Wings & Wheels Secures Attack Helicopter Display
Visitors to this year’s Wings & Wheels can be forgiven for thinking they are being hunted as the Show welcomes the Army’s skilful tank destroyer, the Apache helicopter. The fierce defender of the skies will be on display for the first time at Dunsfold Aerodrome as the Attack Helicopter Display Team joins the incredible Wings line-up.
An impressive piece of machinery the 2001 Apache attack helicopter is designed to hunt and destroy tanks and has significantly improved the Army’s operational capability. Able to operate in all weathers, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds, it could assess the whole Wings & Wheels audience in just 2 minutes!
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 array of weapons including the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun. In addition to the distinctive Longbow Radar located above the rotor blades, this Apache is equipped with a Day TV system, Thermal Imaging sight and Direct View Optics. Defensively it possesses a state of the art fully integrated Defensive Aid Suite.
Gerry Forristal, Wings & Wheels Aviation Director comments; “Helicopters are an incredible spectacle at airshows so we are delighted to confirm we are one of only five shows the Attack Helicopter display team will be displaying at with not one, but two Apache’s. This year’s five hour airshow is on course to be our best yet as Wings & Wheels returns for two days on Sunday 26th & Monday 27th August.”
Other aircraft set to perform in the main aircraft display at Dunsfold Wings & Wheels include RAF Red Arrows, Tornado GR4, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Tucano Display, RAF Hawk, RAF Tutor as well as a host of civilian aircraft all accompanied by entertaining and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and enthusiasts.
Tickets start from £18 for adults, £40 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £5 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £125 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book tickets call 08712 305572.
