UK Airshow News – Page 28

RAF Aircraft showcased at RAF Cosford Air Show Media Launch

RAF Chinook by Airscene

Today’s Media Launch of the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019 revealed further details of this spectacular annual event. The Air Show organisers were excited to announce the iconic Chinook helicopter will be performing in the skies over Shropshire on Sunday 9th June, and the RAF Chinook Display Team was present at the Media Launch.

The Royal Air Force has one of the largest fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters in the world, primarily used for troop movements, resupply, and battlefield casualty evacuation. However, despite its size, the Chinook is an extremely agile aircraft and the flying display will showcase its incredible manoeuvrability to Air Show visitors.

Also on hand at the Media Launch, Flt Lt Jim Peterson from 29 Squadron talked about the Eurofighter Typhoon’s display sequence, which he will be performing at the Air Show demonstrating the aircraft’s speed, agility and power.

The display pilots for the Tutor and Tucano were also present today. Both aircraft will be performing in the flying display in June.

The RAF Cosford Air Show will also be one of the few UK opportunities this year to see the world-famous Red Arrows performing their thrilling show before they depart for a tour of North America.

As well as dazzling displays in the air, there will also be an array of aircraft on static display across the airfield on Sunday 9th June, allowing visitors to get up close and even climb into some of the cockpits. A full list of British and overseas aircraft coming on 9th June is available on the show website, www.cosfordairshow.co.uk, more aircraft will be announced over the coming weeks.

The sell-out centenary RAF Cosford Air Show 2018 raised £189,000 which will be donated to the RAF100 appeal and local charities, to further support and encourage those who are involved with the Royal Air Force and the local community.

With the Air Show fast approaching, and with no tickets available at the gate, those wishing to attend are being encouraged to purchase their tickets soon. Air Show Tickets, priced £29.00, are currently available from the Air Show website and RAF Museums at Cosford and Hendon, as well as selected Tourist Information Centres. Accompanied under-16s enter the Air Show for free, making the event a great family day out.

The primary focus of the RAF Cosford Air Show is to give visitors the opportunity to engage with the Royal Air Force, and to better understand the work they do, not only in the West Midlands and the United Kingdom, but across the world. Air Show Chairman Wing Commander Jamie Thompson, said “RAF Cosford Air Show is a fantastic opportunity for the public to see what goes on behind the scenes on an operational Royal Air Force base. We are delighted that the Chinook Display Team will be joining us as it is a great addition to the Air Show line-up.”

Stunning line-up of iconic RAF Aircraft join the RAF Cosford Air Show flying display

RAF Cosford Air Show Typhoon

A number of star attractions today confirmed their attendance at the RAF Cosford Air Show, all set to wow the crowds as part of the flying displays on Sunday 9th June.

The awesome power and agility of the RAF’s Typhoon will be showcased in the flying display. The Typhoon is the Royal Air Force’s primary air defence fighter protecting UK skies, as well as reinforcing NATO in the Baltic and Black Sea regions.

Another Air Show highlight from the Royal Air Force will be the distinctive demonstration of freefall and canopy skills from the RAF Falcons, the UK’s premier military parachute display team.

The well-known Grob Tutor T1 will also display its aerobatic skills above the airfield. Tutors are no stranger to the skies over Shropshire as they are based in RAF Cosford with the University of Birmingham Air Squadron, but their Air Show display will be sure to show off their impressive aerobatic capabilities.

We are delighted to confirm there will once again be an iconic display from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This classic trio of a Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster is always an evocative display and a special addition to the already impressive line-up.

Lastly, making its swansong display, the Tucano T1 will return to the RAF Cosford Air Show for the first time since 2014. This aircraft has been used by the RAF to provide basic training for fast jet pilots and retires from service later in 2019 after 30 years.

Air Show Director, Mr Clive Elliott, said, “We’re thrilled to be offering such a diverse array of aircraft as part of our six-hour flying display, showcasing the best of the Royal Air Force in the skies above RAF Cosford, the Home of RAF Engineering.”

The RAF Cosford Air Show is an advance ticket-only event, with last year’s event completely selling out in the week prior to the show. Tickets are on sale at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk and will be available from a selection of Tourist Information Centres from the beginning of April.

