11 January 2016
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The stamps cover more than 200 years of aeronautical history
The Isle of Man celebrates 150 years of the Royal Aeronautical Society with eight new stamps featuring aerospace landmarks from the eighteenth century to the present day.
The Isle of Man celebrates 150 years of the Royal Aeronautical Society with eight new stamps featuring aerospace landmarks from the eighteenth century to the present day.
The specially commissioned stamps, issued on 12 January 2016, chart the evolution of aeronautics, beginning with the first hydrogen balloon flight in 1784, through to the new generation Rolls Royce Trent 900 turbofan engine. The stamps incorporate 'selective varnish' and a metallic over-layered print technique to add shine.
Established in 1866, the Royal Aeronautical Society is the world's oldest aeronautical society and is the only professional society dedicated to the entire aerospace community, focusing on the art, science and engineering of aeronautics. The society operates a prestigious awards system and also administers the National Aerospace Library.
The Isle of Man has an aeronautical history dating back to the 1930s, when Sir George Dowty invented aircraft retractable landing gear. The Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster continues to further the island's involvement in the industry, bringing together over twenty related companies.
Landmark events depicted on the stamps include the 1784 hydrogen balloon ascent, Sir George Cayley's fixed wing design of 1853, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, and Concorde.
To order the stamps, visit the Isle of Man Post Office website.
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(Image copyright Isle of Man Post Office)