Wings & Wheels has more cause for celebration this week as the air and motoring Show renewed its partnership with Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale. For its ninth consecutive year, the biggest ale success story of the last decade will be at the 2013 Show supporting the fundraising efforts of the team through ale supplies and sponsorship of key air displays and facilities for past and present veterans.

Originally brewed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Spitfire’s characteristically Kentish, hoppy flavour and cheeky advertising campaigns have made it a firm favourite with beer lovers and Wings & Wheels visitors.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “As the airshow evolves and continues to grow in strength and reputation, Spitfire has been with us every step of the way. The support they provide ensures that we are able to enhance our visitors’ experience and offer value for money which is invaluable in these current economic times.”

As well as their continued sponsorship of Wings & Wheels, Spitfire Ale recently announced a new partnership with comedy duo Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller in the guise of their RAF characters. The pilots featured in their award winning BBC One comedy sketch show and are renowned for using street language and having stereotypical modern-day attitudes but speaking in clipped 1940s accents. Continuing Spitfire Ale’s tradition of tongue-in-cheek British humour, the characters herald a new era for marketing the beer, helping it appeal to new and existing consumers alike.

Spitfire Brand Manager Kate Maclean said: “It’s an exciting time for Spitfire and whilst we are very excited with all the new initiatives being implemented, we are delighted to continue our support of long term partners like Wings & Wheels. The airshow not only allows us to engage with existing and new customers in a fun environment but, with Alexander and Ben’s RAF pilots as our new ambassadors, the fit couldn’t be better. ”

Returning on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August, visitors to Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey can enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing everything needed for a great family day out. The Hot Rod Zone hosts live rockabilly music, themed retail outlets and a stunning display of nostalgic and ‘kustom’ Hot Rod vehicles. The show arena also boasts laser quest, kids driving, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, a Wall of Death, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

Taking the hassle out of everyone’s day the show includes added extras to make the experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 Spitfire bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, a raffle, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £65 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

After 42 years at the helm of the Royal International Air Tattoo, Chief Executive Tim Prince announced today (June 24) that the 2014 airshow will be his last.

As one of the airshow’s founding fathers, Mr Prince has helped build the event into what is widely considered to be the greatest airshow in the world.

He said he couldn’t go on forever and that it was time to stand down and entrust the Air Tattoo’s future to a fresh pair of hands.

Mr Prince said: “For the past 42 years, the Air Tattoo has been my life and I’ve loved every minute of it. During this time I have been fortunate enough to have met some incredible and inspirational people and have made many wonderful friends. It’s now time to pass on the baton.”

The Air Tattoo was first organised by a group of aircraft loving air traffickers at North Weald airfield in 1971.Driven by their passion for aviation, the Air Tattoo grew over the following three decades until, in 2003, Guinness World Records recognised it as the largest military airshow in the world.

The Air Tattoo continues to feature rare aircraft from countries that have never participated in British airshows before. In 2012, Japan, South Korea and Colombia were the latest names added to the list of 54 nations that have been represented at the airshow since the beginning.

Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) Alan Smith described Tim as a “fantastic” leader of the organisation who is greatly admired by the thousands of volunteers,employees,sponsors and customers who have always beenvery happy to follow his lead.

Mr Smith said: “The Trustees,the Directors and myself are hugely grateful to Tim for agreeing to remain with the company for the next 14 months (and two more Air Tattoos) to help both appoint and introduce his successor.

“Tim’s most important legacy will be that, along with Paul Bowen,he created the greatest airshow in the world and subsequently ensured,with the support of many others, its long term presence in the annual aviation calendar. As a result, thousands of people have benefitted from the millions of charity pounds raised.”

Details of the Chief Executive vacancy will be published after this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. However, the RAFCTE Board of Directors wish to encourage prospective applicants, on their own initiative, to visit the airshow next month if they have not attended the event in recent years.

www.airtattoo.com

20th – 21st July 2013

On site camping

Gates open 8.30am

Intricate models of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies over Shropshire next month for a weekend of flying entertainment. Model enthusiasts from across the country will travel to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford for this famous air show in miniature.

