National Museums Scotland (NMS) has announced that an interactive R34 airship simulator is to be installed at the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian as part of a major £2m investment.

Visitors will be given the chance to experience being aboard the airship on its first return Atlantic flight from East Fortune in 1919 as part of two new permanent exhibitions that have been created following the investment. Located inside Second World War workshops at the museum, the simulator will form part of the Fantastic Flight exhibition, along with exhibitions that give visitors the chance to build and launch their own mini aeroplane and test whether they have the skills to be a pilot.

Meanwhile, the Fortunes of War exhibition will tell the story of the East Fortune site, which was originally set up in World War One as a Royal Naval Air Station, before continuing its service through the Second World War and into the Cold War. The two new exhibitions will open to the public on 10 April, with a 1954 Green Goddess fire engine, a RAF matador heavy haulage vehicle and a Second World War jeep set to be added to the exhibits. An assault course for 8-14 year olds will also open.

Real Studios was behind the design of the two new exhibitions, while Glasgow School of Art Digital Design Studio developed the simulator. NMS director Gordon Rintoul said: "This £2m investment represents our belief in the immense potential of the National Museum of Flight, which is already a much-loved attraction. These latest developments will bring to life the fascinating story of this exceptional site, as well as highlighting the compelling story of flight.

"We believe this investment will greatly enhance the family appeal of the National Museum of Flight and contribute to its growing reputation as one of Scotland's best days out."