Dave is building a secret world in his backyard – a fully-fledged airplane fuselage, destined to become an underground bunker. It’s not born of fear, but of a quiet fascination with engineering and a desire to create something extraordinary.
He acquired the scrapped BMIBaby fuselage in December 2025, a hefty undertaking that cost £4,000 just to transport. The vision isn’t about escaping a looming apocalypse, but about crafting a unique, self-contained space, a personal retreat built with his own hands.
The project is substantial, demanding significant resources. He anticipates spending £8,000 on concrete, £3,000 on reinforcing mesh, and another £2,000 on insulation to protect the structure from the elements and internal condensation.
Beyond the structural costs, Dave is meticulously planning for long-term sustainability. He intends to stock the bunker with a three to six-month supply of food, complemented by both beer barrels and canned beverages to ensure a lasting supply.
Currently, the fuselage is awaiting final functionality checks before its descent into the earth. The ground is presently too saturated for the burial to proceed, but Dave is using the time to refine the internal systems.
Ventilation, plumbing, a kitchen, and a reliable power source are all critical components. He’s invested in a Ram Air Turbine generator, a testament to his resourceful approach to self-sufficiency.
Dave dedicates roughly half of his free time, alongside his full-time engineering job, to this ambitious project. It’s a labor of love, fueled by ingenuity and a desire to build something truly remarkable.
His seven-year-old son, Oliver, is already deeply involved, eagerly anticipating the chance to decorate the interior. Dave jokes that Oliver prefers a Boeing to a tablet, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the allure of this unique creation.
The project isn’t driven by political anxieties, despite global events. Dave acknowledges the unpredictability of the world, but believes that preparation is about personal resilience, not panicked reaction.
He views the bunker as a way to create his own little world, a sanctuary where he can focus on his passions and enjoy a sense of self-reliance, regardless of external circumstances.
Before its final burial, the fuselage will be showcased at Maker’s Central, an invention showcase at the NEC in May, and Dave will share his project with students at his son’s school.
This isn’t simply about building a bunker; it’s about the joy of creation, the satisfaction of self-sufficiency, and the enduring power of imagination.
