Calendar

We invite you to discover the fascinating history of aviation through our interactive calendar.

27 May

28 May

29 May

28 May

1935

91 years ago

Maiden Flight of the Bf 109

On this day, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter made its maiden flight. It became the main German fighter during World War II. One example (Bf 109G-6 version from 1944) is an exhibit at the Polish Aviation Museum. The museum also has in its collection a Rolls-Royce Kestrel engine from a series purchased by Germany for aircraft prototypes, including the Bf 109 prototype.

28 May

1987

39 years ago

Landing on Red Square

Nineteen-year-old West German pilot Mathias Rust, flying a Cessna 172 touring aircraft from Helsinki, illegally crossed the Soviet border and, despite being detected by air defences, flew to Moscow and landed near Red Square.