The latest UK Airshow News, Comment, Airshow DVD Reviews and more
Posted by Flightline UK on July 14, 2010 under Flightline UK Websites, Military Airshows, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Vulcan | 
Be the First to Comment
Flightline UK will be tweeting live from the Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford (RIAT.) The tweets can be accessed at the following web address: http://www.airshows.org.uk/2010/airshows/royal-international-air-tattoo-fairford-riat-twitter.html
Posted by Flightline UK on July 6, 2010 under Military Airshows, Vulcan | Be the First to Comment
The legendary Vulcan bomber has been added to the Royal International Air Tattoo’s flying display next weekend after its operators won a last-minute battle to have the aircraft airworthy in time for the world’s largest military airshow.
The Vulcan, one of the most iconic warbirds of the Cold War era, was restored to flying condition in 2008 following a massive £7 million public campaign.
In order to display each year, the aircraft has to pass a series of rigorous tests, and operators overcame both financial and technical challenges to ensure that once again, the world’s only airworthy Vulcan would take to the skies for another season.
Vulcan XH558, which was built in 1960, enjoyed a 33-year career in the RAF, including service during the Falklands War. Along with the Valiant and the Victor, the three aircraft comprised the Royal Air Force’s legendary V-bomber force, designed to protect the UK from nuclear threat from the 1950s to the 1980s.
The ambitious restoration of XH558 was supported by a £2.5 million grant from the Lottery Fund, a £500,000 donation from philanthropist Jack Hayward, commercial sponsors plus contributions from more than 20,000 members of the public. The campaign also received significant fundraising support from the Air Tattoo throughout the restoration project.
Last year, its appearance at the Air Tattoo was considered by many to have been the highlight during the airshow’s eight-hour flying display.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Mr Tim Prince said he was delighted to be welcoming back such a popular and unique aircraft. He said: “It’s been touch-and-go as to whether the aircraft would be ready in time but I am absolutely thrilled it is now able to join us. There are few aircraft flying today that can match its beauty and sheer thunderous power. In my mind, it is one of a handful of legendary aircraft, including the Spitfire and Concorde that has the ability to stir the emotions.”
Posted by Flightline UK on June 18, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
The latest participation news from the Royal International Air Tattoo is fairly disappointing. The much publicised appearance by the Romanian Air Force MiG-21 LanceR aircraft in both the flying and static displays have cancelled as has the Sri Lankan An-32B also due for the static display. Both have been due to operational and finacial reasons. Sadly in these days of weak finances for many countries, such news is to be expected.
On the plus side, it seems that the New Zealand B757 will be at RIAT despite having to cancel from earlier appearances at Biggin Hill and Waddington and of course, the show will still witness the amazing F-22A Raptor flying display from the USAF.
Posted by Flightline UK on June 8, 2010 under Military Airshows, Royal Navy | Be the First to Comment
The French Navy (Aéronavale) will make its sole international airshow appearance this year when two of its fleet power into RNAS Yeovilton for its annual Air Day on 10 July.
The Aéronavale’s participation will comprise of single examples of the Dassault Rafale M multirole combat aircraft and the Falcon 10MER transport, communications and training platform. Neither of these French Navy aircraft will be seen at any other airshow outside France in 2010: a real exclusive for Air Day.
The Rafale represents the cutting-edge of modern fighter technology and has been in French military service since 2002. It is flown by both the French Navy and the French Air France – an example from the latter made its UK airshow debut at Air Day 2009 – and is fast, highly agile and highly capable. The French Navy currently operates 25 Rafales and has more on order.
The Falcon 10MER appearing at Air Day is one of seven such aircraft ordered by the French Navy in 1974 and based at Landivisiau in the north west of France.
Both the Rafale and the Falcon will feature in Air Day’s comprehensive Static Display, along with other UK-based and international modern military participants – including F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Royal Netherlands and Royal Danish air forces and a Luftwaffe F-4F(ICE) Phantom II – and historic naval aircraft linked to this year’s theme of 70 years of RNAS Yeovilton.
The current list of participating aircraft can be viewed at www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk or http://www.airshows.org.uk. Tickets are available online or via the ticketline on 08445 781 781.
Posted by Flightline UK on May 14, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
A unique historic aircraft will be one of the star attractions at this year’s RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, which celebrates the base’s 70th anniversary. The Shuttleworth Collection’s Hawker Sea Hurricane 1b is the only example of its kind flying anywhere in the world and is representative of the very first Royal Navy types to have been based at Yeovilton after its creation in 1940.
