Category: News UK

Final Preparations Underway For a Spectacular RAF Cosford Air Show

Cosford Overview by Peter Reoch

RAF Cosford has been a hive of activity this week, as the military base prepares for its annual air show, one of the Midland’s most popular outdoor events.

The RAF Cosford Air Show is set to welcome more than 50,000 visitors on Sunday 19th June, to showcase the work of the Royal Air Force, both with interactive ground displays and thrilling flying displays from a diverse array of aircraft. Many of the show’s ground attractions have already been set up in the airfield’s hangars, and display aircraft are set to arrive later in the week. Carol Vorderman, who will again be flying in to visit the show, said “This is a great day out for all of the family!”

The Air Show team have also recently announced a number of exciting last minute additions to the flying programme, including the rare appearance of a United States Air Force strategic bomber, the Boeing B-52H, which will be performing a number of flypasts. Other aircraft recently confirmed also include a RAF Puma HC2 helicopter and RAF C-130J Hercules which will both be appearing at the show.

Despite this week’s wet weather, organisers are confident that the rain won’t cause them any issues. Clive Elliott, Air Show Director, said; “The airfield has great drainage and the ground is still firm despite this week’s heavy rain. As a precaution we’ve got extra trackway coming into the car parks and around the showground this year, so our visitors shouldn’t face any problems. The weather forecast for the weekend is very good so we expecting to match last year’s sell-out crowds.”

Organisers are also keen to remind people of the event’s advanced ticket only policy, meaning that those who do not have a pre-purchased ticket to the show should not attempt to travel to RAF Cosford on Sunday. Tickets are still available to purchase online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or from selected Mid Counties Co-Op stores, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon and the Midlands Air Museum in Coventry. Tickets cost £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Heavy Movers Line Up For Air Day

USAF C-17

Large transport aircraft from three different air arms will dominate the static display at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016. The United States Air Force’s vast C-17 Globemaster III, a German Air Force C-160D Transall and a Polish Air Force CASA C-295M, have all confirmed their attendance and will be open to the public to view.

Among the biggest types in NATO’s inventory, the Boeing C-17 is a strategic airlifter able to fit some 100 paratroopers inside its cargo hold. Air Day’s example hails from the USAF’s 315th Airlift Wing based in South Carolina. The Globemaster was opened up for public inspection at last year’s show – a move that proved incredibly popular. The aircraft deservedly won Air Day 2015’s best static display award and the aircrew were full of praise for the enthusiasm shown by Air Day visitors. Consequently, they made it their mission to return to Air Day this year.

The German Air Force’s C-160D Transall tactical transport aircraft are now nearing their career’s end, making UK airshow appearances from them an increasingly rare prospect. An example will be on static display alongside a German Air Force Tornado IDS swing-wing strike aircraft.

The CASA C-295M represents a more modern breed of transporter and Poland, operating 16 examples, has more C-295Ms in service than any other European nation. The one attending Air Day is the support aircraft for the Polish Air Force’s outstanding Orlik Aerobatic Team which is making its show debut.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.

Museum aircraft join Air Show line-up

RAF Museum Gnat T1

A collection of aircraft from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be joining the line-up in a static display at the RAF Cosford Air Show, taking place on Sunday 19 June. Aircraft already confirmed to appear include the experimental jets; Bristol 188, Fairey Delta II and the Avro 707. The recently added Hawker Siddeley Gnat T1 will be the fourth aircraft to complete the museum’s display at this year’s show.

As part of the Air Show’s key theme this year ‘Speed: Evolution of the Jet Engine’, the Bristol 188, Fairey Delta II, Avro 707 and Gnat T1 will be rolled out from the museum hangars and exhibited outside on the airfield, forming part of a unique display of vintage British jet aircraft. All four aircraft played a vital role in the advancement of British aviation technologies in the 1950s and 1960s, and are sure to be a popular attraction for aviation fans visiting the show, which attracts in excess of 50,000 visitors each year.

Known as the ‘flaming pencil’ for its sleek looks and intended role as a supersonic research aircraft, the Bristol 188 will be one of the key highlights for aviation fans. Sure to be popular with families is the Gnat T1, made famous by the RAF Red Arrows display team. Not only will visitors see the Red Arrows fly overhead, they will also have the opportunity to get up close to one of the team’s former aircraft on the ground. Plus, Red Arrow fans now have the opportunity to add their name onto one of the iconic planes and see it fly at shows throughout the 2017 season thanks to the museum’s ‘Names on a Plane’ campaign. Speak to museum staff on the day or visit www.namesonaplane.org to find out more.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Al McLean said:

“This is the perfect opportunity for aviation fans and photographers to get stand-alone photos of our aircraft outside of the hangar, particularly the Avro 707 which has been off display for a little while. We are delighted to be able to support the show again this year with static aircraft displays and we hope they will prove popular with visitors.”

