UK Airshow News – Page 40

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.

Lynx’s Air Day Farewell Finale

RN Black Cats by Peter Reoch

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

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

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

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

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

Air Show Hospitality Makes Perfect Present For Fathers Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Classic Jet Showcase at RAF Cosford Air Show

RAF Cosford MiG15

Organisers of the RAF CosfordAir Show today outlined plans for their theme showcasing the evolution of the jet engine, which will dominate the flying displays on Sunday 19th June.

The latest aircraft to be added to the flying display is a Folland Gnat, which was used by the RAF during the 1960s and 1970s for flying training and also for air displays by the world famous Red Arrows. The Gnat Display Team will be joined at the show by the Sea Vixen, a unique carrier-borne fighter of which only one example remains flying worldwide. Another jet appearing at the show is the Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-15UTi, a type never seen before at RAF Cosford. The MiG-15 is a cold war soviet fighter which is now operated by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron to showcase the cold war ‘enemy’ of NATO. The MiG-15 is believed to have been one of the most widely produced jet aircraft ever made; in excess of 12,000 were manufactured.Of course, the Royal Air Force’s main combat jet, the Eurofighter Typhoon, will also be displaying as part of the jet engine theme to showcase the power and agility of the modern combat jets of today.

Peter Reoch, part of the Air Show Operations Team, said “Classic jets are always a crowd favourite, and we’re excited to have such a diverse array of them taking part in the flying display this year. With these exciting additions we’re reminding people that tickets for the air show will not be available to buy on the gate so they need to buy them soon to avoiding missing out!”

The Speed theme continues on the ground with rare experimental aircraft being rolled out from the RAF Museum to join the static aircraft exhibitions including the Bristol 188, Avro 707 and Fairey Delta II, which held the world airspeed record for a short time in 1956. There will also be an aircraft hangar dedicated to speed displays, including an exhibition of jet engines and displays detailing the life of Sir Frank Whittle, the British inventor of the jet engine.

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

Important safety information in advance of The American Air Show this weekend

Ahead of The American Air Show, IWM Duxford has released some important safety information:

· IWM Duxford takes great care to ensure its air shows are as safe as possible for everyone involved.

· It is not safe to occupy the fields immediately south of the runway during the air show. If you do so you are putting yourself and the display pilots in harm’s way.

· In the event of an incident it is imperative that the emergency services have clear, unhindered access to the tracks across this land.

· There is no public access to these fields at any time.

Jointly issued by IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the owners of this land

www.iwm.org.uk

French Navy Fast Jet Duo Set To Thrill Air Day Visitors

Yeovilton Air Day Rafale

French Navy fast jets will once again perform a spectacular role demonstration in Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016’s flying display. Expected to be one of the star attractions, a pair ofRafaleM multirole fighters will demonstrate operational tactics during a fast-paced and thunderous routine that is sure to thrill Air Day’s anticipated 40,000-strong crowd on Saturday 2 July.

Once again, the French Navy’s appearance at a UK airshow flying display is exclusive to RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, demonstrating the close relationship between both navies.

The Rafale M is an outstandingly agile, Mach 1.8 (1,900 km/h) capable combat aircraft that equips two French Navy squadrons. In service since 2001, it has seen much frontline service including operations in Afghanistan and Libya. Air Day’s expected Rafale M duo will be supported by aan additional Rafale M as a spare and a Falcon 10MER transport and communications aircraft, appearingin the static display.

Air Day’s static display will also feature contributions from other NATO partner nations. They include a Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter and Falcon 20E VIP transport aircraft, a first-footing Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare helicopter and, from Germany, a Tornado strike aircraft and C-160 Transall tactical transporter.

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.