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Air Tattoo Shines In The Sun

RIAT 2013 Frecce Tricolori

THE SHOW with something for everyone: that was the verdict after crowds at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds enjoyed a feast of flying and static displays, plus a range of new and exciting entertainment on the ground.

Following a hot build-up to the show, around 130,000 visitors enjoyed cooler conditions, and were rewarded with breath-taking aerobatic displays from a variety of aircraft, including fast jets, aerial refuellers, transport aircraft, helicopters plus classic warbirds. Two nations made their Air Tattoo debuts in the flying display, the Finnish Army NH90 helicopter and the Estonian Air Force L39 Albatros.

And there were two classic Air Tattoo set-pieces portraying the ‘Best of British’ when the RAF Red Arrows flew with the British Airways Airbus A380 yesterday (Saturday) and the Airbus Military A400M Atlas today (Sunday).

Around 230 aircraft from 19 countries were on display at the event, whilst 30 overseas Air Chiefs and 49 senior UK military representatives attended.

Celebrity guests included Carol Vorderman, Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden. Dignitaries included HRH The Duke of Kent, HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton. The new Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, was also present, along with Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Defence, and Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology.

Organisers were delighted to report that the mini-heatwave brought out the crowds, with the show sold-out on Saturday and Sunday.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “We have been blessed with excellent weather, and this Air Tattoo has been buzzing with happy people. Our aircraft participants from home and abroad have shared with us the magic and excellence of aviation; and together with our own Royal Air Force, the Air Tattoo team and its numerous supporters have been proud to stage RIAT 2013, in its 42nd year, in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.”

Show Producer Nigel Samuels said: “The new initiatives to upgrade the overall show experience have been a huge success, with the introduction of three Service Stations and new themed areas. The Vintage Village and the Adrenalin and Techno Zones have exceeded our wildest expectations and customers appear delighted with our Air Tattoo CREW volunteers.”

The Air Tattoo medical teams reported a very quiet time, with Chief Medical Officer Sqn Ldr Darren Ellison reporting that some 180 visitors were treated for minor injuries over the weekend. He said: “We were prepared for heat-related conditions but our contingency plans weren’t needed and those who did require treatment had only minor problems – five people were transferred to hospital but the rest were treated at the Air Tattoo Medical Centre and then discharged home.”

Senior Fire Officer Barry Scott said his team was exceptionally quiet, both during the preparation stage and throughout the airshow. He said: “Our concern was the tinder-dry state of the grass, but fortunately we’ve had no problems.”

And Traffic Manager Malcolm Bowdler said: “The country roads around Fairford inevitably lead to some delays, but this year the early opening of the car parks at 6am each day helped free up approach routes, Saturday’s exit phase went well and we’re not anticipating any problems today.”

From the pilots’ perspective, Capt Bill Ramsey, who flew the Avro Vulcan XH558 on Saturday, said: “Displaying at the Air Tattoo still ticks all the boxes for a display pilot. The show is so big and I really enjoyed it. The feedback we got afterwards was fantastic.”

First-time Air Tattoo visitor Chris Welsh, 56, from Cam, Gloucestershire, said: “It’s been a fantastic day out. The focus is on aircraft but it’s clear that a lot of effort has gone into making the airshow a great day out for all ages. I’ll definitely come again and I’ll recommend it to others.”

Her son Alex Mair, 32, from Hackney in London, said: “It’s been wonderful – when I walked through the gates it was like being a 15-year-old again, with my bedroom covered in aircraft posters. The displays were great – I didn’t realise you could do doughnuts in a plane – and I hope to be back.”

Delphine Ryan, 37, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, said: “It’s my first time here and I think there’s an incredible atmosphere: I’m really interested in the military aircraft and fighter jets.”

www.airtattoo.com

Model show set to be a scorcher

RAF Cosford Vulcan Bomber model

20th and 21st July 2013

Gates open 8.30am

With the hot sunny weather looking set to continue into the weekend, organisers of the Large Model Aircraft Rally at Cosford are busy preparing for a scorcher of a show. The event which attracts in excess of 10,000 visitors each year is likely to see numbers soar as modellers and aviation fans from across the country enjoy the sunshine at this air show in miniature.

Taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 20th and 21st July, there is plenty for visitors to sit back and enjoy. The show is jam packed with two full days of flying and will see huge models of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft performing for the crowds over the airfield. Other activities keeping the whole family entertained include a children’s entertainment area and a wide range of trade stalls, selling all the essential modelling equipment you could ever need, plus lots of non-modelling related items.

With temperatures remaining in the high 20’s, organisers are advising visitors to come prepared for the hot weather with plenty of sunscreen and hats. Or why not cool down with an ice cream or a refreshing drink from one of the many on site caterers. For anyone wishing to take a break out of the sunshine, why not peruse the award winning RAF Museum where you can see many of the aircraft on which the models are based. Plus, visitors will have the chance to view the last surviving Dornier 17 recently salvaged from the bottom of the English Channel.

Dave Johnson, Event Organiser says:

“As show organiser, I would like to extend a warm welcome to visitors at this year’s event which is sure to be our biggest model air show ever. We have aircraft, some MEGA LARGE in excess of 20ft including a 1/5th scale Vulcan bomber, plus models coming from as far afield as Germany. With all the other attractions and the great weather forecast, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend.”

For anyone looking to take full advantage of the sunshine, camping slots are available for the weekend, giving you full access to all the weekends action and the opportunity to enjoy a warm summers evening at the RAF Museum, exclusively for this event. On site camping including entrance to the show is only £45.00 for the weekend. Contact Dave Bailey for more details on camping at dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk or call 07827 675665.

Tickets on the gate cost just £10 per adult and £8 per senior citizen. This time for the first year, children under the age of 16 are FREE, making this the perfect affordable summer’s day out for the whole family. Gates open at 8.30am and flying starts a 9.00am. Unfortunately, free admission to the Museum is not possible this weekend.

For further information about the show and for on the gate prices, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

Models of cancelled concept aircraft now on display

RAF Museum Concept Models display

Now on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is a collection of original aircraft concept models designed by some of Britain’s biggest aircraft manufacturers during the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. These pioneering designs never made it off the drawing boards. Visitors to the Museum will now have the chance to see some of the revolutionary ideas up close, as they go on display in the Museum’s Test Flight Hangar.

The collection brings together ten original pieces of aircraft design, including one by Barnes Wallis creator of the Wellington Bomber and the famous bouncing bomb used during the Dambusters Raid. Wallis’ design for Vickers known as the Type 010 or ‘Swallow’ was one of the more unusual projects of the 1950’s. This large swing-wing aircraft was designed with the ability to travel at both supersonic and subsonic speeds whilst the engines could rotate and tilt, acting as control surfaces. The proposals were not seen as practical by Government officials although the Air Staff seemed interested and despite Wallis’ best efforts, the Swallow was cancelled in 1957.

Many of the designs were far in advance of their time and only a few made it into construction before later being cancelled by the Government. Those which never made it any further than design concept were ambitious and many had their setbacks, as was the case with the Supermarine Type 559. This interceptor featured two de Havilland Gyron engines with afterburners and two de Havilland Spectre Junior rocket engines, whilst its design featured a Canard layout where the tail-wing was moved to the front resulting in fins being placed on the main wing tips. It would have been a fully integrated weapons system, with technologies beyond its years had it made it into service.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Nick Sturgess said:

“The models demonstrate the forward thinking of British aircraft designers during the 1950’s and 60’s, when Britain was at its peak of the aviation industry. There are some ambitious ideas and many of the designs are very futuristic looking, even by today’s standards. Some of the models look like they could be out of a science fiction movie and no doubt, ideas like this would have inspired the likes of Gerry Anderson.”

