UK Airshow News – Page 36

Vampires taking flight at Wings & Wheels

Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron Vampire

For the first time at Wings & Wheels the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will be bringing two de Havilland Vampires as part of the five-hour air display on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August.

The first de Havilland Vampire FB.52 on display is the export version of the Mk 6 of which 101 were built and 36 exported to Norway. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

The second de Havilland Vampire T.55 was the export version of the DH 115 trainer in RAF service known at the T.11. 216, six of which were exported to Norway and in use from 1952 to 1955. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-M, a two – seater serving with 336 squadron.

The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron was founded in 2008 and is based at Rygge Air Base Norway. Their first aircraft was the D.H. Vampire, PX-M which was acquired in 2005.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are thrilled to announce the inclusion of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s two de Havilland Vampires. They are an impressive fast jet pairs display that we’ve not seen at the Aerodrome before and will definitely add a thrill to our five hour air display.”

The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British fighter jet developed during the Second World War. It was designed to harness the newly developed jet engine and entered service with the RAF in 1945. It was the first fighter jet to be powered by a single jet engine.

The RAF used the Vampire as a front line fighter until 1953, when it assumed the role of pilot training. The de Havilland Vampire jet achieved a series of aviation firsts, including being the first British plane to exceed 500mph as well as the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic. It was retired in 1966 and replaced by the Hawker Hunter and Gloster Javelin.

Around 3,300 Vampires were manufactured. The Royal Navy’s first jet fighter was the Sea Vampire, a variant of the plane operated from the Navy’s aircraft carriers. As such, the Vampire was the first plane to be landed on a moving aircraft carrier.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 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 12^th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 27^th & Sunday 28^th August 2016, 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 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Historic Reunion of Dutch 320 Squadron at Wings & Wheels

B25 squadron with Eisenhower

Wings & Wheels is honoured to be holding a reunion with the last remaining veteran crew members of the Dutch 320 squadron on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August.

Organised by Sander van der Hall of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight and Mr Morven Voorspuy, over 100 family and friends of the veterans will be attending with the youngest veteran 90 years and the oldest 97 years old.

The veterans attending include 97-year-old André Hissink (bomber aimer) who flew 66 missions, 94-year-old Edward Hoenson (bomber aimer) who flew 89 mission and 92-year-old Eduard Jacob and 90-year-old Camille Stritzko who were both in ground service and averaged 15 flights each.

On the eve of D-Day, April 18, 1944, General Eisenhower visited the Dutch naval squadron at Dunsfold. During the inspection troops he had a personal interview with the then 21-year-old Mr Jacob who said of the meeting, “I was nervous the great commander talked to me!”

The 320 squadron flew from Dunsfold Aerodrome from February 1944 until October 1944. In total 156 members died and 57 members didn’t come back. The 320 squadron were awarded the MWO four times and the Bravery Award The Airman’s Cross 176 times.

The Dutch B-25 Mitchell will be flying at the airshow in its WW2 colours and saluting the men who were part of 320 squadron. The Veterans and their families will not only be able to watch the magnificent aircraft in the air but will also be invited for a special tour to view the aircraft and meet the pilots at 11:30. An official welcome will begin at 13:00 in the Dutch marquee.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are incredibly honoured to be hosting the visit of the remaining Dutch 320 squadron. The history of the aerodrome is never far from our thoughts and to be able to welcome these veterans to the Show and have the B-25 Mitchell flying as part of the display is a wonderful tribute to them and their comrades.”

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Bournemouth International Air Festival Finishes with a Flourish!

Bournemouth Air Festival

Following a weekend of mixed weather conditions, the ninth Bournemouth Air Festivalcame to a spectacular close on Sunday witha show-stopping finale from a trio ofRAF aircraft–the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Typhoon. Taking place over four days from 18 – 21 August, festival-goers enjoyedhighlights including the Swiss Super Puma Display Team, Red Arrows on all four days, demonstrations from the armed forces on the ground and at sea, Otto the Helicopter and Bournemouth’s first ever Typhoon dusk display.

