Written and Directed by Robert Gillespie

Date: 27 to 31 July

Book now: 020 8038 4614

Location: RAF Museum London,

Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

The Royal Air Force Museum and Jane Nightwork Productions presents a ‘World Premier’ theatre production of The Red Baron, written and directed by TV actor Robert Gillespie.

Manfred von Richthofen was one of the Great War’s aerial super-stars.   An aristocrat and huntsman, he loved the new medium and trained himself to be a superb air-borne killer

He was never seen with a girl, though – or hardly ever.   Hacked off with being pestered and nudged by his friends, he calls on Coco.   She’s one of the girls in a house near the front.   Where all the squadron goes.

But all Manfred does is talk about planes and guns – and shooting down enemy flyers.

For most of us, World War One means trench warfare.

But in 1915, for the first time in history, young men were soaring the skies.   Fighting in flimsy machines for country and personal glory. This play is about them. And one man’s astonishing change of mind.

Robert Gillespie began his acting career with two years with the Old Vic Company, beginning in autumn 1953 for Michael Benthall’s Shakespeare seasons. In the company were Richard Burton, Clare Bloom, Fay Compton and Michael Hordern. The second year was headed by Paul Rogers, Ann Todd, Virginia McKenna and John Neville. His TV roles include Hugh and I Spy, The Good Life, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads, Robin’s Nest, George and Mildred, Rising Damp, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Porridge, Dad’s Army (in which he played Charles Boyer playing Napoleon Bonaparte), Butterflies, The Liver Birds, Beggar My Neighbour, Agony, Terry and June and It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.

RAF Museum London

Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

27-31 July Wed-Sat, 7-30pm and Sun 3 & 7pm

Box Office: 020 8038 4614

Tickets £8

Website: www.janenightwork.com

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day 2016 takes to the skies on Saturday 2 July. Now fast approaching its seventieth anniversary (the first event was staged in 1947), Air Day is one of the Royal Navy’s premier annual events and among the South West’s key single-day shows, attracting up to 40,000 spectators. An action-packed day featuring five hours of spectacular flying displays, extensive ground displays and a galaxy of other attractions is in store for all who attend.

Air Day 2016’s theme is Naval Aviation – Past, Present & Future. We will remember a landmark Royal Navy engagement of 75 years ago when Swordfish biplanes famously helped sink a key German Navy battleship. We say farewell to the maritime Lynx, paying tribute to the Fleet Air Arm’s outgoing small ships helicopter, which will be retired in March 2017, and looking to the future, we celebrate the new generation of Wildcat and Merlin helicopters.

10 Unmissable Air Day Highlights

• Navy Wings – A rich assortment of past naval aircraft including the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber in its 820 NAS Bismarck attack scheme, the pounding Seafire and Corsair WW2 fighters, both in British Pacific Fleet schemes, and the world’s only flying Sea Vixen fleet air defence fighter of the 1960s. Ground exhibits include the Sea Fury – one of the fastest piston-engine fighters ever built, the mighty Phantom 1970s fleet air defence fighter and two Sea Harriers.
• International Display Teams – Three world-class international display teams, with Air Day newcomer the Polish Air Force’s Orlik Aerobatic Team joining longstanding crowd favourites the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.
• Lynx Farewell – One very last chance to see these legendary maritime helicopters in action over home ground at Air Day. Our Lynx Farewell events include a special formation flypast and a spectacular Maritime Role Demo.
• STEM – The Royal Aeronautical Society’s wind tunnel, the Imagineering Foundation’s interactive exhibits and other features making up our STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) fair designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.
• B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ – Europe’s only flying example of the famed US WW2 bomber, making its first Air Day appearance in over 15 years.
• Commando Assault Finale – World-renowned, Air Day’s Commando Assault finale features helicopters, troops and pyrotechnics galore! This edition will be the first in which the Commando Helicopter’s Force’s very impressive new Merlin iHC3 troop transport helicopters take centre stage.
• Arena & Music Displays – Highlights include the hotly-contested HMS Heron Field Gun Competition and performances from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines in the arena. Whilst in Hangar 8 the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir and HMS Heron’s Volunteer Band will be on hand to entertain you.
• Roaring Fast Jets – Cutting-edge multirole fighters, with a sensational solo display from the RAF’s Typhoon FGR4 and the French Navy’s scintillating Rafale M role demonstration pair, again making its only UK airshow appearance of the year.
• The ‘Heavies’ – Dominating the static park will be a line-up of huge overseas military aircraft including an E-3A Sentry, C-17 Globemaster and C-160D Transall. Most of them will be opened up to the general public.
• Family Attractions – For car enthusiasts our extensive vehicle exhibition includes an array of ex-military vehicles, classic cars and high-performance supercars to view and even sit in. Meet Transformers, Star Wars and Superhero characters who will be roaming around the showground, interacting with our younger visitors. For the more adventurous there are simulators, pleasure flights and thrill-seeking fairground rides including a 90ft sky swing!  