The Sea Hurricane’s induction into Fleet Air Arm service occurred as a result of the RAF’s positive experiences with the original Hawker Hurricane in the Battle of Britain. To ensure it could be successfully operated on and off aircraft carriers, the basic Hurricane design was adapted with the addition of an arrester hook and other measures. In all, 443 Sea Hurricanes served with the FAA, of which the majority were Mark 1bs, as per the example appearing at Air Day.
The Shuttleworth Collection’s Sea Hurricane left the production line in 1940 as a standard Hurricane, but was navalised to Sea Hurricane standard one year later. Post-war, it was used as a ground-based instructional airframe before an epic restoration took place to get it back in the air: the culmination of years of hard work being realised in September 1995.
The Sea Hurricane will provide Air Day’s anticipated crowd of up to 40,000 people with an evocative link back to both the Fleet Air Arm of WW2 and RNAS Yeovilton’s own past, and will join other historic and modern aircraft representative of the base’s seven decades of naval airpower.
The current list of participating aircraft can be viewed at www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk. Tickets are available online or via the ticketline on 08445 781 781.
Posted by Flightline UK on May 5, 2010 under Military Airshows, Royal Air Force | Be the First to Comment
Dogfights, a stirring international flypast and a moving ‘missing man’ formation of aircraft are among a string of memorable set pieces being planned by organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo and the Royal Air Force, to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in July.
A wide range of historic aircraft, including Hurricanes, Spitfires and Messerschmitts, will join many of their modern-day equivalents for a unique aerial commemoration at RAF Fairford on July 17-18.
A dramatic flypast of modern aircraft representing many of the nations that took part in the historic conflict will form the centrepiece of tributes in the air whilst on the ground, a Battle of Britain airfield will be recreated, bringing to life the atmosphere during Britain’s ‘finest hour’.
Visitors to the Battle of Britain Village will be invited to step back in time as re-enactors recreate the sights and sounds of England in 1940, complete with a static display of historic aircraft, military vehicles and period entertainment.
A team from the Royal Air Force has been working alongside Air Tattoo organisers to stage the RAF’s flagship commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain this summer.
Military chiefs from many of the countries that took part in the Battle of Britain will be attending, including France, Germany and Italy, along with veterans including Wing Commander Bob Foster, Chairman of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association.
Air Tattoo Chief executive Tim Prince said it was important that the ‘international’ aspect of the Battle of Britain was not overlooked.”Many people believe the Battle of Britain was fought simply between people from two nations – England and Germany – but pilots and aircrew from 17 nations took part in total. We believe the bravery and sacrifice of all those who took part should be recognised.”
Posted by Flightline UK on April 28, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
From Shropshire Star:
Shropshire’s Cosford Air Show could be axed under Government plans to shake up defence training, it was claimed today.
A union chief sounded the warning over a controversial proposal to shift personnel from RAF Cosford to RAF St Athan’s in South Wales. But officials said this year’s event was due to take place on June 13.
Organisers also said that plans were already under way for next year’s show and could see no reason why it should not take place as planned.
Robert “H” O’Harney, Cosford branch secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union, claimed the move to Wales would leave too few staff to run the air show and this year’s could be the last ever.
The future of RAF Cosford was put in doubt last year following the awarding of a huge defence training project to RAF St Athan’s in preference to RAF Cosford.
Work started this year to create a £12 billion defence training super site at St Athan’s.
However, a final decision by the Government on whether to go ahead with the academy will not be made until after the General Election.
Cosford Air Show is one the most visited annual attractions in the West Midlands.
Mr O’Harney added: “If ministers push ahead with the flawed defence training review programme, not only will hundreds of local jobs be put at risk but the future of the air show itself will be in jeopardy.
“The 2010 air show could be the last ever unless the Defence Training Review (DTR) project is scrapped.”
Conservative candidate for The Wrekin, Mark Pritchard, who as MP for the seat has been campaigning to safeguard the future of RAF Cosford, said today: “It is wrong that a political decision by ministers to move defence jobs to Wales, as part of DTR project, is now threatening the Cosford Air Show. Ministers should think again.”
Wing Commander Nick Lea, chairman of the RAF Cosford Air Show organising committee, said: “Preliminary preparations are already being carried out for the RAF Cosford Air Show in 2011.
“We see no reason why the event should not take place as planned.”
Posted by Flightline UK on April 26, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2010 is delighted to announce that subject to the completion of flight testing and other factors, Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558 will be taking part in the Flying Display. In its own fiftieth anniversary year, the mighty Vulcan will be one of the stars of the show, which this year marks the 70th birthday of RNAS Yeovilton itself with a pageant of naval aviation.
The Avro Vulcan was one strand of Britain’s post-war nuclear deterrent. In RAF service for close to three decades, the type famously achieved its finest hour in the twilight of its career with the infamous bombing of Port Stanley during the 1982 Falklands Conflict.
