The world’s favourite aerobatic display team will be performing their final salute at the Air Tattoo this summer, before they jet off on a high-profile tour of the USA and Canada.

The RAF Red Arrows will perform their last public displays in the UK on 19-21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, before they fly to North America for the Western Hawk 19 Tour.

The team will travel across the two nations with a view to promoting trade and co-operation in support of the UK’s prosperity agenda.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster announced their participation earlier this week: “The Red Arrows are an international symbol of Britain and this landmark event will generate a significant amount of investment. It is only right that, after more than a decade away, they return to the home of our closest defence ally.”

The Red Arrows are no stranger to the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and have been a firm crowd-favourite at the airshow for the past three years.
Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “As always, we are delighted to welcome the Red Arrows back to the show.

“Their breath-taking flying displays never fail to disappoint however this year will be extra-special in light of their upcoming tour – we wish them a successful trip”.

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will feature a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

Date: 16 March 2019
Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm
Cost: £25 per person (Over 16’s only)

Photographers are being given the unique opportunity to capture rare images of the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford’s external aircraft collection during an exclusive Photography Night Shoot. Taking place on Saturday 16 March, just 200 places are available for the nighttime aircraft event and tickets are selling fast!

The Museum has teamed up with Threshold Aero, specialists in aviation night shoot photography, to deliver this brand-new event. Aircraft including the Bristol Britannia 312 and the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.Mk.1 will be lit with LED lights, giving photographers the chance to capture shots of the aircraft in their Museum setting, showcased like never before.

The Night Shoot will commence at 5.00pm allowing those attending the chance to capture images in changing lighting conditions at sunset, before the light fades and after dark. The illuminated aircraft are guaranteed to provide a spectacular photo opportunity.

Eight historic aircraft from the RAF Museum’s collection will be illuminated for the evening, ranging in size from the single seat fighter Hawker Siddeley Hunter F6A to the giant long range airliner Vickers VC10 C1K. Other highlights will include the Hawker Siddeley Dominie T.Mk.1, Lockheed Hercules C130K Mk3 and the Lockheed SP-2h Neptune. As a special addition to the event, the Scottish Aviation Jetstream T Mk1, usually housed inside Hangar 1, will be displayed outside the hangar, giving photographers another aircraft to capture on the night.

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“We’re excited to be showcasing our iconic aircraft in a completely different light for this brand-new event which we hope will appeal to photographers and aviation fans alike. You don’t need to be a professional photographer to enjoy the Night Shoot, it’s suitable for all abilities and there will be a team from Threshold Aero, Museum Staff and Volunteers on hand throughout the evening to provide assistance. So far the interest has been incredible with over a third of the tickets already gone in just under a week.”

Event organisers are confident the Night Shoot will not only appeal to photographers but also aviation fans who want to enjoy exclusive after hours access to view the aircraft in a different light. Tickets to the Photography Night Shoot event are now available to purchase in advance via the Museum website and cost £25 per person (including onsite parking fee). Ticket holders must be aged 16 years and over. Visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford for more details.

Two aircraft from the German Navy will be heading to Shropshire later this year to join the exciting array of aircraft displays planned for the RAF Cosford Air Show on
Sunday 9th June, including an extremely rare flying display by a Lockheed P-3C Orion.

The Orion is an iconic maritime patrol aircraft of Cold War era, which is currently flown by 18 different countries around the globe, with the German Navy operating a
fleet of eight airframes which perform patrols over the North Sea. On the ground at the Air Show, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a Westland Sea
Lynx Mk.88A helicopter, also from the German Navy.

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “We’re thankful to the German Navy for planning to support the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019 with these two fantastic aircraft, which will be highlights of the 2019 event for many aviation enthusiasts. These aircraft join the exciting aerial extravaganza planned to mark the 70th Anniversary of NATO at the RAF Cosford Air Show this year.”

Tickets for the Air Show are currently available at the discounted ‘early-bird’ price of £25.00, with accompanied under-16s entering free of charge, making the Air Show a great value for money family day out. This discounted ticket price will only be available for a limited time so Air Show organisers advise buying yours today to avoid missing out. Tickets are only available to purchase in advance of the Air Show, and last year’s event was a complete sell-out in the week prior to the show.

