The world’s largest military airshow, Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has announced the appointment of The Media Group to film and produce their official airshow DVD for 2013.
RIAT, held annually at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, is one of the UK’s top outdoor family events with upwards of 130,000 visitors each year. The 2013 show, a ‘Celebration of Aviation Excellence’ will take place over the weekend of 20 and 21 July. Footage captured at the event will go straight into post-production with The Media Group and the finished product is due to ship in August.
Richard Arquati, Head of press and public relations at the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises said “The Air Tattoo has a fantastic line-up this year with around 200 aircraft from across the world taking part. Capturing all the action is tricky but we’re delighted to be working with The Media Group, who have the right balance of ideas and expertise to produce an exciting, memorable product.”
The Media Group will continue to produce the annual RAF Waddington airshow DVD, which they have produced for the past four years.
The Media Group’s managing director Keith Daniell says: “Airshows are fantastic events to film as there is thrilling action in the sky and lots of emotional stories behind the scenes. Our annual production for Waddington always gets great reviews and we’re looking forward to producing a new DVD that RIAT will be proud of.”
OEastern European airpower will take centre stage in the Cotswolds this summer when two of the world’s most potent fighter aircraft take to the skies for one of the UK’s biggest outdoor events – the Royal International Air Tattoo.
Airshow organisers have just added a legendary Mikoyan MiG-29, from the Polish Air Force, and a SAAB JAS-39 Gripen from the Hungarian Air Force to the seven-and-a-half hour flying display programme, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21.
The Russian-built MiG-29 is a giant among modern-day combat jets, combining supreme power and agility with remarkable versatility. Developed in the mid-1970s, in response to a rapid stream of highly-capable new fighters emerging from the US and Europe, the MiG-29 made its first flight in 1977 and joined the then Soviet Air Force six years later. It has since been acquired by many other nations, several of them in Eastern Europe including Poland.
The MiG-29 can fly at approximately Mach 2.25, or almost 1,500 miles per hour, and it can operate at an altitude of over 59,000ft.
The delta-winged JAS-39 Gripen is one of the world’s most advanced fighters having been designed to replace the SAAB 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force.
Both aircraft will line up against other fighters such as the Typhoon, Tornado and F-16 in the flying display which also features a wide range of large transporters, helicopters, historic warbirds such as the Vulcan and aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows.
Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The Air Tattoo’s reputation has been built on attracting exciting aircraft from former Soviet Bloc countries. These countries, many of which are now our NATO allies, remain among the most eagerly anticipated and popular participants at our airshow.”
In July, the Air Tattoo will unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the visitor experience even more enjoyable. These include new Service Stations, featuring food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, merchandise outlets, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover. There will also be three new exciting themed areas called the Adrenalin Zone, Techno Zone and the Vintage Village.
The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.
The 70th anniversary of one of the Second World War’s most audacious bombing missions will be commemorated by a special flypast at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.
The announcement comes on the same day (May 16) in 1943 that the RAF’s elite 617 Sqn took off from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and headed for Germany’s Ruhr dams for what was to become known as the legendary Dambusters Raid.
The attack was made memorable for using specially developed ‘bouncing bombs’, invented by aircraft designer Barnes Wallis. These were dropped from Lancaster bombers at low altitude and skipped along the surface of the water into the dams.
Whilst the mission to flood the heavily industrialised area of the Ruhr and destroy the dams’ hydro-electric power capability is now considered to have been only a partial success, the bravery and audacity of those involved assured its place in military aviation history.
Today (Thursday, May 16), to mark the anniversary, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster and two Tornado GR4s from 617 Sqn will fly over Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire and Eyebrook Reservoir in the East Midlands, both of which were used for low level flying practice by the original Dambusters crews.
At this summer’s Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 20-21, the BBMF Lancaster, one of only two in the world that are still airworthy, will once again fly alongside a specially painted, modern day Tornado GR4 from the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “The Dambusters Raid was an incredible feat not only in terms of what it was aiming to achieve but also in the way in which it was looking to achieve it.
“The courage and skill of all those involved served as an inspiration to a nation ravaged by war and this courage and skill lives on in the men and women of today’s 617 Squadron who help provide vital protection to allied ground forces in Afghanistan.”
A second specially painted Tornado GR4 will be on display in the Air Tattoo’s static aircraft park offering visitors the opportunity to see it close up.
The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.
AIRSHOW NEWS: Red Bull Aviation Icons to Shine at Air Tattoo
Two iconic American warbirds rarely seen in the UK are set to steal the show at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.
The stunning Lockheed P-38L Lightning and Vought F4U-4 Corsair, which form part of the Flying Bulls’ fighter collection based in Salzburg, Austria will take part in the Air Tattoo’s seven-hour flying display on July 20-21.
The Lightning, which will be making its Air Tattoo debut piloted by Raimund Riedmann, has a distinctive twin boom design and a sleek, highly polished metal finish that guarantees it will shine at this summer’s airshow. The dark blue Corsair will stand out as one of only two airworthy examples in Europe.