Taking place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, the Large Model Aircraft Rally at Cosford is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast. Set to be one of Shropshire’s biggest events this Summer, organisers are expecting over 10,000 visitors to attend the two day show. Visitors to this year’s Cosford Air Show will have seen a glimpse of what the event is all about, as members of the Large Model Association performed for the crowds during the morning before the main flying began.

Models flying this year cover the complete spectrum of aviation, including aircraft from the early 1900’s right through to the latest Red Arrows Hawks in miniature. Models range in size from small scale aircraft right through to the huge 1/5th Scale Avro Vulcan with 4 jet turbines, brand new to the show this year. Another first at this year’s event will be a squadron of World War 2 fighters and bombers from Germany, with special pyrotechnic effects recreating a bombing raid.

Alex Medhurst, RAF Museum Cosford General Manager says:

“Many of the models have taken years of dedication to build and apart from the obvious difference in size, they look just like the real thing. The great thing about this event, it’s not just modellers who will enjoy it, other activities keeping the whole family entertained throughout the day include: a children’s entertainment area; trade and food stalls selling everything from modelling equipment to hot snacks and refreshing drinks; plus, access to the Museum where you can see many of the aircraft flown during the show in full size.”

Anyone wishing to attend the event can save money by purchasing tickets in advance at a discounted rate. Advance tickets are on sale at the Museum, priced at just £8 for adults and £7 for senior citizens, saving £2 per person on the gate price and for the first time this year; children under the age of 16 are FREE. Gates open at 8.30am and flying starts a 9.00am.

Exclusively for the Large Model Aircraft Rally, visitors are able to camp on site, meaning you can make the most of the weekend’s flying and activities by being at the centre of all the action. On the Saturday evening there will be entertainment for the campers in the form of an aerobatic glider display with fireworks. On site camping available from Friday 19th to Monday 22nd July, including entrance to the show both days is only £40.00 when booked in advance. Any visitors interested in camping should contact Dave Bailey for more details on 07827 675665 or email dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk.

For further information on the event and how to purchase advance tickets, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

The Apache Attack Helicopter Display Team is joining the Wings & Wheels line-up this Bank Holiday on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in, Guildford, Surrey.

Treating visitors to heart stopping aerial-acrobatic manoeuvres as the pilot appears to cheat gravity with a series of heart-stopping barrel rolls, the display team, unlike some other display teams, is not a permanent assignment. It is drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew, and uses aircraft drawn from the operational Apache Squadrons.

This year the pool of display aircrew has been drawn from 662 Squadron AAC which has recently returned from a successful operational tour of Afghanistan.

The Apache team performs manoeuvres in the helicopter, rather than aerobatics like the Red Arrows team. High hovers, twists, pedal turns, wingovers and flypasts are just some of the team’s signature moves as they give visitors a glimpse of its weapons including the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Apache is a truly fierce defender of the skies and it leaves everyone in its path buzzing over the incredible manoeuvres you don’t normally associate with a helicopter. This year’s Show is going to be our best yet – and with this latest addition to the line-up we think our visitors will agree. “

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £65 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

To mark the return of the iconic Saab Viggen to the skies of Lincolnshire and the East Midlands the trustees of the Newark Air Museum have decided that they will being letting some air get around the ‘splintered surfaces’ of their Saab AJSH 37 Viggen; the only example of the type that is exhibited in the UK.

Plans are already well advanced to move the aircraft out of its undercover location in Display Hangar 2 and place it on temporary external display on the museum’s Southfield Site in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the border with Lincolnshire.

The actual date of the move outside still has to be determined, as has the length of time that the Viggen will remain outside; however it is expected that it will be on display in its new location until after the Waddington International Airshow has been held in early July.

This move represents the first time that our Saab AJSH 37 Viggen has been displayed outside since its official handover by the Swedish Assistant Defence Attaché in December 2006, following its delivery flight to nearby RAF Cranwell in February 2006.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

TEST pilots from the world-famous Empire Test Pilots’ School at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire touched down at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Tuesday, helping at the launch of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford, and the EPTS will be marking its 70th anniversary at the event. Pilots past and present flew in aboard an ETPS A109 helicopter to talk about how the school continues to play a role in shaping aviation history.

