UK Airshow News – Page 37

Air Tattoo Reveals Trademark Showstopper!

Red Arrows Flypast with A380 RIAT 2013

Visitors to RAF Fairford next month will be treated to one of the Royal International Air Tattoo’s show-stopping joint flypasts that over the years have become the trademark of the world’s greatest military airshow.

Featuring the F-35B ‘Lightning’, two RAF Typhoons and the legendary aerobatics display team the Red Arrows, this uniquecombination, flying together, will provide one of the many highlights planned over the three-day event.

The pairing of the F-35B and Typhoon, which together represent the fast jet component of the UK’sfuture air defence capability, comes as the F-35B performs its first ever display outside of the US.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “Over the years the Air Tattoo has staged a number of memorable joint flypasts, many featuring the Red Arrows,most notablywith the US Air Force F-117A stealth fighter in 2003, the A380 in 2013 and with the iconic Vulcan XH558, on its final Air Tattoo appearance,in 2015.

“The forthcoming airshow will see us continue the tradition of presenting aerial spectacles that have rarely – or never – been seen before. I am sure everybody will be reaching for their cameras!”

Other Air Tattoo highlights next month include displays by the USAF F-22 Raptor, a Dutch Apache helicopter and the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, takes place at RAF Fairford on July 8-10.

www.airtattoo.com

Buckle Up – Bournemouth Air Festival Is Coming Into Land!

Bournemouth Air Festival

Details announced for the four day extravaganza of land, sea and air display entertainment at the UK’s leading seaside resort… it’s more than just an air show!

23^rd June 2016: Back to impress the hundreds of thousands of avid fans who annually flock to the UK’s leading seaside resort, the skies of Bournemouth will hosting displays from the awesome RAF Red Arrows and the mighty Typhoon, SallyB and The Blades , to name but a few, supported with a multitude of land, sea and air Royal Navy assets, Pier-to-Pier county show trading stalls and Wave105 staging three nights of music, including a ‘proms on the beach’ style concert, the best chart acts and a celebration of dance music.

New performances for 2016 come from the B25Mitchell Bomber, Strike Master and awe-inspiring Swiss Air Force Super Puma Helicopter Display Team. Display Pilot Captain Matthieu Ghiringhelli said; “On behalf of the Swiss Air Force I am delighted we will be participating at this summer’s Bournemouth Air Festival – we have heard great things about the event on the air show circuit. I hope visitors will enjoy watching the incredible agility demonstrated by the Super Puma Display Team – see you in August!”

The Red Arrows, supported by Morgan Sindall, will be performing at the festival and visitors can see the breath-taking team in action at the set time of 1545 (3.45pm) on all four days.

With the presence of Admiral Sir George Michael Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy at last year’s event, the Navy’s ongoing commitment to the festival is confirmed with four warships, a large amphibious command ship complete with helicopters, Royal Marines and landing craft and Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team. The famous amphibious beach assault demonstrations and beachfront Royal Navy Village are back again, all bolstered tremendously by world class music from the Royal Marines Band, HM RM Band Collingwood.

Commander Steve Henagan said; “2016 will demonstrate yet another superb concentration of Naval force. On land, at sea and in the air, we look forward to showcasing what we do best!”

RAF assets alongside the Red Arrows and Typhoon will be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and fantastic interactive RAF Village. RAF Wing Commander Heather Ratnage-Black said; “Wing Commander Heather Ratnage-Black said; “The Air Festival is a high priority event for the Royal Air Force, in terms of audience numbers it’s perfect for showcasing our aircraft and offers a first class arena for engaging with the public. The event allows the public the opportunity to talk directly to our personnel and discuss the opportunities to have a career within the Service, in over 50 roles ranging from engineering to catering.”

Last seen in 2013, the Breitling Wingwalkers are returning with the ever-popular Tigers Parachute Team making daily jumps from an amazing 6,000feet freefalling at an incredible 120mph! Not forgetting the SallyB, Twister Duo and The Blades.

Tigers Captain, Ian Wicks said; “Bournemouth is the highlight in our display year. The crowds are fantastic, the reception, the organisers and staff are awesome. It sets the precedent for all other air shows!”

