Skip to main content

Farnborough Research Establishment (Royal Aircraft Establishment)

Location: , , UK
Date: 1905

Farnborough's aeronautical history began in 1905 with the arrival of HM Balloon Factory in 1905, headed by Lt Col J.L.B. Templer. In 1908, the first powered aeroplane flight in Great Britain took place here, piloted by Samuel Cody. In 1912, Lord Trenchard established the first headquarters of the Royal Flying Corps and in 1918 the Royal Aircraft Establishment was founded. Throughout the first century of aviation, Farnborough has been a leading centre for aeronautical research, with a worldwide reputation for scientific advance and innovation in all aspects of aerospace technology.

Era: 1900s
Innovation designated by:
captured Focke Wulf Fw 190A-3 at the Royal Aircraft Establishment
A captured Focke Wulf Fw 190A-3 at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, with the RAE's chief test pilot, Wing Commander H J "Willie" Wilson at the controls, August 1942.
Address:
Farnborough GU14 6XA
, , UK

51.279475, -0.787926

We hope you enjoyed this essay.

Please support America's only magazine of the history of engineering and innovation, and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to Invention & Technology.

Donate

Stay informed - subscribe to our newsletter.
The subscriber's email address.