South African Air Force Museum (Port Elizabeth)

Table of Contents

Introduction

The South African Air Force Museum is a national institution with three branches across the country. The main branch of the museum is located at Air Force Base Swartkop in Pretoria with two additional museum branches at the Air Force Station in Port Elizabeth and the Air Force Base Ysterplaat in Cape Town. At the South African Air Force Museum in Port Elizabeth visitors can see a vast collection of historical artefacts and aircraft, some of which are displayed in flying conditions.

About the Museum

The SAAF Museum, established in 1973, is dedicated to preserving the history of the SAAF and its aircraft. The museum’s exhibits cover the full period of the SAAF’s existence, from its earliest days to the present. The museum’s collection is housed in the original 42 Air School Gunnery Training Centre, established during World War II as part of the RAF/SAAF Joint Air Training Scheme.

The museum boasts a large collection of vintage, civilian, and military aircraft from around the world. Visitors can explore the history of the SAAF through the static exhibits, which showcase the evolution of the SAAF’s aircraft over the years. The museum also houses an aircraft restoration center, where visitors can observe aircraft being restored and learn about the processes involved in bringing these historic planes back to life.

Interesting Facts

The museum’s collection includes over 30 aircraft, from the World War II era to modern-day fighter jets.
The museum has an extensive collection of uniforms, weapons, and other artifacts related to the SAAF’s history.
The aircraft restoration center is housed in one of the original Bellman hangars, which is a historic landmark in its own right.
The museum is supported by the Friends of the South African Air Force Museum, a group of aviation enthusiasts dedicated to the conservation of the history of the SAAF and its aircraft.
The museum’s gift shop sells books, models, and posters, with all profits going towards supporting the museum’s operations.

Physical Location

Conclusion

The South African Air Force Museum in Port Elizabeth is an excellent destination for anyone interested in aviation and military history. The museum’s exhibits cover the full spectrum of the SAAF’s history, and the aircraft restoration center provides visitors with a unique look at the restoration process. So, the next time you find yourself in Port Elizabeth, be sure to include a visit to the SAAF Museum in your itinerary!