A look at Martlesham Heath airfield’s last flights in 1979

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

The airfield was established on January 16, 1917, by the Royal Flying Corps, with the specific aim of being an experimental establishment.

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

It played a part in both the world wars, was used for testing iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane, radar experiments and establishing blind landing techniques which are still used by pilots across the globe.

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

In 1964, it was used for speed testing planes versus cars.

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

After the last flight in 1979, some of the planes used on the airfield was put on display for the public to see, and a commemorative airshow was held.

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

Commemorating the last flight at Martlesham airfield in 1979 (Image: Archant)

Do you have any nostalgic aviation pictures from the area, or photos from airshows that you have attended? To email themsee here