Royal Navy Historic Flight       Official Web Site

The origins of the RNHF date back to 1960 when the predecessor of the RNHF the "Heron Flight", was presented with Swordfish Mk II LS326 by the Westland Aircraft Company. In 1971 Hawker presented the flight with it's first Sea Fury FB11, and in 1972 Fairey Firefly Mk5 WB271 also joined the flight.

It was in 1972 that the "Heron Flight" officially became the Royal Navy Historic Flight was homebased at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. The RNHF has the mission of preserving the heritage of the Fleet Air Arm, and remembering those members of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm that have lost their lives in the defence of Great Britain.

The RNHF prides it's self on operating a collection of very rare or unique types that have seen service with the Fleet Air Arm over the years. The Sea Hawk is the only one of her kind flying anywhere in the world, and the Sea Fury FB.11 is the only example flying in Europe. There are many Sea Furies flying around the world, but the RNHF's example is generally regarded as the most original as many have been re-engined and converted for air racing in the USA. The RNHF owns and flies two of the four airworthy Swordfishes flying in the world today, with another under restoration.

The RNHF gained a two seat Hawker Sea Fury T20 in the shape of WG655, which was donated by the Federal German Government in 1976 after it's service as a target tug (this aircraft was lost in 1990 whilst flying to a display).

It was around this time the Hawker Sea Hawk WV908 was at the start of a restoration project at RNAS Culdrose to return this early jet back to the skies. Upon completion in 1978, WV908 flew from the Cornish base until it's transfer to the RNHF in 1982. In 1996 the Seahawk emerged from major overhaul at the BAe works at Dunsfold, however in 1997 the aircraft was withdrawn from flying duties after major exhaust gas heat caused major damage to the rear fuselage. It was looking doubtful that the aircraft would ever fly again, however the restoration team worked a near miracle and she returned to the RNHF in her original 806 NAS markings.

In early 2007 the Sea Hawk was fitted with Pi research data gathering equipment, which ensures that any problems with the Rolls Royce Nene engine can be detected early and rectifed. This system was pioneered by ARCo at Duxford, and has been fitted to a number of newly restored Spitfires.

The RNHF's mighty Sea Fury FB11 VR930 joined the RNHF in 1998. This aircraft was delivered to the Fleet Air Arm in March 1948 serving with 802 NAS aboard HMS Vengeance and at her home base at RNAS Eglinton, Northern Ireland before being held at a number of Aircraft Holding Units between December 1948 and August 1953. She eventually found her way back to the front line once more with 801 NAS between August 1953 and July 1954. During her FAA service she amassed 1280 flying hours.

After active service, she moved around various naval establishments before being tasked with providing spares for the RNHF's original Sea Fury FB.11 TF956. With the sad loss of TF956, it was decided that VR930 would be totally rebuilt at the Brough works, and upon completion was handed over to the RNHF wearing 802 NAS Korean War markings. For 2007 VR930 sports a new colour scheme, that worn by this aircraft when she first entered service with 802 Sqn at RNAS Eglinton, in 1948.

VR930 will shortly be joined by another example, a two seat T.20 variant VX821. She has been placed on the civil register as G-RNHF, and is currently residing at North Weald awaiting final assembily and her certificate of airworthiness.

1990 saw the purchase of Swordfish Mk I W5856 from the Strathallen Collection in Scotland. The aircraft was only partly restored, so it was restored by British Aerospace to flying condition and presented to the RNHF in 1993.

Currently all three of the flight's Swordfish are under major restoration or maintenance. Swordfish II LS326 is currently having her Wings re-built at Brough, her engine is zero houred, the airframe has been re-wired and it's hoped that she will be back on the show circuit very soon. W5856 needs her wings re-sparred and sits in the hangar awaiting work, but the engine is halfway through rework at Deltair. NF389 is 1/3 way through ground up re-build at Brough but will probably wait until the above two projects are finished.

A less well known, but no less important an aircraft in the RNHF's fleet is Chipmunk T.10 WK608. Built at De Havilland's at Chester, she first served with the RAF before transferring to the Royal Navy in June 1966 where she served with Britannia Royal Naval College Air Experience Flight at Roborough. With the retirement of the Chipmunk in 1993, many found their way into civilian hands however WK608 remains on charge to provide tail wheel training to both new and current pilots flying the flight's Swordfish and Sea Fury.

In 1995 the RN personnel responsible for maintaining the RNHF fleet were replaced with civilian staff. Along with this, came a change in the way the flight is funded, and with the formation of what is now the Fly Navy Heritage Trust. The FNHT is a registered charity, and oversees the fundraising effort, and provides grants to the RNHF's permanent staff. Other funds come directly from airshow fees, the general public, and the aerospace industry. To find out how you can support the RNHF, visit their website which is linked at the top of this page.

This page is dedicated to the memory of Lt Cdr Bill Murton, and Neil Rix.

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