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COAP Heritage Wings visit - Exclusive restoration visit to the English Electric P.1B, Manston, Kent
Saturday 1st August
There are very few aircraft that can genuinely claim to have changed the course of British aviation history.
The English Electric P.1B was the aircraft that evolved into the legendary Lightning, Britain's first operational supersonic fighter and one of the most iconic military aircraft ever to wear RAF markings.
Today, just one prototype survives.
Rather than seeing XA847 behind barriers in a museum, COAP Heritage Wings has secured exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the restoration facility at the former RAF Manston, where this historically significant aircraft is currently being put together having been hidden in a barn for years.
This is a rare opportunity to step inside the workshop and witness one of the UK's most important aviation restoration projects while work is still underway.
You'll be able to photograph XA847 in its current restoration state, explore details normally hidden from public view and gain a unique appreciation of the engineering involved in preserving this remarkable aircraft for future generations.
Adding even more photographic interest, the restoration hangar is also home to other significant projects, including the famous Hawker Hunter that featured on the box art of the classic Airfix 1:48 scale kit together with a Gloster Meteor undergoing restoration.
Throughout the afternoon you'll have the opportunity to photograph these aircraft in a working restoration environment and hear about the work involved in returning these important aircraft to display.
For anyone with an interest in British aviation history, aircraft engineering or heritage photography, this promises to be a fascinating and genuinely exclusive afternoon.
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:
Lunchtime - Arrival, registration and an introduction from the restoration team for an introduction to the history of XA847 and the restoration programme they are on.
Exclusive Restoration Hangar Access
Spend the afternoon inside the restoration facility photographing:
English Electric P.1B XA847
Hawker Hunter restoration project
Gloster Meteor restoration project
You'll have ample time to study under the skin of this remarkable piece of British engineering and photograph the progress from a variety of angles while learning about the restoration techniques being used and the challenges involved in preserving these historic airframes.
Members of the restoration team will be available throughout the afternoon to discuss the aircraft and answer questions.
The afternoon concludes during the late afternoon.
Location - Former RAF Manston, Kent.
Cost - £60 per person.
Duration - Approximately lunchtime until late afternoon.
Photography
This event has been designed specifically for aviation enthusiasts.
Recommended lenses include:
24–70mm or 24–105mm for general aircraft photography
16–35mm wide-angle for overall workshop scenes
70–200mm for detail images and tighter compositions
Macro lens (optional) for restoration details, cockpit equipment and engineering features
A tripod is not essential but may be useful depending on lighting conditions within the hangar.
Please wear sensible footwear suitable for an active restoration workshop. As this is an operational working environment, attendees should follow all instructions provided by the restoration team.
Places
Numbers are strictly limited to ensure everyone has plenty of space and unrestricted photographic opportunities throughout the afternoon.
This is expected to be one of the most unusual Heritage Wings events of the year and early booking is recommended.