Both aircraft types have long since assured their place in aviation history. The Lightning first flew with the US Army Air Force in 1939 and it proved so effective as a twin-engine combat aircraft that the Luftwaffe nicknamed it ‘Der Gabelschwanz Tuefel’, or ‘the fork-tailed devil’. As the war went on, the Lightning not only performed a combat role but many were fitted with cameras and used as reconnaissance aircraft, providing valuable intelligence data throughout the conflict.
Nicknamed ‘Hose Nose’, the US Navy’s F4U-4 Corsair was considered the most capable carrier-based fighter-bomber of WW2. As well as being an outstanding fighter, the aircraft proved to be an excellent fighter-bomber, serving almost exclusively in the latter role throughout the Korean War and during the French colonial wars in Indochina and Algeria. Displaying the aircraft will be former French Air Force Mirage 2000 pilot Eric Goujon.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said these two aircraft were wonderful additions to the flying display which also features iconic British warbirds such as the Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane.
He said: “Iconic US warbirds such as the Lightning and Corsair are not only beautiful aircraft but they are rarely seen on these shores. I am sure they will provide one of the many highlights at what is looking like a very exciting Air Tattoo.”
Among other aircraft taking part in the Air Tattoo’s flying display are an RAF Typhoon, a Swedish Air Force Gripen, the Vulcan bomber, the barnstorming Breitling Wingwalkers and the RAF Red Arrows.
The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.
AIRSHOW NEWS: Air Tattoo salutes Test Pilots School
The 70th anniversary of a world famous flying school that has trained some of the greatest test pilots in aviation history will be celebrated at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.
QinetiQ and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will be marking the 70th anniversary of the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) by showcasing some of its unique aircraft at this year’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. On display will be an Avro RJ100, a new multi-engine airliner; an Agusta 109 helicopter, an Alpha Jet, and a unique fly-by-wire, variable stability ASTRA Hawk.
The School, at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, was established in 1943 after it was recognised that many pilots were losing their lives whilst testing the many new aircraft that were being introduced during World War Two. Since then, the school has trained military test pilots, astronauts and flight test engineers to lead and deliver complex, collaborative experimental trials on all types of fixed and rotary wing civil and military aircraft.
Former trainees include legendary test pilots Neville Duke, who set a world air speed record of 727.63mph in a Hawker Hunter reached at low level over Tangmere, Sussex in 1953 and Peter Twiss OBE, who in 1956 flew the experimental Fairey Delta 2 along the Sussex coast and achieved a world air speed record of 1,132mph.
Cdr Mark Macleod RN, Commanding Officer at ETPS, said: “Having our aircraft on static display at the Air Tattoo, for the public to see close up, along with the chance to meet test pilots and engineers who have graduated from the School over the past 70 years and been involved in testing many of the aircraft on display at the Air Tattoo, is an excellent way to showcase the School’s expertise and longevity.”
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said that over the years, the cream of the Empire Test Pilots’ School had performed some of the most memorable flying displays seen at the airshow. He said: “By training some of the greatest test pilots in history, ETPS has played a crucial role in the development of aviation through the ages. We feel honoured to have been chosen to play a part in the School’s 70th anniversary celebrations.”
The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.
AIRSHOW NEWS: Royal Jordanian Falcons 2013 Tour Schedule
The Italian Air Force RSV (Reparto Sperimentale Volo) has released details of it’s airshow participation for the 2013 display season which includes the Weston Air Day and the Royal International Air Tattoo.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has released the 2013 schedule for their F-16 Demo Team. It includes two UK shows, namely RAF Waddington International Airshow and the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.
26th May – Volkel in de Wolken, Netherlands
31st May – Leeuwarden, Netherlands
2nd June – Châteaudun, France
12th June – Leeuwarden, Netherlands
14th-15th June – Lutchmachtdagen – Volkel, Netherlands
This summer will see the Royal International Air Tattoo unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the world’s greatest airshow even more enjoyable for the thousands of people who flock to the Cotswolds each year for this unique celebration of aviation.
New Visitor Service Stations, themed areas and a variety of other enhancements in the showground are being introduced to ensure that all the thrilling aerial action is matched by an equally-enjoyable customer experience on the ground.
Visitors to the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 20-21, will be invited to try out three new Service Stations, which have been designed to bring together everything needed for a great day out including food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, toilets, official merchandise outlets, banking services, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover.
Organisers believe improved signage on the showground, greater access to aircraft, participating pilots/aircrew and new enclosure opportunities will add further to people’s enjoyment whilst at RAF Fairford.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said many of the initiatives have been introduced in response to feedback from visitors who said that with so much happening in the air and on the ground during the day it was a challenge to take in all that was happening and where everything was.
Mr Prince said: “Of course the aircraft are the stars of the show but we also recognise that the showground’s a big area and there’s lots going on over the weekend so it can be a bit daunting. We started by gathering together many of the facilities people use during the day into three strategically-located Service Stations.
“We’ve also extended the range of catering options in these areas so visitors can now enjoy vegetarian and Asian cuisine – plus deli bars – alongside the traditional burger and fish & chip options.
“We’ve looked at everything we do in terms of delivering customer satisfaction from the journey to the airshow, the event itself and the departure phase. We’re confident visitors will welcome the enhancements we’ve introduced.”
