Written By Alan Good
TRAVEL - At the eastern end of Oxford Street in London, just north of the airport, two military-style museums sit with displays of Royal Canadian Air Force jets, radar & artifacts. You can learn about Canada’s contribution to war efforts from air and land, and how we benefit today from what was learned.
The Jet Aircraft Museum (JAM) is a charitable organization that offers a history of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Over the years they have obtained aircraft and equipment used in past times as well as today.
Look into the cockpit of a T-bird, a Canadian build jet, or sit behind the instruments of planes either real or by taking a virtual flight in a simulator. The JAM exists to “bring students, veterans, and the general public into contact with the science and technology of flight, the importance of aviation history and opportunities to witness and experience actual flight in a vintage jet aircraft”.
The genesis of JAM goes back to 1986, but the organization that was to become the Jet Aircraft Museum started in the fall of 2007. Focus turned to preparation of 6 T-Birds for ferry flights to the hangar at the London International Airport. JAM anticipates that the T-Bird will be its main in-the-air demonstration aircraft until other aircraft are acquired.
‘The objective of the Museum is to have one or more flyable versions of major jet aircraft used by Canada’s armed forces since we entered the military jet age in 1944 and Jets from other countries as well.”
The ninety-minute tours are well worth it.
Just north up the road, the Secrets of Radar Museum awaits visitors with many facts, history and displays of radar, from World War two until the invention of the microwave. A reproduction of a plotting table can be seen. Staffed mainly by women, markers were moved that indicated a real time view of sea and air taken from “blips” on the radar.
Learn how the myth of carrots aiding the eyes in seeing better at night was propagated and used for propaganda against the Germans. When newer systems came into affect, the old radar were obsolete. Here you’ll learn how scientists discovered how to use them a kitchen appliance we take for granted. Even our satellite images on weather apps got their start from radar.
Both venues are fee, however donations are welcomed and needed. You’ll find them on Google maps or by typing in the names.