A revamped Night Air programme welcomes a mini tattoo on the East Overcliff (Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening) with the brilliant RAF Queens Colour Squadron, alongside the Royal Navy Beat Retreat sunset ceremony and unarmed combat displays by the Royal Marines.

In the skies will be fantastic dusk displays from the Red Devils and O’Briens Flying Circus starring Otto The Helicopter, as well as Team Fire Flies and Aerosparx, both bringing formation flying and pyrotechnics to the evening display programme.
This year’s Night Air entertainment, with Wave105, runs across three nights (Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August). It includes fireworks at 10pm on Friday and Saturday, along with three fantastic music nights created to spread the entertainment across all generations.

Thursday evening will be a very British affair with a ‘Musical Spectacular’ performed by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, Friday night is ‘Pop Night’, sponsored by Shorefield Holiday Parks and Saturday night ‘Sunset on the Beach’ is the official, not-to-be-missed, beach party with Halo. Tickets start from £10.

With day and night time entertainment on land, out at sea and in the air, displays from old favourites, a Bournemouth debut for some new faces as well as a great soon-to-be-announced Wave105 line up, the 2016 Air Festival is certainly set to be the event of the summer!

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Merlin Magic for Air Day’s Commando Assault

Merlin Commando Assault

Six of RNAS Yeovilton’s newly-arrived ‘Junglie’ Merlin troop transport helicopters will take centre stage during the Commando Assault – Air Day’s scintillating flying display finale. These very impressive helicopters will also be firing flares for the first time at Air Day which will be a truly spectacular sight. Joining them in the Assault will be a variety of equipment, aircraft and ground troops to demonstrate how the Fleet Air Arm combines with other assets to continually protect our nation’s interests.

Equipping two Commando Helicopter Force squadrons – 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons – the Merlin iHC3 has replaced the Sea King HC4, which was retired in March. Larger, faster and more capable than its predecessor, the Merlin is becoming the new face of Royal Marines commando operations worldwide.

Also involved in the Assault are a pair of Wildcat AH1s from the Army Air Corps, plus one of 736 Naval Air Squadron’s ‘Aggressor’ Hawks and personnel from locally-based 40 Commando Royal Marines. These air and ground forces will work together to accomplish the mission at hand. Accompanied by smoke, explosions and gunfire, they will ensure Air Day again has the most thrilling of endings.

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

Full Line-up unveiled for Best Ever Two-day Bray Air Display

Could the line-up for Bray Air Display 2016 be any better? You won’t want to miss the 11^th annual aerobatic extravaganza which has been extended to a two day, full weekend event this year on Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th July. The full line-up of world-class aerobatic display teams including none-other than the Daddy of them all – the Red Arrows; Italy’s flamboyant Frecce Tricolori; the dare-devil Breitling Wingwalkers (yes they walk on the plane wings mid-air!) and our very own, celebrated Irish Air Corps has been revealed – firmly cementing #BrayAirDisplay, supported by main sponsors the Irish Aviation Authority, as one of Europe’s best ever air displays. Featuring 27 jets, 46 aircraft and pilots, 50 support crew and an army of 20 volunteers it will be an aerobatic feast for the senses!

The two-day aviation spectacle, which is also supported by Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie, will kick off at 12noon each day and will feature mind boggling display acts by the following teams:

11 acts will perform on Saturday 23^rd July with a further 5 acts also performing on Sunday 24^th July, bringing the total on Sunday to a whopping 16 high quality participating air display acts.

Performing on both Saturday & Sunday:

The Frecce Tricolori: The Italian aerobatic display team and one of the most experienced and awe-inspiring display groups. This will be the first time that they will perform at the event and is a huge coup for the organisers.

Breitling Wingwalkers: The world’s only formation wingwalking display team and another first for the Bray Air Display. ‘Wingwalkers’ will perform a dazzling sequence of acrobatic manoeuvres and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of beautiful Boeing Stearman biplanes!

Patrouille Tranchant: A Celtic jet team from Brittany, France flying Fouga aircraft – the first time Fouga aircraft will be displayed in Ireland.

