From this week visitors will have the opportunity to see Historic Aircraft Collection’s rare First World War Airco/de Havilland DH9 E-8894 aircraft being rebuilt at Imperial War Museum Duxford.

The DH9 bomber was one of the first types of aircraft stationed at Duxford when it opened as an operational airfield 100 years ago. In Duxford’s centenary year, this is a remarkable opportunity to see a newly restored DH9 aircraft being rebuilt by a team of skilled engineers say the museum.

“E-8894 has been restored to flying condition by the Historic Aircraft Collection using an original Siddeley Puma engine and is the only First World War bomber flying anywhere in the world.

“It was recently awarded Best Civilian Aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017.

Volunteers from Historic Aircraft Collection and IWM Duxford will be chatting to visitors about the DH9’s restoration and history.

“Visitors will also be able to see parts of the original aircraft and find out about the challenges of restoring rare historic aircraft.

“Duxford’s centenary has been commemorated with the creation of DX17, Duxford’s first ever contemporary art installation which, through a dramatic large-scale sculpture, gives visitors the opportunity to hear up to 100 voices and memories from Duxford’s remarkable history. “Visitors can hear about life during the early years of Duxford’s operational service, including pilot Frank Burslem talking about being attacked by a German aircraft whilst flying a DH9.”