Visitors from across the country joined us at RAF Cosford to experience some of the iconic aircraft on display and get  hands-with on some of our interactive  Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) displays including:

• Wind table – Students had the opportunity to be involved in a practical demonstration of aerodynamics through the building and design of a rotor blade to create a 'flying' helicopter that hovers over the wind table as long as the weight, aerodynamic properties and wind remain stable.
• Thermal camera – visitors were able to take a selfie using our thermal imagery cameras which have been used to capture amazing footage on several BBC nature series, including Planet Earth 2 (video), The Great British Year (video), Earth Unplugged (video) and Big Cats.
• Typhoon Virtual Reality (VR) Challenge – Visitors took on our challenge to locate the Foreign Object Debris (FOD) in the aircraft's system and ensure the aircraft is ready for take-off in less than 3 minutes. Using the HTC VIVE Room Scale VR system, participants were able to move around a virtual Typhoon to locate and remove all aircraft safety devices, checking for any FOD as the time counts down.

Outside the STEM hangar visitors were able to sit inside one of our historic Wessex helicopters, previously used by the Royal Navy for Search and Research missions, as well as experience the future of combat air, with the concept aircraft model developed by BAE Systems as part of the UK MOD/Industry Team Tempest programme.