Archive for September, 2011

Duxfords Autumn Air Show concludes the 2011 air show season in style

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

IWM Duxford’s Autumn Air Show (Sunday 16 October) will conclude the Museum’s 2011 air show season with an exciting flying participation which will be Remembering the Korean War.

The Korean War (25 June 1950 to armistice signed 27 July 1953) was the first major conflict in which jet aircraft sought air superiority alongside the final-generation propeller-driven piston fighters.

The Autumn Air Show pays homage to this uniquely international air battle, with an exciting flying participation which sees iconic piston-engine aircraft take to the skies alongside the first generation of jet aircraft.

Korean War-themed flying participation includes:

· North American F-86 Sabre – a transonic jet fighter aircraft which is best-known as America’s first swept-wing fighter. It effectively countered the similarly-configured Soviet MiG-15 in high-speed dogfights over the skies of the Korean Peninsula.

· B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B – post-war, B-17s were used by the USAF Air Rescue Service, in 1948 being re-designated SB-17G. Some SB-17s were used by the Air Rescue Service in Japan during the Korean War.

· Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina – a twin-engine patrol flying boat used by the United States Air Force for air-sea rescue during the Korean War.

· Piper L-4 Grasshopper – a two or three seat, single-engine liaison aircraft that was used by the United States and Republic of Korea armies and air forces during the Korean War.

· Douglas AD-4 Skyraider – a piston-engine single-seat attack aircraft that was designed during the Second World War to meet requirements from the United States Navy for a carrierbased, single-seat, long-range, high-performance dive/torpedo bomber. It formed the backbone of the United States Navy aircraft carrier-based attack effort in the Korean War.

· The P-51 Mustang -redesignated as the F-51 Mustang, it gained a new lease of life during the Korean War, having greater endurance than most of the new jet aircraft to which many American fighter units had already converted. It performed a valuable role in Korea as ground-attack aircraft, although it suffered heavy losses to ground fire during the conflict.

· Hawker Sea Fury (x2) – the last propeller-driven fighter to serve with the Royal Navy, the Sea Fury FB.11 served throughout the Korean War as a ground-attack aircraft, flying from the Royal Navy light fleet carriers HMS Glory, HMS Ocean and HMS Theseus and the Australian carrier HMAS Sydney. The Sea Fury was one of the few propeller-driven fighter aircraft credited with the shooting-down of a jet-powered fighter, a Soviet MiG-15.

· de Havilland L-20 Beaver – a single-engine, light utility aircraft used by the United States Air Force during the Korean War for liaison and light transport duties. The Beaver was noted for its ability to operate from very short fields and in all types of terrain.

· North American T-6 Harvard (x2) – a two-seat, single-engine advanced trainer that was used by the United States Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force during the Korean War. Korean War T-6s were most famous for their role as Forward Air Controllers, designating targets for, and co-ordinating, United Nations air strikes throughout the war.

· Douglas C-47 Skytrain – a twin-engine medium transport aircraft used by the United States, Republic of Korea, Australian, Greek and Thai Air Forces and also by the United States Marine Corps, during the Korean War. Its primary role was to fly cargo into Korea and to evacuate casualties.

· Gloster Meteor – the first British jet fighter and the Allies’ first operational jet. Meteors saw extensive service during the Korean War with No.77 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force. It served well – by the end of the conflict the squadron had flown 4836 missions, destroying six MiG-15s, over 3500 structures and some 1500 vehicles. Approximately 30 Meteors were lost to enemy action, the majority shot down by anti-aircraft fire while serving in a ground-attack capacity.

In addition to the central theme of Remembering the Korean War, the Autumn Air Show presents even more exciting aerial action, with flying displays by the Belgian Air Component F-16; aerobatic masters Alister Kay and Andy Hill in their role as the RV8tors Duo; the BAe Hawk, flown by Flight Lieutenant Juliette Fleming of 208 (R) Squadron, RAF Valley; Spitfire IX; the Shorts Tucano from 207 (R) Squadron, RAF Linton-on-Ouse and the Black Cats Lynx Pair from 702 Naval Air Squadron.

