Armstrong Whitworth batch built Gloster Meteor F.8, later TT(F).8, serial WH291 in 1952. As an F.8 entered service with 257 Squadron, passing through 610 Squadron to the RAF College of Air Warfare in 1957. By 1964 WH291 was converted to TT.8 configuration and allocated to 85 Squadron. In 1971 WH291 was target towing for Hunter FGA.9 with 79 Squadron, 229 OCU, and was still active until about 1975, the last Meteor still operating in RAF service. Target Towing duties involved a Banner type target being hauled on a 200-ft long cable, let out by the towing aircraft’s winch, for student aircraft to engage in live air-to-air firing practice, designed to teach dog-fighting skills.

Armstrong Whitworth built Gloster Meteor NF.13, a tropical climate version of the NF.11, in 1953. This aircraft serial WM366 (39 Squadron RAF), was sold to the Israeli Defence Force – Air Force in 1956 and became serial 4X-FNA (119 "Bat" Squadron IDF-AF), 2156, 52 (119 "Bat" Squadron IAF). Only one confirmed kill fell to the Israeli NF.13, 4X-FNA destroyed an Egyptian Il-14 troop transport aircraft during the Suez Crisis. All the IAF NF.13 later transferred to the training unit. Re-claimed from a desert graveyard 4X-FNA’s important centre section was saved. The centre section comprises of cockpit, fuel tanks, inner wings, engine housings and usually the entire undercarriage. The nose wheel section had disintegrated, so a replacement was obtained from the REME College, it is known to be from ex-NF.11 (TT.20) WM234. The radome is from a private donation, (ex-kennel usage) origin unknown. The tail section (from just behind the wings back), is from Biggin Hill F.8 VZ462 (F.8 tails are structurally identical to NF.11 & 13). Outer wing parts and other pieces are from ex-NF.11 (TT.20) WD220. Picture: 4X-FNA lowered to the ground to work on the tail. The green finish is a protective undercoat, hope to begin applying topcoat in 2001.

De Havilland of Australia DHA-3 Drover Mk.2 constructor’s number 5014. Registrations VH-EAZ, VH-EAS, G-APXX. Delivered to QANTAS Empire Airways in 1952 as a MK.1, but soon converted to a 1F. Updated to a Mk.2 in 1953 and re-registered by QEA as EAS. 5014 never served in the Royal Flying Doctors Service flight. Sold and shipped to the UK in December 1959, the British registered Drover has no recorded flights after arrival. 1967 5014 took up residency in the Southend museum’s aircraft park finished in RFDS livery and carrying true RFDS registration VH-FDT of sister aircraft 5011. In 1987 the museum closed and 5014 was privately purchased before being donated to SWWAPS. The airframe is extremely frail and the years of exposure have not been kind, the aircraft is viewed very much as a long-term project.

Serial: XM833

Serial: E-423

Formerly with the Royal Danish Air Force, Esk. 724; former G-9-444

Serial: XK418

Starfighter F104G serial 7113. Squadron and call sign 22+35, JABOG 34. (Common mistake in the museum guides label Luftwaffe aircraft by their call signs, not serial numbers. F104s all have Lockheed serial sequences, hence the Luftwaffe serial on the tail in small print ends with 7113).

Serial: VR192

Percival Sea Prince C.1 WF137 is the only surviving example of the C.1 type. Three C.1 were built WF136, WF137 and WF138 in 1949 as VIP transports. WF137 was selected as the "Admirals Barge" for Flag Officer (Air) Home, and finished in all-over Oxford blue. The Royal Navy later purchased forty-two T.1 and three C.2 models, distinguishable by a much longer nose. Displaced from AB duties by a C.2 in 1954, WF137 received modifications at Percival’s. WF137 was also loaned to the Short Bros. Ferry Flight at Rochester Airport, but each time returned to Royal Navy service. By 1964 WF137 was part of the Station Flight at HMS Sea Hawk, RNAS Culdrose. Main wing spar corrosion brought about retirement for all C.1 in 1966. WF137 was given to the Fleet Air Arm museum at HMS Heron, RNAS Yeovilton, for the visitors to climb over. By 1979 exposure and wear left WF137 in a poor state of repair and was therefore disposed. SWWAPS obtained WF137 in scrap condition. Work was progressing well until WF137 was badly damaged in the storm of ’87. A BT in the Community Award has boosted restoration.

Serial: WV798 '026'

Serial: VZ530