Red Arrows to Headline Farewell Wings & Wheels this Father’s Day

Red Arrows by Mike Rivett

(image by Mike Rivett)

Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the Red Arrows will be headlining the air display on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June (Father’s Day) as the team returns for the fifteenth and final airshow at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

The Wings & Wheels team has taken the decision to celebrate and go out on a high in their old June spot and bid farewell with the nine-aircraft formation, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, taking centre stage.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “It is a special year, tinged with sadness, as we celebrate returning to our original June spot for our fifteenth event having made the decision to make this our last but greatest show. We are thrilled the Red Arrows will be headlining Wings & Wheels before heading off on their North America tour over the summer. It has not been an easy decision to say goodbye to Wings & Wheels but, like other airshows, it has been challenging to keep putting on the best airshow we can in the current aviation and economic climate. We hope all our loyal visitors will join us in our final hurrah – we are going to make it a good one!”

The role that is at the heart of the Red Arrows is to inspire people of all backgrounds and ages through a display of speed, agility and teamwork. Just like those personnel at other Royal Air Force units, the 120 people who make up the entire Red Arrows team are highly-skilled individuals who are all motivated in the pursuit of excellence.

Flying the distinctive Hawk jets, which flew off the production line at Dunsfold Aerodrome in 1974 in the hands of the late Duncan Simpson, the Hawk is the Royal Air Force’s advanced trainer and has been used by the Red Arrows since 1979. The squadron is renowned across the world for displaying in the British-built fast-jets.

The first half of the Red Arrows’ display consists of synchronised, formation aerobatics, followed by a more dynamic second half. Reds 1 to 5 form the front section of the team’s formation, known as Enid, and Reds 6 to 9 make up the rear part, called Gypo. The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7, perform the highly-popular opposition manoeuvres during this latter section of the show. During a display, Red 10 acts as the team’s Supervisor who maintains two-way radio contact with the Team Leader. He also provides the commentary.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy other air displays in a five hour show, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots. More display announcements will be made in April.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’, the Brooklands VC10 and Aces High DC3, all open for tours.

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. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise. Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors in a living history zone and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six re-enactment groups, tank rides, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

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 all you need for a great family day out. The show arena boasts go-karts, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of tempting tea time treats to take home and craft gifts and a vintage village.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 18 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 15th annual Wings & Wheels will be held on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th June 2019, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 20:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £24 for adults or £55 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £8. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £199 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.

Red Arrows confirm their return to the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019

Red Arrows

The RAF Cosford Air Show is thrilled to announce that the RAF Red Arrows will be headlining the flying display on Sunday 9th June.

The Red Arrows team is one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams, famous for the patriotic red, white and blue smoke. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), the team is made up of pilots, engineers and essential support staff with frontline, operational experience. Flying with nine distinctive Hawk T1 jets, they represent the speed, agility and precision of the RAF and act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom, promoting the best of British.

The RAF Cosford Air Show will be one of the few opportunities to see them performing their thrilling show across UK skies this year. This summer, the Red Arrows will display at several US air shows and areas with strong UK links – the first time they have done so in more than a decade.

Air Show Director, Mr Clive Elliott, said, “We’re excited to be welcoming the Red Arrows, once again, to the RAF Cosford Air Show this summer. They are always one of the most spectacular displays and I’m sure they will be a highlight of the day for all of our visitors.”

Historic Navy Wessex Debut to Open Air Day!

Wessex HU5 by Kevin Wills

image by Kevin Wills

The world’s only flying Westland Wessex HU5 is coming home to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton to open the flying display at the Royal Navy International Air Day on Saturday 13 July on its airshow debut! This fifty-plus-year-old former troop transport, search and rescue helicopter and Falklands veteran has only been flying again since February 2019. It will make an exciting new addition to the UK airshow scene after its first display at Air Day.

The Wessex, manufactured by Westland at Yeovil (now Leonardo Helicopters), was the Fleet Air Arm’s first purpose-built anti-submarine helicopter. The initial Wessex HAS1 (Helicopter Anti-Submarine) entered service in 1961, followed by the HU5 Commando variant two years later.

Able to carry sixteen combat-ready troops into battle, Wessex HU5s served all RNAS Yeovilton’s Commando Helicopter Squadrons in the early-mid 1970s. Key deployments included the 1982 Falklands Conflict, during which Wessex transported and inserted British Special Forces personnel and ferried in fuel, equipment and weapons.