The Tiger Nine Team will perform a thrilling display with nine Tiger Moths in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth.

First flown on 26 October 1931, the de Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth was, for many years, the primary trainer aircraft used by the Royal Air Force. It entered service at the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932 and, by the start of the Second World War, 500 Tiger Moths were in service. A legendary aircraft, it was only replaced in 1952, when the de Havilland Chipmunk came into service.

With further fantastic flying participation to be confirmed and with activities happening across the Museum throughout the day, the Autumn Air Show will provide a thrilling conclusion to Duxford’s air show season for 2011.

The IWM Duxford Air Shows App 2011

Following the launch of the IWM Duxford Air Shows App at the Spring Air Show and some enthusiastic feedback from users at The Duxford Air Show, the Air Shows App will again be available for the Autumn Air Show.

The App will now run faster and more seamlessly, providing real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at the Autumn Air Show, as the aircraft display.

Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App also includes an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the 2011 air shows and where in the Museum you can find out more about them.

The App is currently FREE to download. It will be available for download prior to the Autumn Air Show and on the day itself – IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading.

This dynamic guide to the Autumn Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around. For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows.

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Less than 3 days to go

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Final reminder… the Airscene 2012 Calendar Competition AND the Photobook competition both close at mid-day 30th September.

If you haven’t entered yet (or not submitted your second entry) please do so ASAP. This is a strict deadline and any entries received after will be deleted.

To enter please visit http://www.Airscene.co.uk/competitions.php

To those who have already entered – Good Luck.

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Charitys inaugural flying scholar takes to the skies for first solo flight

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

A teenager, who became fly2help’s inaugural flying scholar, has taken to the skies for his first solo flight, thanks to the support of the programme.The scholarship, which is supported by the Royal Aeronautical Society, aims to provide a young person with the chance to achieve the first milestone in any pilot’s career – the chance to get airborne by themselves.

Following a selection process, which involved a formal application and an interview, Sam Jacques, 18, was chosen to be fly2help’s first ever scholar.

And earlier this month, the excited teenager, who was awarded 15 hours of lessons as part of the programme, enjoyed his first solo flight in a Cessna 152 at Cotswold Airport.

Sam, from Cirencester, says the experience was a “dream come true” after setting his heart on becoming a pilot as a youngster.

He said: “The scholarship has been fantastic. I love flying – you get a real sense of freedom. It’s also great to be part of an elite few who have been able to fly an aircraft by themselves.

“It was the most amazing experience of my life. It was gusting at around 25 knots at times and I had to compensate for that but it went really well.

“I’m in the application process for joining the Fleet Air Arm at the moment and I’m sure this will help. It’s such an asset to have it on my CV.

“I’d never have been able to afford the cost of the lessons but this has helped me so much.”

Thanks to the support of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the scholarship is run at zero cost to the charity and in parallel to the charity’s core aim, which is running Air Smiles events to give beneficiaries, including people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, the chance to experience the liberation and freedom of flight.

Sam received expert tuition from Flying Club Kemble instructor Bob Hopper and learned the basics of flying, such as take-off and landing, as well as more complex manoeuvres, including engine failure practices and ascending turns.

He says a previous place on Cotswold Airport’s own Aviation Scholarships programme two years ago encouraged him to apply for the fly2help scheme.

He is now looking for further sponsorship to enable him to complete his solo hours and achieve his Private Pilot Licence.

Chris Hadlow, Chief Executive of fly2help, said: “We’re extremely proud of Sam and are delighted that the scholarship has helped him achieve his first solo flight.

“As a pilot myself, I remember what a thrill it was to have total control of an aircraft for the first time and Sam did exceptionally well in some challenging conditions.

“I hope he will now go on to have a very successful career in aviation and the charity will very much look forward to inviting applications for our next scholarship early next year, as part of our continuing programme of encouraging young people to take up careers in the aviation industry.”

