About

September 19, 2023

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Here’s a roundup of what’s new and coming up at the Royal Aviation Museum.

NEW ARTEFACTS AND DISPLAYS

New artefact: Rolls Royce Merlin 620 engine

The Rolls-Royce Merlin is one of the most famous aero engines in history. It powered many WWII aircraft including the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, North American P-51 Mustang, and Avro Lancaster.

This artefact was acquired from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario. Find it in our Mechanics’ Workshop.

New artefact: WWII G-suit

G-suits were designed to prevent pilots from blacking out during extreme maneuvers. This was one of the earliest suits, designed by Dr. Wilbur Franks, and used water-filled bladders to compress the lower body and force blood up to the brain. Modern suits are much lighter, using air-inflated bladders.

This G-suit is on long-term loan from the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame.

New artefact: Tundra tire

Bush planes often take off and land on rocky or sandy runways; this type of terrain necessitates a special tire. In 1958, “Weldy” Phipps of Spartan Air Services in Ottawa designed an oversized, low-pressure, “balloon” tire able to roll over boulders and boggy ground. This invention allowed pilots to reach previously inaccessible areas.

Find the tundra tire and G-suit in our Canadian Innovations zone.

New exhibit: Profile in Courage of Lt. General G. Allan MacKenzie

Allan MacKenzie was born December 15, 1931, in Spanish Town, Jamaica. His ambition in life was to become a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). In 1950 his dream became a reality when he moved to Canada and joined the RCAF.

Among his many accomplishments, MacKenzie held numerous command positions, flew Prince Phillip on a tour of Canada’s north, and oversaw Canada’s acquisition of the CF-18 Hornet.

This exhibit was generously donated by his wife, Valerie Ann MacKenzie. Learn more about Lt. General MacKenzie on the second floor near our Science of Flight zone.

New interpretive panels

We now have interpretive panels for the aircraft parked in Aviation Plaza! This includes our CF-101 Voodoo, De Havilland CC-115 Buffalo, and Douglas A-26B Invader. An info panel on the Bristol Freighter, newly moved to the museum, is in the works.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Seniors’ month

October is Seniors’ Month at RAMWC where seniors save an additional 20% on admission from Monday through Friday. If you’re coming by, don’t forget we offer a free public tour every day at 1:45 p.m.

October 5 – Métis beading workshop

Join us as we welcome Métis artist Melanie Gamache of Borealis Beading for a beginner beading workshop the evening of October 5.

You’ll also learn about the significance of beading to the Métis people and how their culture has shaped Manitoba’s identity.

Buy your tickets here.

October 7 – Visiting aircraft: CL215 water bomber

In just a few weeks, our friends at Babcock Canada are sending over a CL 215 and a few of their Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs).

Babcock Canada has a contract with the Government of Manitoba for aerial wildfire suppression. During the 2022 wildfire season, Babcock conducted 342 missions, logged 2,500 flight hours, and dropped 44 million litres of water.

Climb aboard the CL 215 and meet the crew that keeps these aircraft in (fire) fighting shape! See the event details.

October 29 – Halloween with Hobbs

Start planning your costumes because Halloween with Hobbs is back on October 29. We’ll have trick-or-treating stations, a costume contest, entertainment, and more.

Kids under 12 who arrive in costume get in FREE with a paying adult. Learn more.