In addition to the aircraft displays, the museum’s Access and Learning team will be running workshops in the STEM hangar throughout the day, where families can take part in rocket car activities, in free drop-in sessions. There will also be the opportunity to try on some of the jackets, hats and flying goggles from the museum’s handling collection and view some of the objects used by RAF personnel through the years. To find out more about the museum and the wide range of learning opportunities available, head to the STEM hangar and speak with the team.

RAF Museum Cosford Access and Learning Assistant, Julie Brierley said:

“This is the first time the Access and Learning team have exhibited at the Air Show and we are excited to be able to showcase some of the activities we run with schools to all the families visiting the show. We will be running rocket car workshops throughout the day and alongside this a competition on our Twitter stream for visitors to share photos of their rocket car, with a prize bundle for one lucky winner.”

Tickets for the show are advanced sale only and cost £25 per person with free entry for accompanied under 16s. Tickets will not be available to purchase on the gate so to avoid disappointment, visit the shows website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk and book online.

Polish Air Force Team Orlik Set To Sparkle At Air Day

Team Orlik

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016 are delighted to announce that the Polish Air Force will be sending Team Orlik, one of their national aerobatic teams, to take part in Air Day’s flying display on Saturday 2 July. This will be their first visit to the South West region since they were formed in 1998.

Making its Air Day debut, Team Orlik is part of the Polish Air Force’s 42nd Base Aviation School at Radom and one of two Polish Air Force display teams.It flies with seven Polish-origin PZL-130 Orlik trainers and performs a veryslick and punchy formation aerobatics sequence. Smoke-enhanced, its routine highlights this turboprop-powered aircraft’s nimbleness and speed and includes some really spectacular manoeuvres. Joining the RAF Red Arrows and Royal Jordanian Falcons, they will be the third national display team taking part at Air Day.

The team’s support aircraft is a CASA C-295 twin-turboprop transporter: one of the larger types featured in this year’s static display. The Polish Navy are also expected to attend with an M-28 Bryzamaritime patrol aircraft.

Further aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Breitling Wingwalkers Return for 2016

Breitling Wingwalkers

DAREDEVIL wingwalkers will be performing in the skies above Swansea Bay this summer.

We’ve confirmed that the world famous Breitling Wingwalkers have been added to the line-up for the free Wales National Airshow taking place on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3.

The Breitling Wingwalkers team uses 1940s Boeing Stearman biplanes that roar through the sky at speeds of up to 150mph. While the planes are in flight, the wingwalkers perform handstands and climb around the aircraft against the wind pressure while waving to the crowd below.

The team has performed all over the world, in countries including China, India, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The line-up for this summer’s airshow is now really starting to take shape. The Breitling Wingwalkers are extremely popular with fans of aerobatics, so their addition to July’s airshow in Swansea is a further boost for what’s already going to be an event to remember.

“The Wales National Airshow gives local people top quality, free entertainment in their home city, while also attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, helping boost our shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

“This event is a one of the main highlights of our Enjoy Swansea Bay programme of events and activities that’s got something for everyone this summer and beyond.”

www.walesnationalairshow.com

Step Back In Time At This Years RAF Cosford Air Show

Glamaphones RAF Cosford Airshow

Visitors to this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show will have the opportunity to be transported back in time to the 1950s in the University of Wolverhampton Vintage Village.

Following the huge success of last year’s Victory Village, this year’s Village will complement one of the main show themes of speed to showcase life in Britain during the formative years of jet engine design.

Excellent examples of vintage aircraft and vehicles will be on display together with social & military history exhibitions. The University of Wolverhampton (UWR) Race Team will be showcasing its Morgan Plus 4 Babydoll racing car which is based on a 1950s design – showing how engineering has evolved over the past half a century.

Marilyn Summers, Air Show Commercial Manager said “We are really excited to welcome the University of Wolverhampton back both as sponsor of the Vintage Village and as a major exhibitor. The 1950s is credited as the decade when the teenager was invented and this year’s village will give our visitors the chance to learn about the history of the time in a really fun atmosphere.”