Discounted Advance Tickets are now only available from participating Tourist Information Centres until 5pm Friday 1 July. Tickets are also available On the Day priced at £27 for Adults and £14 for Children under 16. Children under 5 are free of charge. Full details, including visitor information can be found at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticket Office on 0330 100 3656.

Visitors to RAF Fairford next month will be treated to one of the Royal International Air Tattoo’s show-stopping joint flypasts that over the years have become the trademark of the world’s greatest military airshow.

Featuring the F-35B ‘Lightning’, two RAF Typhoons and the legendary aerobatics display team the Red Arrows, this uniquecombination, flying together, will provide one of the many highlights planned over the three-day event.

The pairing of the F-35B and Typhoon, which together represent the fast jet component of the UK’sfuture air defence capability, comes as the F-35B performs its first ever display outside of the US.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “Over the years the Air Tattoo has staged a number of memorable joint flypasts, many featuring the Red Arrows,most notablywith the US Air Force F-117A stealth fighter in 2003, the A380 in 2013 and with the iconic Vulcan XH558, on its final Air Tattoo appearance,in 2015.

“The forthcoming airshow will see us continue the tradition of presenting aerial spectacles that have rarely – or never – been seen before. I am sure everybody will be reaching for their cameras!”

Other Air Tattoo highlights next month include displays by the USAF F-22 Raptor, a Dutch Apache helicopter and the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, takes place at RAF Fairford on July 8-10.

www.airtattoo.com

A young student from London is nearing the end of a week’s work experience placement at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, working on her Great Grandfather’s aircraft.  Beth Halbard, aged 16 has spent the last few days working alongside the museum’s Technicians and Apprentices, helping to restore the wing box section with seat from the Handley Page Hampden P1344.  This particular section of the aircraft has close family links and was the seat where her Great Grandfather, George Shepherd, sat on the Hampden’s final flight on 4 September 1942.

George Shepherd was a Corporal Engine Fitter on 144 Squadron Royal Air Force and serviced the Hampden currently being restored at the museum.  As a Technician, he rarely had the opportunity to fly in the aircraft he serviced, but the lack of Ground Crew in Russia meant there was a need for each aircraft to carry a technician as fifth crew member. George ended up flying on his aircraft, P1344, which turned out to be the aircraft’s final flight.

Hampden’s were required to provide aerial protection for Arctic Convoy’s and to meet this demand, 16 aircraft from 144 Sqn and 16 from 455 Sqn RAF flew out to Vaenga, northern Russia. After departing from Sumburgh, Shetland Islands on the evening of 4 September 1942, the museum’s Hampden example, with George aboard, suffered with icing problems and diverted slightly north to find lower ground, avoiding the mountains. This action took the aircraft directly above a Luftwaffe base at Petsamo in northern Norway and was subsequently hit by ground fire from anti-aircraft battery, followed by attacks from two Messerschmitt 109 fighters who helped bring it down. 

This air battle resulted in Flight Sergeant Miller and Sergeant’s Robertson and Garrity’s loss of life, and whilst Pilot Officer Perry and George both survived the crash landing; Perry was badly injured.  George covered him in cloth to help keep him warm before going on the run for over 30 hours, eventually being captured.  He spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft V111b and was involved in the long marches, where he walked over 500 miles in 52 days in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.  Eventually liberated by the US Army, George returned to the UK and was demobed at RAF Cosford, just a stone’s throw away from the museum where his aircraft now lives. 

Six decades later, Beth visited the RAF Museum Cosford with her parents and Great Grandfather to view the Hampden.  She was studying the Second World War at school and George surprised the whole family when he wrote notes to help with her project, detailing what happened during his flight in the Hampden back in 1942, something he had kept from the family for over 60 years. 