Details of how to apply for the scholarship will appear on the fly2help website www.fly2help.org.

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Brought to Life

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

 

Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October

AirSpace

Tales of wartime endeavour are Brought to Life during October Half Term.

Every day between 10.30am and 2.30pm, visitors have the opportunity to handle items from the First World War and Second World War, looking at the changing role of the soldier and comparing and contrasting uniforms and equipment from both periods.

By getting hands-on with military equipment, visitors can learn more about warfare as it was fought on the front line.

Visitors can learn more about how bravery in the field of conflict is recognised through the awarding of medals and decorations, making their own individual medals and then finding out the history and meaning behind such honours.

On Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October between 11.00am and 1.00pm, veterans from a wide range of military conflicts will be chatting to visitors about their experiences and sharing their own personal memories of their time at war.

Veterans from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army and the Home Front from the Second World War will be present, together with ex-servicemen from the Royal Anglian Regiment and the Parachute Regiment who served in the Malayan Conflict, the Falklands War and Northern Ireland, in addition to veterans of the Korean War.

Men and women of varying ages, backgrounds and experiences, they have fascinating and individual stories to tell about their own personal war. Veterans will have artefacts and photographs with them, which they are happy to discuss with visitors.

Veterans attending include (different veterans will be attending on each day):

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment (1986 to 1994) who served in Germany, the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, the UK and Canada.

· A member of the Parachute Regiment (1971 to 1974) who completed four tours of Northern Ireland and who also carried out Jungle Warfare Training in Malaya.

· A telegraphist in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, who served on HMS Uganda, took part in the Battle of the Atlantic and was part of an escort that took Winston Churchill to the USA in 1943.

· A member of the British Resistance Organisation (Churchill’s Secret Army) (1940 to 1943) who then joined the Royal Air Force and was a Flight Sergeant until 1947.

· A Petty Officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War who served in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and with Russian Convoys on Motor Gun Boats and on submarines .

· A Flight Lieutenant in RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War who worked as a bomb aimer and as a navigator in Halifaxes and Mosquitoes, and spent 5 months evading capture in Holland and Belgium.

· A National Service conscripted serviceman who served in Trieste and then in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952.

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment and the 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry.

· A Sergeant in the Army during the Second World War who served in Sicily, North Africa, Italy, Austria and the British Isles.

· A member of the Home Guard from 1940 to 1942, who then became a platoon commander in a rifle company of an infantry battalion. He served in France, Belgium and Holland, and was wounded in Germany. He was awarded the Military Cross.

· A member of the Royal Navy, from 1952 until 1964, who served on a variety of ships as a Leading Radio Operator and who witnessed H bomb testing near Christmas Island in the South Pacific.

· A member of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd East Anglian Regiment (1959 to 1961) who served in the Malayan conflict.

· A Sergeant in the Royal Marines during the Second World War who provided bombardment support to the Land Forces at major landings.

· A Royal Marine (1978 to 1982) who was in 41 Commando and did a tour of duty with the United Nations in Cyprus in 1979.

· A Royal Marine during the Second World War whose ship was one of the first to land at Sword Beach during the Normandy Landings in June 1944.

· A Gunner with the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, who served in India, Changi, Taiwan and Japan and was held in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp.

· A member of the Royal Air Force (1944 to 1953) who flew with Bomber Command just after the end of the Second World War, then with Fighter Command from 1949 and who flew some of the earliest jets, including the Vampire and Meteor.

· A Second World War schoolchild who enjoyed playing on the bomb sites and later joined the Royal Air Force.

· A Second World War evacuee.

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment (1973 to 1979) who was stationed in Peterborough, driving Land Rovers and 4 tonners to transport personnel and equipment for use on deployment.

· An Able Seaman in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

· A Second World War evacuee who later served in the Royal Navy.

· A member of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War who served in Bomb Disposal and on escort duties for submarines and shipping.

Different veterans will be attending on Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October. Attendance by veterans is subject to availability.