With the opening and closing dayshailed as the busiest ever for the internationally renowned festival, total visitor numbers were estimatedat702,300 over the course of the weekend. In spite of inclement weather, Friday still saw a packed programme of air displays in the afternoon and a busy evening of Night Air entertainment. Although worsening conditions forced the cancellation of earlier daytime displays on Saturday, the valiant pilots rewarded dedicated Air Festival fans with a special early evening display that included the Red Arrows and Royal Navy Black Cats, Hawks and Merlin before clouds and rain closed in to halt the scheduled ‘Sunsets on the Beach’ live music event. By Sunday, the festival was well and truly back on track and once more record crowds turned out for an impressive climax to the weekend.

This year’s festival featured more than 15 display teams and 40 aircraft supported by more than 55 ground crew. Among a variety of RAF assets, including the Black Cats and Typhoon, theever-popular Red Arrows – sponsored by Morgan Sindall – appeared on all four days and attracted unprecedented numbers of admirers at the pilots’ meet and greet.

Alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight sponsored by Spitfire Lager, the B-25N Mitchell sponsored by the Highcliff Marriott and Sally B sponsored by BH Live flew in tribute to the historic aircraft of bygone days.

Aerobatics came courtesy of The Blades sponsored by the Daily Echo, Gerald Cooper in his Xtreme Air XA41 sponsored by the Hotel Miramar,StrikemasterMk82A sponsored by the Littledown Centre and the daring Breitling Wingwalkers. Returning for another year, the Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team, sponsored by Bournemouth Airport, jumped from eye-watering heights onto the sand in front of adoring crowds.

A relatively new and extremely popular addition to the festival programme, this year’sNight Air dusk displays – sponsored by the Air Festival Patrons Club – starred the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team, Otto the helicopter, Aerosparx, the Red Devils Parachute Regiment Freefall Team and, for the first time, the Typhoon – lighting up the night skies with its impressive after burn. Fireworks on Friday and Saturday evening provided the perfect end to the evening displays. The patrons also support the 2016 Forces nominated charities – the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, ABF – The Soldiers Charity and the Jon Egging Trust.

As well as the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight operating the B-25N Mitchell, this year’s international guests included Swiss Air Force Super Puma sponsored by The Cumberland.Captain MatthieuGhiringhellisaid:”On behalf of the Swiss Air Force and Super Puma Display Team, a big thank you to everyone who has helped to make our first display at Bournemouth Air Festival so fantastic – from the Festival Makers and Events Team to everyone who has come to watch us. It has been a brilliant show – we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we hope to be back next year.”

Once again, the Air Festival was honoured to welcome back the armed forces – now a major contributor to the event. As well as a variety of stalls in their beachfront village area, the Royal Navy brought a spectacular flotilla of ships to Bournemouth Bay. The Royal Marine reservists conducted another series of crowd-pleasing amphibious assaults on the beaches and the Band of HM RM Collingwood performed a musical spectacular on the Wave 105 live stage at Boscombe Beach.This year also saw a new mini tattoo on the clifftop featuring the beat retreat sunset ceremony, Queen’s Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment) and unarmed combat demonstrations from the Royal Marine reservists.

Commodore Jamie Miller said: “It has been a delight and a privilege for the naval service to once again support the UK’s premier Air Festival here in Bournemouth. It has been a hugely successful event and a perfect showcase for the Royal Navy. BZ BAF!!”

The success of the Air Festival’s ninth consecutive year reinforces its status as Europe’s largest public aviation event and its unique reputation as the UK’s biggest free family air show.

Councillor Lawrence Williams, portfolio holder for tourism, said: “Naturally, I love the Air Festival and this year’s exhibition from aviation artist, David Bent, at the Russell-Cotes added another dimension for me and many other art lovers. After Saturday’s hiccup with the weather, I am delighted that Sunday’s display programme was able to take place against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s trademark blue skies. We owe much of the success of this year’s festival to the Royal Navy and armed forces for their commitment and resilience in the face of adversity.”

