Category: UK Airshow News

Airshow News from the UK

F-22 joins Air Tattoo’s USAF 70th Salute

USAF F22a Raptor

One of the world’s most advanced fighter jets will be making a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force.

Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor is the latest aircraft to be confirmed for this summer’s Air Tattoo, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16.

Air Tattoo visitors will be able to witness the stealthy, fifth-generation fighter’s incredible agility which is achieved thanks largely to its thrust-vectoring engines. The aircraft will join the hugely popular demonstration team the Thunderbirds as part of a special US tribute marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF).

The Raptor entered service with the USAF in December 2005 but it was not until 2010 that the aircraft performed its first UK flying demo – at the Air Tattoo.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said visitors to the airshow this summer should be prepared for an impressive and powerful display from the state-of-the-art fighter.

He said: “Very few aircraft can match the cutting edge capabilities demonstrated by the F-22 so we’re really pleased to be able to welcome it back this year. We were the first airshow in the UK to showcase the Raptor and were lucky enough to secure it again in 2016. Its display at both airshows proved hugely popular and I’m confident its display will surpass expectations yet again.

“Without the support of the US Air Force, the Air Tattoo would not be the huge success it is and one way we can demonstrate our gratitude is to stage a fitting salute to mark the air arm’s significant anniversary.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world’s biggest military airshow, held annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust. For more about the Air Tattoo, or to buy tickets for the event, please visit www.airtattoo.com

RAF Displays Boost Flying Display line-up for Air Show

Cosford Airshow Logo - Crown Copyright

A number of star attractions have today confirmed their attendance at the RAF Cosford Air Show. These attractions, and others, are set to wow the crowds as part of the flying display on Sunday 11th June.

Annual highlights of the Air Show for many visitors, the RAF Red Arrows display team will once again be demonstrating their world-famous flying skills with their thrilling display. The team, officially titled the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, have recently returned from an epic three-month tour of Asia showing the ‘Best of British’ which included their first ever display flown in the Republic of China. The Red Arrows are the second formation display team to confirm their attendance at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017, with their counterparts from Switzerland, the Swiss PC-7 Team, announced by the Air Show Organisers last month.

The awesome power and agility of the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon will also be showcased in the flying display. The Typhoon is the Royal Air Force’s primary air defence fighter, with a delta-wing construction and a top speed of over 1500 miles per hour. Other highlights from the Royal Air Force in the air will include a parachute jump from the RAF Falcons, solo display from the RAF Tutor and a unique flypast from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to celebrate their 60th anniversary, exciting details of which will be revealed soon.

Wing Commander Chris Jones, Air Show Chairman, 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. These displays will complement those already announced; including the Strikemaster Pair, Westland Whirlwind, Muscle Biplane and the Hawker Hurricane. This year’s flying display is really shaping up.”

Organisers expect confirmation of which Royal Air Force aircraft will be available for static displays to be announced in the coming weeks, as well as further aircraft from other branches of the UK military and International military aircraft.

Visitors are advised to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment, as the Air Show is once again Advanced Tickets Only. The RAF Cosford Air Show is a great value for money family day out, with accompanied under-16s entering for free. Early bird tickets are currently priced at £22.00 per adult and can be purchased at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Trust scoops inaugural innovation award at EAC

award

There were celebrations all round as the RAF Charitable Trust (RAFCT) and RAF Air Cadets were presented with an award for innovation at the 2017 European Airshow Council (EAC) convention.

In recognition of their joint efforts, which are helping to inspire and encourage the next generation of aviation minded individuals, the Fairford based charity and Air Cadets were awarded with the inaugural Ann Vanderhaeghen Award for Innovation.

Andy Armstrong, Chief Executive at RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, accepted the award on behalf of the Trust. He said: “I was delighted to accept the award alongside Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO), Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty. Ever since the Trust was established in 2005 it has forged strong relations with the ACO, supporting a wide range of aviation-related initiatives. Through the Enterprises company, the RAFCT organises the annual Royal International Air Tattoo which provides Air Cadets with their biggest and most eagerly anticipated -summer camp each year.