Spitfire Stories Tour

Monday 24 to Friday 28 October

A new FREE tour, Spitfire Stories looks at RAF Duxford’s synonymous relationship with the Spitfire, through the eyes of the pilots and ground crew who worked and lived with this iconic aircraft.

Learn more about the mental strength and aptitude needed to be a successful Battle of Britain fighter pilot.

Find out more about the personal stories behind the operational role of the Spitfire at Duxford, taken from the memories of the men who flew and maintained this legendary aircraft, from its first days in service and throughout the Battle of Britain.

This tour is included in standard admission to the Museum and runs on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour will last for approximately 30 minutes and booking is not required.

War Memorial by Richard Walker

In addition, local artist Richard Walker will be showing his latest work, War Memorial, in AirSpace.

This large-scale painting took two years to paint and a year and a half to research. It is made up of 35 separate canvases, brought together in five panels.

The painting is a war memorial, dedicated to the people who served in the GreatWar.

The images in the paintings are of objects and ephemera from the different branches of the military services, including uniforms, medals, medical kits, signal flags and some weapons. In addition, there are private and personal objects included, which were found in many family archives, such as personal letters, postcards, photographs, memorial plaques, newspapers and commemorative items.

They are arranged in such a way that they imply a sense of cause and effect with personal objects from the Front balanced against objects that reference warfare.

Richard Walker lives and works in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, where he teaches art and art history at Kimbolton School. He studied Fine Art at the Central St Martin’s School of Art, London, graduating in 1989, after which he worked in the medium of sculpture, until about ten years ago, when he started exploring military objects and aircraft through the medium of complex ink drawings.

War Memorial will be on display in AirSpace throughout the October Half Term.

To see examples of Richard Walker’s work go to http://picasaweb.google.com/113993138387162629653

www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Brought to Life presents the experiences of war through the first-person stories of those who fought so valiantly for their country throughout 20th century conflicts. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the ordinary people who experienced extraordinary circumstances, through a range of inspiring activities.

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IWM Duxford features in the exciting new British Airways advertising campaign

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

British Airways has today launched its biggest brand advertising campaign for a decade. The TV advert showcases the airline’s heritage and highlights the characteristics that makes British Airways so special. Synonymous with heritage in aviation, IWM Duxford was chosen as one of the filming locations for the new British Airways advert.

Filming took place during June 2011 and involved a team of 40 extras and a large film crew. The Museum worked in partnership with a number of on-site flying partners to achieve the complex filming requirements.

The advert shows Duxford Aviation Society’s Concorde cockpit and VC10, Classic Wings’ de Havilland Dragon Rapide and a number of IWM Duxford vehicles, including the Bedford truck on display in AirSpace , the refueller from Hangar 4: Battle of Britain and the BOAC cub and luggage trolley from AirSpace.

A Douglas DC-3 Dakota was flown in from Norway especially for the occasion and several vintage vehicles were brought in from other collections to represent the appropriate historical periods.

The filming involved recreating nostalgic civil aviation scenes from a number of periods during the 20th century. Duxford was transported back to the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s during the filming project.

The stunningly visual advert was launched on Wednesday 21 September on the British Airways Facebook site – http://www.facebook.com/#!/britishairways.

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Chance to have a flight in formation with a Spitfire and raise money for charity

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

A lottery to win a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to fly in formation with one of history’s most iconic aircraft may have ended, but a further place remains up for grabs for one lucky aviation fan.The fly2help charity, which supports people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, offered two lucky winners the chance to fly alongside a Spitfire.

The names of the winning pair are due to be announced in the next few days and they will take to the skies at Cotswold Airport, on Sunday (September 25th).

However, the charity is now offering another aviation fan the opportunity to bid, via a donation to fly2help, for a third slot outright and see at close quarters the aerial elegance of the Second World War fighter aircraft.

For a minimum donation of £750, the successful bidder will also have the chance to experience a simulated aerial dogfight and a private display by the RV8tors aerobatic display team, whose aircraft are emblazoned with the fly2help logo.

