Despite everyone’s best endeavours, it has now been decided that the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II will not fly at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2014 as all of the aircraft currently remain grounded.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the decision was a great disappointment given the amount of planning that had gone into bringing the aircraft over to RIAT for its international display debut.

He said: “It’s not unusual for there to be delays in the development programme of any new military aircraft, and the Air Tattoo has been working closely with teams from Lockheed Martin, the US Marine Corps, Department of Defence and MoD to ensure the aircraft touched down at RAF Fairford for the Air Tattoo. Unfortunately we’ve simply run out of time.”

An MoD spokesman said “The safety of pilots and aircraft has to be our priority. Of course, it is disappointing that the Lightning II has not arrived in the UK in time for the Air Tattoo but we fully support the decision not to grant clearance for the aircraft to make their first transatlantic flight to the UK until the technical investigations following an engine failure are complete.”

Mr Prince added: “We fully understand and support the decision as safety of pilots and aircraft has to be paramount.

“Fortunately, the F-35B is only one of more than 200 exciting aircraft representing 33 air arms from 27 countries around the globe that will be taking part in RIAT 2014, which begins tomorrow (Friday, July 11). We are looking forward to staging the UK’s biggest celebrations marking the RAF Red Arrows 50th display season at the world’s largest military airshow.”

www.airtattoo.com

Saturday 30 August 

A glittering Centenary Charity Ball will be held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Saturday 30 August to commemorate the First World War and raise much needed funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RAF Museum.

In what will be the highlight in Shropshire’s summer calendar, the evening will commence with a champagne reception under the wings of the mighty Vulcan bomber and other legendary aircraft within the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition. Guests will be treated to a poignant military sunset ceremony with buglers, an RAF Cosford honour guard, followed by a spectacular helicopter flying display. A piper will then escort guests into the hangar for dinner.

Attendees will have the rare and unique opportunity to fine dine within the Museum’s War Planes Hangar and enjoy a four course dinner, set against a panoramic backdrop of some of the world’s most iconic and historic aircraft including a Hurricane and Spitfire.

There will be a variety of entertainment throughout the evening, including live music supplied by the RAF ‘Shades of Blue’ Swing Band, a surprise musical treat and a fabulous prize auction and grand raffle. Plus, a disco will ensure that guests are having a good time and dancing late into the evening as the party continues until 1.00am.

Graham Wynn OBE, Shropshire Businessman and member of the organising committee says:

“This promises to be a unique and most enjoyable occasion. It is one of the most outstanding black tie events of the year and will truly be a most memorable evening.”

The dress code for this poignant event is black tie or mess kit and miniatures. The evening will raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund who gives vital support to past and present servicemen and women and their families in need of financial support through injury or ill health. Money raised will also go towards maintaining the growing aircraft collection at the RAF Museum.

Karen Dixon, RAF Museum Corporate Events Manager says:

“Dining among Cosford’s legendary aircraft is a unique and special experience for guests and a must for anyone who enjoys high quality entertainment, supports the RAF, or has an interest in our aviation heritage. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Gala Ball in August and we are confident it will be as popular as ever.”

This is a unique corporate entertaining and networking opportunity with tables of 10 or individual seats available. To find out more information about this prestigious event, please visit the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org. To purchase tickets, please email cosfordgalaball@rafmuseum.org or contact the event organiser on 01902 376200.

Aircraft from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose have kicked off their flying display season by visiting Lincoln at weekend for the RAF Waddington International Air Show.

A Merlin MK2, from 824 Naval Air Squadron performed in the air for the first time in a public arena. Also on the ground for a static display, was a Merlin MK2 from 814 Naval Air Squadron (the Flying Tigers), a Beechcraft Avenger T1 from 750 Naval Air Squadron and a Sea King ASaC Mk7 from 849 Naval Air Squadron.

Aircraft from Fleet Air Arm, past and present, will also be present at a variety of other air shows throughout the display season and the general public will also get an opportunity to see the Navy’s aircraft on their home tuft at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose’s Air Day on Thursday 31st July 2014.