These new additions to the Test Flight Hangar gives the Museum the chance to bring from storage some items relating to aircraft designs held in the Museum collection. Models range in size from 2ft to 4ft and are made from, wood, plastic and metal, each with their own caption boards detailing the design concept and the expected results.

Other models on display include: The Bristol Type 204 – a state of the art bomber; the Bristol Type 178 – a rocket fighter designed to intercept high flying, supersonic bombers; the English Electric P.10 – a high speed reconnaissance aircraft that would have spied on targets before and after a V-Bomber raid; the Hawker P.1103 – thought to be capable of intercepting a supersonic bomber at 60,000ft within 20 minutes of take-off, the Fairey Delta 3 – a high level interceptor designed to catch incoming Soviet bombers; the Saunders-Roe SR.177 – the planned successor to the experimental rocket powered SR.53 which was cancelled during construction; The Avro 730 – an ambitious reconnaissance aircraft cancelled during construction; the Armstrong-Whitworth 681- a post war transport aircraft capable of carrying vehicles or 60 paratroopers and finally the Fairey Project 75 – designed to be a lightweight aircraft with a short take off run.

Anyone wishing to take a look at this unique collection, the concept models are now on permanent display, located in the Museums’ Test Flight Hangar. Admission is free of charge. For more information on the Museum please visit www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

Airborne Angels Enact Air Tattoo Drama

Whether it’s the police, ambulance or fire and rescue, the speed and effectiveness of the UK’s airborne emergency servicesin responding to an incident can often be the difference between life and death.

Thanks to Eurocopter UK Ltd, their capability and professionalism will be demonstrated in vivid fashion when a dramatic rescue is enacted at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds on July 20-21.

From search, surveillance and crime detection to casualty evacuation and air ambulance airlift, the rotary wing aircraft element of the UK’s frontline response unitsare on 24-hour standby to provide vital support wherever it is needed.

In a recreation of an emergency scenario, the National Police Air Service, London Fire Brigade and Devon Air Ambulance,operating three Eurocopter helicopters, will demonstrate their capabilities to Air Tattoo spectators.

As the drama unfolds, a Police EC135 helicopter will overfly the scene to aid co-ordination whilst an EC145 with a fire service team on board will attend the incident along with an EC135 air ambulance.

The demonstration is part of the Air Tattoo’s Sky Guardian theme which will turn the spotlight on civil and military aircraft operators who play an important role safeguarding life, land and liberty around the globe.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “The demo will be a rare opportunity for the public to witness the airborne emergency services’ skill and bravery, often working in situations none of us would want to find ourselves in.

“We are grateful to Eurocopter, whose EC135 helicopter is the aircraft of choice for the UK Emergency Services, for offering us the opportunity to salute the role of these unsung heroes.”

Among the other highlights in the airshow’s seven-and-a-half hour flying programme will be displays by the Vulcan bomber, fast jets including the Typhoon, Gripen and Rafale; six aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows; the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight plus a number of unique joint flypasts.

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.

Mitchell Bomber returns to Dunsfold for Wings & Wheels

Mitchell Bomber

Some 70 years after the B-25 Dutch Mitchell Bomber first arrived at Dunsfold Aerodrome it will be back in our skies for Wings & Wheels on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August 2013 thanks to the generous support of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight.

It was August of 1943 when the menacing silhouette of the first of the North American B-25 Mitchells was spotted in the skies above Dunsfold. The aircraft was easily recognisable due to its twin tail rudders, two engines and unusual tricycle undercarriage which, although very much the norm today, was a daring innovation of its time.

The aircraft was used in the defence of the country and in connection with the Allied invasion and liberation of occupied Europe and continued to be based at Dunsfold Aerodrome until 1946. Following the Mitchells’ participation in D-Day, they were billed as ‘Heroes of the Night’.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Dutch Mitchell Bombers and the squadrons who flew them contributed significantly to Dunsfold Aerodrome’s defining Second World War achievements. It is only fitting that we are able to celebrate 70 years since their arrival here with a stunning display at Wings & Wheels.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and both classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 20:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £65 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

A thrilling line-up announced for the Flying Legends Air Show

Duxford Spitfires

Over 50 aircraft are booked to appear at the Flying Legends Air Show, on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, in a spectacular aerial celebration of historic aviation.

