The full run down of dates can be found here.

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose has announced that it will not be holding its annual Air Day in 2012. Planned resurfacing works to the Culdrose runway leave the base unable to host large numbers of visiting aircraft during the summer. This factor, combined with Operational commitments across the globe and at home with the 2012 Olympics, means it will not be feasible for the base to man the event. The Air Day Team has however already started to prepare for the next Air Day event, planned for the summer of 2013.

Commanding Officer of Culdrose, Captain Willie Entwisle said: “As a Military Air Station, with Squadrons supporting the Royal Navy worldwide, Operational commitments have forced the decision that it will not be possible for Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose to deliver an Air Day in 2012. This is due to several factors, but mainly the fact that from Easter to October this year we have to resurface the taxiways to our main runway. Also, during the summer, a great many of our personnel will be deployed on frontline operations across the globe and of course providing support to the London 2012 Olympic Games.”

“Air Day is a very important event in the Culdrose calendar, therefore the decision has involved much deliberation and we appreciate that many will be disappointed with this news. Our relationship with the local community is very important to us, and we hope that we will still be able to meet many local residents at the various other Cornish events that we are involved in. In the meantime, my team has started working towards developing an Air Day for the summer of 2013.”

The Polish Navy will be sending one of its Mi-14 ‘Haze’ helicopters, which are used in Anti-Submarine Warfare and Search and Rescue, to the Air Tattoo on July 7-8 along with a maritime and reconnaissance variant of the Soviet-made Antonov An-28.

Both Hungary and Latvia have also confirmed they will be sending Russian-built aircraft, the former sending an Antonov An-26 transport aeroplane and the latter an Mi-8 helicopter. This performs a search-and-rescue role as well as transporting troops and supporting Special Forces. Other aircraft from Brazil and France have also been confirmed for the Air Tattoo.

Pollish Navy Mi-14 Haze - RIAT 2012

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Russian-built aircraft are very popular among UK enthusiasts because of their rarity on these shores. To have one making its UK debut is a real coup and one the enthusiasts will look forward to seeing.

“With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics taking place in the UK next year, I think there’s a feeling that this is the place to be in 2012. Although it is still early for most international air arms to confirm their participation we are already hearing whispers from Asia that might see some extremely rare and exotic aircraft heading for Fairford next summer. It’s very exciting.”

Next summer’s Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, will see the airshow join forces with the RAF to stage a special Diamond Jubilee celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.

A limited number of special Super Earlybird tickets, priced £29, are available until January 4 by visiting www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All Air Tattoo tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

The new-look aircraft pages can be found here.

The first confirmed participants for 2012 are as follows:

Brazilian Air Force

• Lockheed C-130H Hercules (S)

French Army Aviation

• SOCATA TBM-700 (F)
• SOCATA TBM-700 (S)

Hungarian Air Force

• Antonov An-26 Curl (S)

Latvian Air Force

• Mil Mi-17 Hip (S)

Polish Navy

• Mil Mi-14 Haze (S)
• Antonov An-28/PZL M28 (S)

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2011

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton has been selected as one of the winners in the ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ category by the South West Tourism Alliance.  The annual Air Day which took place in July this year attracted nearly 30,000 visitors who experienced one of the best Air Days in recent years.

The South West Tourism Excellence Awards are the official tourism awards for the region with winners going on to represent the south west at the national VisitEngland awards.  This year’s judging was the tightest ever requiring lengthy debates amongst the Judging Panel, whose Chairman, Alistair Handyside, commented: “These finalists represent the best of the best tourism businesses in the South West. The visitor economy is crucial to our region and these businesses are an example to all of us, to show what can be achieved in these challenging times”.

Air Day 2011 celebrated the 40^th anniversary of the Lynx helicopter which has developed an enviable reputation over decades of service as the best small ship’s helicopter in the world and is used by the Royal Navy and many foreign navies.  The show attracted exceptionally rare displays to the UK by the Polish Air Force MiG-29, French Navy Rafale and Super Etendard, and Royal Netherlands Air Force Apache.  It also featured a unique flypast by the world’s only airworthy Sea Vixen and Vulcan Bomber – a formation of British built classic jets that will probably never be seen again.