Flight Test Engineer Tutor Dave Widgington said: “This year will be our biggest presence yet at the Air Tattoo, and it’s a great opportunity to spread the word about what we do while celebrating our 70th anniversary. The aircraft we’re bringing to the show will include an RJ-100, a four-engined mini airliner, and we’re unique amongst the world’s training shows in operating one of these.”

Sarah Padley, from ETPS Sales and Marketing, added: “Our 70th year is something to celebrate, especially tieing in with the recent announcement that one of our graduates, Maj Tim Peake, will be going to the International Space Station as a European Space Agency astronaut. We hope members of the public will come to see us at the Air Tattoo and finds out what test pilots do, as they are the people that test every aircraft, from the airliner that takes you away on holiday to the fighters that protect our country.”

The school was established at Boscombe Down in 1943 and 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 aircraft.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford when, alongside seven-and-a-half hours of display flying each day, the emphasis will be on entertainment for all the family plus an enhanced visitor experience.

Three new zones – the Techno Zone, the Adrenalin Zone and the Vintage Village – will offer attractions and activities; Service Stations will provide everything the customer wants, including shelter, catering, information, merchandise, free Wi-Fi, toilets, seating and cash points; and our Air Tattoo CREW will be on hand to provide information and ensure visitors have a great time.

Held in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, the Air Tattoo has raised over £2 million for the charity since it was formed in 2005: the money is used to give grants to promote the RAF, support its people past and present, and to encourage air-mindedness in young people.

http://www.airtattoo.com/

FORMULA One presenter Suzi Perry went supersonic on Tuesday, blasting her way into the launch heralding this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in one of the most awesome aircraft in the RAF’s current line-up.

Suzi made the trip from RAF Coningsby in a two-seater Typhoon T3, piloted by Wg Cdr Richard Wells, Officer Commanding 11 Sqn. And after a vertical ‘performance take-off’ and a 90-minute flight during which the aircraft went supersonic – travelling faster than the speed of sound – she touched down in a state of euphoria, helping create a ‘fast and furious’ atmosphere that reflects all the excitement and thrills planned for RIAT 2013.

She enthused: “I can’t remember a bigger adrenalin rush! I’ve flown with the RAF before but this journey was the ultimate. And to go supersonic – I just can’t get my head around watching all the instruments show how fast we were travelling, and it’ll probably take days for it to sink in.”

A flight in an RAF Typhoon is something experienced by very few civilians and Suzi was well aware of the privilege she’d just enjoyed. She added: “I’m delighted to be at the launch of the event as the Air Tattoo really is the world’s greatest airshow, and the work of the RAF Charitable Trust is vital. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the airshow, an event that’s summed up by the Typhoon – fast, furious and fabulous!”

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “It was wonderful to meet Suzi and hear her support what we do. Her presence and her enthusiasm was a great accolade for the volunteer team which makes our great airshow what it is.”

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford when, alongside seven-and-a-half hours of display flying each day, the emphasis will be on entertainment for all the family plus an enhanced visitor experience.

Three new zones – the Techno Zone, the Adrenalin Zone and the Vintage Village – will offer attractions and activities; Service Stations will provide everything the customer wants, including shelter, catering, information, merchandise, free Wi-Fi, toilets, seating and cash points; and our Air Tattoo CREW will be on hand to provide information and ensure visitors have a great time.

Held in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, the Air Tattoo has raised over £2 million for the charity since it was formed in 2005: the money is used to give grants to promote the RAF, support its people past and present, and to encourage air-mindedness in young people.

www.airtattoo.com

Spitfires, Merlins and Motors (Sunday 28 July) celebrates the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, the unmistakable Merlin engine and the golden age of motoring.

Between 10am and 1.30pm you can get up-close to a number of historic Spitfires on static display.

Taking centre stage will be the Old Flying Machine Company’s Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434, an IWM Duxford favourite which is celebrating its 70th anniversary year. MH434 has been based at IWM Duxford longer than any other Spitfire.

