Loading...
De Havilland Chipmunk at 80 - Ops Photo Shoot
For many years, the de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk served as the starting point for RAF pilots university students and Air Cadets. First taking to the skies at Downsview, Toronto on 22 May 1946, this aircraft was a modernised version of the Tiger Moth. It was de Havilland Canada’s very first original design blending traditional tailwheel handling with a low-wing monoplane design tandem seating and an enclosed cockpit.
The Chipmunk’s design quickly gained popularity as a military trainer. Over 1,280 were built in Canada Britain and Portugal with more than 700 destined for the Royal Air Force. British production began at Hatfield and later moved to Broughton near Chester. The RAF’s version was designated the Chipmunk T.10 and later the surviving aircraft became the civilian Chipmunk T.22.
Joining the RAF in 1950, the Chipmunk became a key component of basic flying training. It also collaborated with University Air Squadrons the Army and Royal Navy but perhaps its most renowned role was with the RAF’s Air Experience Flights.
Between the late 1950s and 1996, thousands of Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force cadets took to the skies in the Chipmunk, experiencing powered flight for the first time. For many, the view from its tandem cockpit and the sound of its de Havilland Gipsy Major engine sparked a lifelong interest – or even a career – in aviation. The RAF Museum considers the Chipmunk the aircraft where many thousands of cadets first tasted flying.
Even though the Chipmunk has already celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2026 with various events, this special COAP session is particularly for photographers.
At the historic Old Warden Aerodrome, the afternoon will feature four Chipmunks, each representing a different era of the aircraft’s long service. This lineup includes an aircraft in its traditional training colours and the unmistakable Red ‘Royal Chipmunk’, WP903.
WP903 has a particularly interesting history. In 1969, the then Prince Charles used the aircraft during his flying training while studying at Cambridge University. On 14 January that year, he completed his first solo flight at RAF Bassingbourn. The aircraft remains closely linked to this significant moment in the King’s aviation story and is now based at Old Warden.
Rather than simply arranging the aircraft in a standard static line, we’re planning to create a series of carefully considered photographic scenes. The Chipmunks will be positioned both individually and in groups that complement each other, allowing participants to capture the differences in their markings and presentation.
We’re thrilled to have period re-enactors from various eras of the Chipmunk’s career join us! Their outfits and gear will bring scenes from the aircraft’s time as an RAF trainer and Air Cadet workhorse to life. We’re also hoping to include Air Training Corps cadets in some of the scenes, highlighting the direct link between the Chipmunk’s past and today’s RAF Air Cadets.
Old Warden is the ideal location for this shoot. Its grass aerodrome, traditional hangars and tranquil countryside create a truly authentic setting unlike a modern airport or airshow. This setting will help us capture images that truly reflect the Chipmunk’s atmosphere throughout its service.
We’ve chosen the perfect time of day to make the most of the beautiful autumn afternoon light. As the sun sets, we’ll adjust the aircraft and scenes where possible aiming for warmer light and more atmospheric photos later. Of course, the exact plans will depend on weather conditions ground conditions and what the aircraft owners and Shuttleworth team require.
Beyond the photo shoot everyone can explore the Shuttleworth Collection during its opening hours. It boasts a fantastic collection of historic aircraft vintage vehicles motorcycles bicycles agricultural exhibits and steam machinery. Many of the aircraft are maintained in excellent condition by Shuttleworth’s expert engineering team.
The Collection even features its own Chipmunk T.22 built in 1952 displayed in Royal Canadian Air Force training colours. This connection to the aircraft’s Canadian heritage adds another layer of interest.
This is shaping up to be a thoughtful celebration of an aircraft that while not always in the spotlight has made a significant impact on British military aviation. For those who once trained as cadets it might evoke fond memories of their very first flight. And for aviation photographers it presents an opportunity to capture truly inspiring images of four Chipmunks at one of Britain’s most picturesque heritage airfields.
Tickets are £65 each.
A full itinerary will be provided closer to the event but at present we are hoping to operate on the day to a broadly similar timeline to this:
The Shuttleworth Collection and Museum will be open during the day, giving participants the opportunity to explore its historic aircraft and vehicle exhibits alongside the dedicated Chipmunk event.
The photography session will run from 13:00 until 17:00.
Following arrival and a short safety and event briefing, photography will begin with the four participating Chipmunks arranged in a series of individual and group settings. The intention is to provide a varied selection of compositions rather than leaving the aircraft in one position throughout the afternoon.
Period re-enactors will be introduced into selected scenes, representing different eras from the Chipmunk’s long training career. Subject to final arrangements, genuine Air Training Corps cadets will also participate in appropriate scenes recalling the aircraft’s many years of Air Experience Flight service.
