Groundcrew Collection

The forward gondola of the R34. The airship is being eased up, preparatory to flight, when the lines held by the groundcrew will be released from the handling rail. 14 March 1919 (the first flight)

VFW-Sikorsky CH-53G 84+58
Heeresflieger - VFW-Sikorsky CH-53G 84+58 (msn V65-056, model S-65C-1), of Heeresfliegerregiment 25 at the Royal International Air Tattoo - RAF Fairford 26 July 2009, zapped by the RIAT groundcrew

Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Eurofighter Typhoon FGR. 1
Indian Air Force and Royal Air Force - Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.1, seen with groundcrew and aircrew of the RAF and IAF contingents oa visit to India. Date: circa 2012

Loading Bombs onto an RAF Bomber prior to a patrol flight. Date: circa 1940

WaCs at Radford aerodrome where they received newly built aircraft from factories in Coventry and Birmingham, are prepared and despatched to the front line squadrons

Bristol Type 24 Braemar I / 1 Date: 1918

Supermarine Sea Lion 3 / III on Slipway During the Schneider Trophy Races at Cowes on 27 and 28 September 1923 Date: 1923

Polikarpov I-15 Chato
Engineers Working on a Polikarpov I-15 Chato Parked During the Spanish Civil War Date: 1930s

A Boeing C-97 poses with its groundcrew

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"Groundcrew: The Unsung Heroes of Aviation" From the forward gondola of the R34 to the VFW-Sikorsky CH-53G 84+58, these skilled individuals ensure smooth operations on the ground. Whether it's handling advanced aircraft like Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Eurofighter Typhoon FGR. 1 or loading bombs onto an RAF Bomber before a patrol flight, their expertise is indispensable. Their dedication extends to historic planes too, like the Bristol Type 24 Braemar I / 1 and Supermarine Sea Lion 3 / III. With meticulous care, they preserve these treasures for future generations to admire. Even vintage aircraft such as Polikarpov I-15 Chato receive their undivided attention at Radford aerodrome where newly built planes are received from factories. Amongst their responsibilities lies maintaining unique machines like Macchi-Castoldi MC-72 floatplane, Avro 679 Manchester, Tupolev TB-1, and Hawker Hurricane Mk 2C. These groundcrew members possess an unmatched passion for aviation that drives them to keep these marvels in top-notch condition. Rain or shine, day or night – they work tirelessly behind-the-scenes ensuring every aspect of aircraft readiness is met with precision and efficiency. Their commitment goes beyond technical skills; it embodies a deep-rooted love for aviation that fuels their unwavering dedication. Next time you witness a plane soaring through the sky with grace and power, remember that behind its flight stands an army of unsung heroes - the groundcrew - who make dreams take flight while preserving history one aircraft at a time.