MH434 was built in 1943 at Vickers in Castle Bromwich. It was air-tested by the legendary Alex Henshaw, Chief Test Pilot for the Supermarine Company at Castle Bromwich.

Once on active service, MH434 was allocated to South African pilot Flight Lieutenant Henry Lardner-Burke DFC at 222 Squadron. On 27 August in the St Omar area over France, Lardner-Burke, in MH434, shot down a Focke-Wulf 190 and damaged a second during a mission to escort United States Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. On 5 September 1943, they shot down another FW-190 in the Nieuport area. On 8 September 1943, they claimed a half-share in the downing of a Messerschmitt Bf 109G in Northern France.

In 1944, MH434 was transferred to 350 Squadron in Hornchurch, before being returned to 222 Squadron. Lardner-Burke having been posted on to another squadron, the aircraft was assigned to Flight Sergeant Alfred ‘Bill’ Burge. Alfred says. “MH434 was the best Spitfire ever. It was my MH434, the perfect Spitfire.”

Alfred flew another 12 operational sorties in the aircraft before the squadron’s existing Mk IXs were exchanged for a modified variant that could carry rockets. After 80 operational sorties, MH434 was stood down in March 1945.

Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434 will be on static display during the morning of Spitfires, Merlins and Motors and will take to the air to perform a spectacular display during the afternoon.

Aircraft Restoration Company is offering a rare opportunity to sit in a Spitfire. This costs £15 per person and includes a souvenir T-shirt and photo opportunity. All proceeds go to the Blenheim Restoration Fund.

There will also be the chance to see Merlin engines in action as they will be on dynamic display throughout the day.

We’ll be bringing the Second World War to life, in our Battle of Britain exhibition, with costumed interpreters representing a Squadron Leader in 1940, a Sergeant Pilot in 1944 and a female Air Transport Auxiliary pilot.

There will also be an RAF ground crew interactive display from Black Knight Historical. A member of RAF ground crew will be on dispersal duty, looking relaxed with his Bakelite telephone, 1940s newspaper and wartime tea, but poised to ring his hand bell and call the RAF pilots to scramble to their aircraft! You may also hear him wind up the air raid siren as he looks out for enemy aeroplanes. The Flight Sergeant is very much in charge of operations as he orders the RAF airfield defence to guard the airfield and its valuable aircraft. The wartime ground crew will also be showing visitors how they re-arm a Spitfire ready for action.

Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere is the first public appearance of the lovingly-restored 1934 Waltzer Christine, owned by Harrison Amusements, who have been running travelling fairgrounds since 1841. Christine is thought to be the only waltzer of its kind in this country, if not worldwide.

We celebrate the golden age of motoring with a display of vintage Rolls-Royce cars alongside hundreds of stunning vehicles, from pre-war vintage to contemporary classics.

Our summer holiday activities will be well underway, so while you’re enjoying Spitfires, Merlins and Motors, why not try your hand at some camouflage and concealment activities?

Between 11.30am and 3.30pm in AirSpace, you can find out how camouflage has been used in wars and conflict from the First World War to the present day in our fun family activities. Discover how camouflage techniques have developed over time. You can see how camouflage is used in nature and how that has inspired military methods of concealment.

Find out where our secret agent gadgets are hidden and test your observation skills as you try to make out our hidden camouflaged objects. Dress up in disguise and see if you can be spotted!

A favourite activity with kids and parents, Airfix Make and Paint take place in the Conservation Hall between 11.30am and 3.30pm. Make an Airfix model, paint it in the creative colours of your choice and take it home as a souvenir of your day. Airfix Make and Paint is suitable for children aged 8 and above.

Don’t miss Historic Duxford, our new permanent exhibition, which is now open to the public.

Housed in our original 1930s Watch Office building, Historic Duxford explores Duxford’s time as an RAF airfield from 1918 to 1961.

With many things to watch, listen to, have a go at, wear and even smell, Historic Duxford paints a vivid picture of daily life at RAF Duxford. Hear and see fascinating personal stories told by the men and women who worked and lived at RAF Duxford, in sound and film.

