Avro Vulcan XH558 leads the way with several cold war era jets lined up for various displays at the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show this Sunday 9th June.

With pre-show ticket sales already breaking recent records, the West Midlands’ premier aviation event looks set to be one of the best ever. One of the key reasons for anticipation reaching fever pitch is the confirmed appearance of the World’s last remaining flying Avro Vulcan, which will, subject to serviceability, be roaring through the Shropshire skies in what could be her last year of flight.

Kept in the air by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the aircraft that retired in 1993 after 33 years of service with the RAF returned to the skies in October 2007 and has been facing a long and determined battle to stay airborne ever since.

Wing Commander Mike Wilson, the Chairman of the Air Show Executive Committee, says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is delighted to welcome XH558 and members of the Vulcan to the Sky organisation to the 2013 event. As it represents a cornerstone of British aviation heritage, the Avro Vulcan is truly a remarkable aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing its iconic shape gracing the skies over RAF Cosford once again and hope that our guests will be as thrilled as we are by the Vulcan’s appearance.”

In addition to XH558, RAF Cosford will also be providing a flying display by a Jet Provost aircraft, which was used as a jet trainer for RAF aircrew throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and beyond. On the ground, a 1970’s Harrier GR3 is the star in a keenly anticipated exclusive to the Cosford static display, with a reconstruction of an operational field hide used as they were with the Harriers in Germany throughout the East/West divide.

As well as the celebrations of its 75th anniversary, RAF Cosford also looks to showcase its current day activities in the form of the Jaguar jet. Another Cold War aircraft, these last remaining Jaguars are used to help train the next generation of RAF aircraft technicians and engineers. A duo of the aircraft will be performing a demonstration taxi on the morning of the Air Show to provide the public with an extremely rare opportunity to witness the jet in action.

Further to the Cold War aircraft, a diverse collection of other vintage and modern aircraft will also be showing off their abilities on Sunday. With displays from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with their enchanting Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft, to the emphatic demonstrations by the RAF Typhoon and the RAF Red Arrows. With over 25 aircraft on offer, the Air Show will boast a bumper flying display lasting over 6½ hours.

With ticket sales projected to be sky-high and the great British weather finally emerging, visitors looking to make the most of their day and reduce any possible travel delays are encouraged to exploit a special Air Show train timetable. This provides extra services throughout the day right into the heart of RAF Cosford, which is served by its own railway station. Dropping you off right next to the airfield, it is just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance. Those who purchase their Air Show admission ticket with their rail travel will also be able to enjoy the discounted advance rate.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

(Vulcan photo by Jamie Hunter)

Peter Teichman is no stranger to the war bird community, His love for WW2 hardware is clear for all to see. The 2nd May 2013 was a day to remember for all who attended the unveiling of P-40 Kitty hawk G-KITT. Owned by the Hanger 11 stable (owned by Peter ), the aircraft has undergone an 8 month, re-furb with a great new paintjob. Finished in the colours of Phillip Adair’s ‘Lulu Belle’ of the 89th FS, the aircraft looks absolutely stunning, with a great attention to detail applied.

Peter used social network site Facebook to spread the word and invite friends of the Hangar 11 team to an impromptu gathering to unveil the new colours. I must admit, it was a great atmosphere and I felt very welcomed from the off. Peter really is a superb guy, choosing to mingle with the assembled crowds and was very happy to chat to everyone. It felt like a big family in some respects and we were all offered a limited offer T-shirt to support Hangar 11.

With the official unveiling done, It was a great privilege to see the P-40 fly for the first time in its new colours. A stunning display was put on by Peter and you can see in his flying just how much he enjoys flying his war birds. Upon landing, you couldn’t fail to see the beaming smile of satisfaction on Teichman’s face. Job well done Peter and the Hangar 11 crew. I’d like to say a big thank you to all those involved and look forward to seeing G-KITT on the airshow circuit……

By Neil Darby

With less than 10 days to go until the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show, Carol Vorderman has confirmed her attendance on the day in support of a selection of engineering-orientated exhibits for the public to enjoy on Sunday 9th June.

The focus of the displays is to develop an interest and educate young people in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) to inspire the future generation of technical-minded individuals through the medium of interactive activities.

In order to help achieve these aims, TV personality Carol Vorderman will be there to help promote interest in various opportunities available within the spectrum of STEM. Carol will join a number of female RAF personnel and act as the ideal role model for the female presence in the STEM community today. This is highlighted by a Spitfire on display by the RAF Museum Cosford which focuses on appreciating Women in Engineering during their roles in the Air Transport Auxiliary in World War II.

When speaking about her appearance at the STEM exhibition at this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show, Carol says “I’m really looking forward to the RAF Cosford Air Show. I’ll be taking the opportunity to meet some of the organisations promoting Science and Engineering careers and I’m hoping to have a go at some of the activities on offer myself. With an outstanding flying display lined up as well it should be a great day out!”