Almost a decade after first viewing the Hampden and with an interest in aviation and engine mechanics, Beth was on the lookout for a hands-on, engineering work placement and the RAF Museum Cosford was her number one choice.  Beth has now spent five days in the museum’s Conservation Centre, temporarily part of the team, helping to restore the aircraft to its former glory.

Beth Halbard said:

“There is a huge respect within the family for my Great Grandfather about everything he went through.  Seeing the aircraft being restored to its former glory and playing even just a small part of that is a huge honour.  My Great Granddad didn’t really speak about his experiences in the RAF, but I remember how emotional he got when he was reunited with his Hampden and it was after this that we could appreciate what he went through.”

 Beth has been put to work in a variety of roles during her placement, including helping with aircraft moves, the removal of aircraft wheels from the Catalina as well as bench work learning how to work with various metals.

RAF Museum Conservation Centre Manager, Darren Priday said:

“I first met Beth aged 9, when she visited the project with George and other family members.  Last year Beth approached me about attending work experience with us as she is interested in completing an aeronautical degree. How could we refuse such a request with her connections to our Hampden. Hopefully after spending time with us she will have a better understanding of the aviation industry; she will always be welcome back.”

The Hampden is one of the museum’s longest running conservation projects, which has progressed considerably over the last year.  As one of only three examples of the type remaining, the significance of this project is huge and is being led by one of the museum’s skilled Aircraft Technicians.  This work includes manufacturing a forward fuselage (above the lower longeron) hand built and where possible, incorporating existing fixtures and fittings from the original cockpit.  Another major component manufactured on site has been the aircraft’s tailplane which now has an operational flying control system (elevator and rudder) and the surfaces have been covered in Irish Linen and sprayed into Bomber Command green/brown camouflage pattern.  The rear fuselage external structure is close to being finished with just a few small tasks to be completed on the bomb bay sidewalls.  Internally, the wooden floor is being fitted; once installed this will allow for further rebuilds to be progressed. 

From 9-14 November visitors will be able to get up close to all of the current conservation projects undertaken by the team at Cosford, which include the Wellington bomber, Dornier Do 17 and the Range Safety Launch.  For more details on the open week, visit www.rafmusuem.org/cosford.

Details announced for the four day extravaganza of land, sea and air display entertainment at the UK’s leading seaside resort… it’s more than just an air show!

23^rd June 2016: Back to impress the hundreds of thousands of avid fans who annually flock to the UK’s leading seaside resort, the skies of Bournemouth will hosting displays from the awesome RAF Red Arrows and the mighty Typhoon, SallyB and The Blades , to name but a few, supported with a multitude of land, sea and air Royal Navy assets, Pier-to-Pier county show trading stalls and Wave105 staging three nights of music, including a ‘proms on the beach’ style concert, the best chart acts and a celebration of dance music.

New performances for 2016 come from the B25Mitchell Bomber, Strike Master and awe-inspiring Swiss Air Force Super Puma Helicopter Display Team. Display Pilot Captain Matthieu Ghiringhelli said; “On behalf of the Swiss Air Force I am delighted we will be participating at this summer’s Bournemouth Air Festival – we have heard great things about the event on the air show circuit.  I hope visitors will enjoy watching the incredible agility demonstrated by the Super Puma Display Team – see you in August!”

The Red Arrows, supported by Morgan Sindall, will be performing at the festival and visitors can see the breath-taking team in action at the set time of 1545 (3.45pm) on all four days.

With the presence of Admiral Sir George Michael Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy at last year’s event, the Navy’s ongoing commitment to the festival is confirmed with four warships, a large amphibious command ship complete with helicopters, Royal Marines and landing craft and Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team. The famous amphibious beach assault demonstrations and beachfront Royal Navy Village are back again, all bolstered tremendously by world class music from the Royal Marines Band, HM RM Band Collingwood.

Commander Steve Henagan said; “2016 will demonstrate yet another superb concentration of Naval force. On land, at sea and in the air, we look forward to showcasing what we do best!”