Air shows that Culdrose aircraft will display at include:

• Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford
• Farnborough Air Show
• Sunderland Air Show
• RNAS Yeovilton Air Day
• Blackpool Sea Front Air Display
• Dawlish Air Show
• Bournemouth Air Festival
• Jersey Air Display
• Lands End Air Sea Rescue Day
• Dartmouth Royal Regatta
• Prestwick World Festival of Flight
• Duxford Air Show
• Southport Air Show

Culdrose’s Air Day on Thursday 31st July promises to fill the skies of Cornwall with magnificent sights and sounds from across the world of aviation, both past and present. From high above the Air Station, down to mere feet above the runway, there will be gravity defying displays that Culdrose Air Day is famous for.

Commander Peter Munro-Lott, Commander Air at Culdrose or ‘Wings; as he is known at the Cornish Naval Air Station said: “This year we have a fantastic air display with over four hours of flying planned. The highlight of the show for many will be the return of the mighty Vulcan, which will fill the skies with its massive delta wing and thunderous noise. We also have aerobatic display teams, and a variety of other historic jets visiting, such as the Canberra, Hunter and the supersonic Sea Vixen. Of course no Air Day at Culdrose would be complete without the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm attending in force. Demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of maritime helicopters, the Lynx, Merlin and Sea Kings will be put through their paces, while the nimble Hawks of 736 Naval Air Squadron will show off their agility and speed.”

Advance tickets at a reduced price (£14 for adults, £5 for children and £35 for families – children under 5 are free) are now on sale online (www.ticketzone.co.uk), by phone (08444 99 99 55) and over the counter through the following outlets:

• Bodmin Visit Information Centre
• Fal River Tourist Information Centre
• Hayle Tourist Information Centre
• Liskeard Information Centre
• Lostwithiel Tourist Information Centre
• Newquay Tourist Information Centre
• Padstow Tourist Information Centre
• Perranporth Information Centre
• Plymouth (Barbican) Tourist Information Centre
• St Austell Tourist Information Centre
• St Ives Visit & Information Centre
• Truro Information Centre
• Helston Community Centre
• Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
• Heathercraft, Helston
• Pictures and Things, Helston

All advance ticket holders will automatically enter into a prize draw and the owner of the ticket number picked at random, will get the chance to visit the Royal Navy’s Sea King Simulator and take the controls of a helicopter similar to those currently serving overseas. The multi-million pound, state-of the-art Simulator is used to train aircrew for their overseas deployments and is not usually open to members of the public – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

*One ticket holder plus one guest only will be allowed entry to the simulator and at least one person must be aged 18 years, or over. See www.culdroseairday.com for more details.

After months of planning and preparation two new displays at Newark Air Museum are now open for public viewing to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of World War I.A new display area in Hangar 1 has recently been completed to house some of the larger objects, which have recently been moved out of storage in the museum’s archive. The area chosen for this display is behind the Tiger Moth biplane and close to the General aircraft Monospar restoration project.

The Hangar 1 display features various wooden propellers, from a variety of World War One aircraft types including: Sopwith Dolphin, FE.2b, RE.8, Airco DH.9A, Avro 504k and SE.5a. In addition to the Palmer Cord aircraft tyres to display also incorporates various period items of flying clothing; helmet, goggles, Sam Brown belt, a Balloon Observers coat and Royal Flying Corps (RFC) flying boots; plus a hand-held ‘camera-gun’.

Elsewhere on site in the Small Objects Exhibition Hall, there is a new display of hand carved wooden models, which depict a wide range of World War One era British, French and German fighter planes. This display is supported by a series of personal stories from local military personnel that fought in the Great War.

Both displays are anticipated to remain in situ until at least early 2015.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Ahead of the Flying Legends Air Show, IWM Duxford has released some important safety information:

· IWM Duxford takes great care to ensure its air shows are as safe as possible for everyone involved.

· It is not safe to occupy the fields immediately south of the runway during the air show. If you do so you are putting yourself and the display pilots in harm’s way.

· In the event of an incident it is imperative that the emergency services have clear, unhindered access to the tracks across this land.

· There is no public access to these fields at any time.

Jointly issued by IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the owners of this land.

www.iwm.org.uk

Fantastic photo, filming and interview opportunities around two big anniversaries at the UK’s biggest seafront airshow this August. Travel/lifestyle press visits also available on request for future features and reviews. 

Visitors to this year’s Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow are in for a double treat this year, as the free seafront airshow from 14 – 17 August looks forward to two major 50 year celebrations in the airshow calendar. Alongside a brand new live music stage on the beach, World War One displays and a visit by the Transformers Optimus Prime truck, this year’s show is set to be bigger than ever!