“Over the years, more than £1 million has been spent supporting the Air Cadets on expeditions, through the provision of equipment and flying opportunities as well as providing sponsorships designed to inspire in them a passion for aviation.

“In 2016, the Trust provided a grant of £50,000 to fund special celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the ACO at RAF Cranwell.

“For this work to be recognised with an award is a tremendous achievement and, as the charity looks ahead to exciting new opportunities presented by both the new Scampton Airshow and next year’s RAF centenary celebrations, the Trust can look forward to continuing to develop its relationship with the ACO, providing even more opportunities to youngsters.”

Each year EAC organisers give out three major awards. The Ann Vanderhaeghen Award was introduced in 2017 to celebrate innovation and recognise the working partnership between organisations. EAC Chairman Gilbert Buekenberghs said: “Ann’s enthusiasm, positive approach and support made her well-respected in the Airshow community.”

The RAF Charitable Trust funds a wide range of projects and initiatives that Promote the Royal Air Force, Support its people and Encourage young people to take an interest in aviation. The Royal International Air Tattoo (14-16 July) is staged annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the Trust and, new for 2017, the Scampton Airshow (9-10 September) has been set up to raise funds for the Trust. To find out more about the RAFCT visit http://www.airtattoo.com/the-trust

Global Security Company throws its weight behind new airshow

Northrop Grumman Logo

Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company, pledged its support to the new Scampton Airshow earlier this month with an agreement to become the show’s Title Sponsor.

The Scampton Airshow, held at the home of legendary RAF aerobatic display team the Red Arrows, offers a wide range of sponsorship and networking opportunities for businesses to connect with audiences throughout the show.

Scampton Airshow Director Paul Sall said he was confident that the sponsorship agreement with Northrop Grumman would prove mutually-beneficial as the new event begins to establish itself as a key player within the UKs airshow industry. He said: “To be supported by one of the leading defence and security suppliers in Europe is a huge vote of confidence in our new airshow. Its backing not only underlines the value of the airshow but it also reinforces the airshow’s potential for delivering a first class regional event that will benefit visitors and businesses alike.

“We are very excited to be working with Northrop Grumman at the Scampton Airshow and to building a long and successful relationship.”
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Working closely with the Royal Air Force (RAF), Northrop Grumman has a long-established presence in the UK with a range of programmes, including provision of whole life support for the fleet of E-3D Sentry aircraft based at RAF Waddington. The company performs engineering and logistics support, and sustainment and modernisation for the fleet including depth maintenance to maintain relevant mission capabilities.

The Scampton Airshow is an exciting new event which is expected to attract in excess of 40,000 spectators in its first year alone. Staged in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust, the airshow will take place from 9-10 September at RAF Scampton. Not only will spectators witness an impressive five-hour flying display, but there will be an array of entertainment on the ground, from a nostalgic Vintage Village through to interactive and engaging exhibits from across industry in the Techno Zone.

To find out more about bespoke sponsorship opportunities at the Scampton Airshow, please visit www.scamptonairshow.com/airshow/commercial-opportunities or call Head of Corporate Relations David Winstone on 01285 713380 x5634

Patrouille Suisse Adds Flare to RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

Patrouille Suisse

The Swiss Air Force’s superb Patrouille Suisse national display team has confirmed that it will participate in RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day’s flying display on Saturday 8 July. Making its first visit to RNAS Yeovilton in a decade, Patrouille Suisse’s mesmerising performance will undoubtedly be one of the memorable highlights at the Somerset airshow.

Equipped with six Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs, painted in the Swiss national colours of red and white, including a large painted flag on the aircraft’s underside, the team’s National pride is both evident and prominent. Regarded as one of the best display teams in Europe, the Patrouille Suisse performs with great precision and panache. Its routine is based on smooth formation manoeuvres, interspersed with dramatic solo and duo passes and includes the outstanding ‘Tunnel’ – one of the most exciting manoeuvres flown by any national team.