The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team will present the worldwide debut of their thrilling new display in a trio of Supermarine Spitfires, including two rare Mark I variants.

To showcase the incredible lineage of the Supermarine Spitfire, we are proud to present variants ranging from the Mark I to the Mark 19, flying alongside their old adversary, the Hispano Buchon (Messerschmitt Bf 109). These aircraft will take part in choreographed dogfights reminiscent of the Battle of Britain above IWM Duxford’s historic Second World War airfield.

The Fighter Collection is pleased to present a melee of Mustangs including two rare blue-nosed Mustangs, Moonbeam McSwine and Princess Elizabeth. They represent aircraft flown by Captain William T Whisner of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group at RAF Bodney, Suffolk in 1944. When the 352nd Fighter Group discovered that they were to be honoured by a visit from the then Princess Elizabeth, they decided to christen Bill Whisner’s aircraft in her honour. Unimpressed by this imposition on his beloved Mustang, Bill soon changed the name to Moonbeam McSwine. Princess Elizabeth arrived at IWM Duxford in May this year to display as part of the Eagle Squadron commemoration at the Spring Air Show. This is a rare opportunity to view this US-based aircraft in the Duxford skies once more before her return to the USA.

Making a welcome return is the Flying Bulls’ Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS. The Flying Bulls’ stunning aerial performances always wow the crowds at the Flying Legends Air Show.

The biplane era will be celebrated by a four-ship display comprising of two Hawker Nimrod aircraft, a Hawker Demon and a Hawker Hind. These glorious aircraft are instantly reminiscent of the golden age of adventurous aviation.

Continuing this bygone theme, we are pleased to announce that two Gloster Gladiator aircraft will fly together for the first time at the Flying Legends Air Show and indeed anywhere else in the world.

A celebration of Curtiss aircraft includes The Fighter Collection’s Curtiss P-40B Warhawk , the only remaining airworthy survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack on 7 December 1941, and their Curtiss P-40F Warhawk, one of only two airworthy examples of this variant in the world.

Favourite aircraft returning to the Flying Legends Air Show include the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stifutung Junkers Ju 52 and Messerschmitt 108; B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; Dakota Norway DC3 and on Sunday 14 July only, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster will join the Flight’s Spitfire and Hurricane for a commemorative wartime display.

The wartime atmosphere continues across the museum. The Vintage Village, situated on the hangar base next to Wing Co Joe’s Café, offers the perfect nostalgic destination for some rest and relaxation.

Enjoy authentic thirties and forties songs sung in true Andrews Sisters-style by The Manhattan Dolls, who will have flown directly from New York to perform for visitors to the air show. The Wilmslow Concert Band will be performing 1940s swing band classics.

Don’t miss the chance to clamber aboard the Home Front Bus! This unique living history experience contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Enjoy a glass of fizz from the Prosecco Bar and take the weight off your feet in our traditional deckchair seating area. Complete your 1940s day by sitting in a replica Supermarine Spitfire!

Ops 1939-45 represent Battle of Britain-era RAF pilots and ground crew with uncanny accuracy. They will present a dispersal point display at the Flying Legends Air Show, where they will be chatting to visitors as they await the call to scramble. They will also be hosting Bomber briefings, where, as members of Bomber Command, they will tell you about your target for tonight and get you ready for your bombing mission.

The 42nd Field Hospital portrays US Army medical personnel from the Second World War, while the Screaming Eagles Living History Group will be representing servicemen who served with the 101st US Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Easy Company during the Second World War. They will have displays at the air show and will be bringing the 1940s to life in US style.

We’ve got fun family activities happening between 10am and 2pm, in AirSpace, next to the Lancaster, where you can get hands-on with RAF Bomber Command historical objects.

