RAF Cardington - RAF Cardington

RAF Cardington

In 1936/1937 Cardington started building barrage balloons; and it became the No 1 RAF Balloon Training Unit responsible for the storage and training of balloon operators and drivers. In 1943 until 1967 it was home to the RAF Meteorological research balloons-training unit, undertaking development and storage (after 1967 this was undertaken by the Royal Aircraft Establishment).

• WAAF Barrage Balloon crews at RAF Cardington.

• Restored Fordson Sussex Balloon Winch Tender

• Rear view of Fordson Sussex on display at the RAF Museum Hendon.

• Balloons over London.

• Hangar 2 (the RNAS shed from Pulham, Norfolk)

For both airships and barrage balloons, Cardington manufactured its own hydrogen, in the Gas Factory, using the steam reforming process. In 1948 the Gas Factory became 279 MU (Maintenance Unit), RAF Cardington; and then, in 1955, 217 MU. 217 MU, RAF Cardington, produced all the gases used by the Royal Air Force until its closure in April 2000; including gas cylinder filling and maintenance.