Although the show put on an exceptional display in the air the whole visitor experience was scrutinised for the awards.  Commodore Paul Chivers OBE, Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton said: “This is an outstanding achievement for the Air Station community and our commercial partners, AHA Events Ltd.  Despite being extremely busy delivering the high demands of our operational commitments worldwide I am very proud of my team in putting on a top class event on the ground and in the air.  I look forward to welcoming everyone to Air Day 2012 on Saturday 23 June.”

Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who coordinate the Awards on behalf of the South West Tourism Alliance, added: “Five years ago the Awards judges were often comparing good with bad, but that time is well passed.  Now it’s simply about who is the more excellent!  I offer my congratulations to everyone involved.”

RNAS Yeovilton will have to wait until 6^th February to learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze at the prestigious Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Independent and BBC Travel Writer Simon Calder at Torquay’s Riviera Centre.

RIAT 2012 Poster

A FICTIONAL fast jet pilot named ‘Ace Mandala’ has been unveiled as the face of next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, organisers have announced.

Ace will feature prominently on billboards, in advertising and on poster sites around the UK in the run-up to next summer’s airshow on July 7-8.

Ace is the creation of renowned artist David Bent, who was inspired following a trip to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in 2007 at the invitation of the Red Arrows. The Red Arrows first saw David’s work on display at the Air Tattoo and shortly after his visit to Cyprus, the artist was invited to become the Reds’ artist in residence.

It was whilst photographing one of the display pilots in his Hawk jet that the idea for Ace came. David said: “Although Ace made his first appearance on the 2011 posters we hadn’t given him a name or an identity. I believe he symbolises all the skilled, adventurous and brave airmen who fly. We decided we’d develop him as a character so that he could become the face of the Air Tattoo. Ultimately, I hope Ace will be to the Air Tattoo what The Stig is to Top Gear.”

Air Tattoo Marketing Deputy Director Helen Webb said when she first saw David’s artwork she was immediately struck by his vivid use of colours and his ability to convey all the excitement aviation has to offer. She said: “We felt that if David could apply the same eye-catching techniques to creating a poster image for the Air Tattoo then it could have a big impact. In the past, members of the Red Arrows have said their journey to becoming a world-class pilot was first inspired by a visit to the Air Tattoo. By bringing ‘Ace Mandala’ to life, we hope to convey the sort of excitement and thrills that can spark the imagination of a future fast jet pilot.”

Next summer’s Air Tattoo on July 7-8 will see the airshow join forces with the Royal Air Force to stage a special Diamond Jubilee celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.  A limited number of special Super Earlybird tickets, priced £29, are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

Royal International Air Tattoo

Tickets for next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo go on sale today with prices not only frozen but – for a limited period – lower than they were this year.

A limited number of special ‘Super Earlybird’ tickets for the July 7-8 event go on sale at 10am on Friday, November 11, priced £29 each. This represents a saving of £10 on the standard 2012 advance admission ticket price – and is £5 cheaper than this year. The £4 book fee has also been waived.

An Air Tattoo spokesman said: “Next July will see us stage an RAF tribute to Her Majesty the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee and we want as many people as possible to join in this special celebration.

“Not only can people make a huge saving by purchasing tickets now, but we will also continue to offer free parking and allow all accompanied under-16s free entry. At a time when many of us are counting the pennies, we were determined to ensure the Air Tattoo continues to offer families value for money.”

Organisers are urging people to note that next summer’s Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, takes place earlier than usual, on July 7-8, because of the London Olympics later that month.

The spokesman said: “Like the Olympics, we’ll be featuring the fastest, the most agile and those with the greatest endurance – albeit in the world of aerospace rather than sport.”

The limited number of Super Earlybird tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday, November 11 from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940.  They will be on sale until January 4, subject to availability.

The much-anticipated A330 tanker will feature on static display at the airshow at RAF Fairford on July 16-17 and will take part in an official naming ceremony to confirm its prestigious title, Voyager.

RAF A330 Voyager

It will be the longest and widest aircraft in the RAF’s fleet with a wing span of 60 metres.

