Posted by Flightline UK on 20/02/2012 under Military Airshows, RIAT | 
Al Fursan at the Bahrain International Airshow
Aviation history will be made this summer when a newly-formed Middle Eastern aerobatics display team makes its European debut at a UK airshow.
Al Fursan – The Knights – from the United Arab Emirates Air Force will display at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 7-8.
Featuring seven Alenia Aermacchi MB-339A Italian trainer aircraft, the team first performed at the Dubai Airshow in November to mark the UAE’s 40th anniversary. The fighter pilots were trained in formation flying by the Italian Air Force display team the Frecce Tricolori, who also fly the same aircraft.
Alan Peaford, Editor-in-Chief, Arabian Aerospace magazine said: “The Al Fursan team surprised everybody at the Dubai Airshow in November when it made its first appearance with an incredible performance. The team’s international debut at Bahrain stole the show.
“Coming to the UK for the Air Tattoo is a major step up for the team and really puts the UAE pilots in front of a world audience. I believe they will surprise people with their skills and professionalism. We have seen what the UAE has done to change world perception in football, golf and horseracing – I think they might be about to do the same in the world of display flying.”
The Al Fursan aircraft are painted predominantly in black and gold to represent the desert’s golden sands and the black oil which lies beneath it. Smoke generators produce red, green, white and black smoke to represent the colours of the national flag.
Al Fursan team leader Lt Col Nasser Ahmad said: “The Al Fursan pilots and their Director, Brigadier staff pilot Khaled Omar, are privileged to represent their country at the world’s largest military airshow. For us, the Air Tattoo offers an important opportunity to exchange ideas, build relations and share our experience with other military display teams. It will be an honour to perform our aerobatic display in the UK in July which we dedicate to our new British and European friends. Equally, the Al Fursan team will be very proud to paint the lovely British sky with the colours of the UAE flag.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, head of the RAF, said he was pleased to welcome his Arab partners. He said: “I am delighted that Al Fursan has agreed to perform at this summer’s Air Tattoo. This will be the team’s first display in Europe and I can think of no better place for the team to demonstrate their flying prowess than at one of the world’s largest military airshows.”
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “During the past 46 years, the Red Arrows team has performed more than 4,300 displays, projecting both the professionalism and capability of the Royal Air Force around the globe. That such a fledgling display team as Al Fursan, representing a comparatively young nation, should have the enthusiasm and confidence to make its European flying debut on such a significant stage speaks volumes. We are honoured to have been chosen by the UAE Air Force as the European airshow at which to demonstrate its military pilots’ close formation aerobatic skills.”
The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Countries that have already confirmed they will be sending aircraft to the airshow include Brazil, Hungary, France, the US, Switzerland, Poland and Latvia.
Special Air Tattoo Earlybird tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.
Posted by Flightline UK on 17/02/2012 under Military Airshows, Waddington |
Boeing 737AEW&C - RAAF
The Royal Air Force Waddington International Airshow is thrilled to announce the participation of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and its Boeing 737 AEW&C, Wedgetail aircraft at this year’s Airshow on 30th June and 1st July 2012.
The Wedgetail, which is the RAAF equivalent of RAF Waddington’s own E-3D Sentry aircraft, is based at RAAF Williamtown on the east coast of Australia and will make the flight to the UK, after taking part in a major exercise in Alaska, solely for the airshow. It will be the first time a RAAF Wedgetail has been to a UK Airshow since the first aircraft was delivered to Australia in 2009, and is a welcome addition to what is shaping up to be a truly international event, at the home of the UK Combat ISTAR capability. Based upon Boeing’s most successful airliner the 737, the Wedgetail aircraft has an endurance of 10 hours without inflight refuelling and can fly up to 41,000 ft.
Combat ISTAR, which means Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance, is RAF Waddington’s primary role, and provides support to allied forces at home for national security and in operational theatres. The combat ISTAR theme is an enduring theme for the Air Show and the participation of the RAAF ISTAR aircraft will give visitors the chance to see a different and new type of platform with an ISTAR capability. RAAF involvement at the Air Show reinforces the strong links between Australia and Lincolnshire, where many RAAF personnel were based during the Second World War, and more recently at RAF Waddington which has a number of personnel on exchange tours between their respective military Services.
The Wedgetail joins the growing list of international participants, with the news that the Swiss F18 Hornet will make a welcome return after 10 years absence from the show, partnered by the Swiss Super Puma display, which has not been seen in the UK since 2001. More information can be found by visiting the RAF Waddington International Airshow at www.waddingtonairshow.co.uk .