The charity supports families struggling to live with bereavement and disability, isolation or financial deprivation, as well as people who have suffered extreme neglect and abuse.

And fly2help’s Chief Executive Chris Hadlow said all the money from both the lottery and flight donation bid will provide much-needed support for the organisation.

He said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the text lottery and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who entered.

“At the same time, we’re also delighted to be offering a third person the chance to experience what promises to be an amazing day’s flying.

“Not many people get the chance to see a Spitfire in flight at such close quarters and I’m sure this rare opportunity will really capture the imagination of aviation fans.”

For further enquiries, please call fly2help on 01285 770821.

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Reno Air Race Disaster

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

Unconfirmed reports say that perhaps as many as 12 people have died and dozens injured after a P51 Mustang crashed into the crowd yesterday at Reno Air Races, Nevada.

54 people were taken to hospital and it is believed that 15 are in critical.

Eyewitness Dr Gerald Lent, of Reno, told the newspaper: “It’s just like a massacre. It’s like a bomb went off. There are people lying all over the runway.”

With four pilots killed in the 2007/2008 National Air Races at Reno, and another Mustang crashing last year whilst trying to land in heavy crosswinds (on this occasion the pilot survived), it was only a matter of time before a tragedy involving spectators would happen, and perhaps now Reno’s safety record will get an overdue ‘long hard look’.

Airscene’s thoughts are with the families of those killed or injured in this disaster, and we hope that further tragedies of this kind will be avoided in future.

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Great demand prompts airshow to extend closing date for online ticket sales

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Great pre-show ticket sales for this year’s action-packed Battle of Britain Airshow have led to organisers extending the closing date for internet sales.The event takes place at Cotswold Airport this weekend (September 17 and 18) and, as with previous years, all sales of tickets ordered online were due to cease at midnight on the Monday before the event (last night).

However, demand for tickets this year has been so encouraging that organisers have decided to allow those wishing to attend to continue purchasing tickets online (through www.battleofbritainairshow.com) until midnight on Thursday (Sept 15).

Any ordered online before last night’s traditional deadline will be sent via post, but any ordered after will be collectable on the gate on the day they were purchased for.

The Spitfires and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Tiger Moths of the Tiger Nine display team are among the star attractions this year.

A Jet Provost T3 will also take to skies and, on the ground, there will be a traditional funfair and dedicated trade village, with greater local participation.

People wishing to attend are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance.

Contingency plans have also been made to cope with larger than usual numbers, as was experienced last year.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “We’re delighted with the pre-sales so far and it’s shaping up to be another great year.

“We’ve adopted contingency plans to cope with any demand for extra car parking and are also giving people the chance to buy their tickets online until just two days before the show.

“That way, it helps us gauge exactly how many people are coming. However, we will welcome anyone who makes a snap decision to attend on one of the days too.”

Among the other attractions at the event will be a replica Fokker DR.1 triplane, identical to that flown by the infamous/legendary World War One fighter ace the Red Baron.

It will be joined by an old adversary in the Sopwith triplane, while the RedHawks aerobatic duo, the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team, an Antonov AN2 and a Bucker Jungmeister will also take to the skies.

Meanwhile, crowds will also be offered the chance to fly in a vintage airliner, courtesy of Classic Flight and its stunning de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

Cotswold Airport-based HH Helicopters will be offering pleasure flights too.

There will also be more than 100 classic vehicles, including around 40 vintage Bentleys, and around 50 military vehicles on display.

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

As well as the airshow website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); they are available from The Crown public house, West Market Place, Cirencester; Kemble Village Shop; and from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Witney and Burford.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com.

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Charity offers opportunity to win a flight in formation with a Spitfire

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

Aviation fans are being offered a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to fly in formation with one of history’s most iconic aircraft.And by entering a lottery in a bid to secure the prize, they will be raising much-needed funds for charity.

The fly2help charity, which supports people with life-limiting and chronic illnesses, is offering two lucky winners the chance to fly alongside a Spitfire.