July will also see the Air Tattoo unveil three new entertainment zones on the showground: the Techno Zone, the Toys For Boys Zone and the Vintage Village each offering a range of exciting ground-based attractions and hands’ on activities courtesy of leading brands such as Caterham and Animal.
Mr Prince said: “Most people know that our event is one of the greatest aviation spectacles in the world but there is so much more to the Air Tattoo experience than just that – and this summer we’re going to prove it!”
The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. Special Earlybird tickets, priced from £35, are available until April 4. All under-16s go free. Free parking. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.
The Red Arrows’ 2013 display dates and venues are listed below.
Please remember that displays by the Red Arrows are subject to weather and operational restrictions. For information on timings for displays or for details about individual events please contact the show organisers by following the the web links listed below.
The Red Arrows will publish display timings and the Team’s ground appearances on the news pages of this website as they are updated during the display season.
This information should not be used for flight planning purposes – aviatiors please check NOTAMS.
May
26 – Patrouille de France 60th Anniversary – Salon de Provence, France
26 – Duxford Spring Air Show – IWM Duxford
June
4 – Isle of Man TT Races – Ramsey, IOM
8 – Folkestone Airshow – The Leas, Folkestone
9 – Bob Jones Memorial Air Show – Welshpool
9 – RAF Cosford Air Show – RAF Cosford
14 – Volkel Luchtmachtdagen Air Show – Volkel AFB, The Netherlands
15 – Volkel Luchtmachtdagen Air Show – Volkel AFB, The Netherlands
22 – Carrickfergus Armed Forces Day – Carrickfergus, NI
22 – Grand Pier Air Show – Weston Super Mare
23 – Whitehaven Festival – Whitehaven
29 – Scarborough Armed Forces Day – South Bay, Scarborough
30 – British F1 Grand Prix – Silverstone
July
4 –Fourth of July Celebration – RAF Feltwell
6 – RAF Waddington International Airshow – RAF Waddington
7 – RAF Waddington International Airshow – RAF Waddington
12 – Goodwood Festival of Speed – Goodwood
13 – RNAS Yeovilton Air Day – RNAS Yeovilton
13 – Wales National Air Show – Swansea
14 – Wales National Air Show – Swansea
14 – Goodwood Festival of Speed – Goodwood
19 – Royal International Air Tattoo – RAF Fairford
20 – Royal International Air Tattoo – RAF Fairford
21 – Royal International Air Tattoo – RAF Fairford
24 – RNAS Culdrose Air Day – RNAS Culdrose
26 – Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week – Lyme Regis
26 – Sunderland International Airshow – Sunderland
27 – Sunderland International Airshow – Sunderland
27 – Anthems in the Park – RAF Cranwell
28 – Cleethorpes Festival of Flight – Cleethorpes
28 – Swanage Regatta and Carnival – Swanage
August
9 – Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – Ashton Court, Bristol
9 – Cowes Week – Cowes
10 – Northern Ireland Festival of Flight – Newcastle, County Down
11 – Blackpool Air Show – Blackpool
12 – Blackpool Air Show – Blackpool
14 – Minehead Summer Festival – Minehead
14 – Falmouth Week
15 – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow – Eastbourne
16 – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow – Eastbourne
17 – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow – Eastbourne
18 – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow – Eastbourne
21 – Weymouth Carnival – Weymouth
22 – Clacton Air Show – Clacton-on-Sea
22 – Fowey Royal Regatta – Fowey
23 – Clacton Air Show – Clacton-on-Sea
24 – Dawlish Air Show – Dawlish
24 – Wings and Wheels – Dunsfold
25 – Wings and Wheels – Dunsfold
25 – CarFest South – Laverstoke Park Farm
28 – Torbay Royal Regatta – Torbay
29 – Bournemouth Air Festival – Bournemouth
30 – Bournemouth Air Festival – Bournemouth
30 – Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta – Dartmouth
31 – Bournemouth Air Festival – Bournemouth
31 – Northern Ireland International Airshow – Portrush, Co Antrim
September
1 – Chatsworth Country Fair – Chatsworth
1 – Rhyl Air Show – Rhyl
6 – Great Ormond Street Hospital Clay Shoot – Pangbourne
7 – RAF Leuchars Airshow – RAF Leuchars
8 – Shackerstone Family Festival – Shackerstone
8 – Duxford Air Show – IWM Duxford
12 – Guernsey Air Display – St Peter Port, Guernsey
12 – Jersey International Air Display – St Aubin’s Bay, Jersey
14 – Southport Airshow – Southport
15 – Bupa Great North Run – South Shields
24 – Mallorca Air Day – Alcudia, Mallorca
26 – Monaco Yacht Show – Port Hercules, Monaco
28 – Malta International Airshow – Luqa Airport, Malta
29 – Malta International Airshow – Luqa Airport, Malta
The world’s largest military airshow, Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has announced the appointment of The Media Group to film and produce their official airshow DVD for 2013.
This summer will see the Royal International Air Tattoo unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the world’s greatest airshow even more enjoyable for the thousands of people who flock to the Cotswolds each year for this unique celebration of aviation.
