THE Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare has unveiled its latest exhibit as a Campbell Cricket (Reg G-AXVM) joins the collection.

This single seat autogyro was originally assessed for covert operations by the Special Air Services. It logged over 23 hours of flight time with them, before being sold to a private buyer in 1972.

The aircraft was donated to The Helicopter Museum by its owner, Mr Dave Organ of Cheltenham, who upgraded the engine and made modifications and additions (including dummy missile launchers), so it resembled the iconic autogyro ‘Little Nellie’ from the James Bond film ‘You Only Live Twice.’

The actual Little Nellie from the 1967 James Bond film was temporarily displayed at the Weston-super-Mare attraction back in 2012.

“This aircraft has a very interesting history all of its own and makes for a rather unique and curious exhibit,” said Museum Trustee, Mr Clive Elks.

“We think it will be very popular with visitors and we have affectionally nick-named it ‘Little Nellie Too’.”
 
The Helicopter Museum is a Registered Charity and houses the world's largest collection of helicopters including visitor favourites such as two historic aircraft of The Queens Royal Flight, the world's oldest helicopter and the world's fastest helicopter.

It is also the home of several aircraft with other Hollywood connections that have appeared in big budget movies over the years.

The Museum is located just off the A371. It is a five-minute drive from junction 21 of the M5 motorway.

Its opening times are as follows:

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10am – 5.30pm
  • Thursday: 10am – 5.30pm
  • Friday: 10am – 5.30pm
  • Saturday: 10am – 5.30pm
  • Sunday: 10am – 5.30pm

Last admission is one hour before closing. 

Regular Open Cockpit Days, Helicopter Flights, and Special Events happen throughout the year.

This June, the museum has three events planned:

  • Sunday, June 16: Father's Day Open Cockpit Session, 11am – 1pm. The session is for the ‘Black Widow’ Movie, Mil-8 Helicopter.
  • Sunday, June 23: Dalek Invasion Day, where the Charity Dalek Squad are coming to celebrate the Dalek’s 61st Anniversary.
  • Sunday, June 30: American Themed Open Cockpit Day, which includes exclusive cockpit access to the iconic Vietnam Veteran helicopter and some other American aircraft.

Admission fees are as follows:

  • Adults - £13.00
  • Children (4-15) - £6.00
  • Seniors/Concessions - £11.00
  • Two adults + two children - £30.00
  • Two adults + three children - £32.00

There are no extra fees for events. You can complete an annual membership form and have your admission tickets stamped after purchase, at no extra cost, to make them valid for 12 months.