100 Wessex HU5s were built including XT761, which rolled off the production line in 1966. It went on to equip 845 NAS, 848 NAS and latterly 771 NAS, whose bright red and blue Search and Rescue colours it wears today. In private ownership, XT761 now belongs to Historic Helicopters’ fleet of airworthy types and return-to-flight projects, based at nearby Chard. It is also part of the Navy Wings associate collection, alongside other classic naval aircraft and helicopter designs.

Set to give the five-plus-hour flying programme a nostalgic and colourful start, the sole airworthy Wessex HU5 is just one aspect of Air Day 2019’s planned vintage content.

Discounted advance tickets can be booked at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday.

Air Tattoo Visitors Will Be Over The Moon

Tim Peake by ESA

(Image by ESA)

Visitors to this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds are being promised a truly ‘out of this world experience!’

Renowned for being one of the most thrilling airshows on the planet, this summer’s event (July 19-21), which takes place on the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, will be expanding its horizons beyond earth – to include the whole universe!

With its theme Air & Space: Inspiring The Next Generation Air Force, the Air Tattoo will be turning its spotlight to the heavens to look at some of the exciting and innovative ways organisations are reaching out into space. So, expect rockets, astronauts and lots of exciting entertainment and activities across the showground – including a planetarium.

As well as opportunities to view examples of commercial space rockets currently being developed in the UK, visitors will be able to see an ExoMars rover prototype in action as well as talk to the scientists and engineers responsible for operating it, thanks to Airbus Defence & Space.

Visitors on the Friday will also find themselves under the ‘microscope’ as Airbus DS’s Pleiades satellite flies over RAF Fairford taking a photo of the airshow as it orbits the earth.

Giving his seal of approval to the Air Tattoo’s Space theme will be British astronaut Major Tim Peake who will be making an appearance at the airshow on Friday, July 19.
As part of the European Space Agency (ESA), Tim was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station, launching on a Soyuz rocket in December 2015 and returning to earth six months later having taken part in a variety of activities including conducting a spacewalk to repair the Station’s power supply.

Tim, who is currently Head of Astronaut Operations at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Germany, will be at the airshow to help inspire people in the critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing co-inciding with the airshow in July, there was no better time to explore the many ways in which the boundaries of space are being pushed back.

“In the past the airshow’s seen USAF U-2 aircraft that touch the edge of space but now we’ll be looking to feature craft that go beyond earth’s atmosphere. We’re still adding space attractions and hope to announce more astronauts before July’s airshow – it’s truly exciting. We’re particularly honoured to welcome Tim Peake who will be engaging with our young visitors on the Friday. Without doubt he’ll be a huge inspiration to all the engineers, pilots and, yes, astronauts of the future!”

Tim Peake said: “I’ve been wanting to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo for some time and this year’s ‘Space’ theme presented the perfect opportunity. I’m really looking forward to it!”

RAF Fairford, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, was NASA’s only UK transatlantic abort landing site for the Space Shuttle and in 1983 hosted a visit by the spacecraft which was secured on the back of a jumbo jet bound for the Paris Air Show.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

Czech Air Force participation confirmed at RAF Cosford Air Show 2019

Czech Air Force at RAF Cosford Air Show

Jets from the Czech Air Force will perform thrilling aerial displays in the skies over Shropshire in June, as part of the NATO 70th Anniversary theme at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019.

Visitors will have the chance to see the SAAB JAS-39C Gripen perform an impressive solo display showcasing the power and agility of the fighter jet. All 14 Gripens operated by the Czech Air Force are based at Cáslav AFB, with their primary mission being Air Defence of the skies over the Czech Republic.

Accompanying the Gripen on Sunday 9th June, the Czech Air Force will also contribute a pair of Aero L-159 ALCA aircraft to the flying display which will perform an airfield attack role demonstration, accompanied with ground-based pyrotechnics. This is the first time either of these aircraft types have been seen at the RAF Cosford Air Show, so both are expected to be highlights of the event.

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “We’re very excited to have the Czech Air Force participating at this year’s Air Show, becoming the 4th nation to confirm aircraft attendance so far. The participation of the Czech Air Force is particularly notable for us due to RAF Cosford’s role as a Czechoslovak Depot during WWII, where thousands of Czech airmen enrolled to the Royal Air Force.”

Tickets for the Air Show are selling fast. The RAF Cosford Air Show is an advance ticket-only event, with last year’s event completely selling out in the week prior to the show.