Mark Smith, Director of Tourism for Bournemouth, said: “The weather presented a particular challenge this year but the event still goes from strength to strength with records broken on both the Thursday and Sunday. We managed to beat the weather with flying displays on every day thanks to the enthusiasm and expertise of our experienced flying director and his team, all of the magnificent pilots and crew, as well as event and safety staff including our partners in the emergency services. We are grateful to the public for their patience, cooperation and keenness over the course of the weekend and we are proud to have closed Bournemouth’s ninth Air Festival with such an impressiveprogramme of displays.”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

The Blades are Back!

The Blades

The Blades are back at this year’s Wings & Wheels with their thrilling high speed aerobatics. A leading display team of former Red Arrow pilots, The Blades are renowned for their cutting-edge display and breath-taking manoeuvres.

Displaying on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August, The Blades will perform over 30 exhilarating manoeuvres containing a variety of mind-blowing aerobatic stunts flown just feet apart. With combined speeds of 400mph, extreme gravity defying solo ‘gyroscopic’ acrobatics, synchronised rolls, twists, double-tumbles and knife edge spins, this is a display not to be missed.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, comments: “The Blades are a firm favourite with visitors to Wings & Wheels and we are delighted to be welcoming them back to Dunsfold.”

Since The Team began in 2006, The Blades have flown over 600 displays throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle-East and with over 30,000 flying hours and more than 3,900 displays between them, The Blades are amongst the most experienced display pilots in the country.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Brietling Wingwalkers and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Ground Control for the Reds Duo at Wings and Wheels

Mini Red Arrows Dunsfold

Wowing audiences around the world with their quarter-scale BA Hawk replicas, the Reds Duo remote controlled display team are returning to Wings & Wheels on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August 2016.

By far the most popular remote controlled display team on the circuit, father and son duo Steve and Matt Bishop are returning to Wings & Wheels with their 1/4 scale Red Arrows Hawk models. Built by themselves at Bishop Aviation from a German kit, each model is powered by a Jetcat P200 Jet Turbine, weighs 24 kg, has a wing span of 100 inches and is controlled by radio controls with 15 servos in each.

The models are copies of the real Red Arrows and they even use the famous red white and blue smoke during their display.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The control that Steve and Matt exhibit with their model Hawks is phenomenal. They are one of the best radio controlled formation flying teams in the world and we are excited to be welcoming them back to Wings & Wheels.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Brietling Wingwalkers and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Tackling the guerrillas of Oman is focus of museum lecture

Date: 19 August 2016

Time: 12.30pm

Cost: FREE

For more than two decades a series of counterinsurgency operations were fought in the Sultanate of Oman on the South-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The military action taken against the activities of guerrillas in these regions will be the focus of the next Cold War Lunchtime Lecture held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford later this month. The lecture entitled ‘The RAF and Counterinsurgency Warfare in Oman during the Cold War’ will be presented by Dr Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian at the RAF Museum on Friday 19 August at 12.30pm.

This forthcoming lecture is the third in the new series of lectures launched earlier this year, which each cover a different topic related to the Cold War. During this next lecture, Ross will discuss two major counterinsurgency campaigns fought in the Sultanate of Oman from the early 1950s through to the mid-1970s and how air power played a vital role in defeating the revolutionaries. Up for discussion will be the campaign fought against an uprising in the Jebel Akhdar during the 1950s and the campaign conducted in the Dhofar region against insurgents supported by Yemen which ran for just over a decade.

