OTTAWA, Canada. Thursday July 21, 2016 - The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is proud to announce its new aviation ambassador, the De Havilland Canada Chipmunk DHC-1 G-AKDN, the oldest flying example of the type.
Designed 70 years ago, G-AKDN symbolizes the birth of the de Havilland Canada aerospace industry, and is an impressive example of Canada’s rich aerospace heritage. The historic aircraft is available by appointment throughout the United Kingdom during the summer of 2016 for display, demonstration flights, and special events. It already has an impressive travel schedule lined up, which can be consulted here.
The Chipmunk was developed as a simple aircraft for elementary and pilot training, often used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Many of the 217 Chipmunks made in Canada went to the RCAF, but Canadian Chipmunks were also sent to Egypt, Lebanon, and Thailand. Britain made 1000 Canadian Chipmunks, as the first Canadian-designed aircraft to be made abroad under licence.
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“The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is proud to announce this new initiative, which will allow us to broaden the reach of our work internationally. We always look for fresh and innovative ways to share our Canadian heritage with the world, and are happy to see that the aviation ambassador has already garnered an extensive tour schedule throughout the United Kingdom.”
- Alex Benay, President and CEO, Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation
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Contact
Caroline Boutin
Media Relations Officer
Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation
cboutin@techno-science.ca
613-410-5943
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About the Canada Aviation and Space Museum
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum is Canada’s national museum of aviation and space and houses the most extensive collection of aircraft and space exploration artifacts in the country. Located on an active airport, the Museum offers vintage aircraft and helicopter rides during the summer and simulator rides all year long. Cited as one of the top ten aviation and space museums in the world according to a recent CNN survey, the Museum hosts thousands of visitors each year. For more information please visit casmuseum.techno-science.ca.