Royal International Air Tattoo 2011, RAF Fairford - 16th-17th July - Wednesday Arrivals

As always, Wednesday at RIAT seemed a little quiet. Unusually, the B-52 did not arrive today nor did many of the heavier types. However, some of the stars of the flying did appear. The Saudis were out in force, with the team and their support C-130H Hercules arriving from their previous commitment at Koksijde in Belguim. They also managed to rehearse under the grey skies.

Further "eastern promise" came in the form of the Royal Jordanian Falcons, Jordanian C-130H Hercules, Omani C-130H Hercules and the first part of the Turkish contingent which included the 'Solo Turk' F-16C Demo Team and their support C-130E Hercules wearing the colours of the Turkish Stars display team.
Other highlights included the Omani and Jordanian C-130H Hercules, a pair of Tornados from the Luftwaffe and a trio of JAS-39C/D Gripens from the Swedish Air Force. One of the latter also performed a practice display as the weather cleared as did one of the Pilatus PC-21s that will no doubt be busy over the next few days with customer demonstration flights.
The West Coast A-10 Demo Team also arrived with a pair of USAFE A-10C Thunderbolt IIs. Later in the afternoon the team conducted their first rehearsal which includes some very dramatic demostrations of the aircraft's agility and power. Closing the day there was a further rehearsal by the Swedish Air Force JAS-39C Gripen which streaked through the sky in the late afternoon sun.

Todays Arrivals (Upto 1700)

Still due: French Army Puma and Gazelle rescheduled for tomorrow

Other Flightline UK RIAT pages

Follow Us!

 

Bookmark and Share

AVIATION TOP 100 - www.avitop.com Avitop.com