Archive for July, 2016

Lincolnshire’s Vulcan Trail

Thursday, July 21st, 2016

Lincolnshires Vulcan Trail

On 20th July 1956 the first Vulcan to be delivered to the RAF was flown into the then recently upgraded RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.

Yesterday to mark the 60th Anniversary of that delivery flight Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire (AHL) launched a new Lincolnshire’s Vulcan Trail leaflet that features details of the county’s various connections with the famous V-bomber.

The launch took place at the Waddington Airfield Viewing Enclosure (WAVE), which is located on the A15 road opposite the famous ‘Black Buck 1’ Vulcan, XM607. The short launch ceremony was conducted by Phil Bonner from AHL and was attended by several former Vulcan personnel.

The trail leaflet feature various site across the county that have Vulcan connections and briefly steps over the county’s borders into South Yorkshire with Vulcan to the Sky at Robin Hood Airport; and into Nottinghamshire to the Newark Air Museum, which displays Vulcan XM594, which is regularly open to the public.

Copies of Lincolnshire’s Vulcan Trail can be obtained from AHL and the sites that are featured on the trail.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Golden Era Vintage Motorcycle Run heads for Yorkshire Air Museum

Thursday, July 21st, 2016

Golden Era Motorcycle Run

The Yorkshire AIR museum is delighted to be once again hosting the “Golden Era” Vintage Motorcycle Run. This is the 8th consecutive year that organisers from the North East Vintage Motorcycle Club have teamed up with the Museum to stage this highly evocative gathering of Vintage and Veteran Motorcycles, all pre dating 1931!!

In fact, of the 55 entries, 14 machines are 100 years old or more, with the earliest example being a 1910 Douglas Model C, with this marque being joined by a 1914 Model U (original and un-restored) and a 1914 2&3/4 HP model.

The once famous Yorkshire make of Phelon & Moore,of Cleckheaton, is represented by a 1912 465cc example, very rare indeed. Another Yorkshire manufacturer, Scott (Shipley) is represented by 3 1929 Flying Squirrel’s and a 1930 Super Squirrel. A Scott Flying Squirrel engine can be seen in one of the museum’s real curiosities in the Mignet HM14 Pou-du- Ciel (Flying Flea) aircraft!

The entries will gather at the Museum in the morning before departure for the nostalgic countryside run, returning from 12 noon for public display.

Ian Richardson, Museum spokesman, said: “We are looking forward to once again seeing these historic machines so lovingly cared for by their owners, and we know from past years that some have been in the family for generations, which is quite extraordinary. This gathering has become very popular with visitors as it forms a very rare opportunity to see the machines running as well as on static display, which is quite a spectacle.”

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

Jaguar Update

Wednesday, July 20th, 2016

Sepecat Jaguar Newark Air Museum

Earlier in the year volunteers at Newark Air Museum undertook an ‘armament upgrade’ on their Sea Harrier airframe.

In recent weeks this excellent programme of work that allows their airframes to take on a more authentic ‘in-service’ feel has moved on to SEPECAT Jaguar T2A XX829.

The museum’s resident ex-armourer has completed work that has allowed external tanks to be fitted to the inboard pylons on XX829.

This work has given the airframe more of an operational appearance and the aircraft will feature as part of the museum’s Fleet & Foreign Aircraft Days on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2016.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Pokémon Go at the RAF Museum!

Tuesday, July 19th, 2016

Pokemon at RAF Museum

The RAF Museum is over run with Pokémon Go characters and facilities!

The RAF Museum is known for its legendary aircraft collection but alongside these iconic exhibits it now houses 6 Pokéstops, a Gym and numerous characters from the game that has taken over the world!

Say’s Kevin Carter, Head of Digital Experience: “My kids are gamers and they popped in to the Museum last week and were excited about the huge number Pokémon characters on site. Since then we have noticed a number of visitors playing the game here. As a free Museum with free wifi, they are most welcome!”

Visitors to the RAF Museum are able to use our FREE WIFI facilities to help them catch characters like Hypno, Drowzee, Spearow and many more!

The Museum has a Gym by the replica aircraft in the car park. We also have a total of 6 Pokestops, which usually placed on locations of interest or tourist spots. These are popular destinations for players as they deliver items such as Pokeballs (to catch other pokemon), Potions and Revives (to heal or revive a fainted Pokémon) and are very important to the game.