Personal objects tell the stories of a few of the many remarkable individuals who served at RAF Duxford. For the first time in almost a decade, items owned by Douglas Bader are on display.

See the Watch Office, the forerunner to the Control Tower, as it might have been during the late 1930s. Period details and interactive elements give the impression that the Duty Pilot has only just left the room.

Complementing the Historic Duxford exhibition is a heritage trail around the historic site with eight interactive posts. Each post features audio memories from veterans who worked at RAF Duxford. Pick up a family activity sheet from the exhibition to complete as you follow the trail.

Discover Duxford’s own story – its eventful past and fascinating people. Historic Duxford is included in general admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 or under enjoy free admission to IWM Duxford.

Enjoy a day of iconic aircraft, elegant motors and evocative nostalgia at Spitfires, Merlins and Motors.

 http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/spitfires-merlins-and-motors

The 2013 Cockpit-Fest at Newark Air Museum attracted a record number of visitors who came along in great numbers on both days of the event, which was attended by twenty-six (26) visiting cockpits. These travelled from all around the UK and an extended range of supporting displays in Hangar 2 at the museum provided an added dimension to the event. All of this was well supported by an Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation and avionics sale.

This year the museum was able to award prizes in five (5) different categories thanks to the external support for the event from: Ken Ellis (Wrecks & Relics); Farlam Airframes; The Aircraft Restoration Group; Grub Street; Peter Caygill; Chris Keltie; and David Gledhill. The winning entrants were:

Grand Champion (Visitors Award) – Tony Collins Scimitar F1 XD235

Visitors Exhibit Award -Scott Bouchard & friends Flight-gear & Helmet Display

Cockpiteers Cockpit Award – Darren Green Canberra PR.7 – WH779

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – The Lakes Lightning Group

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – Mike Davey & Jon Howard Anson – G-AGPG

Everyone who displayed at the event was really a winner and a credit to their hobby, with some tremendous exhibits proudly displayed around the site and all of which engaged with the visitors. Special thanks also go out to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, who provided flypast on both days despite the challenging weather conditions.

“Once again behalf of the museum members and trustees I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making Cockpit-Fest 2013 such a great success,” commented event organiser Bill O’Sullivan. “This year we revised the layout of the event, which seemed to work quite well and have already noted a few items that could benefit future events.

He concluded, “We would like to send out an extra special thank you to those individuals and organisations that supported the event financially and with the provision of trophies and prizes. We are already looking towards the 2014 event and we would love to hear from any fresh supporters who might like to get involved with the event.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org 

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford this weekend took delivery of the world’s last surviving Dornier Do 17, recently salvaged from the bottom of the English Channel. The fuselage and wings were escorted from Ramsgate, Kent, to the Museum by two low loader lorries.

Delighted members of the public and Museum staff welcomed the Dornier as it arrived on site, late afternoon. Shortly after its arrival, a crane lifted the fuselage and wings from the transportation lorry before being placed inside the purpose built hydration tunnels, where the Dornier will stay for the first stage of its conservation.

Alex Medhurst, General Manager at RAF Museum Cosford says:

“After all the hard work, planning and setbacks, it’s great to know the Dornier is finally here at Cosford. It will be a rare and exciting opportunity for visitors in the Midlands to get up close and personal to a unique piece of aviation history and the chance to view it in its salvaged state.”

More than 1,500 examples of the Dornier 17 medium bomber were built. The twin engine, twin fin configuration together with the narrow fuselage and shoulder mounted engines gave the aircraft a distinctive silhouette and earned it the nickname ‘The Flying Pencil’. Over 400 were employed by the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain.

The aircraft will be on view to members of the public from 10am on Sunday 16th June. It is anticipated that thousands of aviation fans from across the Midlands will head to the Museum to catch a glimpse of the aircraft which has captured the imaginations of the public worldwide.

Thanks to the support of WarGaming.Net the Dornier Exhibition will soon be on display to member of the public at Cosford.

Admission to the Museum and viewing the Dornier is FREE of charge. Anyone wishing to donate towards the conservation of the aircraft can do so online via the Museum website www.ramuseum.org. For more information please call the Museum on 01902 376200.