October 2025 – Airscene News

Pucará A-515 Joins the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum

The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum are pleased to announce the arrival of ex Argentinian FMA Pucará ‘A-515’ to join our Falklands War display ‘11 Weeks in 1982’ – the UK’s largest permanent display dedicated to the conflict.

Flying with the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) from the Falkland Islands, A-515 took part in a number of missions throughout the war against British forces, including the final Pucará mission on the 10th June. During this sortie, the aircraft was lightly damaged by small arms fire and would not fly again before the Argentine surrender on the 14th June.

Captured by British forces at the end of the conflict, the Pucará was returned to the UK for trials and evaluation work with the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at MOD Boscombe Down. After extensive work to assess the aircraft and ensure its airworthiness, A-515 was allocated the RAF Serial of ZD485 and flown for approximately 25 hours in the UK, the only captured Pucará to be flown in the UK.

After completion of the trials work, A-515 was flown to the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford on 9th September 1983, A-515 remained part of the RAF Museum collection until being transferred to the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in October 2025.

Joining the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum’s ‘11 weeks in 1982’ display, Pucará A-515 is now displayed alongside a number of other veteran aircraft from both sides of the Falklands War1 and a memorial dedicated to the 255 British servicemen and 3 islanders killed during the war. The Pucará has been rebuilt by our dedicated volunteers and is currently displayed outdoors pending future museum development when it will be moved indoors.

South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum curator Naylan Moore said “The acquisition of the Pucará is a fantastic addition to our ‘11 Weeks in 1982’ display, joining a number of other aircraft that flew on both sides of the conflict. This will allow us to further share the story of the Falklands War with our visitors and honour those that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Dr Harry Raffal, Head of collections and Research at the RAF Museum said: “The RAF Museum’s gifting of the Pucará A-515 will provide the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum with an exciting new exhibit. The Pucará was operated by the Fuerza Aérea Argentina during the Falklands War, although not in direct contact with the RAF. The gift will share the Pucará story with new audiences and expand the wider understanding of the Falklands War. “

www.southyorkshireaircraftmuseum.org.uk

Royal International Air Tattoo announces theme for next year’s event

Next summer a series of fast jets will soar through the Gloucestershire skies as the Royal International Air Tattoo confirms next year’s show theme is ‘Fighter Meet’.

Every July, RAF Fairford transforms into a hive of activity as the Royal International Air Tattoo attracts thousands of visitors to the Cotswolds for the aviation showcase. This year, event organisers announced the show had attracted a record crowd of over 178,000 people, following a year that saw ticket sell at a record pace for the third year in a row.

RIAT26 will have an operational theme of ‘Fighter Meet’ highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe. In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this next year’s event will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft used for VIP transportation.

Speaking on the theme announcement, Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “Our Fighter Meet theme is an exciting opportunity to showcase a myriad of aircraft types, particularly fast jets, which are always popular with our visitors. As always, our aspiration is to provide an eclectic mix of aircraft from around the world for our visitors to view in July.”

All proceeds from the annual aviation showcase are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), whose purpose is to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.

In the last three years, grants from the charity have enabled over 750,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years to be engaged in STEM activities, which have been delivered by leading UK charities and powered by the airshow’s sustained popularity. In addition, the show’s flagship ground attraction, the Techno Zone® will again be a hive of activity with a range of interactive activities for entertain visitors of all ages. Aircraft participation is set to be announced early next year, with tickets available via www.AirTattoo.com.

RIAT success supports ¾ million young people across the UK in STEM

In response to the acute STEM skills shortage facing the UK and building on the success of their Royal International Air Tattoo, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) grants have now enabled over 750,000 young people to be inspired via life changing STEM educational programmes delivered by some of the UK’s leading STEM education charities.

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), hosted annually at RAF Fairford, is delivered as a not-for-profit event and powers the RAFCT’s grant making. RAFCT invests in leading UK charities to help build the strategic delivery capacity the UK needs to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.

In 2022, the Gloucestershire based charity published its intention to reach 500,000 children by July 2026 but with more than a year to go they have now announced that they have already surpassed their target, much to the delight of Director Dr Kevin P Stenson.

He said: “The RAF Charitable Trust is uniquely positioned to enable young people aged 5-25 years to explore how STEM explains and shapes the world around them, and to inspire them to change the world by pushing boundaries in aviation and space exploration.

“We see the achievement of ¾ quarters of a million engagements as a launchpad for more collective action across the UK to help address the acute STEM skills shortage holding back the United Kingdom and preventing too many young people from fulfilling their potential.”

In support of the Trust’s purpose to promote the RAF and inspire young people, this year’s airshow saw over 178,500 people visit the event in what was its third successive sell out. The aviation showcase continues to grow, with 224 aircraft from 27 different nations on display in July including the Egyptian Air Force which became the 59th participating nation when they provided an aircraft for the first time this summer.