Vulcan XH588 first flew in 1960 and, after being retired, was flown at airshows by the RAF until 1992. Its subsequent passing into private ownership represented the start of an epic, heavily supported and heavily financed return to flight, which was realised in 2007.
XH588 is the world’s only flying Vulcan and there is simply nothing else like it in the skies. As an airshow performer it is unique both visually and aurally, with its immense delta shape highlighted by the hollering howl of its four Rolls-Royce Olympus engines.
Present at last year’s Air Day, the Vulcan would have been one of the Flying Display’s real treats, but a combination of technical difficulties and bad weather kept it on the ground. It is strongly hoped that, this year, the Vulcan will be able to perform at RNAS Yeovilton for the first time in 18 years.
Air Day 2010 takes place on Saturday 10 July and will showcase the base’s seven decades of history with a cavalcade of naval airpower, past and present. The five-hour Flying Display will feature three international display teams including the RAF Red Arrows and the Spanish Air Force Patrulla Aguila in its sole 2010 UK appearance, fast jets a-plenty and numerous other attractions alongside comprehensive ground-based entertainment.
The current list of participating aircraft can be viewed at www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk. Tickets are available online or via the ticketline on 08445 781 781.
Posted by Flightline UK on April 17, 2010 under Military Airshows, Royal Air Force | Be the First to Comment
The Cosford Air Show will this year open its gates to international visitors – including Royal Netherlands Air Force F16 fighter jet, bosses have revealed.
The five-hour flying display at the event on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border will see the F16 in action along with the Sea King helicopter from the Belgian Air Force.
And visitors to the show will be able to get up close to an aircraft from the French Air Force which will be on show on the ground.
Flying display director Bill Hartree said: “We are very pleased to confirm that the F16 from the Royal Netherlands Air Force will be taking part in the Flying Display on June 13.
“Anyone who has seen previous displays by the F16 Demo Team will know that they always produce an outstanding spectacle that demonstrates the agility and power of this famous aircraft.
“We know that the team will be introducing some new aspects to the display this year so look out for further details as we get closer to the event.
“In addition, we will be welcoming back the Belgian Air Force who will be sending their Sea King helicopter with its dramatic Search and Rescue Display.
“Making up the third International representative at the Air Show this year will be an aircraft from the French Air Force.
“They will be sending a CASA CN235-200 Transport aircraft as a static exhibit and we look forward to meeting the team from France with their ground display at the event.”
The RAF Museum is also included in the show gate price and parking is free.
Tickets for the show are available at local branch offices of the Shropshire Star, the Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford, Tourist Information Centres in Birmingham (Rotunda), Stafford (Gatehouse Theatre) and Stoke (Victoria Hall), the special air show ticket line on 0871 230 1083, and an internet booking service at www.seetickets.com. (Special Events; Air Shows; RAF Cosford).
Tickets are also available from Midland branches of the Mid Counties Co-Operative Society.
Full information on the show can be seen on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk – or is available on the show information line at 0844 561 1897.
Posted by Flightline UK on March 24, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
Sri Lankan Air Force An32 - Picture © Rogier Westerhuis / Aero Image
Sri Lanka will become the 52nd nation to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo when an Antonov An-32B military transport aircraft from the Asian island touches down in the Cotswolds in July.
The aircraft will make an 11,000 mile round trip to the UK to take part in the airshow at RAF Fairford on July 17&18.
Since the Air Tattoo was first held at a small airfield in North Weald, outside London, in 1971, its founders, including current Chief Executive Tim Prince and the late Paul Bowen sought to build relationships with many of the world’s military air forces.
Over the years, this has helped the Air Tattoo establish a reputation for attracting rare and unusual aircraft from around the world. In 2006 Pakistan became the 50th nation to take part in the airshow and last year, Algeria was the 51st.
Establishing strong links with international air forces has resulted in a number of coups for the event, most notably in 1992 when the West’s former Cold War enemy Russian participated for the first time and in 2008 when the Air Tattoo was chosen by the US Air Force to display its state-of-the-art F-22A Raptor for the first time outside north America.
Tim Prince said: “I enjoy nothing more than seeing aircraft appear from countries that have not taken part before. It not only shows that the Air Tattoo is continuing to evolve but that its reputation for bringing nations together extends across all five continents.
“The chief of the Sri Lanka Air Force attended the Air Tattoo in 2008 and he obviously liked what he saw. It is a big undertaking for any nation, yet alone one so far away, to commit their resources to taking part in our airshow and I am extremely grateful.”
Notwithstanding its long journey from Sri Lanka to the UK, the Antonov will not have travelled the furthest to take part in July’s airshow. That accolade goes to the 757 from the Royal New Zealand Air Force that will have travelled 22,000 miles to take part.