Last Two Lancasters in the World Re-united at Eastbourne

For historic aircraft fans, the long awaited arrival of the Canadian Lancaster RCAF FM213, makes its way across the Atlantic in August, with Eastbourne being the first European show to display the last two surviving flying Lancasters in the world flying together for the first time in 50 years. The poignant once in a lifetime display will feature as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight every day of the show, which includes a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.

Golden Year for the Red Arrows

Celebrating their 50 year anniversary, the RAF Red Arrows will display every day of the four day airshow, with a special 50th display season show and new look Union Jack tailfins. The only show in the UK to receive four displays, Airbourne organisers will mark the teams golden year with a special red, white, blue and gold fireworks display at the end of show party on Sunday night.

Eastbourne Borough Council Senior Head of Tourism and Leisure, Tracey McNulty said “We are extremely excited to have the Canadian Lancaster display at Airbourne this year as part of the Battle of Britain display. Visitors will be thrilled to see the two aircraft unite in the first UK date on the display tour, and aircraft enthusiasts will be eager to hear the iconic roar 8 Rolls Royce Merlin engines, along with many other exciting displays confirmed.; Coupled with the Red Arrows 50 year anniversary, this year’s Airbourne is set to be better than ever!”

Joining the flying line up, fast jet fans can enjoy the resounding heavy metal of the Eurofighter Typhoon and precision aerobatics from The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Tucano, Tutor, Chinook, Lynx and Sea King. An impressive historic line-up includes the Mustang, Canberra, solo Spitfire and parachute displays from the Army Tigers and the Royal Navy Raiders freefall parachute display teams, who will be dropping in on the beach throughout the show.

New Music Stage

A new music stage on the beach will entertain the crowds with live music well into the evening, including Britain’s Got Talent boy band The Mend and X-Factor finalist Luke Friend. On Sunday night, the end of show party with Heart Breakfast will close a fantastic four days with the Red Arrows themed firework display at 10pm.

The Heart Angels will also be on the beach every day of the airshow with a special Heart viewing zone by the stage, and the opportunity to have your photo taken in Heart’s giant deckchairs, in a fun photo competition.

WWI Display

BBC History will be bringing their WWI tour to Eastbourne on 16 – 17 August. Visitors can try their hand at making ID permits, learn about communications, become a war reporter and meet experts from the Imperial War Museum to search their families’ connection to the war.

Alongside the new BBC tour, the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group will be at Airbourne over all four days giving visitors to chance to experience life as a soldier, including uniforms, weapons, equipment and training. Featured in both TV and film, the Living History Group have appeared in shows such as ‘Downton Abbey’ and advised on the film ‘War Horse’.

On the Ground

The RAF, Army and Navy village returns with a bigger exhibition than ever before featuring a new field hospital, an inflatable assault course, AAC Gazelle and a tank. The legendary Optimus Prime truck and new Transformers Age of Distinction trailer, will be visiting following the release of the brand new film. Kids will love the Haribo Big Bag Tour – a fun-filled sensory experience in giant inflatable bags of sweets, and little drivers can get behind the wheel of a mini tank for the ultimate driving experience!

Children’s entertainment beaches provide non-stop fun throughout the day and top flight display line hospitality in the Aviator Club offers 3 course lunch from £85 per person and Cirrus Rooms buffet from £66 per person. Exclusive seating can also be booked online at £12 per adult and £8 per child.

Fans can also get a birds eye view of the flying from iconic beauty spot Beachy Head or take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight over the scenic South Downs National Park.

Airbourne returns from 14 – 17 August from 10am every day and live music until 7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, followed by Bandstand concerts each evening. On Sunday evening an end of show party with the Heart Breakfast team kicks off at 6pm, with a fantastic firework display at 10pm.

For more information visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com or telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 0871 663 0031.

From fabric and wires to fly-by-wire, almost 100 years of Carrier Aviation will be represented at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day on Saturday 26 July. With the Royal Navy’s next generation aircraft carrier being named on 4 July and edging closer into service, types as diverse as the WW1-era Sopwith Triplane, the cutting-edge Dassault Rafale and the Wildcat HM2 will highlight naval airpower, past, present and future, at the show.

