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Elmpt Welcomes Historic RAF Jets to New Museum

Two historic RAF jets, a Jaguar and a Tornado, have found their new home in Elmpt's Javelin Park Hangar Museum. This marks a significant milestone in preserving the town's rich military history.

In the center of the image we can see jet flights. At the bottom there is a runway. In the...
In the center of the image we can see jet flights. At the bottom there is a runway. In the background there are bushes.

Elmpt Welcomes Historic RAF Jets to New Museum

Elmpt's Javelin Park Hangar Museum is set to welcome two historic RAF jets, marking a significant step in preserving the town's military history. The aircraft, a Jaguar XX969 and a Tornado ZD711, began their final journey to Elmpt last week, following a ceremonial handover from Air Vice-Marshal Tom Burke of the Royal Air Force to Mayor Karl-Heinz Wassong.

The story behind these jets' arrival dates back to 2021 when Mayor Wassong requested an aircraft performance instead of the RAF's Pipes and Drums Band. This unique request led to the commitment from developer Verdion to build the museum as part of the purchase of the former military site in Elmpt. The two combat jets were officially handed over in a ceremony on October 27, drawing numerous dignitaries and featuring a low-level flypast by two German Air Force Tornados.

Chairman of the museum association and former Air Commodore of the RAF, Dean Andrew, played an active role in bringing these aircraft to Elmpt. The Javelin Park Hangar Museum is currently under construction near the entrance to the Javelin Park Niederrhein industrial zone and Elmpt Business Park. It aims to preserve the legacy of the British military in Elmpt, particularly its role during the Cold War.

The outgoing Mayor Wassong expressed joy and pride in completing this project just before the end of his term. The two historic RAF jets, having departed from two Royal Air Force bases in the UK, are bound for their new home at the Javelin Park Hangar Museum in Elmpt, where they will serve as a reminder of the town's rich military history.

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