Once again the live stage will host an exciting line-up throughout the day. Compered by Colin Bourdiec returning as George Formby and including the return of the fantastic Glamophones. In between live performances a 1950s radio station will be broadcasting popular tunes of the time.
For those looking for a spot of retail therapy there will be a host of vintage trade stalls to browse and a great mix of authentic catering options from Lily’s Vintage Tea Room to a milk shake bar.

With just over two weeks to go until this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show organisers are encouraging the public to buy their tickets soon to avoid disappointment. For the second year running tickets are advanced sale only and will not be available to purchase at the show. For those wishing to give the day that special touch there are a range of hospitality options available for all budgets and ages.

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are available to purchase from selected Mid Counties Coops, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon, Midlands Air Museum in Coventry and on our website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Tickets cost £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Museum celebrates Armed Forces Day with concert and flypast

Armed Forces Day logo

Date: 25 June 2016

Time: 1.00pm and 2.15pm

Cost: FREE (Register at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford)

Flypast: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane 3.20pm (weather permitting)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again celebrate the contributions made by Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, by hosting an orchestra concert and a Hurricane flypast on Saturday 25 June for Armed Forces Day.

The highly decorated Glebe Symphonic Winds Orchestra will be performing for veterans, serving personnel and visitors alike, in an hour long concert. This intimate musical performance will have a very British theme with classical pieces from Edward Elgar and Gustav Holst, mixed up with more modern music from Elton John and David Bowie!

The concert will take place in the museum’s National Cold War Exhibition Auditorium which seats 200 guests. As places are limited, the Glebe Symphonic Winds will be performing twice, at 1.00pm and again at 2.15pm, allowing up to 400 visitors to enjoy their harmonious renditions. Attendance to the concert is free of charge and anyone interested in attending is asked to pre-register now via the museum’s website in order to guarantee their place.

The annual Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to our heroes past and present, including current serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets. In addition to performances from one of the UK’s leading orchestras, organisers have lined-up a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane at 3.20pm (weather permitting). This icon of the Second World War will be flying overhead at Cosford and is sure to be popular with visitors young and old.

Abi Betteridge, RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager said:

“We are thrilled to be welcoming back the Glebe Symphonic Winds Orchestra for our Armed Forces Day event. Their performances truly have the wow factor and we are confident that visitors will have a memorable day. To top it off, we have a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane which will be a real treat for our guests and all visitors to the Museum. Spaces to the concert are limited and are filling up fast, so we would advise anyone wanting to be part of the day to book soon.”

The museum’s on-site caterers Kudos will be offering all serving personnel and veterans a 20% discount off their Armed Forces Day lunch menu, on production of ID, which visitors can enjoy in the Refuel Restaurant overlooking the museum grounds.

To guarantee your place at the concert, book your ticket now via the museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Tickets on the day will be subject to availability. Guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes before the performance starts in order to be seated.

 

Lynx’s Air Day Farewell Finale

RN Black Cats by Peter Reoch

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016 will be the public’s last opportunity to see the Westland built Lynx maritime attack helicopters in action at their home event. The show’s Lynx Farewell salute includes two special flying items: an emotive formation flypast and one last Maritime Role Demo. Joining them in Air Day’s five hour flying display will be small ships’ helicopters past and present, depicting three generations of rotary capability at sea.

Equipping 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) – part of the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force (LWMF) – the Lynx HMA8 is the sole ‘legacy’ Lynx model now left in Fleet Air Arm service.Introduced in the mid-1990s, it will be retired in March 2017. A poignant diamond four formation will open Air Day’s flying programme, as we pay tribute to this hard-working and much-deployed type. Later on, up to four Lynx aircraft will perform a final Role Demonstration. Involving fast-moving helicopters, troops and pyrotechnics, this will be an unmissable spectacle.

Operated by 825 NAS, the Wildcat HMA2 is the Lynx HMA8’s replacement. Based at RNAS Yeovilton, the squadron’s award-winning Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team has been taking the state-of-the-art new multi-mission helicopter out onto the airshow circuit since 2014. Always popular, the Black Cats’ very precise routine will again be an Air Day highlight.

Before the Lynx, anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare was the spritely Westland Wasp’s speciality. Royal Navy Wasps participated in 1982’s Falklands Conflict – a deployment that one privately-operated example’s markings now reflect. The 829 NAS-schemed Wasp HAS1 will give a lively solo display in the hands of owner Terry Martin.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.