RAF assets alongside the Red Arrows and Typhoon will be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and fantastic interactive RAF Village. RAF Wing Commander Heather Ratnage-Black said; “Wing Commander Heather Ratnage-Black said; “The Air Festival is a high priority event for the Royal Air Force, in terms of audience numbers it’s perfect for showcasing our aircraft and offers a first class arena for engaging with the public.  The event allows the public the opportunity to talk directly to our personnel and discuss the opportunities to have a career within the Service, in over 50 roles ranging from engineering to catering.”

Last seen in 2013, the Breitling Wingwalkers are returning with the ever-popular Tigers Parachute Team making daily jumps from an amazing 6,000feet freefalling at an incredible 120mph! Not forgetting the SallyB, Twister Duo and The Blades.

Tigers Captain, Ian Wicks said; “Bournemouth is the highlight in our display year. The crowds are fantastic, the reception, the organisers and staff are awesome. It sets the precedent for all other air shows!”

A revamped Night Air programme welcomes a mini tattoo on the East Overcliff (Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening) with the brilliant RAF Queens Colour Squadron, alongside the Royal Navy Beat Retreat sunset ceremony and unarmed combat displays by the Royal Marines.

In the skies will be fantastic dusk displays from the Red Devils and O’Briens Flying Circus starring Otto The Helicopter, as well as Team Fire Flies and Aerosparx, both bringing formation flying and pyrotechnics to the evening display programme.
This year’s Night Air entertainment, with Wave105, runs across three nights (Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August). It includes fireworks at 10pm on Friday and Saturday, along with three fantastic music nights created to spread the entertainment across all generations.

Thursday evening will be a very British affair with a ‘Musical Spectacular’ performed by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, Friday night is ‘Pop Night’, sponsored by Shorefield Holiday Parks and Saturday night ‘Sunset on the Beach’ is the official, not-to-be-missed, beach party with Halo. Tickets start from £10.

With day and night time entertainment on land, out at sea and in the air, displays from old favourites, a Bournemouth debut for some new faces as well as a great soon-to-be-announced Wave105 line up, the 2016 Air Festival is certainly set to be the event of the summer!

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Six of RNAS Yeovilton’s newly-arrived ‘Junglie’ Merlin troop transport helicopters will take centre stage during the Commando Assault – Air Day’s scintillating flying display finale. These very impressive helicopters will also be firing flares for the first time at Air Day which will be a truly spectacular sight. Joining them in the Assault will be a variety of equipment, aircraft and ground troops to demonstrate how the Fleet Air Arm combines with other assets to continually protect our nation’s interests.

Equipping two Commando Helicopter Force squadrons – 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons – the Merlin iHC3 has replaced the Sea King HC4, which was retired in March. Larger, faster and more capable than its predecessor, the Merlin is becoming the new face of Royal Marines commando operations worldwide.

Also involved in the Assault are a pair of Wildcat AH1s from the Army Air Corps, plus one of 736 Naval Air Squadron’s ‘Aggressor’ Hawks and personnel from locally-based 40 Commando Royal Marines. These air and ground forces will work together to accomplish the mission at hand. Accompanied by smoke, explosions and gunfire, they will ensure Air Day again has the most thrilling of endings.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.

Cockpit-Fest 2016 proved to be another great event at the Newark Air Museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire.

The museum trustees were particularly thankful to a host of people: all of the Cockpiteers and Exhibitors, their friends and families; the Aeroboot stall holders; the museum staff, aircraft openers and volunteers who helped during the build-up, during and after the event.

Support for this year’s event came from the following people and organisations:

Ken Ellis (‘Wrecks & Relics – Spirit of Cockpit-Fest’ Awards)

Simon Pulford – Air Pulford

Rays-Tek Surplus Ltd

The Museum Shop

Once again there was a diverse range of cockpits and supporting displays on show and everyone who displayed at the event was a winner and a credit to this wonderfully diverse hobby. Below are this year’s official results

Grand Champion (Visitors Award) – Phantom XV490, Mike Davey

Visitors Award Non-Cockpit – Radio Controlled Models, Andy Ward

Cockpiteers Cockpit Award – Sea Hawk WV903, Steve Austin

Cockpiteers Award Non-Cockpit – Panel & Avionics display, Mike Eskritt

Peter Green, Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – Anson 19 G-AGPG “Aggie Paggie” cockpit, Mike Davey

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – Harrier GR3 XV810, Richard Scarborough

Wrecks & Relics Spirit of Cockpit-Fest Award (Ken Ellis) – Sea Hawk WV903, Steve Austin

We would like to add a special thank you to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for their excellent Spitfire and Hurricane flypasts.

