Update 19 - September 2026 - Autumn Update
It’s been an exceptional summer for the Blackbushe Heritage Trust with the highlight being the arrival of ex Royal Air Force Vickers Valetta VX573 ‘Loreley’ which arrived by road from RAF Cosford late on 18th June. Out of a total of 263 Valettas just two complete aircraft remain, so it is a huge privilege to have been gifted VX573 by the RAF Museum. The aircraft, a later C.2 variant with a strengthened floor and large freight door, flew for just under 20 years in a VIP role with RAF Germany. The last operational flight was into RAF Northolt on 2nd November 1968 and just 5 days later it flew into RAF Henlow for storage by the RAF Museum. In 1979 it was transported by road to RAF Cosford where it remained, mostly hangared, for nearly 40 years. It is the only Valetta to have served its whole operational life overseas and was the only Valetta to have been employed on the same duty in the same command throughout its career.
The journey to Hampshire carried out by CCG Commercial Ltd went smoothly and the three lorries arrived at Blackbushe around 9pm on 18th June. A long unloading process went on well into the early hours of the following day before BHT volunteers took over and began the complicated process of reassembling the aircraft. Our Tech Team have amassed much experience previously whilst working on our Vickers Viking G-AGRW ‘Vagabond’ (the Valetta is the military version of the Viking) so as a result it was put back together in just 4 weeks, a huge achievement and a credit to all involved.
“Loreley” arrives at Blackbushe on 18th June
So, having been hidden away from the general public for so long it was no surprise that “Loreley’s” debut at our “Vagabond” Birthday event on 25th July proved to be very popular. This event marked 80 years since her first flight, which actually occurred on 27th July 1946, and was a great opportunity for us to showcase what BHT has achieved in just 4 years since we set out on our exciting journey. A focal point of this celebration was the unveiling of a new memorial plaque to Air Vice Marshal Donald Bennett, who saved Blackbushe and reopened the airport in 1962. More details on this are contained in the “Events Team” update below, amongst other contributions from some of our “lead” volunteers and Trustees.
Tech Team - Phil Stonard
Late Spring saw activity ramped up with part of the team conducting a number of multi-day visits to RAF Cosford to dismantle “Loreley”, gratefully assisted by RAF Museum staff. The re-assembly at Blackbushe was carried out in record time with the aid of CCG Commercial Ltd. and their lifting expertise. It was not without a few challenges over the period, including having to fabricate some special tools, but it is now an impressive looking exhibit on site and an example of BHT’s capabilities.
This has not stopped work on “Vagabond” with continuation of “normal” activities albeit at a slower rate. Both inner wings and nacelles have been fitted and the fillet panels (edging strips) are ongoing work. Engine cowlings are undergoing paint strip and repair where necessary and extensive work on rudder and tail fin parts continue.
A new tailplane spar has been fabricated and together with significant rear fuselage work will restore structural strength in that area once married together in due course. Further forward there has been work on interior and cockpit instruments, see below. A multitude of small parts such as access panels are being repaired or replaced with many more remaining.
One propeller blade was despatched for significant welding repair which proved very successful. We hope to progress with the three others that need similar attention at a later date. At the same time the aluminium rudder brackets for “Loreley” were also repaired, enabling the aircraft assembly to be completed. One main plane has also recently been turned over to enable paint strip of the underside.
The tech team were also heavily involved in event preparation for the “Vagabond” 80th celebration, making display boards and applying a temporary scheme to “Vagabond’s” fin. So in all a very busy period with the main focus now returning to “Vagabond” as we approach mid September.
