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Red Arrows Return To RAF Cosford

Red Arrows - Cosford Airshow - Crown Copyright

Organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show today confirmed that the world famous Red Arrows would again be headlining the show on Sunday 14th June 2015.

Acknowledged as one of the best aerobatic display teams in the world, the Red Arrows have recently revealed a new paint scheme for their Hawk aircraft this year, showcasing them as the ‘Best of British’. The team’s display mixes graceful nine-ship formations with thrilling synchro manoeuvres, all of which involve their patriotic red, white & blue smoke.

Air show spokesperson Peter Reoch said: “The Red Arrows inspire and entertain millions of people annually and we are extremely pleased to see them returning to RAF Cosford. The flying display for this year’s show is filling up fast, with a carefully selected mix of exciting military aircraft, historic warbirds and entertaining civilian acts.”

With the news of the Red Arrows attendance, organisers are again reminding visitors of the new advance ticket only policy, which means unlike previous showstickets will not be sold at the gate. Adult tickets, priced at £22, are already on sale online and will be available from selected outlets from April.

For the first time, tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2015 are advance sale only. Adult tickets are priced £22.00 with accompanied under-16s coming free! For more details on the event and to purchase tickets, visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

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RAF MAN

Get ready to stop worrying and learn to love the bomb. The RAF Museum has an extra special night of immersive activities planned for Museums at Night 2015. Its TOP SECRET. On a need to know basis. The final countdown has begun….Date: 16th May

Time: 19:30 – 23:00

Tickets: £28.00 per person (adult price)

After the sell-out success of last year’s P.S.B. gigs, get ready for Domino Theory – The RAF Museum’s immersive experience that will take its audience on a Cold War trip like no other. Cross the Iron Curtain, build the Berlin wall and use your spy skills to crack codes and become the super-power of the 20th century!

For one night only, the RAF Museum in North London will provide an atmospheric setting for a spy mission like no other. The battle lines are divided between the U.K the U.S.A and the USSR. Its spy vs spy in a heady world of gadgets, casinos, discos and more in a night of themed entertainment.

The night is rounded off with a museum-shaking, roof-raising, Berlin Wall breaking set by the legendary DJ Yoda who will take the crowd through a specially created set of music that references the Cold war era

Tickets are on sale now and priced £28 and available at www.rafmuseum.org.uk/whatson

DJ Yoda, is a hip hop producer like no other, subverting the tradition with wry invention and humorous intent. Yoda takes the art of turntablism to new extremes, practising it in unexpected situations. He has spent the best part of two decades as an audacious exponent of the form, winning awards, releasing an eclectic series of mixtapes that prove you can apply cut-up techniques to everything from classical to country, and generally offering a uniquely British take on hip hop music and culture.

Museums at Night is the UK wide annual late night festival of arts, heritage and culture. Over the weekend of Wednesday 13 – Saturday 16 May 2015, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over UK will be opening their doors at night-time for a whole host of unique and exciting events. Full listings can be found at www.museumsatnight.org.uk.

trailer to follow…

Air Day’s MiG-nificent Cold War Star

MiG 15

Northern Europe’s only flying MiG-15 will be making a rare UK appearance in the flying display at RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2015 on Saturday 11 July. The Cold War classic jet fighter belonging to the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will be the first of its kind to display in this country since the late-1990s.

In all, more than 18,000 MiG-15s were constructed, mainly by the Soviet Union, but also some among them were Polish-built variants of which the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s example is one. It wears the markings of the aircraft flown by famed Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin before he became the first man to visit outer space in 1961.

Given the shared border between north-eastern Norway and Russia, and the many encounters between Royal Norwegian Air Force and Soviet aircraft during the Cold War, the MiG-15 is an appropriate addition to the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron as a representative of the-then Cold War ‘enemy’.

The MiG-15 is also well known for its role in the Korean War – a conflict which involved Royal Navy operated Hawker Sea Furies. Piloted by Lieutenant Peter ‘Hoagy’ Carmichael, one such Sea Fury FB11 made history when it downed a MiG-15; one of the very few times when a piston-engined aircraft has gained superiority over a jet.