Chocks away for visitors with smart phones!

www.rafmuseum.org

RAF Museum volunteers celebrate Legion d’honneur award

Thursday, July 14th, 2016

Arthur Jones with RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton

Two volunteers at the Royal Air Force Museum have been awarded France’s highest distinction Legion d’honneur for their services to secure France’s liberation during the Second World War. To honour and celebrate their remarkable achievement, Leading Aircraft Woman, Rose Davies and Lance Bombardier, Arthur Jones were guests of honour at a drinks reception hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation.

The awardees attended the reception held at the RAF Club in London on Thursday 7 July 2016, also attended by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, along with RAF Museum Trustees, CEO Maggie Appleton and other distinguished guests. Following a welcome from Major General Frederick Roggero USAF (ret’d), President RAF Museum American Foundation and a message of thanks from Colonel Murand, Air Attaché French Embassy, museum volunteers Rose and Arthur along with former Battle of Britain Pilot Wing Commander Tom Neil, were presented with their medals. Guests then enjoyed an afternoon of champagne and canapés.

The prestigious Legion d’honneur is awarded to D-Day veterans by the French government as a way of thanking those who fought and risked their lives for France’s liberation. Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, Legion d’honneur is France’s highest distinction, awarded in recognition for both military and civilian merit. Very few British nationals have received the award since the French President announced in June 2014 that all British veterans who took part in military operations in France between 1944 and 1945 would be awarded.

Rose Davies first volunteered at Cosford for the International Women’s Day event held in 2015 where she gave an inspirational talk, inspiring the next generation of women about future careers in the RAF, and spoke about her time in service as a Radar Operator.

Arthur Jones has been a regular volunteer at the RAF Museum’s Cosford site for many years, volunteering in a variety of roles including working with school groups and giving talks at special events. He is also one of the regular faces in the museum’s Visitor Centre each Tuesday, where he shares his experiences with visitors.

The RAF Museum congratulates both Rose and Arthur on receiving this outstanding award.

www.rafmuseum.org

Air Tattoo Honours Top Guns

Monday, July 11th, 2016

RIAT Chief Executive Award

A highly successful Royal International Air Tattoo 2016 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire ended with the crowning of the airshow’s ‘Top Guns’ at the traditional Sunday night hangar party.

The ceremony was introduced by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. HRHPrince Feisal of Jordan presented the first of the evening’s trophies, the King Hussein Memorial Sword, in memory of the late HM King Hussein, patron of the International Air Tattoo from 1983-89. Awarded for the best overall flying demonstration, it was presented to the Croatian Air Force aerobatic team, the KrilaOluje (Wings of Storm). This was the first appearance of the KrilaOluje, flying six Pilatus PC-9M turboprop trainers, and of the Croatian Air Force at a British display. The award was bestowed for, in the words of the citation, “Precision aerobatics in challenging conditions incorporating novel manoeuvres”. Team leader Lt Col DamirBariši? said: “We are very happy to be among all these friends, all these people who share the same passion for ‘old-school’ flying in these days when everything is becoming unmanned and automatic. Of course it’s a big honour to receive such an award, especially on the first occasion we’ve been here.”

The Paul Bowen Trophy, presented in memory of the Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the best jet demonstration, went to Capitaine Jean-Guillaume Martinez for his French Air Force Rafale C display. The judges said that ‘Marty’, in his first season as the Rafale display pilot, had put on “consistently accurate, powerful and superbly executed solo jet demonstrations”. Handing over the award was Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff designate. “I’m really happy”, said ‘Marty’. “I really thank my team for the job they’ve done — it’s wonderful.”

The best individual flying display was adjudged to be that given by Capt Peter Fallén of the Swedish Air Force in the JAS 39C Gripen. He was presented with the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy by RAFCTE chairman and RAFCT Trustee Alan Smith for “a faultless, flowing and dynamic flying display”. “I’m so happy”, said Peter. “I didn’t expect it, because you try to do your best all the time.”

The recipient of the RAFCTE Trophy, presented for the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant, was the French Air Force Ramex Delta team comprising two Mirage 2000N nuclear strike aircraft. The citation said that they put on “a superbly co-ordinated and choreographed pairs tactical demonstration”. This was an emotional occasion for Ramex Delta, as RIAT was their final ever display — the team is being disbanded. One of the pilots, ‘Pierrot’, said afterwards: “We are very proud, because it was very special to attend this year’s RIAT. This was our last airshow ever, and it was a great deal of pleasure for us to fly today. For us — the pilots, the team, the squadron — it’s a special honour because this year is the 100th anniversary of our squadron, the ‘La Fayette’ squadron. It’s a good ending to the incredible experience that was Ramex Delta.”