Voyager has been designed to carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes, which can include up to 291 passengers or 111 tonnes of fuel for its air-to-air refuelling or air transport missions.

Dave Mitchard, Managing Director for AirTanker Services Ltd – the company delivering the fleet to the RAF at Brize Norton – said: “We are delighted to have the Voyager aircraft on public display for the first time this year.

“The Air Tattoo provides the perfect showcase for the RAF’s future tanker and transport aircraft and we’re thoroughly looking forward to bringing it into service towards the end of this year.”

AirTanker’s contract with the Ministry of Defence will see them provide 14 purpose-built A330 tanker and transport aircraft, as well as the associated support services, including training, maintenance, infrastructure, flight operations and ground services.

Dave continued: “We’re going to provide a step change in capability for the RAF.

RAF A330 Voyager

“We are using a new, modern aircraft, where traditionally the RAF has used existing aircraft and converted them for specific usage. Voyager will therefore have all the benefits associated with a new aircraft such as better fuel efficiency, greater reliability and quieter engines, which is particularly good news for those living in the local area.”

The first two aircraft within the Voyager fleet, which will replace the VC-10 and Tristar, have been converted by Airbus Military in their purpose-built facility near Madrid, Spain. Once the aircraft have been certified and qualified, they will be owned by AirTanker and leased to the Royal Air Force.

AirTanker has five shareholders – all well-known names within the defence and aviation sectors – who are also subcontractors for the programme.  They are Babcock, Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce and Thales.

The A330 will also have an aeromedical capability, which will enable it to carry up to 40 NATO stretchers and three critical care patients.

The name Voyager follows the heritage of a number of RAF tanker aircraft, with the names beginning with V, specifically the Victor and the VC-10 Tanker aircraft.

Squadron Leader Kevin Latchman, 30, who will be one of the first pilots to operate Voyager when the first of 14 A330s come in to service in the autumn, said: “This is a completely different way of doing business for the Royal Air Force and it has the potential to revolutionise an existing capability. The aircraft is brand new and being one of the first pilots to fly it is a very exciting prospect.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Voyager at RIAT, especially because it will start to focus the mind on the fact that the aircraft will soon be entering service.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40^th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50^th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

 The MiG-29 was developed in the 1970s as an advanced, fourth-generation fighter to replace the likes of the MiG-21 in Russian Air Force service. Twin-tailed, with long, prominent air intakes, Mach 2-capable, extremely agile and equipped with seven weapons hardpoints for the carriage of bombs, rockets and missiles, the MiG-29 is an extremely capable and effective air superiority fighter.

 The type has been thrilling airshow audiences with its power and its sheer manoeuvrability since the late 1980s but, in more recent years, chances to see the MiG-29 in Western European skies have become increasingly rarer.

 “The MiG-29 is a fantastic addition to the line-up and an example that has never been seen at an Air Day.  This is an extremely rare opportunity to see a former Eastern bloc type extensively used during the Cold War.  We look forward to welcoming the Polish Air Force and their display to Air Day” says Commander Ric Fox, Air Display Director.

To date, well over 1,500 examples of this aircraft have been produced and Poland presently operates upwards of 30 of these. The Polish Air Force has attended previous Air Days but this will be its first flying contribution to the show and, potentially, the only MiG-29 display in the UK this year.

The Polish military’s involvement to the show also includes a CASA C-295 transport aircraft and a M28 Bryza maritime patrol aircraft, which joins other NATO assets in the Air Day Static Display.

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

The Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’, which can fly at speeds of up to 1,550mph, was first developed in the 1970s to counter the US Air Force’s new F-15 Eagle. It is often considered to be the best and most successful Russian-built fighter of the Cold War era. The Eastern European fighters were last seen at the Air Tattoo 12 years ago, having made their debut at the airshow in 1996.

When it returns for the airshow on July 16-17, the aircraft will be accompanied by a large Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the Ukrainians’ participation underlined the airshow’s global reputation built up during the past 40 years.
He said: “We regularly receive wish lists from enthusiasts hoping to see specific aircraft and on almost all, the Su-27 ‘Flanker’ comes either top or close to the top. It is an incredibly large and distinctive looking aircraft with immense manoeuvrability and power.