For more information about the displays planned at the Air Show, and to purchase your admission tickets, visit the Air Show website: www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

27th January 2019 – TALK – Mike Hallett – W/C H BLACKBURN 1430 Cirrus Room

17th February 2019 – TALK – Brian Mann – THE AVRO CANADA STORY 1430 Cirrus Room

24th March 2019 – TALK – P Fitxgerald – IN PRAISE OF THE C130 – 1430 Cirrus Room

14th April 2019 – TALK – Cliff Hill – SPITFIRE MT627 TBC – 1430 Cirrus Room

20th April 2019 – Sywell Aviation Museum GRAND OPENING 2019

20th-23rd June 2019 – British Aerobatic Championships

27th-28th July 2019 – ATOMIC Festival*

30th August – 1st Sept 2019 – LAA Rally*

14th September 2019 – Young Aviators Day

21st-22nd September 2019 – Sywell Classic Pistons & Props

www.sywellaviationmuseum.org.uk

For details on all our events, including dates for our live engine runs and Thunder Days, go to the Calendar page on our website at www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

21st & 22nd April – “Cherchez les Lapins Blancs” (The White Rabbit Trail – An Easter trail with a French Twist)

11th & 12th May – “Against the Odds” (Our famous Wartime Revival weekend, this year celebrating 75 years since D-Day)

2nd June – “Cockpits & Jets Day” (We open selected cockpits to the public and celebrate jet powered aviation)

27th June – “Inspirations” (STEM Educational Challenge)

29th June – “Scouts Takeover Day”

28th July – “Vintage Day” (A day of fun for all the family with music, dance and vintage motorcycles display)

11th August – “Women’s Services Memorial Day”

1st September – “Allied Air Forces Memorial Day” (Our annual international commemoration)

22nd September – “999! – Emergency Services Day”

10th November – Remembrance Day ceremony

14th & 15th December – “Christmas at Elvington”

Work has been ongoing throughout 2018 to finish the 6 year restoration of its unique Hawker Hunter F.2 WN904 nicknamed ‘Heidi’ at Sywell Aviation Museum. Currently the only ‘gate guardian’ aircraft on display by a Museum in Northamptonshire the 1954-constructed jet is the only complete F.2 variant left in the world.

Museum staff have applied a fresh coat of paint to her upper surfaces and it remains now to complete her markings in time for her unveiling at the Museum’s Grand Opening on the 20th April 2019.

With that in mind the Museum would be grateful for any donations of military/aviation books, model kits or diecast models to help raise sufficient funds to complete her restoration by April.

If you’re able to help please contact the Museum at sywellaviationmuseum@gmail.com or call 07968061708

One of the world’s most iconic jets will make a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer – almost a decade since it last made an appearance in the flying display.

The Spanish Navy EAV-8B Harrier II Plus from 9 Squadron will display as part of the Air Tattoo, which takes place on 19-21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds. The aircraft is based at Rota Naval Base and operates from the Spanish Navy’s amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I.

Until the arrival of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Harrier had been unique in being able to take off and land vertically, fly backwards, sideways and rotate on the spot. Its gravity-defying aerial displays were regularly among the highlights of the airshow’s flying programme.

Spanish Navy Harriers, in the form of the earlier AV-8S and TAV-8S variants, were last seen at the Air Tattoo in 1994. In 2010, an RAF Harrier GR.9 performed its final Air Tattoo display prior to its retirement from service in March 2011. Spain remains one of only a handful of nations that continue to operate the Harrier, Italy and the US (US Marine Corps) being the others.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The chance to see a flying Harrier is always a hugely welcome one, and we at the Air Tattoo are delighted that the Spanish Navy will be participating at RIAT 2019, especially in this NATO 70th anniversary year.

“The Harrier has been a major part of NATO since it first entered RAF service 50 years ago, and its attendance will be an important part of our tribute – as well as offering a spectacular flying display.”

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will feature a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. (Tickets for Friday 19 July come with a £10 money off merchandise voucher if booked before 31 January). All accompanied under-18s go free.

Forthcoming events taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford during 2019:

RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager, Abi Betteridge said:
“We have another busy events programme scheduled this year and visitors can expect to see all the big favourites making a return, including the Cosford Food Festival and Spitfire 10K.

We’ve increased the number of exhibitor pitches for the Food Festival this year to give foodies even more choice and we’re making plans to incorporate our VC10 aircraft in a special way, so watch this space!

The Spitfire 10K is one of our sell out events and of the 1,200 places available we only have around a third of the places remaining. We would encourage any runners who want to experience the unique opportunity to race across the airfield and get their hands on one of the highly sought after bespoke Spitfire 10K medals to sign up soon so they don’t miss out.