We will be back with the 2017 event, which will take place on 17 & 18 June, 2017

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Could the line-up for Bray Air Display 2016 be any better? You won’t want to miss the 11^th annual aerobatic extravaganza which has been extended to a two day, full weekend event this year on Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th July. The full line-up of world-class aerobatic display teams including none-other than the Daddy of them all – the Red Arrows; Italy’s flamboyant Frecce Tricolori; the dare-devil Breitling Wingwalkers (yes they walk on the plane wings mid-air!) and our very own, celebrated Irish Air Corps has been revealed – firmly cementing #BrayAirDisplay, supported by main sponsors the Irish Aviation Authority, as one of Europe’s best ever air displays. Featuring 27 jets, 46 aircraft and pilots, 50 support crew and an army of 20 volunteers it will be an aerobatic feast for the senses!

The two-day aviation spectacle, which is also supported by Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie, will kick off at 12noon each day and will feature mind boggling display acts by the following teams:

11 acts will perform on Saturday 23^rd July with a further 5 acts also performing on Sunday 24^th July, bringing the total on Sunday to a whopping 16 high quality participating air display acts.

Performing on both Saturday & Sunday:

The Frecce Tricolori: The Italian aerobatic display team and one of the most experienced and awe-inspiring display groups. This will be the first time that they will perform at the event and is a huge coup for the organisers.

Breitling Wingwalkers:  The world’s only formation wingwalking display team and another first for the Bray Air Display. ‘Wingwalkers’ will perform a dazzling sequence of acrobatic manoeuvres and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of beautiful Boeing Stearman biplanes!

Patrouille Tranchant:   A Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying Fouga aircraft – the first time Fouga aircraft will be displayed in Ireland.

British Spitfire/Seafire:  First time in Bray as a team. Spitfire is probably the best known fighter plane ever produced.

The Triggs:  Vintage glamour and dynamic close formation flying of two Pitts Special S-1D biplanes

The Irish Air Corps:  Approximately 750 men and women serve in the Air Corps which operates 17 fixed wing aircraft and 10 rotary wing aircraft

CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100:  CityJet’s new passenger aircraft

Black Knights:  Irish Defence Forces Parachute Team – the most successful parachute team ever to come out of Ireland

Irish Historic Flight Foundation: Commemorates aviation achievements as well as encouraging an interest in Irish aviation. Flying IOLAR and three Chipmunk aircraft

The Ravens:  A UK based formation aerobatic display team formed in May 2014.

Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration 

Performing on Sunday only:

The Red Arrows:  One of the world’s premier, most celebrated and best known aerobatic display teams – the centre piece of this summer’s display. This will be the first time that the Red Arrows will perform at the annual event and the team’s only performance in Ireland this year.

The Viggen & Draaken: Representing the ‘Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’ flying ‘Viggen’ (first time to be displayed in Bray) and ‘Draken’ aircraft (first time to be displayed in Ireland).

The Blades:  A leading display team of former Red Arrow pilots with over 30,000 flying hours and more than 4,000 displays between them. The display act includes over 30 exhilarating manoeuvres

Irish Parachute Club:  A non-profit organisation dedicated to the training of skydivers

Aer Lingus 321:  Aer Lingus’ new passenger aircraft

90,000 people made their way to Bray Promenade for the display last year which has been established as one of the country’s most popular, free, family summer events. And with a line-up like the one confirmed for this year, even more spectators are expected to make their way to the Co. Wicklow seaside town this year to watch aviation antics against a backdrop of beautiful Bray head and the County Wicklow coastline. Those planning to attend are strongly advised to use public transport for a stress-free journey, allow extra time for the trip to Bray and plan to arrive early to fully enjoy the fantastic event.

Se Pardy of Simtech Aviation and Bray Air Display Director, said, “Bray Air Display 2016 is set to be our best event yet. We have been working really hard since last year to line up our most impressive schedule to date and have succeeded in securing some of the world’s most remarkable teams to perform right here in Bray. It’s great to have so many ‘firsts’ on the bill for this year – we are absolutely thrilled to have the Red Arrows perform! as well as Italy’s Frecce Tricolori, alongside our own celebrated Irish teams and other acts from across Europe. The calibre of acts that we will have this year firmly cements Bray Air Display as one of Ireland’s – and Europe’s – leading air displays.”