Posted by Flightline UK on 09/02/2012 under Military Airshows, RIAT, Vulcan |
Vulcan at RIAT 2012
Sixty years since it first took to the skies, the most iconic aircraft of the Cold War era will be at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo for a double celebration as the airshow marks the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Named The Spirit of Great Britain, the delta-winged Vulcan XH558 is the only remaining airworthy Vulcan bomber. Not only will it take part in the flying display on July 7-8 but it will take centre stage in the airshow’s Cold War Zone, enabling people to see it close up on the ground.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Anyone who hasn’t seen the Vulcan display really ought to while they have the chance. Those who have seen it, return again and again to experience its power, grace and beauty. It conjures up similar emotions to those felt by people who saw Concorde display. There’s a palpable sense of awe in the crowd.
Dubbed ‘the people’s aircraft’, Vulcan XH558 is funded largely by public donations. Not only is she the last flying Vulcan but she is also the only remaining airworthy example of the RAF’s famous Cold War V-Force, the UK’s strategic nuclear strike force which comprised Victors, Valiants and Vulcans.
The Vulcan, which first flew on August 30, 1952, has a special relationship with the Royal Family as the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and Prince Michael of Kent have all piloted the aircraft.
Organisers of this summer’s Air Tattoo are working alongside the Royal Air Force to stage a number of special aerial tributes to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Countries that have already confirmed they will be sending aircraft to the airshow include Brazil, Hungary, France, the US, Switzerland, Poland and Latvia.
Special Air Tattoo Earlybird tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.
Posted by Flightline UK on 07/02/2012 under Military Airshows, Yeovilton Air Day |
SWTA Silver Award Winners: L to R - Teresa Driscoll, Rahul Patel (AHA), Cdr Terry Tyack (RNAS Yeovilton), Audrey Huelin (AHA), James Gore (Sponsor - Bristol Airport) and Simon Calder.
Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day has won the Silver Award in the ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ category at last night’s (6 Feb) South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2011-12, hosted by TV presenter Teresa Driscoll and BBC Travel Writer Simon Calder at Torquay’s Riviera Centre.
The annual airshow which took place last July attracted nearly 30,000 visitors who experienced one of the best Air Days in recent years. The judges described the show as “A major event with excellent levels of repeat business and year on year improvements acting as a major draw to the area”.
Air Day Crowds
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”.
Air Day 2011 celebrated the 40th 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.
The organisers now turn their attention to this year’s Air Day, which will take place on Saturday 23 June and will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Falkland’s Campaign, in which Yeovilton based aircraft and personnel played a significant role in the successful outcome of the operation.
Posted by Flightline UK on 31/01/2012 under Display Team News and Dates, Military Airshows |
The Swiss Air Force (Schweizer Luftwaffe) have released their calendar of display commitments for the 2012 season. UK shows included in the calendar are the RAF Waddington International Airshow which is slated to see the F/A-18C Hornet and Super Puma demos while RIAT will see the national display team, Patrouille Suisse.
The full run down of dates can be found here.
Posted by Flightline UK on 10/01/2012 under Military Airshows, Royal Navy |
From key.aero:-
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.”
Posted by Flightline UK on 19/12/2011 under Military Airshows, Royal Air Force |
The RAF Leuchars Airshow Website has confirmed that the 2012 airshow will go ahead on 15th September 2012.
Posted by Flightline UK on 16/12/2011 under Military Airshows, RIAT |
A rare Russian-built helicopter never before seen in the UK is among the first aircraft to confirm participation in next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 15/12/2011 under Military Airshows, RIAT |
This morning the Royal International Air Tattoo has announced its first aircraft participants for the 2012. RIAT have taken the unusual step of giving its participants pages a complete make over showing confirmed aircraft as well as invited countries as well as further information such as Frequently Asked Questions on the process of securing participation.
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
Latvian Air Force
Polish Navy
- Mil Mi-14 Haze (S)
- Antonov An-28/PZL M28 (S)
Posted by Flightline UK on 07/12/2011 under Military Airshows, Yeovilton Air Day |
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 40th 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 6th 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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 06/12/2011 under Military Airshows, RIAT |
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 01/12/2011 under Military Airshows |
The AirshowBuzz website has reported that only the USAF Thunderbirds and F-22 Raptor solo displays will be appearing in 2012. The full statement can be read on AirshowBuzz.
Posted by Flightline UK on 11/11/2011 under Military Airshows, RIAT |
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 24/06/2011 under Military Airshows, Royal Air Force |
THE first public appearance of the Royal Air Force’s largest and newest aircraft will take place at the Royal International Air Tattoo next month.
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 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.
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.
Posted by Flightline UK on 13/06/2011 under Military Airshows |
An iconic Russian combat jet will be a star item in RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2011’s Flying Display. Making a first-time appearance at the show, a MiG-29 is the latest addition to this year’s line-up of modern military airpower. Presented by the Polish Air Force, the MiG-29 will showcase many of the outstanding capabilities that keep it among the most proficient and potent jet fighters in service today.
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