100 years on from WW1’s start, in company with the Great War Display Team’s other replicas, the Sopwith Triplane will take Air Day’s visitors back to where Carrier Aviation really began. Come WW2’s advent, sleek and speedy monoplane fighters had largely replaced the biplane generation but, with its heroic attacks on the German battleship Bismarck and the Italian fleet at Taranto Harbour, the Fairey Swordfish proved an exception. Part of the locally-based Royal Navy Historic Flight’s fleet, the Swordfish will participate in the show, joined by the Flight’s Hawker Sea Fury and a Supermarine Seafire – just one of the D-Day anniversary themed aircraft involved this year.

Post WW2 jet fighter technology thrust the Royal Navy into a new era of capability, power and purpose. The world’s only airworthy de Havilland Sea Vixen fleet air defence fighter; the biggest and heaviest British designed aircraft to have operated from aircraft carriers will be a flying display highlight. Static examples of the mighty Phantom and the game changing Sea Harrier bring the Royal Navy’s fixed-wing Carrier Aviation story to its last updated point.

The F/A-18C Hornet, extensively used by the US Navy for carrier operations but presented by the Swiss Air Force at Air Day, will put on a powerful display of speed and agility. The French Navy’s very welcome involvement brings two state of the art Rafale M multirole combat aircraft for static display in their only UK airshow appearance in 2014 so far confirmed. As ever, based assets will participate en masse with the Lynx Maritime Demo and the traditional show-closing Commando Assault showcasing present day Royal Navy operational tactics. Finally, the Royal Navy Black Cats’ newly-revised display sequence, with its Wildcat HM2 element, will offer a taste of Carrier Aviation yet to come.

Tickets for Air Day can be booked online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday at the discounted advance rates (until 21 July) or by calling 08445 781 781.

The 2014 Bournemouth Air Festival, supported by Mouchel and City Fibre, has confirmed the line up of this summer’s magnificent aircraft – from historic flying machines, jets and display teams to sparkling dusk displays and parachute teams, there’s something for everyone. This year organisers have developed Night Air, sponsored by Corona, and are welcoming a number of new aircraft to the Festival including the much anticipated Canadian Lancaster, displaying at the weekend with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Mid Air Squadron Canberra XH134.
In 1951 the Canberra joined the RAF as the first jet powered bomber. Believed to be the world’s longest serving bomber, the aircraft retired from active duty in 2006, now fully restored it is the only air-worthy Canberra of its type in the world.

Owner Mike Davis commented; Owner Mike Davis commented; “The Midair Squadron is an expertly managed passion and we’re really looking forward to bringing an aura of classic elegance to the skies of Bournemouth!”
Headlining the aviation action are the Red Arrows – representing the incredible speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force they will be displaying on all 4-days, Thursday at 1515, Friday 1500, Saturday 1635 and Sunday 1210. The RAF will also be displaying the Eurofighter Typhoon (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and Tutor and Tucano training aircraft. The much anticipated weekend display will undoubtedly be when the world’s last two airworthy Lancaster bombers take centre stage the breathtaking Canadian Lancaster with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – in a meeting unlikely to happen ever again this is a must see for everyone.

There will be a host of Armed Forces helicopters taking to the skies with performances from The Royal Navy Merlin and for the first time a Lynx and Wildcat pairing; watch out for the Army Lynx and RAF Chinook, both flying every day.

Bournemouth favourite the Miss Demeanour soars to the Festival on Friday and Saturday and back to impress with magnificent grace Friday, Saturday and Sunday is the Flying Fortress SallyB. The recently announced Avro Vulcan displays Saturday.

This year the fantastic daytime air display program is complemented by a longer dusk display starting at 7.15pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. New for this year’s Night Air line-up are the Blades performing a sunset display Friday and Saturday night (and Sunday daytime). Sponsored by the Miramar Hotel O’Briens Flying Circus and the Twister Duo will set the skies alight and The Red Devils Parachute Team, sponsored by the Patrons 100 Club, finishes the evening line up.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director added; “This year’s line-up is really ambitious, it’s got Festival favourites, Force and civilian teams, fast jets, loud aircraft, display teams and a sprinkle of dusk pyrotechnics. That’s not forgetting everything that’s happening on the ground, at sea and in the evening!”
For more information visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk