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French Navy’s Atlantique joins the lineup!

It’s not long until aircraft will start touching down at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo, and we are still adding to this year’s flying programme!

This week, we are delighted to confirm that the French Navy will be providing their Atlantique, which we are sure many of you will consider a highlight for this year.

We’ve also got aircraft to bolster our theme of ‘Eyes in the Skies’ as we prepare to welcome the Royal Canadian Air Force with their CP-140M Aurora, Italian Coastguard with their ATR 42 and HM Coastguard Sikorsky S-92A. Rounding off this week, we are pleased to announce the Grob 520 Ergrett and Grob 120TP, as well as an Envoy IV from the Royal Air Force, all on static display.

View Confirmed Aircraft

We are still selling tickets for this year’s show at a rapid rate and while Saturday general admission has sold out, you can still secure a spot by giving our new enclosure Altitude a try!

Enjoy an all-inclusive cocktail bar with selected drinks, upper deck viewing space that will give you a unique view of the show and an exclusive DJ music set in the enclosure, once the flying display has concluded.

With Saturday selling out, Friday and Sunday aren’t too far behind, so if you are planning on joining us this year, you’ve got to act fast! We’ve got aircraft from all around the world, hours of flying displays and plenty to keep you occupied on the ground with our Techno Zone ®, Inspire Stage and static line-up so book now to avoid missing out.

Book Tickets HERE

Look to the Skies at Middle Wallop

Wingwalkers at Wallop Wheels & Wings — (by Darren Curtis)

The Army Flying Museum, in Middle Wallop, are in the last throws of their preparation for their popular annual fundraising event, Wallop Wheels and Wings, which will take place on both the Museum site and the historic adjacent airfield on Saturday 12 July.

Visitors are in for a real treat again this year as, weather permitting, a number of air displays are planned throughout the event. The amazing Aerosuperbatics Wing Walkers will be wowing the crowds and making their first visit to Wallop Wheels and Wings. The Wing walkers perform breathtaking acrobatics and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of two beautiful 1940’s Boeing Stearman biplanes as the pilots fly through a choreographed and energetic routine of dazzling aerobatics and close formation flypasts. It is set to be a very exciting addition to the display programme at this popular annual event at Middle Wallop. In addition, the Museum are thrilled to welcome back the RAF Falcons Parachute Display team, the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight Spitfire and the Navy Wings Harvard.

Also included in the programme are very special displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Douglas C47 Dakota and RAF Grob Tutor, along with what is set to be a real crowd pleaser, as a Westland Lynx AH Mk.7 takes to the skies to entertain the crowds.

The event is a great day out for the whole family, not just for car, motorbike and aircraft enthusiasts and will see a full programme of entertainment running throughout the day including inflatables, craft activities, laser tag, mini racers and circus skills, for all ages to get involved in. This year, sponsors GKN Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters will also provide some great activities to keep young minds whirring in the Discovery Den. Younger visitors will also have lots of fun with the classic pedal planes and little tanks. The event village will showcase local artisan traders including Homemade Brownie Company, New Forest Shortbread, Hornet Chilli, Saxnot Meadery, and many more and is a great chance to support local independent traders and pick up some unique gifts.

The event this year has attracted its highest number of exhibitors, with over 400 classic/super cars and motorcycles, with a very special display by sponsors Andover Norton International. The event will also showcase the Model Aircraft Club, Living History Groups and much more.

For those with an interest in photography, there are only limited tickets remaining for the photography enclosure which gives exclusive access to aircraft arrivals and prime positioning to capture some amazing shots on the day.

Chief Executive of the Museum Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is the Army Flying Museum’s main fundraising event and a chance to showcase some of the best vintage aircraft, cars and motorbikes on the beautiful site of Middle Wallop airfield. We are also thrilled to have been able to build on the number of air displays included in the event this year. The Museum is an independent charity and relies on fundraising activities to support the work we do in preserving the history of British Army aviation, so the proceeds from this event are vitally important. But it’s also a brilliant day out for the whole family and we hope you can join us!”

All tickets purchased in advance of the event come with a free annual pass for the Museum valid from 13 July and with all school holiday activities included in the annual pass, this gives great value for money for local families to enjoy and support this great local Museum.

www.armyflying.com

Celebrating 60 Years of ‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’ at Shuttleworth

Shuttleworth - Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines

3rd June 2025 marks 60 years since the theatrical release of the much-loved aviation comedy, ‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’. The film is a particular favourite at Shuttleworth as it features the Collection’s Bristol Boxkite, an aircraft celebrating its own anniversary in 2025.

‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’ is a 1965 comedy based on the early days of aviation. Set in 1920, the film centres around a host of characters racing to be the first to fly over the English Channel for a sizeable cash prize put up by a wealthy newspaper mogul. Whilst the characters all endeavour to win, several are also beguiled by the newspaper mogul’s daughter. This light-hearted caper was a firm favourite of the era.

Setting a film during the early years of aviation is one thing, but how do you accurately represent the aircraft that were being flown at that time, 115 years ago? Especially when some no longer existed in the 1960s? In the case of the 1910 Bristol Boxkite, F.G. Miles Engineering Ltd were tasked with building – to the original specification as far as possible – a reproduction of the iconic Edwardian aircraft. Following a starring role in the film, the Boxkite was acquired by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, who placed it in the care of the Shuttleworth Collection for preservation. Since being part of the Collection, the Boxkite has proven to be one of the most popular in the Collection, and has made many flights – the most recent being April of this year.

Jean-Michel Munn, Head of Engineering at Shuttleworth (and someone who has flown the Boxkite), said, “We’re delighted to be able to preserve a stunning example of the Bristol Boxkite here at Shuttleworth for future generations to enjoy. Seeing this incredible aircraft up close in the hangars is one thing, but seeing it take to the skies is a truly magical experience and one that we are proud to be able to offer visitors 115 years on from the first flight this type of aircraft would have taken.”

Visitors can see the Shuttleworth Collection’s Bristol Boxkite in one of six hangars full of aeronautical history at the Bedford visitor attraction, or, for a truly remarkable experience, you can see it take to the skies at the upcoming Festival of Flight Air Show on 28 & 29 June, or any of the venue’s season air show displays. For daily admission or event tickets, visit www.shuttleworth.org

Back By Popular Demand: Shuttleworth’s Festival of Flight

Following the huge success of 2024, Shuttleworth’s Festival of Flight Air Show returns by popular demand for its second year. On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, the venue’s biggest air show will see a total of four flying displays, a visit from the Red Arrows, and the largest amount of ground attractions ever seen at Old Warden aerodrome, near Biggleswade.

Shuttleworth is the closest you can get to the flying action in the UK, with an unparalleled flightline that makes for a truly spectacular air display experience. The Festival will feature a stellar line up of top-class visiting display aircraft, including, but not limited to: the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Avro Lancaster, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Nieuport 23 and Fokker D.XXI (which will both be making their UK debuts). All of the Shuttleworth Collection’s own airworthy aircraft available this season will also take to the skies across the weekend – if the conditions are right, this will include the Collection’s Edwardian aircraft, featuring the World’s oldest airworthy aircraft, the 1909 Blériot XI.

Outside of the flying displays, the Festival also has the largest amount of ground attractions of any of Shuttleworth’s events. The Tigers Children’s Motorcycle Team and Fusion Extreme Stunt Show will wow audiences with their adrenaline-fuelled tricks. Then, there are countless interactive attractions from simulators to a working anti-aircraft exhibit, circus skills workshops, pedal planes to fly and mini landers to drive. Visitors can enjoy Shuttleworth staples from the educational activities in various Discovery Zones, to the chance to hop aboard a vintage bus and to see working steam and heritage exhibits from Clayton & Shuttleworth Ltd. Shuttleworth House, the site’s Grade II listed Victorian mansion will be open with displays and tours, and – for those seeking a moment of calm – the 9-acre Swiss Graden is the perfect place to explore in the shade, complete with resident peacocks. Better still, all of these activities and attractions are included in the price of a ticket – offering a full day’s entertainment for fantastic value.

To enhance a visit even further, visitors can prebook marquee ‘pods’ to decorate and use as a base for the day – a wonderful way to come together with friends and family for a celebration or get together. Guests can also step onto the airfield and get within touching distance of these amazing aircraft with flightline tours – but you’ll need to be quick as these sell out fast.

Shuttleworth boasts a beautiful camping area, letting guests turn their flying visit into an unforgettable stay. You can make the weekend of it for just £20 per pitch per night and enjoy additional entertainment at Shuttleworth House.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “Our Festival of Flight Air Show is the jewel in the crown of our air show season. This is the big one, where we super-charge every element of the event, from the flying to the ground entertainment. We hope to see lots of families joining us for a fantastic day out, inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts. If you’ve yet to experience an air show at Shuttleworth, then Festival of Flight is definitely the way to do it.”

Festival of Flight takes place on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June with tickets starting from £39 (children go free). Already in high demand, the Festival looks on track to break sales records at Shuttleworth.

www.shuttleworth.org

RIAT Saturday sells out in record speed

Tickets for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo are flying with Saturday selling out earlier than ever before.

To date, the event has sold over 130,000 tickets to this year’s show, which will see hundreds of aircraft from all over the world descend on RAF Fairford for the three-day aviation showcase which is set to take place on Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July.

With a theme of Eyes in the Skies, highlighting the vital role aviation plays across domains of aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence and surveillance. This summer also marks 40 years since Air Tattoo first touched down at RAF Fairford with a heritage centre also due to be installed on the showground.

So far, in addition to hoards of visitors, the event has had confirmation of over 200 aircraft ranging from the RAF’s iconic display team, the Red Arrows, more unusual aircraft relating to the theme, plus crowd favourites such as the Spanish Harrier.

Paul Atherton, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, said: “Demand for our event has been incredible since we came back from COVID and we are always grateful for the support we receive, from visitors, international air forces and our volunteers.

“This year’s event is set to be another brilliant show with aircraft from all over the world and their crews which will be on hand to talk to visitors about their airframes and their careers in aviation.

“For anyone who is still hoping to join us this year, I’d encourage you to act fast as tickets are selling extremely quickly and once they’re gone, they’re gone!”

Profits generated by the Royal International Air Tattoo fuel the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which aims to inspire young people into careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

In addition to the awe-inspiring displays in the air, there is plenty for people to explore on the ground with an extensive static display, the Techno Zone® where people can get hands-on with the latest tech exhibits in air and space, plus the Inspire Stage which is run by the charity and features speakers from aviation and tech.

Dr Kevin Stenson, Director, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust said: “The popularity of RIAT is hugely important for our charity as we continue to spark the imagination of young people.

“RIAT as a whole is an incredible showcase of the possibilities in aviation and space, and the Inspire Stage is a key part of it. This year’s Stage will include live lessons, pilots, astronauts, Everest climbers, TV presenters, Minecraft. a robot dog and more.”

www.airtattoo.com

It’s almost here! Check out this week’s thrilling aircraft additions

There are less than two months to go until the first aircraft touches down at RAF Fairford for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo!

Meanwhile, Take Off Thursday continues and this week we are pleased to announce some assets from the Qatar Emiri Air Force that will further bolster our static line-up.

They’ll be bringing an AH-64E Apache Guardian as we celebrate 50 years of Apache, plus a C-17 Globemaster, Hawk and a Typhoon.

From further afield and visiting for the first time in almost 10 years, we have the Royal New Zealand Air Force and their Boeing 757-2K2 – their last trip to Gloucestershire came back in 2016.

Finally, we’re rounding off the week with Royal Air Force training aircraft to the static line up this week with the Prefect, Tutor and Hawk. More to come from the Royal Air Force in the next few weeks… To view every aircraft confirmed for RIAT25 so far, click the link below.

View Confirmed Aircraft

If you’re looking for a more intense experience then why not treat yourself to one of our FRIAT six-day packages. They’re fantastic value, with amazing benefits including:

Park & View entry on Wednesday
Thursday, choice of Park & View or FRIAT enclosure
Friday to Sunday general admission to the showground and access to the FRIAT enclosure
Monday, choice of Park & View or FRIAT enclosure
Allocated grandstand seat and access to the exclusive FRIAT enclosure
Free official souvenir programme

Plus, the opportunity to meet other like-minded aircraft enthusiasts who love RIAT.

Book Tickets HERE

BAE Systems supports RAF Museum transformation with major investment

The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to announce a new partnership and major investment from BAE Systems, in support of the Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme.

This significant contribution towards the redevelopment of the Museum’s Midlands site will help transform the visitor experience. Funding will support the refurbishment of a historic hangar to house a new exhibition, alongside enhanced learning and community engagement opportunities aimed at broadening access and deepening public understanding of the RAF’s role, past, present, and future.

The investment was formally announced by RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton and Sir Stuart Atha, Director of Defence Capability at BAE Systems, at the Museum’s spring reception on 13 May, attended by key supporters, stakeholders, dignitaries and members of the community involved in developing the programme.

As a founding partner, BAE Systems’ generous funding will be directed towards the redevelopment of a 1930s hangar which will house a new exhibition and state-of-the-art learning centre alongside visitor facilities. The new immersive exhibition will explore the RAF’s critical role from 1980 to the present day. As a trusted partner to the RAF and expertise in aerospace, defence, and advanced technology, BAE Systems is uniquely positioned to support the Museum as it explores the RAF’s evolving role in Air, Space and Cyber operations.

Highlights of the hangar will include a BAE Systems Red Arrows Hawk T1, greeting visitors as they enter, and a 1:1 model of the future Tempest combat air system, both cutting-edge technologies developed by BAE Systems.

Alongside the transformed hangar, the Museum will also deliver:

A major engagement programme that will harness the power of RAF heritage todeliver a range of creative, wellbeing and skills development activities

A purpose-built Collections Hub, enabling the Museum’s stored collection to be brought on site and opened to the public for the first time

A new public realm providing spaces for outdoor learning, activities, and picnicking, while increasing biodiversity

Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said:

‘The RAF Museum is hugely grateful to BAE Systems for their significant investment and continued commitment to helping us transform how we share the RAF story. Our ambitious redevelopment programme will explore the Royal Air Force’s enduring impact on global aviation, innovation, and defence, while bringing to life the personal stories of those who have served, in powerful and engaging ways. This support will play a vital role in ensuring the Museum remains a place of inspiration, learning and remembrance for generations to come.’

Sir Stuart Atha, Director of Defence Capability, BAE Systems, said:

‘As a proud and long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces, we are delighted to help fund the RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme. This is an initiative that will help tell the story of the RAF and through outreach programmes inspire current and future generations. Having worked alongside the RAF throughout their history, we are honoured to help preserve our common heritage and are proud to support those who serve and protect us.’

Work on the hangar redevelopment and wider transformation programme will begin later this year, with completion expected by summer 2027. The project has been made possible with the support of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Royal Air Force, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment. To find out more about the redevelopment project and how you can get involved, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and admission is free.

Prepare for take off – less than 10 weeks to go!

It’s less than 10 weeks until aircraft start arriving at RAF Fairford for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo!

In this week’s update, we have an array of aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, including their Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft appearing at a British airshow for the first time in over a decade. They’ll also be sending the Airbus A330 MRTT from the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit, an NH90 NFH, and their new AH-64E Apache Guardian. We also have a Eurocopter EC135 for static display from the Irish Air Corps as well as a further five civilian additions also lining up on the Gloucestershire tarmac.

View Confirmed Aircraft

We all love the iconic film ‘Top Gun’, and believe it or not, this week marks 39 years since the original film’s release in 1986. For your own ‘Top Gun’ moment, join us at RIAT25. Be quick though, as tickets for Friday and Saturday are very close to selling out!

If you want to make your day extra special this year, then why not upgrade to one of our enclosures. While Saturday is completely sold out for all enclosures except Altitude, our newest enclosure, there are still enclosures available for Friday and Sunday. There is an enclosure for every taste and budget. Browse our range of options here. Upgrade your experience today!

Book Tickets HERE

Celebrate the RAF Museum’s Big Lift Off with free family fun!

Location: RAF Museum Midlands

Date: Saturday 31 May

Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Cost: Free

Celebrate the start of a new chapter for the RAF Museum Midlands!

Strap in for an unforgettable day out! The RAF Museum Midlands is inviting families from across the region to take part in The Big Lift Off, a spectacular free event celebrating the start of an exciting site-wide transformation.

Taking place on Saturday 31 May, The Big Lift Off event will see thrilling aerial displays and lively ground activities for all ages. Look to the skies for a jaw-dropping skydiving display and awe-inspiring flypast, while on the ground, enjoy toe-tapping live music, sizzling BBQs, and interactive family games – and the best part, entry is completely FREE!

The Big Lift Off event highlights:

A spectacular Lancaster flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (weather permitting)
A dramatic skydiving display, with parachutists landing in the Museum grounds (weather permitting)
Live music from the RAF Cosford Pipes and Drums, a vintage 1940s crooner, and the RAF Cosford Voluntary Band
Step aboard the legendary Chinook ‘Bravo November’, a rare opportunity not to be missed!
Family activities galore including rocket car races, mystery prize games, photo booths with RAF uniforms and more
Be the first to see exciting new artefacts being delivered on the day via skydivers, bicycles, vintage vehicles, and on foot!
Soak up the atmosphere with BBQ and ice cream stands.

The Big Lift Off event isn’t just a great family day out, it also marks the launch of the Museum’s new fundraising appeal – The Crate Escape. This appeal will help raise the final funds needed for the exciting new redevelopment plans that include a brand-new Collections Hub at the Museum. Once completed, the new hub will house over 50,000 historic objects, making them accessible to the public for the first time.

As part of The Big Lift Off celebrations, visitors can witness the first wave of these objects begin their journey from off-site storage at MOD Stafford to the Museum, travelling across the Midlands by every means imaginable – including by parachute! These treasured items will be delivered in style by skydivers, vintage vehicles, cyclists, and even on foot. A special selection will be unveiled at the event, going on temporary display, offering visitors an exclusive first look at the Museum’s stored collection.

In addition to all the excitement of The Big Lift Off activities, both in the air and on the ground, the Museum will be open for visitors to explore a collection of more than 80 historic aircraft and enjoy flying entertainment for the whole family with flight simulators, an airfield inspired playground, interactive exhibits and more.

Pre-book your free tickets to the Big Lift Off event now at rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am, with free admission.

Work on the Museum’s major transformation will begin later this year, with completion expected in 2027 – made possible thanks to a number of funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the RAF Museum’s own investment.

Shuttleworth’s Military Air Show Returns with the First Split Flying Display of the Season

Saturday 31 May sees the hotly anticipated return of one of Shuttleworth’s most popular air shows. This year’s Military Air Show is also the first of the venue’s new split flying displays.

The Military Air Show will feature an afternoon display from 14:00 to 17:30 and an evening display from 19:30 to 20:30 with fantastic visiting and Shuttleworth Collection aircraft in each display. By presenting a unique split flying display, Shuttleworth is excited to offer two thrilling displays at one event, the chance to see some amazing aircraft in spectacular dusk lighting, and to increase the chance of getting the Collection’s oldest airworthy Edwardian aircraft into the air – as these delicate machines require very specific weather conditions.

The Collection’s Westland Lysander – in its iconic Special Duties Service operations livery – will play out a mock special operations scenario, and a visiting Albatros D.Va will display a mock dogfight with Shuttleworth’s WWI Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a aircraft. There will be a special Dunkirk formation featuring two genuine Battle of France veterans: the Hawker Hurricane Mk I and Supermarine Spitfire Ia. The day will also celebrate the f ighters of the era with the Collection’s own Spitfire taking to the skies too.

This year’s displays will include a number of Shuttleworth debuts: the Douglas R4D-6S ‘Ready 4 Duty’ will display, as well as being available to explore as a static exhibit prior to the display, the Curtiss P-40C and P-36C will feature in the evening display, with the Fairey Swordfish appearing in the afternoon.

There will be plenty of entertainment for visitors between displays with live music, vintage bus rides, an extra vehicle parade for the Shuttleworth Collection’s veteran vehicle fleet, a free fun fair, and much more to explore at Shuttleworth House.

Outside the usual ground attractions (all of which are included in the cost of a ticket), the Military Air Show is well known and loved for its military camp featuring various reenactors. This year sees a number of reenactor groups heading to the aerodrome, including the No 9 Airborne Field Company Royal Engineers, Rifles Living History Society from the Isle of Wight, Beds and Herts Regiment Re-enactment – who cover the 1950’s Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment on duty in the Middle East; and Feeding Tommy – the chance to experience a WWI field kitchen.

As with any Shuttleworth air show, there’s always plenty of ways for customers to enhance their visit. From Flightline Tours – where you can go onto the airfield itself – to pleasure flights with Cambridge Flying Group and Scillonia Airways, or accommodation at Shuttleworth House to make the most of a weekend.

James Butt, Flight Display Organiser at Shuttleworth, said, “In this new-look Shuttleworth 2025 air show season, we are delighted to bring back the ever-popular Military Air Show honouring those who have served and still serve today. We are very excited to bring you our first split flying display, showcasing some truly rare and unique military aircraft as well as giving our audience the ultimate Shuttleworth experience with an afternoon flying display and an evening flying display all included in one ticket.”

Shuttleworth’s Military Air Show takes place on Saturday 31 May. Tickets start from £36, and kids go free. For tickets and more details, visit www.shuttleworth.org