The night was a double success for Ramex Delta, as the Mirage 2000N they displayed in, whichfeatured a special colour scheme to mark the ‘La Fayette’ squadron centenary, won the award for best livery as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT). It was presented by Tim Griffiths, Key Account Manager for Jeppesen.

Turning to the ‘home team’, the Steedman Display Sword is presented by the Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988) for the best flying demonstration by a UK participant. The winner was BAE Systems test pilot Nat Makepeace for his routine in a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, displayed with a full underwing weapons load to represent the upcoming Phase 3 Enhancement configuration for the type. In the judges’ view, this was “a powerful demonstration of the capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon in representative operational swing-role fit.” In Nat’s absence, the trophy was collected by Sir Kevin.

The As The Crow Flies trophy for the best overall flying demonstration as judged by members of FRIATwas presented by RAFCTE Non Exec Director Jim Glover and presented to Major Dan ‘Rock’ Dickinson from the US Air Force Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. 2016 was the first time for six years that the F-22A had displayed at the Air Tattoo, and once again the thrust-vectoring air superiority fighter proved a stunning performer. In ‘Rock’s’ words, “First of all, we’re honoured to be here. There are so many professionals here, and to share the stage amongst all the great pilots and crews, not to mention all the people who put on this awesome airshow. It’s humbling, but at the same time we’re super-excited.”

A special presentation by Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong, his own RIAT CEO Award for an outstanding contribution to the show, went to all involved in the debut Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II deployment to Britain. This star attraction at RIAT 2016 involved F-35A models from the US Air Force and F-35Bs from the US Marine Corps and the United Kingdom, and was the subject of a great deal of planning by a host of individuals and organisations on both sides of the Atlantic. Andy Armstrong said: “It was an amazing display. They brought six jets, and it was an extraordinary amount of effort to bring them. We were so pleased to have them here.”

www.airtattoo.com

On your marks, get set… SCRAMBLE!

Monday, July 11th, 2016

Spitfire 10k Run RAF Museum

The Spitfire 10k Run is back at the RAF Museum this September

Date: Saturday 3rd September 2016

Time: 9.00 am

Location: RAF Museum London

Last year over 600 runners helped to raise over £10,000 for the RAF Museum’s Historic Hendon Appeal.

Due to the success of the event the Museum is inviting runners back for another 10k run to commemorate the Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

There will be an onsite warm up session conducted in 1940’s period style. The race begins in the shadow of one of the RAF Spitfires and takes you on a special journey, including a section through the Bomber Hangar and around the iconic Lancaster, before leaving the Museum for two loops of a flat road course. Your finish will be commemorated with an exclusive Spitfire medal.

Entrants are also welcome to run in period costume

The Spitfire 10km run starts and ends at the RAF Museum in Grahame Park Way, Colindale, with a section through the bomber hangar and around a Lancaster, before leaving for two loops of a flat road course through Colindale.

Entry form: https://royalairforcemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event/1353266?catID=5272

History Made at Memorable Air Tattoo

Monday, July 11th, 2016

F35B RIAT

History was made both in the air and on the ground at this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The airshow, which took .

A post on the Royal Family’sofficial Facebook page, said: “The Air Tattoo is a fantastic family-orientatedplace over three days (July 8-10), attracted a sell-out crowd of 153,000 people who enjoyed demonstrations by some of the world’s leading pilots.

Friday’s flying programme featured the first ever international display by Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning II, the world’s most advanced fighter jet and on the same day, the airshow hosted a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who attended with Prince George on his first ever public engagement event, and The Duke and Duchess knew that George would enjoy seeing the aircraft up close. Their Royal Highnesses took a closer look at an RAF Squirrel helicopter, which The Duke trained upon at RAF Shawbury in 2009, met Air Cadets and teams involved in the spectacular displays at the show, and even tried out an RAF Red Arrows Hawk for size.”

Other Royals attending the airshow were HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan.

More than 230 aircraft, from 37 air arms in 24 countries participated in the Air Tattoo which took place in warm, largely sunny weather. Among the manyhighlights were displays by the F-22 ‘Raptor’, a Polish MiG-29, an RAF Typhoon and Chinook, a French Rafale and the Turkish Air Force F-16 ‘Solo Turk’.

Flypasts included a unique formation of the Red Arrows, an F-35B and two RAF Typhoons giving a glimpse of the future of the UK’s defence capability. There were also some notable firsts and lasts, with the Croatian Air Force displaying for the first time in the UK with their display team Wings of Storm and the last ever display by the French Air Force ‘Ramex Delta’ Mirage 2000D duo.

Croatia became the 56th nation to take part in the Air Tattoo since it was first staged in 1971.

