FAST To The Rescue

Farnborough lives on, but after 50 years of SBAC international air shows here, the skyline for spectators is changing, bricks and concrete evidence that the airfield's experimental military flying is over, and its onetime reputation as the world's premier center for aeronautical research and development now just a memory.

But quick to the rescue comes FAST -- the Farnborough Air Sciences Trust -- with news that the Royal Aircraft Establishment's and the airfield's most recognizable buildings are to be saved as a major air and space sciences center.

So, thanks to FAST intervention, the famous clock tower on the northern horizon, the Black Sheds across the runway and, the Trenchard Building, HQ of the original Royal Flying Corps, have won protection from the demolition men as English Heritage listed buildings.

"Bearing in mind a constantly evolving site ownership situation and a complex series of local planning issues, I think we have been able to achieve quite an astonishing amount since the Government's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency announced nearly six years ago its intention to close down the RAE," says local resident, aviation PR man, and association trustee Richard Gardner.

The band of determined individuals with a small number of industry supporters, including Dowty and Lockheed Martin, formed the FAST association, raised funds for their campaign, and commissioned a feasibility study.

That study indicated an educational and visitor facility in the historic buildings could be commercially viable and a major tourist attraction.
As Slough Estates have progressed their plans to redevelop the bulk of the site, including a large business park, FAST's project has gained considerable local and national support.

It now has 600 members and its RAE Heritage Group has recently achieved official Museums Association status.

Its archives, of thousands of items including whole aircraft, engines, systems and components, already have national recognition and are currently housed in what will soon be the last remaining Royal Aircraft Factory building, the oldest purpose-built wind tunnel unit.

The still-workable 3- by 4-ft low-turbulence wind tunnel is of all-wood construction and with power generation and equipment. It dates back to the First World War.
The building also houses the work benches and sewing machines used to fabricate balloon skins and fabric surfaces of flying machines from the earliest days of the last century.

Some of these items are in the Association's own tent within the Historic Aircraft Park here at Farnborough, where youngsters are being encouraged to try on or try out flying clothing and an ejector seat.

Air Commodore Tony Nicholson OBE, who until last year was the Air Officer Farnborough, is chairman of the Trust and optimistic about the future of the venture.
"We want to stimulate public awareness of aerospace sciences, stimulate the next generation of young engineers and scientists, and capitalize on the world-wide reputation and heritage of Farnborough," Nicholson says.

"Not the least challenging task will be to attract broad funding and investment and to work closely with the new site owner to enhance the environment of the whole business and factory development.

"Over the summer we are getting together with them to explore the best way forward.

"Above all, we are seeking to enlarge our association membership and support for this most exciting and probably last unfulfilled, great aviation heritage project in Britain."

By Steve Morris