“I’m absolutely delighted that visitors to the Air Tattoo next month will be able to see such an iconic aircraft along with another from the same era, the Vulcan bomber.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.
Nine aerobatic display teams from around the world will be performing in the flying display along with aircraft from countries including the US, Oman, Turkey, Sweden Italy, Austria, Denmark and Jordan. On Sunday, visitors will also be able to see a one-off lunchtime performance by X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

The Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 16-17, traditionally displays the largest range of US aircraft in the UK and this year will see around 18 fast jets, transport and specialist aircraft as well as helicopters touching down at the Cotswolds airfield.

HH-60G Pavehawk

Among those taking part are two F-16 multi-role fighters and two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs from 52 Fighter Wing at RAF Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany; a giant C-5B Galaxy from the 312^th Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California and a B-52H bomber from the 5^th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Base, North Dakota. Also participating in this summer’s airshow will be three US Air Force Special Operations aircraft: an MC-130E Combat Talon from Elgin Air Force Base in Florida and an MC-130H Combat Talon II and MC 130P Combat Shadow based at RAF Mildenhall. All three aircraft have the capability to deliver troops and supplies into hostile territory as well as carrying our low-level refuelling missions.

Other USAF aircraft taking part include an RC-135 from the 38^th Reconnaissance Squadron, based in Nebraska and two F-15s and an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. The primary mission of the HH-60G is to recover personnel from war zones. The US Marine Corps will be represented by a KC-130T refuelling aircraft from Fort Worth in Texas.

The US Navy will be sending a P-3C Orion from the Maritime Patrol Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and a Mercury E-6B command and control aircraft for static display. The FRS provides flying training to naval aviators and naval flight officers prior to them joining the fleet whilst the Oklahoma-based Mercury E-6B, provides command and control communications. Both are for static display.

Air Tattoo Deputy Director of Air Ops Rob Windsor said he was delighted that once again the US military felt able to support the Air Tattoo.

He said: “The US Air Force, US Marine Corps and US Navy rarely display in the UK in such numbers and thanks to them the Air Tattoo has become known as the place in Europe to come each year to see many of their assets. We are hugely grateful.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40^th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50^th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

Among the hundreds of aircraft taking part in the Air Tattoo, on July 16-17, will be a Dakota from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, painted in D-Day invasion stripes and with the markings carried by No233 Squadron Dakota FZ692. This aircraft was delivered to No233 squadron at RAF Blakehill Farm, Wiltshire in March 1944, and on the night of June 5 1944, 30 Dakotas from the squadron took gliders and parachutists from the 3^rd Parachute Brigade to Normandy, returning later in the day to drop supplies.

BBMF Douglas Dakota - photo by Oliver Curtis

Nurses stationed at Blakehill Farm who looked after wounded soldiers on evacuation flights became the first female RAF aircrew to fly into the combat zone. A Dakota from No233 Sqn became the first aircraft to land at a British-controlled airstrip in France after the invasion, on June 13. The squadron went on to provide aircraft towing gliders that carried troops from the 1st Airborne Division to Arnhem for Operation Market Garden, the attempt to capture key bridges across the Rhine in September 1944.

Dakota FZ692

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40^th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50^th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

 While disappointing, this is an understandable decision, given the current circumstances and serves as a reminder that all participating military aircraft are subject to operational commitments.  The F-16′s withdrawal does not affect the participation of the Dutch Apache Demo Team in Air Day’s Flying Display which is not often seen in the UK.

The Dutch F16 will still feature in the Air Day branding as the artwork was commissioned back in March and most of the promotional material is already printed and distributed.

There will still be an F16 in the air at Air Day courtesy of the Belgian Air Component with its striking vortex schemed Fighting Falcon.

Details of additional foreign military participation will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event, which takes place on 9 July and besides the Dutch and Belgian contingent, also includes a possible last German Air Force F-4F Phantom II appearance and a first-time showing by a German Navy Orion.

The Air Day organising team extends its very best wishes to the Dutch F-16 Demo Team crew and hopes that its 2011 season is a successful and safe one. We hope to welcome them back to Air Day in the future.