To enter, all entrants need to do is text FLY to 70099, and their names will go into a draw to take to the skies at Cotswold Airport, on Sunday, September 25th, and see at close quarters the aerial elegance of the Second World War fighter aircraft.

The winning pair will then get the chance to experience a simulated aerial dogfight and a private display by the RV8tors aerobatic display team, whose aircraft are emblazoned with the fly2help logo.

The charity also supports families struggling to live with bereavement and disability, isolation or financial deprivation, as well as people who have suffered extreme neglect and abuse.

Charity Manager for fly2help, Sue Bennett, said: “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. To fly in formation with a Spitfire and actually see one at close quarters while in flight really is an experience to be treasured.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who has supported us and given us the opportunity to offer this fantastic prize.

“We’re now hoping that as many people as possible will enter because money raised through the competition will go to the charity and will help us provide support for those who need it.”

The competition is being supported by both the RV8tors aerobatic display team, whose aircraft are emblazoned with the fly2help logo, and Cotswold Airport-based Ultimate High.

The RV8tors, who have been promoting the competition at airshows throughout the summer, will give the two winners a private display once they have landed.

Entrants will be charged £1 plus the cost of one message at their standard network rate. The charity will receive up to 96p from each text message, with a minimum of 76p from each message, depending on the network operator.

fly2help:
Launched at the end of 2006 and based at Cotswold Airport, fly2help supports those with life-limiting and chronic illnesses; families struggling to live with bereavement and disability, isolation or financial deprivation and people who have suffered extreme neglect or abuse. The charity works to lift the horizons of people dealing with life trauma by sharing the freedom of flight through ‘air smiles’ events. Each bespoke event day, centred around an exhilarating flight, offers a day of escapism, respite and fun for all the family.

Fokker triplane to invoke memories of infamous Red Baron at airshow

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

An aircraft identical to that flown by the infamous ace German fighter pilot the Red Baron is set to thrill crowds at the Battle of Britain Airshow.The Baron, real name Manfred von Richtofen, was the scourge of allied forces during the First World War and is credited with 80 combat victories.

The last 20 of those aerial duels were carried out in a Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker triplane, and a replica of the machine will take to the skies at the airshow, which takes place at Cotswold Airport on September 17 and 18.

It will be joined by an old adversary in the Sopwith triplane, as well as iconic aircraft from the Second World War, such as the Spitfires and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Richthofen was eventually shot down and killed near Amiens, France, on April 21, 1918, but his legend has lived on and his aerial prowess has been the subject of numerous films, books and documentaries.

Event operations manager Glen Moreman said: “Although the event clearly commemorates the Battle of Britain, it will be fantastic to see two amazing aircraft from an even earlier era in the skies above the Cotswolds.

“The Red Baron is undoubtedly one of the most famous pilots in history and we’re sure the display of an aircraft identical to the one he flew will really capture the imagination.”

In addition to the triplanes and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Tiger Nine Tiger Moth display team, the RedHawks aerobatic duo, and the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team will be among the star attractions.

An AN2 and Bucker Jungmeister, will also take to the skies.

Meanwhile, crowds will also be offered the chance to fly in a vintage airliner, courtesy of Classic Flight and its stunning de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

Cotswold Airport-based HH Helicopters will be offering pleasure flights too.

Unlike previous years, when the event was a pure airshow, the 2011 event will also feature a traditional fair, complete with carousel, helter skelter and other rides.

There will also be more than 100 classic vehicles, including around 40 vintage Bentleys, and around 50 military vehicles on display.
Organisers are also inviting local traders to become more involved and use the show to showcase their products and services and create a shopping area featuring the best of local produce.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “We’re delighted that more local businesses will be involved this year and showing exactly what the Cotswolds has to offer.

“Of course, the more the merrier, and if anyone still wishes to take part, we would be delighted to hear from them.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

They are available online through the air show website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); at The Crown public house, West Market Place, Cirencester; Kemble Village Shop; from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury; and also by telephoning 08712 301 079.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com.

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