For more information about the displays planned at the Air Show, and to purchase your admission tickets, visit the Air Show website: www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Air Tattoo Takes Centre Stage in Reds’ TV Salute

Red Arrows at RIAT

Millions of viewers tuning into the final episode of a fly-on-the-wall documentary series on the Red Arrows next week will see the Royal International Air Tattoo take centre stage.

Channel 5’s Red Arrows: Kings of the Sky documentary concludes next Wednesday (February 13) at 9pm with their appearance at the world’s greatest airshow.

As well as offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the airshow from the team’s perspective, the episode features footage of their thrilling flying display and their interaction with the many Reds’ fans on the ground.

Last month, the Red Arrows confirmed that they will be returning to the Cotswolds in the summer to take part in the Air Tattoo. Their displays at RAF Fairford on July 19-21 will be their last in the UK this year as they will be jetting off shortly after on a high-profile tour of the US and Canada.

The Western Hawk 19 Tour will see the team travel to North America as UK ‘ambassadors’ promoting trade and co-operation.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “We’ve been told that next week’s episode is not to be missed by all Reds’ fans and Air Tattoo supporters. We were delighted to host the TV series’ production team at RIAT 2018 and what they’ve produced is a wonderful tribute to this amazing team.

“Permitting cameras behind-the-scenes at last summer’s airshow enables viewers to get a fuller appreciation of how important it is for all our participating aircrew and the airshow team to work closely together.

“I hope that after watching the series, viewers will want to come to the Air Tattoo in July to see their final UK display this year and to bid them farewell on their upcoming tour.”

Tickets for the Air Tattoo are already selling fast with Super Earlybird Saturday and Sunday tickets, and Saturday Earlybird tickets already sold out. To find out more about the airshow, book tickets and view the wide variety of enclosure options available, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

Red Arrows To Perform Air Tattoo Farewell Before USA Tour

Red Arrows

The world’s favourite aerobatic display team will be performing their final salute at the Air Tattoo this summer, before they jet off on a high-profile tour of the USA and Canada.

The RAF Red Arrows will perform their last public displays in the UK on 19-21 July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, before they fly to North America for the Western Hawk 19 Tour.

The team will travel across the two nations with a view to promoting trade and co-operation in support of the UK’s prosperity agenda.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster announced their participation earlier this week: “The Red Arrows are an international symbol of Britain and this landmark event will generate a significant amount of investment. It is only right that, after more than a decade away, they return to the home of our closest defence ally.”

The Red Arrows are no stranger to the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and have been a firm crowd-favourite at the airshow for the past three years.
Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “As always, we are delighted to welcome the Red Arrows back to the show.

“Their breath-taking flying displays never fail to disappoint however this year will be extra-special in light of their upcoming tour – we wish them a successful trip”.

In addition to featuring exciting aircraft from around the globe, this summer’s Air Tattoo will feature a wide range of entertaining and interactive activities in its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, Activity Zone, Vintage Village and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.

German Navy Participation Confirmed for RAF Cosford Air Show

German Navy Orion by Dirk Jande Ridder

Two aircraft from the German Navy will be heading to Shropshire later this year to join the exciting array of aircraft displays planned for the RAF Cosford Air Show on
Sunday 9th June, including an extremely rare flying display by a Lockheed P-3C Orion.

The Orion is an iconic maritime patrol aircraft of Cold War era, which is currently flown by 18 different countries around the globe, with the German Navy operating a
fleet of eight airframes which perform patrols over the North Sea. On the ground at the Air Show, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a Westland Sea
Lynx Mk.88A helicopter, also from the German Navy.

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “We’re thankful to the German Navy for planning to support the RAF Cosford Air Show 2019 with these two fantastic aircraft, which will be highlights of the 2019 event for many aviation enthusiasts. These aircraft join the exciting aerial extravaganza planned to mark the 70th Anniversary of NATO at the RAF Cosford Air Show this year.”

Tickets for the Air Show are currently available at the discounted ‘early-bird’ price of £25.00, with accompanied under-16s entering free of charge, making the Air Show a great value for money family day out. This discounted ticket price will only be available for a limited time so Air Show organisers advise buying yours today to avoid missing out. Tickets are only available to purchase in advance of the Air Show, and last year’s event was a complete sell-out in the week prior to the show.

For more information about the displays planned at the Air Show, and to purchase your admission tickets, visit the Air Show website: www.cosfordairshow.co.uk