The Second World War Aircraft Preservation Society (SWWAPS) was established at the Hampshire airfield of Lasham many years ago. The odd thing is that none of the aircraft on display here actually stemmed from the Second World War. I visited this site in the 1980’s and several times since and nothing ever appeared to change. The aircraft slowly decayed over time until October 2009 when the site closed for good.
The following pictures were taken in March & April 2010 and show what remains of the museum. Some aircraft have gone to new homes and some of those shown are destined for further preservation. It is a shame that the site has closed but it may be a good thing in the end that the aircraft that have moved on will be subject to a new life in preservation.
The SWWAPS Logo - The first aircraft depicted is a Lockheed Starfighter which is stiil on site
but has been moved to the ATC repair facility at Lasham
The wings from Gloster Meteor F8 VZ530 with Meteor F8 WH291 in the background
Gloster Meteor F8 - WH291 - This was the last of the type to be flown by the RAF
Roundel detail - Meteor WH291
Engine bay detail - Meteor WH291
Wing and aileron close up - Meteor WH291
Meteor Switchgear
Hawker Hunter F51 E-423 and Wings from Percival Prentice 1 VR192 - unsure where the rest
of aircraft has gone as it was ccomplete
Aircraft Armament Trolley
And how the rain poured - you can see how the corrosion sets in
Data plaque - Hunter F51 E-423 wheel well
Westland Wessex HAS3 XM833 - Formerly flown from HMS Blake
Aircraft parts scrap pile
De-Havilland Drover II - VH-FDT - the only one in existance
De-Havilland Drover II - VH-FDT & Meteor WH291
Front end view Drover II - VH-FDT
Engine bearer - unknown aircraft
Gloster Meteor NF.13 - 4X-FNA - jet pipe exhaust detail
Gloster Meteor NF.13 - 4X-FNA
Thanks For Looking
The following pictures were taken in March & April 2010 and show what remains of the museum. Some aircraft have gone to new homes and some of those shown are destined for further preservation. It is a shame that the site has closed but it may be a good thing in the end that the aircraft that have moved on will be subject to a new life in preservation.
The SWWAPS Logo - The first aircraft depicted is a Lockheed Starfighter which is stiil on site
but has been moved to the ATC repair facility at Lasham
The wings from Gloster Meteor F8 VZ530 with Meteor F8 WH291 in the background
Gloster Meteor F8 - WH291 - This was the last of the type to be flown by the RAF
Roundel detail - Meteor WH291
Engine bay detail - Meteor WH291
Wing and aileron close up - Meteor WH291
Meteor Switchgear
Hawker Hunter F51 E-423 and Wings from Percival Prentice 1 VR192 - unsure where the rest
of aircraft has gone as it was ccomplete
Aircraft Armament Trolley
And how the rain poured - you can see how the corrosion sets in
Data plaque - Hunter F51 E-423 wheel well
Westland Wessex HAS3 XM833 - Formerly flown from HMS Blake
Aircraft parts scrap pile
De-Havilland Drover II - VH-FDT - the only one in existance
De-Havilland Drover II - VH-FDT & Meteor WH291
Front end view Drover II - VH-FDT
Engine bearer - unknown aircraft
Gloster Meteor NF.13 - 4X-FNA - jet pipe exhaust detail
Gloster Meteor NF.13 - 4X-FNA
Thanks For Looking
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I think it was nesting in the jet pipe!!!!