The Patrouille Suisse was created in 1964, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Swiss Air Force. Initially equipped with the beloved Hawker Hunter, which it flew for over 30 years, it converted to the Tiger IIs in 1995. Its continued operation of front line combat aircraft throughout its existence marks it as unique on the European Airshow circuit, in contrast to the training Hawks of the Red Arrows for example.

Further display team, fast jet and historic aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Swiss Display Team to Wow Crowds at RAF Cosford Air Show

Swiss PC-7 Display Team

Organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show today revealed the exciting news that the Swiss Air Force would be sending their elite PC-7 Team to perform in the skies over Shropshire on Sunday 11th June.

The Swiss PC-7 Team were formed in 1989 and they are named after their aircraft; the Pilatus PC-7, which is a military training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Their display is designed to showcase the skills of the Swiss Air Force pilots, with uniquely choreographed formations flown with precision timing – Swiss-ness at its best!

This will be the first time that the Swiss Air Force PC-7 Team have displayed at RAF Cosford, making them a must-see attraction for fans of the aviation event which attracts more than 50,000 spectators to the air base each year. Air Show Operations Manager Peter Reoch said, “We’re extremely pleased to welcome our friends from the Swiss Air Force back to RAF Cosford, and are delighted that their award-winning PC-7 Team will be performing here for the first time. We hope this is the first of many aircraft coming from Europe to participate as part of our ‘International Co-Operation’ theme at the Air Show in 2017.”

The organisers are also expecting confirmation on which Royal Air Force aircraft will be performing in the flying display within the next few weeks. With this in mind, they are reminding visitors that discounted Early-Bird ticket prices are still available until midnight on Monday 27th March and to take advantage of the savings available! The Air Show will, for the third year running, be an Advanced Ticket Only event, with no tickets available for sale at the gates.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Wings & Wheels returns to the skies in 2017

Dunsfold Wings & Wheels

The sensational summer event for the whole family, Wings & Wheels, returns on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August 2017 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey to celebrate its 13th show. Famous favourites in the air and on the ground will blow your mind, whilst the attractions and Zones in the Arena will keep you entertained and buzzing with delight the WHOLE weekend.

Eyes to the sky as the ‘Wings’ of the event treats visitors to outstanding and diverse 5 hour air displays which has previously included show favourites the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane), Royal Navy Black Cats, the Tigers Parachute Team Blades, B-25 Mitchell bomber, Jet Provost Pair, Hangar 11 P51 Mustang and Hurricane, Xtreme Air and Sally B, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots. The display line-up will be announced in March 2017.

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’ (open for tours) and the Brooklands VC10.

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 Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, live battles and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six re-enactment groups, tanks that will be firing and available for 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, relay races, egg and spoon, 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.

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 25 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 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 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.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Love is in the Air

Cosford Logo

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner treat your loved ones to a memorable day out at RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 11th June 2017. With plenty to see and do on the day you will be spoilt for choice! Why not make the day extra special by purchasing tickets for one of our hospitality chalets or even add a unique twist with a romantic helicopter flight?

Helicopter pleasure flights on the day cost just £39.00 for a 6-mile round trip journey. It’s a great opportunity to get a feel of how extensive the Air Show is and experience first-hand what the display pilots see as they head in to thrill the crowds. The helicopter pilots will point out local landmarks as you enjoy the spectacular views of the local countryside from the sky.

Hospitality packages range from just £60.00 per adult for a centre crowdline enclosure, to £230.00 per adult in an exclusive over-18 chalet from which you can watch the Air Show while being hosted by RAF Officers and enjoy a bucks fizz reception followed by a four course luncheon and an open bar. Air Show Deputy Director, Marilyn Summers, said; “We have hospitality packages to suit every budget. Adding on a helicopter flight to any of our packages would really give your day out at the Air Show an extra special touch.”

The flying display line-up is already beginning to take shape for 2017. Alongside the display offerings from the Royal Air Force, visitors will also be treated to the sight of exciting vintage aircraft such as the Douglas Skyraider which will be performing as part of a special set-piece finale to the six-hour flying display.

