Battle of the aerobatics at The Duxford Air Show this weekend

Patrouille De France

There’s an array of amazing aerobatic spectaculars in store at The Duxford Air Show this weekend (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September)!

Opening Saturday’s flying display in gallic style is the Patrouille de France, the precision aerobatic display team of the French Air Force, who are one of the world’s most skilled demonstration teams. They’ll perform in the flying programme on Sunday, too.

On Saturday, Pete Kynsey flies the Levier Cosmic Wind, the only aircraft of its type flying anywhere in the world. This aerobatic air racer is called Ballerina II and is as nimble in the air as its name suggests.

There is no greater exponent of the Bucker Jungmann acrobatic aircraft than Anna Walker. Performing classic and competition-style aerobatics, including a challenging inverted low-level pass over the IWM Duxford airfield, Anna will be wowing the crowd on Saturday 7 September.

Also flying on Saturday, and not to be confused with the famous aerobatic act which will be closing the weekend’s flying display, are The Red Sparrows, four de Havilland Chipmunk trainer aircraft which will be flying in close formation displays.

Mark Jeffries controls the skies from all angles in his Extra 330SC aircraft. Mark is nine-time British aerobatic champion and his dizzy aerobatics will have a jaw-dropping effect on air show audiences on Saturday and Sunday.

The Aerostars have been thrilling air show visitors with their tightly choreographed aerobatics, roaring radial engines and striking smoke effects for 17 years. They are a perennial favourite at IWM Duxford air shows and their imaginative displays will no doubt be a hit on the Saturday of The Duxford Air Show.

Sunday’s flying programme concludes in grand style with The Red Arrows, the world-renowned and instantly-recognisable aerobatic team of the Royal Air Force.

Alongside the eye-popping, head-swivelling aerobatic thrills and spills is a range of diverse and exciting flying displays.

One of the highlights of Saturday’s flying display will be the arrival of the Boeing 747-8F, operated by Stansted Airport-based Global Supply Systems Limited and leased to British Airways World Cargo, in its debut UK air show appearance.

On both Saturday and Sunday, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire pay tribute to the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid.

The historic jet-powered pairing of the North American F-86 Sabre and the CT-133 Shooting Star will contrast with the thunderous contemporary engines of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which can be seen later in the flying programme on Saturday and which opens the show in ferocious style on Sunday.

The daredevil Piper Cub truck-top landing is an amazing feat of skill and precision that will entrance audiences on Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday’s flying programme sees a demonstration of Royal Air Force capability with a search and rescue demonstration by the Westland Sea King operated by 22 Squadron at Wattisham Airfield and a display by the Shorts Tucano, operated by the Central Flying School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

Visitors to The Duxford Air Show will also enjoy the piston-engined power of the Grumman Bearcat and Wildcat duo; the elegance of the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; the powerful B-25 Mitchell, two de Havilland Vampires and a range of Supermarine Spitfires in a classic Battle of Britain tail chase with a Hispano Buchon (Messerschmitt Bf 109).

Entertainment continues across the museum throughout the day, with 1940s living history groups, children’s rides, the chance to clamber aboard Duxford Aviation Society’s retro airliners, fun history activities and the chance to explore the whole museum.

You can also meet Colonel Richard Graham, who flew the SR-71 Blackbird which is now on display in the American Air Museum. Colonel Graham will be hosting fascinating walk-around tours of the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum at 10.30am and noon on both days of the air show. He will also be signing copies of his new book, SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird.

Join us for The Duxford Air Show, a fantastically fun flying weekend for all the family!

Advance booking has now closed but you can pay on the gate as you join us this weekend.

 www.iwm.org.uk

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