Air Show Hospitality Makes Perfect Present For Fathers Day

The RAF Cosford Air Show 2016, taking place on Sunday 19th June falls on Father’s Day, giving families everywhere the perfect way to spend the day. With a range of hospitality options available for all budgets the RAF Cosford Air Show is set to be an entertaining day for all.

The Frank Whittle Enclosure includes unbeatable views of the flying display from a dedicated and personal crowd line enclosure. Including your entry ticket, VIP parking, guaranteed seating along with a buffet lunch and afternoon tea the Whittle Enclosure is the perfect gift for Dads everywhere!

Marilyn Summers, Commercial Manager said, ‘With this year’s show being held on Father’s Day, it’s the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get together in one of our hospitality chalets where everything is organised for you so all you need to do is concentrate on spoiling Dad!’

Highlights of the flying display already confirmed include eternal favourites such as the RAF Red Arrows, inspiring historic aircraft including Spitfires, Hurricanes and Mustangs, thrilling jets such as the Sea Vixen, MiG-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon and an assortment of helicopter displays including the display debut of The Gazelle Squadron.

On the ground there’s plenty to see and do for the whole family; including four hangars full of exciting exhibitions from the UK armed forces and wider aerospace industry, the Vintage Village, static aircraft displays and of course funfair!

General Admission tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are available to purchase from selected Mid Counties Coops, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon, Midlands Air Museum in Coventry and on our website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Tickets are £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

New lecture will examine Britain’s tactical air power during the Second World War

Curtis Tomahawk

Date: 9 June 2016

Time: 6.30pm

Cost: FREE

The development of tactical air power in Britain during the early years of the Second World War will be the focus of a lecture taking place at the University of Wolverhampton next month. The lecture entitled ‘Tactical Air Power Development in Britain, 1940-1943′ will be presented by Dr Matthew Powell, an independent scholar and military history author. The lecture is a continuation of the joint partnership between the University’s Department of War Studies and the Royal Air Force Museum and takes place on Thursday 9 June 2016.

The history of Britain’s tactical air power development during the Second World War has largely neglected the work done by Army Co-operation Command. The Command was influential in developing the theoretical air support system used in the Western Desert, North Africa, and Europe and was responsible for trials conducted in the wake of the Battle of France, 1940. Working closely with the army’s School of Artillery, they also developed the Air Observation Post Squadron, used to great effect in several different theatres.

In this lecture, Dr Matthew Powell will discuss how the RAF had neglected the development of tactical air power during the inter-war period and how this decision impacted on their ability to provide this support when war broke out. The army’s experiences in the Battle of France and the subsequent investigations, which placed the blame firmly on the shoulders of the RAF, forced the hand of the RAF into taking tactical air power development more seriously. As a result, the RAF created the Army Co-operation Command, designed to be as toothless as possible while appearing to be what the Army wanted.

The lecture will explore the fast pace of tactical air power development during 1942, which led to discussions on a new formation: the Army Air Support Group (AASG) and the rise of Fighter Command in this field. Disputes between the Air and General Staffs over which command the AASG should be placed into ran for the entire summer and were eventually resolved by Winston Churchill, before the Army Co-operation Command was disbanded in 1943. Its replacement was however, an upgraded Army Co-operation Command with the responsibilities it had been denied during its existence.

Dr Ross Mahoney, RAF Museum Aviation Historian said:

“The RAF Museum is once again delighted to be working in conjunction with our colleagues at the University of Wolverhampton to bring the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies to a wide audience. This lecture highlights the challenges the RAF faced in the realm of the development tactical air power with particular reference to the history of Army Co-Operation Command, a subject much understudied by historians.”

The Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies form part of the RAF Museum’s Research Programme for 2016. ‘Tactical Air Power Development in Britain, 1940-1943′ is the second of three joint lectures taking place at the University of Wolverhampton this year, also in partnership with the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Dr Peter Preston-Hough, from the University’s Department of 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 continue to work closely with them on this prestigious lecture series.”

This FREE lecture will be held in the main lecture theatre (MC001) at the University of Wolverhampton at 6.30pm on Thursday 9 June. As spaces are limited, organisers advise visitors to book their tickets in advance via the museum’s website to avoid disappointment.

For further information about the museums research programme or to book your FREE ticket to the lecture, please visit the museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.