The role of air power during this period ranged from strike operations, such as the role played by BAC Strikemasters at the Battle of Mirbat in 1972, through to the support of ‘hearts and minds’ operations using helicopters and light aircraft. Based on research undertaken for the RAF Museum’s exhibition on the relationship between the Royal Air Force and Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at its London site, this lecture will explore the origins of these campaigns, the role of air power in supporting their conduct and the formation of the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force. Finally, the lecture will consider the development of relations between the RAF and RAFO, after the end of the Dhofar War through to the present day.

RAF Museum Aviation Historian, Ross Mahoney said:

“It gives me great pleasure to be delivering one of the Museum’s Cold War lunchtime lectures at Cosford. The lectures, which form part of our research programme, are a significant activity for the Museum. Additionally, the opportunity to lecture on research undertaken for one of our exhibitions is important as it allows us to examine further the RAF’s role in this region of the world and the impact the Service has had on the development of air forces around the globe.”

The Cold War lunchtime lectures form part of the RAF Museum’s Research Programme for 2016. ‘The RAF and Counterinsurgency Warfare in Oman during the Cold War’, is the third of four lectures taking place at Cosford this year. The programme also consists of the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies and the First World War in the Air Lunchtime Lectures, which are held at the University of Wolverhampton, the Royal Aeronautical Society in London and the RAF Museum in London respectively.

This FREE lecture will be held in the RAF Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition lecture theatre at 12.30pm on Friday 19 August. 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 museum’s research programme or to book your FREE ticket to the lecture, please visit the museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. The museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the museum is FREE of charge.

Air Tattoo Honours Top Guns

RIAT Chief Executive Award

A highly successful Royal International Air Tattoo 2016 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire ended with the crowning of the airshow’s ‘Top Guns’ at the traditional Sunday night hangar party.

The ceremony was introduced by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. HRHPrince Feisal of Jordan presented the first of the evening’s trophies, the King Hussein Memorial Sword, in memory of the late HM King Hussein, patron of the International Air Tattoo from 1983-89. Awarded for the best overall flying demonstration, it was presented to the Croatian Air Force aerobatic team, the KrilaOluje (Wings of Storm). This was the first appearance of the KrilaOluje, flying six Pilatus PC-9M turboprop trainers, and of the Croatian Air Force at a British display. The award was bestowed for, in the words of the citation, “Precision aerobatics in challenging conditions incorporating novel manoeuvres”. Team leader Lt Col DamirBariši? said: “We are very happy to be among all these friends, all these people who share the same passion for ‘old-school’ flying in these days when everything is becoming unmanned and automatic. Of course it’s a big honour to receive such an award, especially on the first occasion we’ve been here.”

The Paul Bowen Trophy, presented in memory of the Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the best jet demonstration, went to Capitaine Jean-Guillaume Martinez for his French Air Force Rafale C display. The judges said that ‘Marty’, in his first season as the Rafale display pilot, had put on “consistently accurate, powerful and superbly executed solo jet demonstrations”. Handing over the award was Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff designate. “I’m really happy”, said ‘Marty’. “I really thank my team for the job they’ve done — it’s wonderful.”

The best individual flying display was adjudged to be that given by Capt Peter Fallén of the Swedish Air Force in the JAS 39C Gripen. He was presented with the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy by RAFCTE chairman and RAFCT Trustee Alan Smith for “a faultless, flowing and dynamic flying display”. “I’m so happy”, said Peter. “I didn’t expect it, because you try to do your best all the time.”

The recipient of the RAFCTE Trophy, presented for the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant, was the French Air Force Ramex Delta team comprising two Mirage 2000N nuclear strike aircraft. The citation said that they put on “a superbly co-ordinated and choreographed pairs tactical demonstration”. This was an emotional occasion for Ramex Delta, as RIAT was their final ever display — the team is being disbanded. One of the pilots, ‘Pierrot’, said afterwards: “We are very proud, because it was very special to attend this year’s RIAT. This was our last airshow ever, and it was a great deal of pleasure for us to fly today. For us — the pilots, the team, the squadron — it’s a special honour because this year is the 100th anniversary of our squadron, the ‘La Fayette’ squadron. It’s a good ending to the incredible experience that was Ramex Delta.”