Among the highlights on the ground was a march past by 750 air cadets to mark the Air Cadet Organisation’s 75th anniversary. Taking the salute were the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Commandant Air Cadets Air Cdre Dawn McCafferty and Honorary Air Cadet Gp Capt Carol Vorderman.

There were 36 international military chiefs in attendance includingAir Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff;Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the RAF Chief of the Air Staff (Designate); and new Chief of the US Air Force, General David Goldfein. Senior industry guests included the Chairman of BAE Systems, Sir Roger Carr; Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson and Airbus CEO Mr Allan McArtor.The UK’s Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt and the Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne were also attended.

RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises’ Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “This year will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest ever Air Tattoos. That such a significant aircraft as the Lockheed Martin F-35B should make its international display debut at the Air Tattoo is testament to the incredible faith the military and the world’s leading aerospace companies have in our event.

“Our 2,000-plus volunteers and small team of permanent staff deserve a huge pat on the back for delivering such an outstanding event. The icing on the cake was the visit on Friday by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George.

“My thanks go to all our sponsors, in particular BAE Systems and all the participating air arms including the US Air Force, who allow us to stage the event at RAF Fairford and the Royal Air Force for all its support.

Once again, the Air Tattoo has performed an important defence diplomacy role not only in showcasing some of the world’s most exciting aircraft but also by offering the RAF a platform on which to demonstrate its current – and future – capabilities.

“I am particularly pleased that over the three-day airshow our parent charity, the RAF Charitable Trust was able to demonstrate the many ways it has touched people’s lives by providing support for RAF personnel and encouraging and inspiring young people.”

The show received a big thumbs’ up from the many visitors who attended.

Hannah Booth, from Birmingham said: “We’re having a great day! There’s a brilliant atmosphere here and so many amazing aircraft to see. I couldn’t believe how much is here and how big it is,” whilst Tom Newdock, from Cardiff said: “It was phenomenal to see the F-35 and, as always, a fantastic job by the Air Tattoo organisers. I can’t wait for next year!”

www.airtattoo.com

Old Buckenham Airshow Confirms Another Aviation Giant

Sunday, July 3rd, 2016

Catalina

 

The Old Buckenham Airshow is pleased to confirm details of the final acts which make up its largest air display weekend ever on the 30th and 31st of July.

The show has already confirmed the return after more than a decade of the only flying B-17 Bomber in Europe, Sally B, star of Memphis Belle. In a new development another American giant will perform at the show on both days in the form of a Catalina Flying Boat. This 10 ton giant boasts a 114 foot wing span. Designed an built for bombing, submarine hunting and search & rescue, the Catalina is still in service today as a fire-fighting platform. Others are used for fishing in the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft displaying at Old Buckenham is in wartime USAAF markings of the 8th Air Force 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron.

Both days at the Airshow crowds will also be able to see a truly unique act, described as one of the most innovative and thrilling of recent years. It has also been described as one of the most amusing. Noted Advanced Aerobatic competitor Chris Burkett will be flying his Extra 330, a 330hp carbon fibre aerobatic aircraft capable of withstanding forces of +/- 10g. This alone is a spectacular sight. Chris, however, will be joined in the sky by what appears to be an identical blue Extra. The other aircraft is, in fact, a 41% scale model flown by Mike Williams, a multiple remote control champion who has been flying models since he was 9. Mike’s skills allow him to control the model in unison with Chris in the full size aircraft and the resulting ‘little and large’ act has been the talk of aviation for the last two years.

2016’s Airshow features some of the most powerful aircraft on the display circuit; to provide something in the way of balance the show has also confirmed a slightly more modest 145 hp Auster, a venerable WWII spotter plane, still popular as a trainer and pleasure aircraft. The Auster is the final act to be confirmed for the record line up.

Matt Wilkins, Airshow Organiser; “It was a major coup to have secured the first display by B-17 Sally B n over ten years. To be able to add to it with the mighty Catalina is fabulous. Both aircraft are enormous and the importance of their roles in WWII cannot be overstated. They have rightly achieved iconic status and this will be a remarkable Airshow weekend. To further add to these the ‘Extra & Model’ act is very exciting and this mix of old, new and unique means that we will have to work very hard to try to beat this year’s lineup in years to come” Tickets for the show are available online at www.oldbuckenhamairshow.co.uk. Forward sales are comfortably above the record levels seen in 2015 and organisers anticipate a sell-out attendance; advance purchases are
recommended to avoid disappointment.

For further information please contact Old Buckenham Airfield on 01953 860 806 or visit www.oldbuck.com