The next meeting of the Smallfield & District Aviation Group is on Tuesday starting at 7pm in Centenary Hall.
The talk is entitled "Past Present and Future – Sustaining the Traditions of Sir Henry Royce" by Phil Ruffles CBE who is a former director of engineering and technology at Rolls Royce.
It was the Rolls Royce Merlin engine in the Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster that were crucial in paving the way to victory in the Second World War and in the jet era important contributions included the RR Avon in the Hawker Hunter and the RR Spey in both military aircraft as well as in the BAC1-11 airliner.
Currently, the RR Trent is a major seller powering both Boeing and Airbus airliners.
During the April meeting, Commander Simon Haskins gave a talk entitled "The Sea King Helicopter – 40 Years of UK Service". Although well known for its rescue role, especially in Cornwall's Boscastle flood, it made major contributions in Navy, Army and Air Force use in the Falklands, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
In 2011, the Prestwick-based Sea Kings rescued 378 people from all sorts of situations.
Visitors are most welcome to simply go along to a meeting. Admission is £3 for the evening and the annual subscription is £12, (£5 for those under 20). the price includes refreshments and a newsletter.
The phone number for further information is 01342 842594.