The night was a double success for Ramex Delta, as the Mirage 2000N they displayed in, whichfeatured a special colour scheme to mark the ‘La Fayette’ squadron centenary, won the award for best livery as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT). It was presented by Tim Griffiths, Key Account Manager for Jeppesen.

Turning to the ‘home team’, the Steedman Display Sword is presented by the Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988) for the best flying demonstration by a UK participant. The winner was BAE Systems test pilot Nat Makepeace for his routine in a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, displayed with a full underwing weapons load to represent the upcoming Phase 3 Enhancement configuration for the type. In the judges’ view, this was “a powerful demonstration of the capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon in representative operational swing-role fit.” In Nat’s absence, the trophy was collected by Sir Kevin.

The As The Crow Flies trophy for the best overall flying demonstration as judged by members of FRIATwas presented by RAFCTE Non Exec Director Jim Glover and presented to Major Dan ‘Rock’ Dickinson from the US Air Force Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. 2016 was the first time for six years that the F-22A had displayed at the Air Tattoo, and once again the thrust-vectoring air superiority fighter proved a stunning performer. In ‘Rock’s’ words, “First of all, we’re honoured to be here. There are so many professionals here, and to share the stage amongst all the great pilots and crews, not to mention all the people who put on this awesome airshow. It’s humbling, but at the same time we’re super-excited.”

A special presentation by Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong, his own RIAT CEO Award for an outstanding contribution to the show, went to all involved in the debut Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II deployment to Britain. This star attraction at RIAT 2016 involved F-35A models from the US Air Force and F-35Bs from the US Marine Corps and the United Kingdom, and was the subject of a great deal of planning by a host of individuals and organisations on both sides of the Atlantic. Andy Armstrong said: “It was an amazing display. They brought six jets, and it was an extraordinary amount of effort to bring them. We were so pleased to have them here.”

www.airtattoo.com

History Made at Memorable Air Tattoo

F35B RIAT

History was made both in the air and on the ground at this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The airshow, which took .

A post on the Royal Family’sofficial Facebook page, said: “The Air Tattoo is a fantastic family-orientatedplace over three days (July 8-10), attracted a sell-out crowd of 153,000 people who enjoyed demonstrations by some of the world’s leading pilots.

Friday’s flying programme featured the first ever international display by Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning II, the world’s most advanced fighter jet and on the same day, the airshow hosted a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who attended with Prince George on his first ever public engagement event, and The Duke and Duchess knew that George would enjoy seeing the aircraft up close. Their Royal Highnesses took a closer look at an RAF Squirrel helicopter, which The Duke trained upon at RAF Shawbury in 2009, met Air Cadets and teams involved in the spectacular displays at the show, and even tried out an RAF Red Arrows Hawk for size.”

Other Royals attending the airshow were HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan.

More than 230 aircraft, from 37 air arms in 24 countries participated in the Air Tattoo which took place in warm, largely sunny weather. Among the manyhighlights were displays by the F-22 ‘Raptor’, a Polish MiG-29, an RAF Typhoon and Chinook, a French Rafale and the Turkish Air Force F-16 ‘Solo Turk’.

Flypasts included a unique formation of the Red Arrows, an F-35B and two RAF Typhoons giving a glimpse of the future of the UK’s defence capability. There were also some notable firsts and lasts, with the Croatian Air Force displaying for the first time in the UK with their display team Wings of Storm and the last ever display by the French Air Force ‘Ramex Delta’ Mirage 2000D duo.

Croatia became the 56^th nation to take part in the Air Tattoo since it was first staged in 1971.

Among the highlights on the ground was a march past by 750 air cadets to mark the Air Cadet Organisation’s 75^th anniversary. Taking the salute were the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Commandant Air Cadets Air Cdre Dawn McCafferty and Honorary Air Cadet Gp Capt Carol Vorderman.

