A major redevelopment of the National Museum of Flight, in East Lothian, will be opened to the public on Friday after a £3.6m revamp.
The development includes the display of two Second World War hangars - one displays military aircraft, the other commercial and leisure craft.
More than 30 aircraft are on display, including a Supermarine Spitfire and English Electric Lightning, the RAF’s first supersonic jet fighter.
Smaller objects including uniforms, documents, photographs and weapons will be displayed alongside them.
Highlights of the military hangar include the oldest surviving Hawker Siddeley Harrier jump jet, which was the world’s first vertical take-off combat aeroplane and a rocket-powered Messerschmitt Me 163B-1a Komet, which was the fastest aircraft of the Second World War.
The commercial and leisure hangar will display aircraft ranging from hang gliders and microlights to a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer and a Druine Turbulent light aircraft which was built as a labour of love in a home in Scotland in the 1960s.
The hangars were built in 1940-41 and were originally designed to last just a few years.
Part of the East Fortune Airfield Scheduled Ancient Monument, they have been restored, insulated and heated.
Funding for the £3.6m redevelopment includes a £1.3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1.8m from the Scottish Government.
Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of National Museums Scotland said: "The National Museum of Flight is one of Scotland’s top days out and these redeveloped aircraft hangars offer dramatic new experiences for our visitors.
"Spanning a century of aviation, the displays present our spectacular aircraft in new and dynamic ways, revealing for the first time the engaging stories of some of the people who flew and worked with them."
Lucy Casot, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "Open the door of these two WW2 hangers and you are opening the door to history. The stories of incredible flying machines come to life in a way which will inspire, teach and let imaginations fly.
"Thanks to funds raised through the National Lottery, we are delighted to have played our part in this remarkable transformation of this unique collection. It will ensure that the National Museum of Flight continues to grow as a significant international tourist destination and a valuable education resource.”
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