British Spitfire/Seafire: First time in Bray as a team. Spitfire is probably the best known fighter plane ever produced.

The Triggs: Vintage glamour and dynamic close formation flying of two Pitts Special S-1D biplanes

The Irish Air Corps: Approximately 750 men and women serve in the Air Corps which operates 17 fixed wing aircraft and 10 rotary wing aircraft

CityJet’s new SuperJet SSJ100: CityJet’s new passenger aircraft

Black Knights: Irish Defence Forces Parachute Team – the most successful parachute team ever to come out of Ireland

Irish Historic Flight Foundation: Commemorates aviation achievements as well as encouraging an interest in Irish aviation. Flying IOLAR and three Chipmunk aircraft

The Ravens: A UK based formation aerobatic display team formed in May 2014.

Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Demonstration

Performing on Sunday only:

The Red Arrows: One of the world’s premier, most celebrated and best known aerobatic display teams – the centre piece of this summer’s display. This will be the first time that the Red Arrows will perform at the annual event and the team’s only performance in Ireland this year.

The Viggen & Draaken: Representing the ‘Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’ flying ‘Viggen’ (first time to be displayed in Bray) and ‘Draken’ aircraft (first time to be displayed in Ireland).

The Blades: A leading display team of former Red Arrow pilots with over 30,000 flying hours and more than 4,000 displays between them. The display act includes over 30 exhilarating manoeuvres

Irish Parachute Club: A non-profit organisation dedicated to the training of skydivers

Aer Lingus 321: Aer Lingus’ new passenger aircraft

90,000 people made their way to Bray Promenade for the display last year which has been established as one of the country’s most popular, free, family summer events. And with a line-up like the one confirmed for this year, even more spectators are expected to make their way to the Co. Wicklow seaside town this year to watch aviation antics against a backdrop of beautiful Bray head and the County Wicklow coastline. Those planning to attend are strongly advised to use public transport for a stress-free journey, allow extra time for the trip to Bray and plan to arrive early to fully enjoy the fantastic event.

Se Pardy of Simtech Aviation and Bray Air Display Director, said, “Bray Air Display 2016 is set to be our best event yet. We have been working really hard since last year to line up our most impressive schedule to date and have succeeded in securing some of the world’s most remarkable teams to perform right here in Bray. It’s great to have so many ‘firsts’ on the bill for this year – we are absolutely thrilled to have the Red Arrows perform! as well as Italy’s Frecce Tricolori, alongside our own celebrated Irish teams and other acts from across Europe. The calibre of acts that we will have this year firmly cements Bray Air Display as one of Ireland’s – and Europe’s – leading air displays.”

Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority said, “We’ve a long history of supporting aviation activities that help promote the aviation industry so we are very proud to be the main sponsor of the Bray Air Display 2016 in the year of the Centenary of the Easter Rising. It looks like this is probably going to be the biggest air show in Europe in 2016, which is incredible – a chance in a lifetime opportunity. Aviation has played a critical role in the development of the Irish economy over the last 100 years and it remains a key part of the Irish economic system, supporting over 40,000 jobs directly. Air displays are a really fantastic way of connecting people with the aviation sector and create an interest for future generations of pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts. I’m really looking forward to it.”

While the event is free for all to enjoy, VIP hospitality packages are available from Bray Air Display for those who prefer to enjoy the spectacle in style. Visit http://brayairdisplay.com/wp/hospitality/ for more information about the two packages available: Flight Deck €70 per person (plus booking fee) or Aviation Lounge €120 per person (plus booking fee).

As well as the incredible display in the skies over Bray there will be a food and craft village featuring 45 artisan food and specialist craft stalls as well as musical entertainment and a family fun fair – all in all a great family day out. Or why not take to the skies to experience the thrill and exhilaration of a helicopter pleasure flight on either day between 11am and 12noon?

“It is going to be an amazing show – a once in a lifetime really. You won’t want to miss it!” concluded Se.

All events and activities are subject to change without notice and may be dependent on weather.

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 19^th 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.