Additional displays will include a wide array of exhibits with everything from flight simulators and scientific demonstrations to rocket cars and 3-D virtual reality environments, with many offering the opportunity to interact with the displays to provide a truly hands-on experience. Also in attendance will be Jaguar Land Rover with a spectacular display of some of their finest cars including a brand new 2013 Jaguar F-TYPE as well as the XKR model used in the 2002 hit James Bond film ‘Die Another Day’.

The STEM exhibition supports a diverse selection of ground displays aimed at all ages right across the show ground including both military and civilian demonstrations. The flying displays also promise to entertain, with over 6½ hours of airborne excitement. With over 40 aircraft performing, don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacular RAF Red Arrows, Vulcan XH558, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and many more!

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min), or visit visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

Airfix has been a ‘household’ word for decades. In the same way that ‘Hoover’ has meant vacuum cleaner for generations, Airfix means model kits. From being the largest manufacturer of plastic combs by 1947, Airfix branched out into toys and other domestic products, but in 1952 embarked, with the little ship The Golden Hind, on producing construction kits, this was rapidly followed by the first of its aircraft kits, the 1:72 scale Spitfire in 1953.

Airfix : Making History celebrates the artists who decorated the packaging for the company’s products. Stirring scenes of combat and heroism stimulated the juvenile market of the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s to part willingly with its pocket money, and the pleasure of making your own toy was a thrill which the generation of thumb-twiddling, computer game addicts – exposed as they are to hugely more violent and destructive ‘amusements’ than modelling – has abandoned to its loss. Modelling teaches patience, discipline and the advantages of following the instructions, virtues which are, regrettably, held in little esteem today.

Older visitors of Airfix : Making History are therefore invited to indulge in nostalgia. Younger viewers are encouraged to marvel at the imagination of the engineers who designed the vehicles, aeroplanes and tanks which are represented in miniature, at the skills of the mould makers who devise the kit components and to be thrilled by the artists whose work makes these products so attractive.

Paul Hudson, Head of Marketing of the Royal Air Force Museum said :

‘ As someone who spent their formative years making 1:48 scale Spitfire and Lancaster models, plus a very fulfilling summer at the age of 11 making the model of the HMS Victory, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Airfix and Hornby Ltd for allowing the Museum to tell the story of Airfix through these beautifully executed pieces of art during the 60th anniversary year of the first Spitfire Kit and 75th anniversary year of the company itself. Each of them is a mini masterpiece, which inspired the imaginations of generations of children to explore, learn and make.’

Darrell Burge, Marketing Manager, Airfix said :

‘ Given that Airfix has used the collection at Royal Air Force Museum regularly over the years on which to base it models, we felt that holding an exhibition which explored an often overlooked element of the Airfix experience, our box art, was both logical and pertinent. Having viewed the exhibition on display, I would urge Airfix fans across the globe to visit London and see it.’

‘Airfix : Making History’ will be on display at the Royal Air Force Museum London’s Art Gallery from Saturday 1st June 2013 until 3rd May 2014. On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, visitors to the exhibition are also invited to discover the virtues of modelling by participating in free make and take sessions, which will run from 11am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm on each day.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am until 6pm. Admission to the exhibition and to the Museum is free of charge.

www.rafmuseum.org

Newark Air Museum has recently announced how it plans to contribute to the Armed Forces Day celebrations in the region. The museum, which is located on part of the site of the former World War II training base of RAF Winthorpe in Eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire, is making special arrangement for visiting service personnel.

Amongst its famous collection of 76 aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation the Newark Air Museum already displays representative airframes from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. So in recognition of the valuable contribution made by the Armed Forces the museum trustees have agreed to join in the celebrations by granting serving members of the Armed Forces a Special Discounted Admission Offer from Monday 24th June through to Sunday 30th June, 2013 inclusive.

Service personnel who visit the museum during this period in uniform, or with a current military I.D. card will be granted FREE access to the museum. Any additional members of their group i.e. wives, partners, children, parents etc. will each be entitled to admission at a standard fee of just £4.00 per person. (The museum would be extremely grateful if these additional ‘donations’ were made using the Gift Aid scheme).

The discounted offer is also being extended to members of Seafarers UK who are celebrating Seafarers Awareness Week during the same period: plus Armed Forces veterans who are able to show a Veterans Badge/Pin or a valid Association I.D card – all will be able to benefit from this offer.

During this special period, normal museum admission rates will apply for all other visitors and the museum trustees hope that all visitors will join in welcoming the members of the Armed Forces to the museum and its site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire.

Normal museum opening times will apply; 10am to 5pm each day; with the last admission at 4pm. If the museum’s Cockpit Opening Team is able to open aircraft and helicopter cockpits during this time normal additional admission fees / donations will still apply for people accessing these exhibits.

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/