The Red Royal Chipmunk, WP903, will form one of the central elements of the event. Time will be allocated for both clean aircraft portraits and wider scenes that place it within the historic Old Warden setting.
As the afternoon progresses, we will make the best possible use of the changing autumn light. Aircraft positioning and the exact order of the photographic scenarios will remain flexible, allowing the organisers to respond to the weather, light, ground conditions and operational requirements on the day.
Photography is scheduled to conclude at approximately 17:00.
Date and Location
Saturday 17 October 2026
Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire
Postcode: SG18 9DT
The aerodrome is situated close to Biggleswade and is most easily reached by road from the A1.
Event Times
The dedicated photography session runs from 13:00 until 17:00.
Please allow sufficient time to park, make your way to the meeting point and be ready for the event briefing. Final arrival and joining instructions will be supplied to ticket holders before the event.
Ticket Price
Tickets cost £65 per person.
Access to the Shuttleworth Museum Collection will be available during the event. Any additional areas included with the ticket will be confirmed in the joining instructions.
Aircraft
Four de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunks are planned to participate, including:
• An aircraft presented in traditional training colours.
• The distinctive red Royal Chipmunk, WP903.
• Two further Chipmunks representing aspects of the type’s long service and civilian history.
All participating aircraft remain subject to serviceability, weather, owner availability and operational requirements. Substitution or withdrawal may occasionally be unavoidable.
Nature of the Event
This is a ground photography event rather than a flying display. Aircraft will be positioned in a selection of arrangements, with period personnel introduced into suitable scenes.
Aircraft movements, engine runs or flying should not be assumed unless specifically confirmed by the organisers.
Photography
The afternoon is intended to provide a mixture of:
• Individual aircraft portraits.
• Multiple-aircraft line-ups.
• Wider environmental photographs using the Old Warden background.
• Period scenes featuring re-enactors.
• Training and Air Cadet-inspired scenarios.
• Detail photographs of markings, cockpits and airframes where access permits.
Please follow the instructions of the COAP and Shuttleworth teams, particularly when aircraft are being moved or repositioned.
Suggested Lenses
A useful full-frame selection would include:
• 24–70mm for aircraft line-ups, wider scenes and groups of re-enactors.
• 70–200mm for compressed perspectives, individual aircraft and more tightly framed personnel scenes.
• 16–35mm or similar wide-angle lens for dramatic close views, although care should be taken to avoid excessive distortion.
• 300mm or longer is unlikely to be essential but may provide useful detail images or compressed views across the airfield.
APS-C camera users should allow for the crop factor when selecting lenses. A general-purpose zoom beginning around 18mm, together with a 55–250mm or 70–300mm lens, should cover most situations.
Tripods and Other Equipment
A tripod or monopod may be useful later in the afternoon if light levels begin to fall. Please position tripod legs carefully and avoid obstructing other photographers.
A lens cloth and rain cover are strongly recommended. Spare batteries and sufficient memory cards should also be carried, as four hours of changing scenarios can produce a considerable number of images.
The use of supplementary lighting, flash units or free-standing light equipment will be subject to the organiser’s approval. Please do not place equipment close to an aircraft without permission.
Weather and Clothing
The event takes place outdoors in mid-October. Conditions may be cool, damp and changeable, particularly later in the afternoon.
Please bring:
• Warm, layered clothing.
• A waterproof jacket.
• Strong, comfortable and waterproof footwear.
• Protection for cameras and lenses.
• Gloves that still allow camera controls to be operated.
The surface may include grass and uneven ground, which can become soft or muddy after rain.
Fitness and Accessibility
Participants should expect to stand and walk around the aircraft for much of the four-hour session. Distances are not expected to be excessive, but the event will take place on an operational heritage airfield with grass and potentially uneven surfaces.
Anyone with limited mobility should contact COAP before booking so that the available arrangements can be discussed.
Museum Photography
Handheld personal photography is normally suitable within the Collection, but participants must obey any signs or instructions restricting access, flash or tripod use.
Please remain behind barriers and do not touch aircraft, vehicles or exhibits unless specifically invited to do so.
Food and Refreshments
There is an excellent cafe on-site and detaisl of its opening times will be provided closer to the event. We always suggest bringing bottled water and a small snackas the photography session runs continuously through the afternoon.
Important Disclaimer
The aircraft, re-enactors, Air Cadet participation and planned photographic scenes are subject to final availability. Aircraft serviceability, weather, ground conditions and operational or safety requirements may require the programme to be changed.
COAP and Shuttleworth will make every reasonable effort to deliver the advertised photography opportunities, but the safe operation and protection of the aircraft will always take priority.
