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 RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day takes place on the 5th July 2008. The prime objective of this annual event is to showcase current and future Royal Navy aircraft, and underline the enduring importance of maritime air power to our island nation.
Air Day is one of the largest events in the South West and represents a very full day out for all the family. Following the pattern set by previous Air Days, the 2008 event will feature a combination of an extensive static display and a five hour flying display. Among the numerous other attractions, the future of the Royal Navy will be represented in dedicated hangers.
Each Air Day has a theme which, for 2008, is ‘Maritime Air’. Last year, the ‘Falklands to the Future’ theme was recognised both on the ground and in the air, with a number of relevant aircraft gathered together in commemoration of the pivotal Anglo/Argentine conflict.
This year, the theme is a much wider one, and highlights the prime role that naval aircraft, and those flying them, have played throughout the history of aviation, and that they will continue to do into the future.
The multiple missions carried out by the Royal Navy in the 21st century remain critical to the preservation of national and global security. They include the protection of sea lanes, intelligence gathering, counter-narcotics, delivering humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and, ultimately war-fighting, as demonstrated in World War 2, Korea, the Falklands, the Gulf and Afghanistan.
RNAS Yeovilton is one of two operational bases used by the Fleet Air Arm (along with Cornwall’s RNAS Culdrose). It is home to Sea King and Lynx helicopters, and Jetstream and Grob fixed-wing aircraft – examples of all of which will be on show to the thousands of visitors expected to attend Air Day.
 The Royal Navy Historic Flight is based at Yeovilton, and its aircraft are a perennial feature of Air Day. This year will see the first Air Day appearance for nine years by the Flight’s newly-restored Fairey Swordfish LS326 – one of very few of the type left in airworthy condition in the world. The classic Swordfish, although obsolete
by the outbreak of the Second World War, proved itself a highly capable machine, taking part in the Battle of Taranto and the sinking of the Bismarck.
Bringing the story more up to date, Yeovilton’s other resident airshow participants, the Royal Navy Black Cats Lynx helicopter display team, will once again perform an intricate display of synchronised manoeuvres.
Regarding other elements of Britain’s armed forces, the Royal Air Force will be providing the Eurofighter Typhoon – its most up-to-date combat aircraft. On the historic front, the RAF will also be supplying the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with its trio of Douglas Dakota, Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.
Over the years Air Day’s flying/static content has included aircraft from countries as far afield as South Africa, Malaysia, Germany and Holland. It is hoped that this year’s event will again feature aircraft from foreign air arms, with more detailed information on the attendance of overseas participants to be released in the weeks leading up to Air Day.
Complementing the blend of high-octane combat jets, historic aircraft and helicopters, Air Day’s flying display also traditionally features a number of civilian performers. One act already confirmed are Team Guinot – the only wingwalking display team in the world. The team’s blend of roaring, radial-engined 1930s-era Boeing Stearman biplanes and glamorous girls recall a bygone age, and they are sure to be one
of the most popular family items at the show.
Air Day’s static display will include a rich selection of aircraft types alongside dedicated hangers showcasing the Royal Navy of the future. Exhibitions will include the Future Lynx Helicopter, CVF Future Navy Carrier and the Type 45 Destroyer – represented through scale models and exciting interactive displays.
The Commando Assault is Air Day’s epic and explosive finale – a demonstration of the prowess and capabilities of the modern-day Fleet Air Arm. It involves locally based Royal Navy Sea King and Lynx helicopters, and other Maritime Squadrons, as well as a number of other rotary assets from the Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps. Fixed-wing aircraft, such as the Naval Strike Wing Harrier GR9s, also join in on the action
while, at ground level, troops, gun fire, smoke and explosions combine in an enthralling depiction of 21st century naval power. It is worth noting that all the aircrew flying in this spectacular display have recently seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tickets are available online via www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk, by phone on 08445 781 781, or over the counter from participating Tourist Information Centres.
Type Advance On the Day
Adult £16 £20
Senior £14 £20
Child £4 £7
Flightline UK are delighted to be able to give away £200 worth of entrance tickets to five lucky winners for this amazing event. Each winner will receive a pair of adult tickets worth £40. To enter this competition, all you have to do is answer the question below and complete the entry form below BEFORE 23.59 on 8th June 2008. Alternatively, email your answer to vlairday@airshows.org.uk :-
In which famous second world war battle did Royal Navy Fairey Swordfish aircraft attack the Italian Fleet while it was in harbour?
Competition Rules: Only one entry per email address, multiple entries will be invalid. The closing date for this competition is 23:59 8th June 2008. All correct entries will be entered into the draw to be held shortly after the closing date to select the five winning entrants. All winners will be contacted by 14th June
2008 and tickets will be issued from the Yeovilton Airshow organisers. Winners will have to provide their own transport to and from the event, entrance to which is subject to the conditions of the organiser. Flightline UK cannot accept any liability for cancellation or curtailment of the event, there is no cash alternative and no correspondence will be entered into. the editors decision is final.
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