Brand new for 2019 will be a Night Shoot photography event taking place in March, that will see lighting used to illuminate our external aircraft, creating the perfect photo opportunity for aviation enthusiasts and keen photographers alike.

Also new this year will be our Armed Forces Weekend in June, taking on a similar format to the 100 Years of the RAF Festival we held in 2018, which attracted in excess of 11,000 visitors. There will be plenty of nostalgic activities for families to enjoy, plus re-enactors, engine demonstrations and even a play taking place across the entire site, celebrating and paying tribute to our heroes past and present.

Now into its second year the Vintage and Handmade Festival in August will be expanding with the addition of a vintage fairground and more exhibitors with plenty of added extras including access on board the VC10 and Hercules, making this event one not to be missed for those who love all things vintage!

It’s a busy schedule that caters to our wide and diverse audience and we look forward to welcoming back repeat visitors, along with those just discovering us for the first time. We’re confident that the RAF Museum’s great offer, combined with our exciting events programme will make a visit to remember!”

For further information on the 2019 events, please visit the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Admission charges apply for some events and activities. Events may be subject to change and additional events may be added during the year.

The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry is FREE of charge.

Exciting news arrived today that the Swiss Hornet Display Team will be performing at the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 9ThJune 2019, showcasing their breath-taking fast jet display of the legendary McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet.

The Hornet was designed as a naval fighter with reinforced undercarriage, folding wings and tail-hook, however it is used by many land-based air arms across the globe. The Swiss Air Force operate their fleet of Hornet for air defence duties, armed with a 20mm Cannon and Sidewinder missiles.

Air Show Director, Mr Clive Elliott, said, “We’re excited and honoured to be welcoming the Swiss Air Force, once again, to the RAF Cosford Air Show this summer. The Swiss Hornet Display Team won the award for best flying display on their previous visit to our Air Show in 2015. They are regarded as one of the best fast jet displays in Europe and I’m sure their display will be a highlight of the day for all of our visitors.”

Tickets for the Air Show are currently available at the discounted ‘early-bird’ price of £25.00, with accompanied under-16s entering free of charge. Earlybird tickets will only be available for a limited time so Air Show organisers advise buying yours today to avoid missing out. The RAF Cosford Air Show is an advance ticket-only event, with last year’s event completely selling out in the week prior to the show.

For more information about the displays planned at the Air Show, and to purchase your admission tickets, visit the Air Show website: www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

13 April, 2019 – Indoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation & avionic sale

48 sellers tables all hosted inside Display Hangar 2 amongst the aircraft at the museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire.

Open 9am to 2pm
{Special discount admission rates apply, open to everyone to attend.}

14 April, 2019 – Harrier Day 2019

A special event with visiting displays and cockpits to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Harrier ‘Jump-Jet’ entering British military service.

Open 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
{Normal admission rates apply}

18 May, 2019 – Canberra Saturday

An event dedicated to the Canberra aircraft at the museum and personnel that flew them; it will feature visiting displays and is open to the public.

Open 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
{Normal admission rates apply}

22 & 23 June, 2019 – Cockpit-Fest & Aeroboot

This annual gathering provides the perfect opportunity for the public to view a diverse range of visiting aircraft cockpits.

Open 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
{Normal admission rates apply}

17 & 18 August, 2019 – Copter-Fest

A new event to celebrate the helicopters in the museum collection; the event on the Sunday will coincide with the 2019 International Helicopter Day.

Open 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
{Normal admission rates apply}

31 August & 1 September, 2019 – Shackleton Boys 2

A book launch event that is being organised in association with Grub Street publishing and will be centred on Shackleton WR977. The event will form the focus of a mini-Reunion of former Shackleton air and ground crew personnel.

Open 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
{Normal admission rates apply}

12 October, 2019 – Indoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble aviation & avionic sale

48 sellers tables all hosted inside Display Hangar 2 amongst the aircraft at the museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire.

Open 9am to 2pm
{Special discount admission rates apply, open to everyone to attend.}

26 & 27 October, 2019 – Autumn 1940s Weekend

This 1940s event will feature under cover 1940s entertainment and give re-enactors the chance to wear your winter period clothing {Normal admission rates apply}

Open 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm)
{Normal admission rates apply}

Full details about these and other museum activities can be found on the news & event pages of the website, which are regularly updated www.newarkairmuseum.org

Adults £9.00, Over 65s £8.00, Children £4.50 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £24.00