Since its formation in 1866, the Royal Aeronautical Society has been at the forefront of developments in aviation and aerospace.

As the world's only professional body dedicated to the aerospace community, we exist to further the advancement of aeronautical art, science, and engineering around the world.

Through this site, we aim to showcase the treasures from our historical collections and to bring to life some of the great figures of aviation history.

We hope that it inspires you to learn more about our collections, visit our library, and consult with our knowledgeable librarians.

Find out more about the pioneers within our archives here