With much excitement, the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum announced the arrival of one of its newest aircraft.

This week, the museum acquired a replica of the ‘Cayley Flyer,’ which is a historically significant piece of British aviation heritage. named after its inventor – Sir George Cayley – the Clayley Flyer was actually designed and flown 50 years before the Wright Brothers took the skies in the United States.

John Appleby became the world’s first pilot when he flew the Cayley Glider for the first time at the age of 79. Before it came to a stop, the plane had travelled just 153 metres.

The Replica

Using contemporary technology and techniques, this replica was constructed by BAE Systems engineers at Brough to the original drawings, and it was flown by Sir Richard Branson in July 2003 near the location of the original Cayley Flyer’s flight at Brompton Hill in 1853!!

In his 19th century costume, Sir Richard was catapulted down the hill by a catapult. He lasted only a few seconds in the air before falling back to the ground.

He had expressed a desire to be a part of the 150th-anniversary celebrations in order to “protect British aviation history.”

The replica now resides in the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum. Home to a vast collection of historical and modern aircraft, and based on a former RAF site, the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum has much to offer on anything and everything aviation-related.

You’ll have a terrific time at the museum no matter what the weather is like! They also have a small café in their shop, which is stocked up with delicious hot and cold beverages, cakes, snacks, and ice creams, among other treats. 

For more information on how to visit the museum, click below!