Latest news with #SupermarineSpitfire
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
100 jobs to be created as drone company Stark plans new factory
Swindon will soon be at the forefront of the high-tech defence industry when German company Stark starts manufacturing its cutting-edge military drones here. The move will create around 100 jobs for the town. The Swindon factory will be the first facility Stark has outside of Germany and will build the company's AI-assisted unmanned drones. Mike Armstrong, managing director of Stark UK, said: 'The UK and Germany are world leaders in new technology that will define the battlefields of the future. We need rapid and scalable production to protect our people, defend our sovereignty and deter aggression. That means resilient supply chains which stretch across Europe.' Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser! 📱 💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Save over 50% on an annual subscription now. 🔗 #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) July 4, 2025 'That is why Stark has chosen the UK as our first production location outside of Germany – taking advantage of the vast technological, industrial and defence expertise that exists here to create AI-powered, unmanned systems to defend Europe and NATO.' Will Stone, MP for Swindon North, himself a former soldier and at one time a defence sector 'business champion' for the government, said: "I'm proud to be working alongside STARK to bring defence manufacturing back to Swindon, a town with a proud military legacy and key producer of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire. It's fitting that the defence is returning to our town. This is the direction of travel: creating high-skilled, well-paid jobs and putting Swindon back at the heart of Britain's industrial future. This is just the start, with more businesses to follow." The 40,000 square foot factory will be in north central Swindon. Stark was set up only last year, partly as a response to Russia's 2023 invasion of Ukraine. Its 'Virtus' drone has a strike range of up to 100 km, and it carries a five-kilogram payload. Mr Stone said the move was aligned with the government's increased spending on defence and its ambition to make the UK a leader of innovation in NATO, expressed in the Strategic Defence Review. Swindon Borough Council leader Councillor Jim Robbins was also very pleased at the announcement. He said: 'This is fantastic news for Swindon and a strong endorsement of our town's growing reputation in advanced manufacturing and innovation. Stark's investment is a major step forward in our ambition to position Swindon as a national leader in advanced defence manufacturing. 'I'd like to personally thank Swindon North MP, Will Stone, who has played a pivotal role in bringing this investment to our town. I'm excited to see this cutting-edge UAV technology take shape right here in Swindon.'
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
High flying National Museum of Flight reaches half century
The Museum's creation followed the donation of a Supermarine Spitfire to the Royal Scottish Museum (now National Museums Scotland) in 1971. Unsuitable for display in Edinburgh, it was instead stored in a hangar at the former RAF airbase at East Fortune. Further aircraft donations followed, including a Hawker Sea Hawk from RNAS Lossiemouth, before the Museum of Flight opened its doors on Monday, July 7, 1975, displaying many of the aircraft that remain popular today. The National Museum of Flight's collections have since evolved into a world-class showcase of civil and military aviation. Exhibits include an Avro Vulcan delta-winged bomber as well as an RAF Red Arrows Hawk T.1A that took part in a flypast over Edinburgh in 1999 to celebrate the opening of the Scottish Parliament. READ MORE: Astonishing exhibition proves there's still something about Mary Queen of Scots Scottish band to have track housed at virtual Spanish Civil War museum Perth Museum celebrates first birthday after 'remarkable' year of success The attraction's most famous exhibit is Scotland's Concorde, which arrived in 2004 following an epic 16-day journey by land and sea from Heathrow Airport. The iconic aircraft now sits as the centrepiece of a special exhibition about the story of supersonic flight. In recent years, the Museum has undergone significant development including the transformation of two former Second World War buildings into the new Fortunes of War and Fantastic Flight galleries. Another major milestone came in 2016 with the restoration and redevelopment of two Second World War hangars which now house an impressive collection of civil and military aircraft presented alongside interactives and films that tell the stories of those who flew them. Conservation work completed in 2024 also means that the site's Second World War blast and air raid shelters can now be explored. This Summer the National Museum of Flight is offering a special programme for visitors, including its popular 360 Fest on September 6. The event features high-energy mountain bike stunt shows, pedal-powered activities, circular circus workshops and STEM-themed sessions. Concorde at the National Museum of Flight Throughout the season, there will be a series of engaging lunchtime talks about the Second World War from Ian Brown, assistant curator of aviation with topics ranging from the Enigma machine to the RAF's food production efforts and the wartime bombing of Haddington. Visitors will also be able to borrow a Second World War satchel packed with contents that offer a glimpse into RAF life during the Second World War and allow families to discover some of the skills required to be part of the Special Operations Executive. They can also test their code-breaking skills in the Second World War Puzzle Room. Steve McLean, General Manager at the National Museum of Flight, said: 'This is a hugely exciting milestone for the National Museum of Flight. For five decades, we've been telling the story of flight in Scotland and beyond, inspiring visitors through our iconic aircraft, fascinating interpretation and displays, and our unique location. "As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we're proud to look back on our remarkable history and delighted to offer a summer of engaging events that will entertain and inspire our visitors about the science and story of flight.' The National Museum of Flight is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm. Tickets can be booked online at
Leader Live
31-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Second World War bomber returns home for 80th anniversary
The Avro Lancaster performed flypasts over Broughton, North Wales, alongside Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters before landing at the Airbus wing building factory on Friday evening. The aircraft was built in May 1945 during the Broughton site's early years as a shadow factory for manufacturing bombers. The Lancaster PA474, which is owned and operated by the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, was the star of the recent VE Day celebrations, leading the ceremonial flypast over London. The Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, said: 'Our flying season so far this year has been memorable with the VE Day celebrations, but this is one of the highlights of the year in a visit that takes our incredible aircraft back to her birthplace.'
Powys County Times
31-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Second World War bomber returns home for 80th anniversary
A Second World War bomber has returned to its birthplace 80 years after it was built. The Avro Lancaster performed flypasts over Broughton, North Wales, alongside Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters before landing at the Airbus wing building factory on Friday evening. The aircraft was built in May 1945 during the Broughton site's early years as a shadow factory for manufacturing bombers. The Lancaster PA474, which is owned and operated by the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, was the star of the recent VE Day celebrations, leading the ceremonial flypast over London. The Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, said: 'Our flying season so far this year has been memorable with the VE Day celebrations, but this is one of the highlights of the year in a visit that takes our incredible aircraft back to her birthplace.'
South Wales Argus
31-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Second World War bomber returns home for 80th anniversary
The Avro Lancaster performed flypasts over Broughton, North Wales, alongside Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters before landing at the Airbus wing building factory on Friday evening. The Avro Lancaster bomber (right) alongside an Airbus BelugaXL (Airbus/PA) The aircraft was built in May 1945 during the Broughton site's early years as a shadow factory for manufacturing bombers. The Lancaster PA474, which is owned and operated by the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, was the star of the recent VE Day celebrations, leading the ceremonial flypast over London. The Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, said: 'Our flying season so far this year has been memorable with the VE Day celebrations, but this is one of the highlights of the year in a visit that takes our incredible aircraft back to her birthplace.'