There were 36 international military chiefs in attendance includingAir Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff;Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the RAF Chief of the Air Staff (Designate); and new Chief of the US Air Force, General David Goldfein. Senior industry guests included the Chairman of BAE Systems, Sir Roger Carr; Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson and Airbus CEO Mr Allan McArtor.The UK’s Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt and the Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne were also attended.

RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises’ Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “This year will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest ever Air Tattoos. That such a significant aircraft as the Lockheed Martin F-35B should make its international display debut at the Air Tattoo is testament to the incredible faith the military and the world’s leading aerospace companies have in our event.

“Our 2,000-plus volunteers and small team of permanent staff deserve a huge pat on the back for delivering such an outstanding event. The icing on the cake was the visit on Friday by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George.

“My thanks go to all our sponsors, in particular BAE Systems and all the participating air arms including the US Air Force, who allow us to stage the event at RAF Fairford and the Royal Air Force for all its support.

Once again, the Air Tattoo has performed an important defence diplomacy role not only in showcasing some of the world’s most exciting aircraft but also by offering the RAF a platform on which to demonstrate its current – and future – capabilities.

“I am particularly pleased that over the three-day airshow our parent charity, the RAF Charitable Trust was able to demonstrate the many ways it has touched people’s lives by providing support for RAF personnel and encouraging and inspiring young people.”

The show received a big thumbs’ up from the many visitors who attended.

Hannah Booth, from Birmingham said: “We’re having a great day! There’s a brilliant atmosphere here and so many amazing aircraft to see. I couldn’t believe how much is here and how big it is,” whilst Tom Newdock, from Cardiff said: “It was phenomenal to see the F-35 and, as always, a fantastic job by the Air Tattoo organisers. I can’t wait for next year!”

www.airtattoo.com

Old Buckenham Airshow Confirms Another Aviation Giant

Catalina

The Old Buckenham Airshow is pleased to confirm details of the final acts which make up its largest air display weekend ever on the 30th and 31st of July.

The show has already confirmed the return after more than a decade of the only flying B-17 Bomber in Europe, Sally B, star of Memphis Belle. In a new development another American giant will perform at the show on both days in the form of a Catalina Flying Boat. This 10 ton giant boasts a 114 foot wing span. Designed an built for bombing, submarine hunting and search & rescue, the Catalina is still in service today as a fire-fighting platform. Others are used for fishing in the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft displaying at Old Buckenham is in wartime USAAF markings of the 8th Air Force 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron.

Both days at the Airshow crowds will also be able to see a truly unique act, described as one of the most innovative and thrilling of recent years. It has also been described as one of the most amusing. Noted Advanced Aerobatic competitor Chris Burkett will be flying his Extra 330, a 330hp carbon fibre aerobatic aircraft capable of withstanding forces of +/- 10g. This alone is a spectacular sight. Chris, however, will be joined in the sky by what appears to be an identical blue Extra. The other aircraft is, in fact, a 41% scale model flown by Mike Williams, a multiple remote control champion who has been flying models since he was 9. Mike’s skills allow him to control the model in unison with Chris in the full size aircraft and the resulting ‘little and large’ act has been the talk of aviation for the last two years.

2016’s Airshow features some of the most powerful aircraft on the display circuit; to provide something in the way of balance the show has also confirmed a slightly more modest 145 hp Auster, a venerable WWII spotter plane, still popular as a trainer and pleasure aircraft. The Auster is the final act to be confirmed for the record line up.

Matt Wilkins, Airshow Organiser; “It was a major coup to have secured the first display by B-17 Sally B n over ten years. To be able to add to it with the mighty Catalina is fabulous. Both aircraft are enormous and the importance of their roles in WWII cannot be overstated. They have rightly achieved iconic status and this will be a remarkable Airshow weekend. To further add to these the ‘Extra & Model’ act is very exciting and this mix of old, new and unique means that we will have to work very hard to try to beat this year’s lineup in years to come” Tickets for the show are available online at www.oldbuckenhamairshow.co.uk. Forward sales are comfortably above the record levels seen in 2015 and organisers anticipate a sell-out attendance; advance purchases are
recommended to avoid disappointment.

