The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) stands as a guardian of Britain’s aerospace legacy, preserving the scientific and engineering achievements that shaped modern aviation. Located on the historic site of the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), FAST is a volunteer-led charity and accredited museum that offers public access to one of the most significant collections of aviation artefacts in the UK.

Museum & Exhibits

Housed in Trenchard House, the museum showcases a diverse range of aircraft, satellites, flight simulators, and experimental technologies. Visitors can explore cockpit sections, rare instrumentation, and interactive displays that trace Farnborough’s role in flight testing, supersonic research, and space exploration.

Wind Tunnel Heritage: A Global Benchmark

Among FAST’s most distinctive assets is its stewardship of Farnborough’s historic wind tunnel facilities — a cornerstone of British aerospace research for over a century. These tunnels, some dating back to the early 20th century, were instrumental in testing aircraft from the Spitfire to Concorde, and continue to attract engineers, historians, and aviation enthusiasts.

FAST offers guided tours of several preserved wind tunnels, including:

• The 24-Foot Vertical Tunnel (RAE Building Q121): Originally used for parachute and ejection seat testing, this towering structure remains one of the largest vertical wind tunnels in Europe.
• The 10-Foot Pressurised Tunnel: A landmark in transonic research, this tunnel allowed engineers to simulate high-altitude flight conditions and contributed to the development of jet aircraft and missile systems.
• The 5-Foot Tunnel: A versatile facility used for subsonic and supersonic testing, particularly valuable during the Cold War era for military and civil aviation prototypes.

These tunnels are not just relics — they represent the evolution of aerodynamic science and the UK's leadership in experimental flight. FAST’s tours, running April to October, provide rare access to these facilities, with expert commentary on their design, operation, and historical impact.

Archives, Talks & Licensing

FAST maintains a vast archive of technical documents, photographs, and film footage, much of which is available for licensing to researchers, media producers, and educators. The Trust also hosts quarterly FAST Talks, featuring speakers from across the aerospace and defence sectors, offering insights into topics ranging from hypersonic flight to satellite telemetry.

Volunteer-Led, Community-Focused

Staffed entirely by volunteers, FAST is a registered charity (No. 1040199) and a fully accredited national museum. It relies on public donations, memberships, and shop sales to fund its operations. The Trust actively welcomes new members and supporters, particularly those with a passion for aviation, engineering, or heritage conservation.

For more information, visit airsciences.org.uk or contact the team at Trenchard House, Farnborough Road.