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said, “We’ve a long history of supporting aviation activities that help promote the aviation industry so we are very proud to be the main sponsor of the Bray Air Display 2016 in the year of the Centenary of the Easter Rising. It looks like this is probably going to be the biggest air show in Europe in 2016, which is incredible – a chance in a lifetime opportunity. Aviation has played a critical role in the development of the Irish economy over the last 100 years and it remains a key part of the Irish economic system, supporting over 40,000 jobs directly. Air displays are a really fantastic way of connecting people with the aviation sector and create an interest for future generations of pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts. I’m really looking forward to it.”

While the event is free for all to enjoy, VIP hospitality packages are available from Bray Air Display for those who prefer to enjoy the spectacle in style. Visit http://brayairdisplay.com/wp/hospitality/ for more information about the two packages available: Flight Deck €70 per person (plus booking fee) or Aviation Lounge €120 per person (plus booking fee).

As well as the incredible display in the skies over Bray there will be a food and craft village featuring 45 artisan food and specialist craft stalls as well as musical entertainment and a family fun fair – all in all a great family day out. Or why not take to the skies to experience the thrill and exhilaration of a helicopter pleasure flight on either day between 11am and 12noon?

“It is going to be an amazing show – a once in a lifetime really. You won’t want to miss it!” concluded Se.

All events and activities are subject to change without notice and may be dependent on weather.

RAF Cosford has been a hive of activity this week, as the military base prepares for its annual air show, one of the Midland’s most popular outdoor events.

The RAF Cosford Air Show is set to welcome more than 50,000 visitors on Sunday 19^th June, to showcase the work of the Royal Air Force, both with interactive ground displays and thrilling flying displays from a diverse array of aircraft. Many of the show’s ground attractions have already been set up in the airfield’s hangars, and display aircraft are set to arrive later in the week. Carol Vorderman, who will again be flying in to visit the show, said “This is a great day out for all of the family!”

The Air Show team have also recently announced a number of exciting last minute additions to the flying programme, including the rare appearance of a United States Air Force strategic bomber, the Boeing B-52H, which will be performing a number of flypasts. Other aircraft recently confirmed also include a RAF Puma HC2 helicopter and RAF C-130J Hercules which will both be appearing at the show.

Despite this week’s wet weather, organisers are confident that the rain won’t cause them any issues. Clive Elliott, Air Show Director, said; “The airfield has great drainage and the ground is still firm despite this week’s heavy rain. As a precaution we’ve got extra trackway coming into the car parks and around the showground this year, so our visitors shouldn’t face any problems. The weather forecast for the weekend is very good so we expecting to match last year’s sell-out crowds.”

Organisers are also keen to remind people of the event’s advanced ticket only policy, meaning that those who do not have a pre-purchased ticket to the show should not attempt to travel to RAF Cosford on Sunday. Tickets are still available to purchase online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or from selected Mid Counties Co-Op stores, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon and the Midlands Air Museum in Coventry. Tickets cost £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Large transport aircraft from three different air arms will dominate the static display at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016. The United States Air Force’s vast C-17 Globemaster III, a German Air Force C-160D Transall and a Polish Air Force CASA C-295M, have all confirmed their attendance and will be open to the public to view.

Among the biggest types in NATO’s inventory, the Boeing C-17 is a strategic airlifter able to fit some 100 paratroopers inside its cargo hold. Air Day’s example hails from the USAF’s 315th Airlift Wing based in South Carolina. The Globemaster was opened up for public inspection at last year’s show – a move that proved incredibly popular. The aircraft deservedly won Air Day 2015’s best static display award and the aircrew were full of praise for the enthusiasm shown by Air Day visitors. Consequently, they made it their mission to return to Air Day this year.

The German Air Force’s C-160D Transall tactical transport aircraft are now nearing their career’s end, making UK airshow appearances from them an increasingly rare prospect. An example will be on static display alongside a German Air Force Tornado IDS swing-wing strike aircraft.

The CASA C-295M represents a more modern breed of transporter and Poland, operating 16 examples, has more C-295Ms in service than any other European nation. The one attending Air Day is the support aircraft for the Polish Air Force’s outstanding Orlik Aerobatic Team which is making its show debut.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.