Lecture: Raoul Hafner, helicopter pioneer

Join Mike O'Donoghue for a richly illustrated lecture on Raoul Hafner - Visionary, Inventor and Helicopter Pioneer. The event takes place at 7pm on Monday 23rd November at the Army Flying Museum.

Raoul Hafner was one of the most original figures in the development of rotary-wing flight. From his early experiments in Vienna, through the extraordinary wartime Rotachute and Rotabuggy, to the Bristol Sycamore and later convertiplane ideas, Hafner continually challenged conventional thinking about vertical flight.

Mike O'Donoghue traces Hafner's remarkable life and work through photographs, drawings, contemporary documents and recollections of those who worked with him. The lecture is enriched by personal connections, as O'Donoghue will be joined by Ben Clothier, Hafner's grandson, and Giles Austin, son of Hafner's colleague Reg Austin. Hafner's legacy can still be seen in the Museum today.

A pre-lecture dinner option is available: Steak Pie, chips, peas and gravy served in the Apache Café at 6pm, with a vegetarian option available. Meal bookings must be made by Friday 20th November.

All proceeds from this event support the Museum's work in preserving the history of British Army aviation. The Museum is an independent registered charity (No. 297897).