The Royal Navy Historic Flight based at RNAS Yeovilton operates two Sea Furies including an FB11 fighter-bomber variant which will be taking part in the static display. Air Day visitors will thus have the very rare opportunity to see both Korean War types at the show.

Advance tickets priced at £20 (adults) and £6 (children 5-15 yrs) are available to order from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Vulcan, Red Arrows & Typhoon to Wow Crowds by the Beach this August at Eastbourne Air Show

Vulcan by Eric Coeckelbergh

Plans for Airbourne, Eastbourne’s international air show have got off to a flying start this year with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon and Vulcan cold war bomber all confirmed to fly at the free, four day air show which returns from 13 – 16 August.

Featuring new look Union Jack tailfins, the world renowned RAF Red Arrows display team will wow crowds on the seafront, beaches and reopened pier with three performances over Eastbourne, in one of the UK’s busiest free flying displays.

Joining the line-up, the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon will provide a fast jet highlight on three days and historic fans can look forward to the return of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which features a four-ship formation from the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.

The world’s only flying Vulcan bomber makes an appearance as it nears retirement and the Tutor returns to display its agility, along with a new variant Hawk T2 duo display.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “Eastbourne has a special place in its heart for the Red Arrows so we are delighted to welcome back the world’s best aerial display team. Many special memories are made thanks to this amazing team, from meeting fans on the ground, to marriage proposals and even themed fireworks! Coupled with the awesome Typhoon and what could possibly be the last chance to see the imposing sight and sound of the Vulcan, we are in for a real treat this year.”

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including a military exhibition, live music on the beach stage, children’s entertainment areas, helicopter pleasure flights, evening concerts and fireworks, which move to a new slot on Saturday night.

Now in what could possibly be its final display season, the Vulcan cold war jet is set to perform over Eastbourne in a remarkable return to the show, after record donations from Airbourne fans last year. The bomber, which last visited the show in 2012, is a rare sight and unique to the display circuit.

The flying display is part funded from public donations each year at Airbourne, thanks to local resident David Dickens and collections organised by Marco and Cathy Giorgi along with the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, with 30% of the proceeds also passed onto local charities.

Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Philip Ede added “With the Red Arrows and the legendary Vulcan Bomber sharing top billing, this promises to be the most popular air show yet, providing a boost to the resort in more ways than one. The factor that makes this appearance of the Vulcan possible is the generous contribution of one particular fan, who deserves our thanks. I know we’ve said it before but this really may be the last time we see this aircraft perform – so make the most of it!”

Eastbourne’s 23rd Airbourne will also mark roughly one year since the pier fire of 2014, which closed the Victorian landmark just two weeks before the air show. The pier, which reopened two months later, is a popular viewing platform during the show and includes shops, restaurants, tea rooms, a bar, nightclub and fishing platform.

Airbourne returns from 13 – 16 August 2015 and entry is free, with more flying displays to be announced. All flying is subject to RAF operational commitments, weather and serviceability.

To beat the crowds, there are exclusive seating areas available at the Bandstand and exclusive hospitality available on the Western Lawns with tickets on sale now.

For more information or to book online visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Local Rotary Club acknowledges Museum Apprentice

Cosford Apprentice Ella Middleton

As events and businesses across the country celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (9-13 March 2015), an Apprentice at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford has been acknowledged by a local Rotary Club for their work conserving some of the nation’s most historic aircraft.

The award was presented by the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton at the fourth annual awards evening held at Perton Park Golf Club on Thursday 5th March. Museum Apprentice Ella Middleton aged 21 from Walsall, was named ‘Rotary Club of Wolverhampton – Apprentice of the Year’ and was presented with the George Sidebotham Memorial Award.