If you love the sound of a Merlin engine, don’t miss the dynamic display of seven instantly-recognisable historic engines on the airfield jet pan, including two Merlins, a Griffon, two Leonides, a Napier Lion and a Hercules.

Join us for another unforgettable Flying Legends Air Show! Advance booking has now closed but you can still purchase your ticket on the gate on each day of the air show.

www.iwm.org.uk

The Bottle of Britain Confirms Wings & Wheels Support

Wings & Wheels has more cause for celebration this week as the air and motoring Show renewed its partnership with Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale. For its ninth consecutive year, the biggest ale success story of the last decade will be at the 2013 Show supporting the fundraising efforts of the team through ale supplies and sponsorship of key air displays and facilities for past and present veterans.

Originally brewed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Spitfire’s characteristically Kentish, hoppy flavour and cheeky advertising campaigns have made it a firm favourite with beer lovers and Wings & Wheels visitors.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “As the airshow evolves and continues to grow in strength and reputation, Spitfire has been with us every step of the way. The support they provide ensures that we are able to enhance our visitors’ experience and offer value for money which is invaluable in these current economic times.”

As well as their continued sponsorship of Wings & Wheels, Spitfire Ale recently announced a new partnership with comedy duo Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller in the guise of their RAF characters. The pilots featured in their award winning BBC One comedy sketch show and are renowned for using street language and having stereotypical modern-day attitudes but speaking in clipped 1940s accents. Continuing Spitfire Ale’s tradition of tongue-in-cheek British humour, the characters herald a new era for marketing the beer, helping it appeal to new and existing consumers alike.

Spitfire Brand Manager Kate Maclean said: “It’s an exciting time for Spitfire and whilst we are very excited with all the new initiatives being implemented, we are delighted to continue our support of long term partners like Wings & Wheels. The airshow not only allows us to engage with existing and new customers in a fun environment but, with Alexander and Ben’s RAF pilots as our new ambassadors, the fit couldn’t be better. ”

Returning on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August, visitors to Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey can enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing everything needed for a great family day out. The Hot Rod Zone hosts live rockabilly music, themed retail outlets and a stunning display of nostalgic and ‘kustom’ Hot Rod vehicles. The show arena also boasts laser quest, kids driving, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, a Wall of Death, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

Taking the hassle out of everyone’s day the show includes added extras to make the experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 Spitfire bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, a raffle, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Tim Prince To Hand Over Air Tattoo Controls In 2014

After 42 years at the helm of the Royal International Air Tattoo, Chief Executive Tim Prince announced today (June 24) that the 2014 airshow will be his last.

As one of the airshow’s founding fathers, Mr Prince has helped build the event into what is widely considered to be the greatest airshow in the world.

He said he couldn’t go on forever and that it was time to stand down and entrust the Air Tattoo’s future to a fresh pair of hands.

Mr Prince said: “For the past 42 years, the Air Tattoo has been my life and I’ve loved every minute of it. During this time I have been fortunate enough to have met some incredible and inspirational people and have made many wonderful friends. It’s now time to pass on the baton.”

The Air Tattoo was first organised by a group of aircraft loving air traffickers at North Weald airfield in 1971.Driven by their passion for aviation, the Air Tattoo grew over the following three decades until, in 2003, Guinness World Records recognised it as the largest military airshow in the world.

The Air Tattoo continues to feature rare aircraft from countries that have never participated in British airshows before. In 2012, Japan, South Korea and Colombia were the latest names added to the list of 54 nations that have been represented at the airshow since the beginning.

Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) Alan Smith described Tim as a “fantastic” leader of the organisation who is greatly admired by the thousands of volunteers,employees,sponsors and customers who have always beenvery happy to follow his lead.

Mr Smith said: “The Trustees,the Directors and myself are hugely grateful to Tim for agreeing to remain with the company for the next 14 months (and two more Air Tattoos) to help both appoint and introduce his successor.