For further information please contact Old Buckenham Airfield on 01953 860 806 or visit www.oldbuck.com

Final Countdown to Air Day

French Navy Rafale Duo Yeovilton Air Day

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day 2016 takes to the skies on Saturday 2 July. Now fast approaching its seventieth anniversary (the first event was staged in 1947), Air Day is one of the Royal Navy’s premier annual events and among the South West’s key single-day shows, attracting up to 40,000 spectators. An action-packed day featuring five hours of spectacular flying displays, extensive ground displays and a galaxy of other attractions is in store for all who attend.

Air Day 2016’s theme is Naval Aviation – Past, Present & Future. We will remember a landmark Royal Navy engagement of 75 years ago when Swordfish biplanes famously helped sink a key German Navy battleship. We say farewell to the maritime Lynx, paying tribute to the Fleet Air Arm’s outgoing small ships helicopter, which will be retired in March 2017, and looking to the future, we celebrate the new generation of Wildcat and Merlin helicopters.

10 Unmissable Air Day Highlights

Navy Wings – A rich assortment of past naval aircraft including the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber in its 820 NAS Bismarck attack scheme, the pounding Seafire and Corsair WW2 fighters, both in British Pacific Fleet schemes, and the world’s only flying Sea Vixen fleet air defence fighter of the 1960s. Ground exhibits include the Sea Fury – one of the fastest piston-engine fighters ever built, the mighty Phantom 1970s fleet air defence fighter and two Sea Harriers.
International Display Teams – Three world-class international display teams, with Air Day newcomer the Polish Air Force’s Orlik Aerobatic Team joining longstanding crowd favourites the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.
Lynx Farewell – One very last chance to see these legendary maritime helicopters in action over home ground at Air Day. Our Lynx Farewell events include a special formation flypast and a spectacular Maritime Role Demo.
STEM – The Royal Aeronautical Society’s wind tunnel, the Imagineering Foundation’s interactive exhibits and other features making up our STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) fair designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.
B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ – Europe’s only flying example of the famed US WW2 bomber, making its first Air Day appearance in over 15 years.
Commando Assault Finale – World-renowned, Air Day’s Commando Assault finale features helicopters, troops and pyrotechnics galore! This edition will be the first in which the Commando Helicopter’s Force’s very impressive new Merlin iHC3 troop transport helicopters take centre stage.
Arena & Music Displays – Highlights include the hotly-contested HMS Heron Field Gun Competition and performances from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines in the arena. Whilst in Hangar 8 the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir and HMS Heron’s Volunteer Band will be on hand to entertain you.
Roaring Fast Jets – Cutting-edge multirole fighters, with a sensational solo display from the RAF’s Typhoon FGR4 and the French Navy’s scintillating Rafale M role demonstration pair, again making its only UK airshow appearance of the year.
The ‘Heavies’ – Dominating the static park will be a line-up of huge overseas military aircraft including an E-3A Sentry, C-17 Globemaster and C-160D Transall. Most of them will be opened up to the general public.
Family Attractions – For car enthusiasts our extensive vehicle exhibition includes an array of ex-military vehicles, classic cars and high-performance supercars to view and even sit in. Meet Transformers, Star Wars and Superhero characters who will be roaming around the showground, interacting with our younger visitors. For the more adventurous there are simulators, pleasure flights and thrill-seeking fairground rides including a 90ft sky swing!

Discounted Advance Tickets are now only available from participating Tourist Information Centres until 5pm Friday 1 July. Tickets are also available On the Day priced at £27 for Adults and £14 for Children under 16. Children under 5 are free of charge. Full details, including visitor information can be found at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticket Office on 0330 100 3656.