In addition to highlights in the air, the event also boasted plenty of STEM inspiration on the ground with the show’s Techno Zone® and Inspire Stage hosting exhibits from the aerospace industry plus inspirational sessions from the likes of British astronaut Tim Peake, TV’s Rachel Riley and everyone’s favourite, the iconic Red Arrows.

In addition to maintaining its current partnerships, RAFCT will provide grants to at least five new partners in the 2025/26 Academic Year.

“Thanks to the incredible support afforded by the public, UK and International Defence Air and Space, and of course the RAF, the Trust can be ever bolder in its ambition to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology,” he added.

www.airtattoo.com

POV: Shuttleworth Only Do Air Shows… Think Again!

Shuttleworth is highly regarded for its spectacular annual season of air shows, but if you were under the impression that air shows were where the events stopped, you’d be missing out. Today Shuttleworth have announced their 2026 ‘Events & More’ season – basically, any and all events outside of their air shows – and boy are there some exciting things going on at the Biggleswade based estate.

2026 will see 20 (yes, you heard right, 20!) non-air show events taking place across the year – and that’s before you even consider their annual Shuttleworth in Lights winter trail and festive offering. Of those 20, there will be six brand new events specifically focused on letting the general public into Shuttleworth House on a more regular basis. The Jacobean style mansion house is primarily an award-winning wedding and private hire space.

So, what are the new events? On 9 January, the inaugural Comedy Night at Shuttleworth House will take place with more to be announced throughout the year. Also kicking off a new series will be the String Quartet: Spring Sessions on 24 April. Whether is live comedy or live classical music, these events promise world-class entertainment in an opulent yet intimate setting. Continuing the theme of glamour and decadence, visitors are invited to take inspiration from Bond and dress up for a Casino Royale night at Shuttleworth House on 28 March. You can walk the red carpet, enjoy something “shaken, not stirred” from the bar and use fun-money to place your bets! For 2026, Shuttleworth is also introducing new themed tribute music nights. At their ABBA night (11 April) and Blues Brothers night (28 August) you can enjoy all your favourite hits performed live by fantastic tribute artists before dancing the night away with an after party. Then, for the very first time, you’ll also have the chance to celebrate the beginning of the 2026 air show season with a Season Premiere Pre-Show Party on 9 May.

2026 will see the welcome return of some audience favourites too. For the last weekend of the February half term (21 & 22 February) Shuttleworth throws open it’s engineering hangar doors for Engineering Open Workshop. Last year’s event saw record attendance and you can expect a fantastic introduction to how the Shuttleworth team restore and maintain their remarkably unique Collection of aircraft, vehicles and wider exhibits – complete with interactive activities for the whole family. As spring makes a welcome return, 4 & 5 April will see the Easter Bunny flying into a classic Shuttleworth event. Packed with family entertainment, an egg hunt and so much more, if you’re looking to change things up this Easter, look no further. Then, following the huge success of the past two years, Shuttleworth’s Summer Fete Open Weekend returns on 4 & 5 July. For just £7.50 per adult with kids going free, you can enjoy a massive array of activity across the entire Shuttleworth site. From live music to a craft and gift market, fun fair, demonstrations from the Shuttleworth Fire Service, a showcase of models plus full access to the Collection hangars and nine-acre Swiss Garden there’s plenty to explore across the weekend. All this for just £7.50!

But that’s not all, you’ve then got the ever-popular Murder Mystery events to enjoy, a world record attempt, the 150th anniversary of Shuttleworth House itself, Wedding Shows and some brilliant third-party events to boot.

Rhys Horan, Operations Manager at Shuttleworth, said, “We’re so excited to be dramatically expanding our wider events offering for 2026, particularly with our exciting new events at Shuttleworth House. We can’t wait to welcome even more to experience what we do so well at Shuttleworth next year.”

www.shuttleworth.org

Cooler weather, hot merch

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, now is the ideal time to update your wardrobe with warm, practical layers.

The official RIAT merchandise collection offers a range of comfortable, high-quality products designed to keep you warm while you reminisce over another unforgettable year of RIAT.

Whether you’re layering up, cuddling up to a RIAT teddy bear, or keeping your pets warm – there’s something for everyone.

Explore all Merch HERE

Enclosure ticket price update – don’t miss out on the best savings!

Current Discount: 15%

New Discount (from midnight Sunday 12th October): 10%

This applies to Sunday Tickets:

• Aviation Club

• First Class Lounge

• Viewing Village Grandstand

Book before midnight on Sunday 12th October to secure the best price!

Book Tickets HERE

Elevate RIAT26: Secure your enclosure package today!

Whether you’re after a front-row seat to aircraft take-offs, a family-friendly space packed with activities, or an all-inclusive fine dining experience complete with a private garden, our wide range of enclosures and hospitality options have everything you need to elevate your RIAT26 experience.

Please note: Flight Deck on Saturday 10% off discount is ending Sunday at midnight! From Monday, it will be 5% off. Buy now for the best price.

Book your Enclosure Tickets HERE