The Air Tattoo, which is held in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, is the world’s largest military airshow and attracts around 300 aircraft from across the globe. This summer’s event will stage special tributes marking the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. In addition to the flying display, visitors can enjoy a large static aircraft park plus a wide range of ground-based activities including a concert stage, fairground rides, and the interactive Tri@RIAT area for youngsters. For details and to buy tickets, visit airtattoo.com
Posted by Flightline UK on March 16, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
It’s a case of ’second time lucky’ for one of the world’s newest and most exciting jet fighters when it makes a welcome return to the Cotswolds this summer – two years after its planned UK debut appearance was rained off.
Now the aircraft, from the US Air Combat Command, will be returning to the Air Tattoo on July 17&18 to demonstrate why it is capable of outperforming any existing fighter aircraft in air-to-air combat. The Raptor represents a new generation of fighter aircraft incorporating state-of-the-art stealth technology, sophisticated weaponry and vectored thrust giving it an unrivalled combination of secrecy, power and manoeuvrability.
Air Tattoo Deputy Director of Air Operations Robert Windsor said he was delighted to see the aircraft return to perform at the Air Tattoo.
F-22 at RIAT 2008
He said: “The Raptor is one of the jewels in the crown of military aviation and its display in July will be among the highlights of the seven-and-a-half-hour flying display. I recall that the pilot and his ground crew were tremendously friendly and professional throughout their stay with us – despite their obvious disappointment. I am really pleased that they will finally be able to perform for our large and appreciative Air Tattoo audience!”
Posted by Flightline UK on March 5, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
Organisers of this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds believe there will be so much for people to see and do at the airshow that they are offering a special discounted two-day ticket. The Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 17&18, not only stages a seven-and-a-half-hour flying display but it also features a large, static aircraft park and a wide range of ground-based entertainment and interactive activities. Deputy Director of Marketing Helen Webb said the decision to introduce the new weekend ticket was in response to feedback from the public who said there wasn’t enough time in one day to enjoy all the attractions. She said: “We open our gates at 7.30am and don’t close them until 8.30pm but even then, the feedback we get is that people need more time to see everything. I believe the best way to make the most of the Air Tattoo is to spend one day enjoying the thrilling flying display and free evening concert with the second day spent exploring the static aircraft park and the many showground attractions.”
RIAT 2009
In addition to aerial displays by a range of fast jets, helicopters, large transport aircraft, aerobatics display teams and historic warbirds, this summer’s Air Tattoo features a Battle of Britain airfield, the Extreme Trial Motorcycle Stunt team, a display arena, a robot arena, a fairground, a large display of classic cars plus concerts by Queen and Beatles tribute bands. There is also the opportunity for people to try water-zorbing and an off-road driving challenge. The Air Tattoo, which is held in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, is the world’s largest military airshow and attracts around 300 aircraft from across the globe. This summer’s event will stage special tributes marking the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The weekend ticket costs £65, representing a saving of £10 on the cost of two individual Saturday and Sunday tickets. All tickets must be bought in advance. Admission is free for all under-16s plus there is free parking. For further details, visit airtattoo.com
Posted by Flightline UK on March 3, 2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows, Royal Air Force | Be the First to Comment
The Waddington Airshow website has confirmed that there will not be a UK tour by Royal Austrailian Air Force F-111s this summer. The airshow has approached the RAAF about the possibility of organising a “farewell tour” of UK airshows which had met with a favourable response. Sadly, it was not to be but you cannot fault Waddington for trying to secure a final appearance by this iconic aircraft!
Posted by Flightline UK on February 26, 2010 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
Polish AF MiG-29 at Leuchars 2006
Francois Brevot reports from the European Airshow Council Convention on Twitter that the Polish Air Force MiG-29 will return to the RAF Leuchars Airshow in 2010. The solo display has been a popular addition to the flying display in 2006 and 2009 and Poland is one of the last countries displaying the powerful Russian fighter.
Posted by Flightline UK on February 12, 2010 under Military Airshows | Be the First to Comment
One of the latest articles on the excellent key.aero website suggests that any planned European tour by the Royal Austrailian Air Force F-111 could hinge on whether strategic transport is available.
Following a small fire on a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-111C flying at the Singapore Air Show on February 4, the fleet has been temporarily grounded while checks are made on the other aircraft remaining in service, reports Australia’s ABC News.
During the display at Singapore on-board instrumentation indicated an engine fire, although nothing was visible to air traffic controllers. The aircraft landed safely but an inspection revealed some fire damage to one engine.
The F-111 is to be retired from the RAAF at the end of the year and only a handful is thought to be left airworthy. It is hoped that two aircraft will undertake a European tour this summer, but lack of strategic transport may defeat the plan.