“Tim’s most important legacy will be that, along with Paul Bowen,he created the greatest airshow in the world and subsequently ensured,with the support of many others, its long term presence in the annual aviation calendar. As a result, thousands of people have benefitted from the millions of charity pounds raised.”

Details of the Chief Executive vacancy will be published after this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. However, the RAFCTE Board of Directors wish to encourage prospective applicants, on their own initiative, to visit the airshow next month if they have not attended the event in recent years.

www.airtattoo.com

Model aircraft take to the Shropshire skies

Model Aircraft Show RAF Cosford

20th – 21st July 2013

On site camping

Gates open 8.30am

Intricate models of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies over Shropshire next month for a weekend of flying entertainment. Model enthusiasts from across the country will travel to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford for this famous air show in miniature.

Taking place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July, the Large Model Aircraft Rally at Cosford is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast. Set to be one of Shropshire’s biggest events this Summer, organisers are expecting over 10,000 visitors to attend the two day show. Visitors to this year’s Cosford Air Show will have seen a glimpse of what the event is all about, as members of the Large Model Association performed for the crowds during the morning before the main flying began.

Models flying this year cover the complete spectrum of aviation, including aircraft from the early 1900’s right through to the latest Red Arrows Hawks in miniature. Models range in size from small scale aircraft right through to the huge 1/5th Scale Avro Vulcan with 4 jet turbines, brand new to the show this year. Another first at this year’s event will be a squadron of World War 2 fighters and bombers from Germany, with special pyrotechnic effects recreating a bombing raid.

Alex Medhurst, RAF Museum Cosford General Manager says:

“Many of the models have taken years of dedication to build and apart from the obvious difference in size, they look just like the real thing. The great thing about this event, it’s not just modellers who will enjoy it, other activities keeping the whole family entertained throughout the day include: a children’s entertainment area; trade and food stalls selling everything from modelling equipment to hot snacks and refreshing drinks; plus, access to the Museum where you can see many of the aircraft flown during the show in full size.”

Anyone wishing to attend the event can save money by purchasing tickets in advance at a discounted rate. Advance tickets are on sale at the Museum, priced at just £8 for adults and £7 for senior citizens, saving £2 per person on the gate price and for the first time this year; children under the age of 16 are FREE. Gates open at 8.30am and flying starts a 9.00am.

Exclusively for the Large Model Aircraft Rally, visitors are able to camp on site, meaning you can make the most of the weekend’s flying and activities by being at the centre of all the action. On the Saturday evening there will be entertainment for the campers in the form of an aerobatic glider display with fireworks. On site camping available from Friday 19th to Monday 22nd July, including entrance to the show both days is only £40.00 when booked in advance. Any visitors interested in camping should contact Dave Bailey for more details on 07827 675665 or email dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk.

For further information on the event and how to purchase advance tickets, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

Aerial Aerobatics from Apache at Wings & Wheels

Apache Dunsfold Wings & Wheels

The Apache Attack Helicopter Display Team is joining the Wings & Wheels line-up this Bank Holiday on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in, Guildford, Surrey.

Treating visitors to heart stopping aerial-acrobatic manoeuvres as the pilot appears to cheat gravity with a series of heart-stopping barrel rolls, the display team, unlike some other display teams, is not a permanent assignment. It is drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew, and uses aircraft drawn from the operational Apache Squadrons.

This year the pool of display aircrew has been drawn from 662 Squadron AAC which has recently returned from a successful operational tour of Afghanistan.

The Apache team performs manoeuvres in the helicopter, rather than aerobatics like the Red Arrows team. High hovers, twists, pedal turns, wingovers and flypasts are just some of the team’s signature moves as they give visitors a glimpse of its weapons including the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Apache is a truly fierce defender of the skies and it leaves everyone in its path buzzing over the incredible manoeuvres you don’t normally associate with a helicopter. This year’s Show is going to be our best yet – and with this latest addition to the line-up we think our visitors will agree. “

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.