The awards evening was attended by the RAF Museum’s Apprentices, accompanied by their Training Manager as well as the Museum’s Conservation Centre Manager. During the evening, Apprentices gave a presentation to Rotary Club members and their guests, about their recent visit to the National Air & Space Museum, a division of the Smithsonian Institute, based in and around Washington DC, USA. During their trip the apprentices worked on a number of unique aviation based machines such as the Breitling Orbiter 3 which completed the first non-stop flight around the world with a free balloon in 1999 and a massive propeller fan shroud from NASA’s hypersonic wind tunnels. Ella was then presented with her ‘Apprentice of the Year’ trophy and an additional prize and cheque.

Ella was nominated by RAF Museum Training & Development Manager, Mick Shepherd for her hard work and dedication over the last twelve months. Her main training has involved working in sheet metal but Ella has proved to be a diverse and capable individual who has worked on a variety of projects. Ella was part of the team based at Ramsgate, Kent during the salvage operation of the Dornier Do 17 and played an integral part in the first phase of its conservation. She has worked with colleagues across the Museum assisting with Museum events, educational workshops for schools and has even coordinated a work experience programme with students interested in engineering.

RAF Museum Apprentice Ella Middleton said:

“During my apprenticeship with the Museum I have been given some fantastic opportunities to develop my skills, working on projects including; the Handley Page Hampden, Dornier Do 17, Vickers Wellington and the First World War in the Air exhibition. A highlight of my apprenticeship was an exchange to America in 2014 where I worked for three weeks at the Smithsonian Institute at the Udvar Hazy Conservation Centre in Virginia.”

National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration of Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. This annual Apprenticeship Week aims to increase the awareness, understanding and demand for Apprenticeships, as well as celebrate the wealth of talent, skills, achievements and successes.

The RAF Museum’s Apprenticeship scheme began in 2005, due to a shortage of people with the hand skills required to look after its historic aircraft collection. The Museum began running apprenticeships for heritage aircraft engineers who soon proved to be a source of enthusiastic, reliable, trustworthy, capable and safe pairs of extra hands. Nurtured by the Museum’s Aircraft Technicians, master craftsman in their trade, the Apprentices rapidly developed their hand-skills and their work is now enthusiastically incorporated into Museum exhibits for future generations to admire. The Apprentices are a vital asset in the Museum’s team and have enabled the Museum to be less reliant on outside contractors and to keep more work in house under its direct control.

www.rafmuseum.org

Air Show Debut For Life Saving Helicopter

Cosford Air Ambulance

Visitors to the RAF Cosford Air Show will have the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s newest Eurocopter EC135 helicopter, which was today confirmed for static display on Sunday 14th June.

The iconic red helicopter, which is one of three used by the charity, is taking part in the Midland’s largest aviation event for the first time in 2015, as part of the show’s Search and Rescue theme. The aircraft, registration ‘G-OMAA’ is the first to be wholly owned by the charity and is one of the newest air ambulance helicopters in the UK, with the ability to carry a paramedic and flight doctor plus full life-support medical equipment at a top speed of 155 knots.

Air Show Spokesperson Peter Reoch said, “The Air Ambulance EC135 will be part of our unique ‘SAR Zone’ at the show, which will showcase the work of the Emergency Services alongside an array of Search and Rescue aircraft types. Our award winning ground displays are a highlight for many visitors, which make the RAF Cosford Air Show a great day out for all the family.”

Since 1991, the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has responded to more than 42,000 missions, making it one of the longest established and busiest air ambulance organisations in the UK. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Air Operations Manager, Becky Tinsley said, “We are extremely proud to be part of the RAF Cosford Air Show. The aircrew will be on hand to give the public a tour of our brand new helicopter, which was purchased purely through the generous donations from the communities we serve. As we have extended our daily operating time into the hours of darkness, it will also give the public an insight into how we fly during darkness.”

To ensure there is no disruption to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s life saving service while the helicopter attends the show, the charity’s aviation partner, Bond Air Services is providing another aircraft to support the charity’s emergency operations.

Mapping the Future

RAF Museum Team

The Trustees of the Royal Air Force Museum are pleased to announce the new Senior Management Team who will oversee the day to day running and long term planning for the London, Cosford and Stafford sites.

