The RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine human centrifuge, almost unchanged from when it was first commissioned in 1955, played a central role in aviation medicine research during its 64-year life (1955-2019).  It was used to gain a better understanding of how G affects the human body and to develop the countermeasures required to equip RAF fast jet pilots with essential life-support systems.  It is thought to be the oldest example of a human centrifuge in the world and the only one designed and manufactured by British engineers.

FAST ran guided tours of the centrifuge for 5 years and welcomed over 2,000 visitors to this unique and impressive example of 1950’s British Engineering, which is the recipient of the prestigious Engineering Heritage Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

You can see our tour reviews here.

Unfortunately, the owner (Raintree Developments Ltd) terminated our agreement with effect from 16th October 2024, so we can no longer run tours. They have said they are willing to put in place a new agreement, but with a five fold increase in the rent payable. This is just not affordable for a small charity like FAST, so we cannot accept this offer.

We still hope to come to some acceptable arrangement in the future to restart the tours, but this is unlikely to be in the near future.