the Author