John Waxman Assistant Director (London):

John has just arrived from the National Trust where for a number of years he was General Manager at Cliveden, one of the Trust’s busiest pay for entry visitor attractions. Prior to that, he worked in external relations, communications and advisory roles within the public environmental management sector. He is a lifelong aviation enthusiast.

Philip Walsh FCA: Chief Financial Officer:

Philip worked previously as Director of Finance and Operations at the Wallace Collection in Central London. During his time there as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Wallace Collection achieved record visitor numbers, improved retail and corporate hire revenues, and held significant high profile exhibitions all whilst managing an extensive programme of capital projects, including the magnificent £5m refurbishment of the Great Gallery.

He is also the current chairman of trustees of the Allen Lane Foundation, a grant making charitable trust. Philip qualified as a chartered accountant after studying Natural Sciences at Durham University, and went on to work at the Victoria and Albert Museum prior to the Wallace Collection.

Maggie Appleton MBE: Chief Executive Officer:

Maggie has twenty-five years’ experience in the heritage sector. She is passionate about the difference that museums can make to people’s lives and, after beginning her heritage career at the Royal Armouries (when it was based in the Tower of London) she focused her work in community museums, at Stevenage (1991-2003) and then and in Luton (2003-2008), following which she was Chief Executive of Luton Culture, the Charity that led museums, libraries, arts and community centres across the town..

She has led significant heritage initiatives and developments, notably the £6.2million development of Stockwood Discovery Centre which opened in July 2008, and securing the medieval Wenlok Jug for Luton and the nation after its export was stopped in 2006.

Maggie is committee member for the Heritage Lottery Fund, Vice President of the Museums Association and co-Chair of the Women Leaders in Museums Network.

Paul Pomfret Assistant Director (Cosford):

Paul has a comprehensive career working in Heritage, Theatre and Tourists attractions. As Manager for the National Trust for Scotland’s flagship property: Culzean Castle and Country Park he oversaw and developed the 500 acre estate which included multiple historic buildings, numerous retail catering and hospitality locations and significant visitor engagement programmes. At Culzean his key projects included developing relations with international funders, restoring original features and artefacts to the castle, introducing new multimedia interpretation and refurbishment of the estates country house hotel.

Paul holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration is a fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing; he has a keen interest in aviation and gained his Private Pilot’s Licence in 1990.

Karen Whitting Director of Public Programmes:

Karen’s career has spanned both the Arts and Heritage sector and she brings with her a wealth of creative and corporate experiences and skills. She was previously Head of Creative Programmes at the Royal Armouries where she was responsible for the creative content, development and delivery of capital programmes across all their sites. She was project manager for the £4 million HLF funded public engagement programme at Fort Nelson as well as the £1.5million White Tower development.

Karen has also worked extensively on live events and interpretation with previous roles at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, the Millennium Dome and Glyndebourne Opera House.

www.rafmuseum.org

New air power lecture series launched

Official squeamishness and the Bomber Offensive of the Second World War will be the focus of a prestigious lecture hosted by the University of Wolverhampton.

The Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies is a new programme of lectures organised by the Royal Air Force Museum in conjunction with the University and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The first lecture at the University of Wolverhampton will be presented by Air Commodore (ret’d) Dr Peter Gray on Thursday, 19 March 2015 on the subject of ‘‘Official squeamishness’ and the Bomber Offensive of the Second World War.’ Dr Gray’s lecture will take place in MC001 at the University’s City Campus Wulfruna at 6pm.

Dr Peter Gray retired from the Royal Air Force in June 2008, having reached the rank of Air Commodore. He took up the position of Senior Research Fellow in Air Power Studies at the University of Birmingham on 1st September 2008. Dr Gray is also a member of the RAF Museum’s Research Board and his latest book, Leadership, Direction and Legitimacy of the RAF Bomber Offence from Inception to 1945, was published by Continuum in 2012.