Tickets to the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 are on sale now and organisers are encouraging attendees to purchase their tickets soon. The Air Show will, for the third year running, be an Advanced Ticket Only event. Early bird pricing is available until Tuesday 28th March 2017, with adult tickets costing £22.00 and accompanied under 16s entering free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Air Tattoo’s ‘super’ offer is just the ticket

RIAT

People planning to attend one of the UK’s most exciting family days out have until the end of January to take advantage of a ‘super’ offer.

Specially priced Super Earlybird tickets to the world-famous Royal International Air Tattoo are available until January 31, offering savings of up to 25 per cent on the price of a standard admission ticket.

This summer’s airshow, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16, will feature exciting aircraft from around the world including the hugely popular Thunderbirds demonstration team from the US. The team, whose last appearance in the UK was in 2009, will be returning to mark the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF).

Prior to February, Super Earlybird Friday tickets are priced £29, offering a saving of £10 off the standard admission price whilst Saturday and Sunday Super Earlybird tickets are priced £42, representing a saving of £13. Entry is free for all children under 16 who are accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “The airshow provides an exciting day out for the whole family, with attractions suitable for all ages. Aside from the riveting air displays, youngsters can get to grips with the latest engineering technology in the Techno Zone, while parents take a walk down memory lane in the Vintage Village.

“This year we also have a new adrenaline-fuelled feature coming to the Autodrome called the ‘Wall of Death’, which we’re really excited about. People may recognise it from a Channel 4 programme featuring Guy Martin earlier this year which saw him brake the World Record for the fastest speed travelled around the ‘Wall of Death’ on a motorbike.”

This year the Air Tattoo will have an American theme as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of one of the largest air forces in the world, the US Air Force. The Thunderbirds’ performance will form part of the airshow’s official tribute to the occasion and will be the team’s only UK appearance in 2017.

Helen added: “People expect bigger and more exciting air displays from the show year after year, and 2017 will be no exception. Visitors can experience first-class entertainment, both in the air and on the ground, and we are confident that, yet again, the Air Tattoo will be a sell-out success.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world’s biggest military airshow, held annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust. The Trust funds a wide range of projects and initiatives that Promote the Royal Air Force, Support its people and Encourage in youngsters an interest in aviation.

Super early-bird tickets are priced at a reduced rate of £29 on Friday and £42 on Saturday and Sunday for a limited time only. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. To buy your tickets or to find out more about the Air Tattoo, please visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

Thunderbirds are go at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017

Thunderbirds at RIAT

PLANS to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force at next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo were given a huge boost this week following the announcement that one of the world’s most popular display teams will make a rare trip across the Atlantic to take part.

The Thunderbirds’ performance at the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 14-16, will be the team’s only UK appearance next year and will be part of the airshow’s official tribute to mark the US Air Force’s 70th anniversary. As well as seeing a range of operational and historic US Air Force aircraft in the air and on the ground, Air Tattoo visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the key role the air arm plays in a range of international coalitions and partnerships.

Formed in 1953, the team is renowned as much for its choreographed pre-flight ground routine – performed with pinpoint accuracy – as it is for its stunning aerial displays.

Flying six F-16 Fighting Falcons, elite pilots from the US Air Force will perform a mix of formation flying and solo routines that highlight the maximum capabilities of the USAF’s frontline, multi-role fighter jet. The team, which is based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, has only appeared at the Air Tattoo once before – in 2007.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said the announcement of the Thunderbirds’ participation demonstrated the incredibly strong bond that exists with the US Air Force.

He said: “The history – and success – of the Air Tattoo is inextricably linked to the US Air Force, on whose base the event takes place each year. I am pleased that we’ll have the opportunity next summer to mark their 70th anniversary.”

Special reduced-price Air Tattoo ‘Super Earlybird’ tickets are available until January 31, priced from £29. Under-16s go free. For details, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.