Dr Gray’s lecture will examine the attitudes prevalent in the Air Ministry during the Second World War towards the Strategic Air offensive Against Germany. Using the Bomber Command Campaign Medal saga and the publicity the campaign received at the time as case studies, the talk will look at the thinking at all levels and seek to establish just how ‘squeamish’ they were.

Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian from the RAF Museum, said:

“This lecture series marks an important step in the development of the RAF Museum’s academic aspirations. The series seeks to explore historical and contemporary issues related to the employment of air power. The series also seeks to bridge the gap between academic and public history by providing a forum for recognised experts to share and disseminate their research to a wider audience. We are pleased to be holding the series in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton which has a world renowned reputation in the field of War Studies.”

Dr Peter Preston-Hough, from the University’s Department of History, Politics and War Studies, said:

“We’re delighted to be hosting this prestigious series of lectures, which promise to provide an interesting insight into this fascinating area of history. The University has a strong relationship with the RAF Museum and we look forward to working closely with them on the lectures.”

Six lectures will be held as part of the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies. The University of Wolverhampton’s Department of History, Politics and War Studies will host three, while the others will take place at the Headquarters of the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.

This lecture is free of charge but people do need to pre-book a free ticket, as seats are limited. For more information email ross.mahoney@rafmuseum.org or to book a ticket please visit the RAF Museum website www.rafmuseum.org.

Upcoming events at the RAF museum London

Event: Open Cockpits Evening
Date: 3 March
Time: 18:15 to 21:15
Location: Bomber Hall / Historic Hangars
Cost: £15.50 per person

Event: Access the Avro Vulcan
Dates: 25 March
Times: 10:00 to 13:00
Location: Bomber Hall
Cost: £25.50 per person

Event: First World War Airfix Make and Take
Dates: 28 March – 3 April
Times: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
Location: Bomber Hall
Cost: £3 per kit

Event: Knit for Britain from Above
Dates: 4 – 8 April
Times: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
Location: TBC
Cost: Free

Event: Storytelling: Sir Alan Cobhams Flying Circus
Dates: 9 – 10 April
Time: TBC
Location: Art Gallery
Cost: Free

Event: Storytelling: RAF Humanitarian Work
Date: 11 – 12 April
Times: TBC
Location: Art Gallery
Cost: Free

Event: Archive Viewing: RAF Humanitarian Work
Date: 11 – 12 April
Times: 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
Location: Boardroom
Cost: Free

For further details check out www.rafmuseum.org

Zeus Set For Air Tattoo Debut

Hellenic Air Force

The first ever UK appearance of one of Europe’s most exciting solo jet demonstrations has been confirmed for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The display by the Hellenic Air Force’s F-16 demo team, named Zeus, is set to provide one of the highlights of the flying display at the airshow on July 17-19.

Zeus has only previously performed outside its homeland at displays in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. The team, which is named after the father of the Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology, aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force – an air arm that has been modernised substantially in recent years – as well as fostering links between the Greek public and its air force, and encourage recruiting.

The Zeus demonstration will be flown at RIAT 2015 by Captain SotiriosStralis and is the latest addition to the roster of excellent F-16 solo displays around the world, many of which have featured at previous Air Tattoos. The Zeus display is unique in featuring the Block 52+ version, complete with Conformal Fuels Tanks fitted to the upper surfaces of the aircraft, presenting a different view of Lockheed Martin’s outstanding F-16C Fighting Falcon.

The first Zeus demo team was formed by the HAF under the guidance of the US Air Force, giving its debut performance at Tanagra Air Base in November 2010. The display is being provided by 115 Combat Wing based at Souda, which has under its command two squadrons of Block 52+ F-16s – some of the most advanced multi-role fighters within NATO.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “We are honoured to be able to present Zeus to a British audience for the first time. The F-16 has always been an outstanding display aircraft, and I am sure Capt Sotirios will demonstrate its attributes to the full at RIAT 2015. Our thanks go to the Hellenic Air Force for agreeing to participate.”