UK Airshow News – Page 49

Zeus Set For Air Tattoo Debut

Hellenic Air Force

The first ever UK appearance of one of Europe’s most exciting solo jet demonstrations has been confirmed for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The display by the Hellenic Air Force’s F-16 demo team, named Zeus, is set to provide one of the highlights of the flying display at the airshow on July 17-19.

Zeus has only previously performed outside its homeland at displays in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. The team, which is named after the father of the Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology, aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force – an air arm that has been modernised substantially in recent years – as well as fostering links between the Greek public and its air force, and encourage recruiting.

The Zeus demonstration will be flown at RIAT 2015 by Captain SotiriosStralis and is the latest addition to the roster of excellent F-16 solo displays around the world, many of which have featured at previous Air Tattoos. The Zeus display is unique in featuring the Block 52+ version, complete with Conformal Fuels Tanks fitted to the upper surfaces of the aircraft, presenting a different view of Lockheed Martin’s outstanding F-16C Fighting Falcon.

The first Zeus demo team was formed by the HAF under the guidance of the US Air Force, giving its debut performance at Tanagra Air Base in November 2010. The display is being provided by 115 Combat Wing based at Souda, which has under its command two squadrons of Block 52+ F-16s – some of the most advanced multi-role fighters within NATO.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “We are honoured to be able to present Zeus to a British audience for the first time. The F-16 has always been an outstanding display aircraft, and I am sure Capt Sotirios will demonstrate its attributes to the full at RIAT 2015. Our thanks go to the Hellenic Air Force for agreeing to participate.”

www.airtattoo.com

Mighty Vulcan Returns to RAF Cosford

Vulcan Bomber by Peter Van Loey

One of Britain’s most iconic aircraft will be roaring over Shropshire on Sunday 14th June, in an appearance dedicated to Sir Jack Hayward, which is sure to be a highlight of the thrilling flying displays planned for the event.

Visitors to the RAF Cosford Air Show will be treated to a full flying display of the mighty Avro Vulcan, a British cold-war nuclear bomber. Affectionately referred to by its registration,XH558 is the only flying example of the Vulcan, which was returned to the skies in 2007 after a lengthy public fundraising campaign.

Air Show Spokesperson Peter Reoch said, “We are extremely pleased to be welcoming the XH558 back to RAF Cosford,as it is undoubtedly one of the most popular aircraft on the UK air show circuit. The Vulcan’s display will be one of many highlights which make the RAF Cosford Air Show a great day out for all the family.”

The Vulcan is just one of the many exciting aerial displays planned for the show, which for the first time will not be selling tickets on the gate. The move to become Advance Ticket Only is part of the efforts by show organisers to continually improve traffic flows to the event. Visitors are advised to buy their tickets early, to ensure they don’t miss out on seeing the Vulcan’s unique blend of graceful design and raw power.

The Vulcan’s display at RAF Cosford will be dedicated to Sir Jack Hayward, who passed away in January. Sir Jack was a huge supporter of XH558’s restoration, withhis dramatic £500,000 donation saving the project in 2006. Dr Robert Pleming, Chief Executive of Vulcan to the Sky said;”It is extremely gratifying for us to be invited to appear once again at the RAF Cosford Air Show, where many of XH558’s supporters will be able to enjoy her wonderful display and where we have received such an incredible welcome in the past. It is also particularly pleasing to be appearing because of the relevance of this historic location to the Vulcan in respect of our close affinity with the National Cold War Exhibition, part of the RAF Museum Cosford.”

For the first time, tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2015 are advance sale only. Adult tickets are priced £22.00 with accompanied under-16s coming free! For more details on the event and to purchase tickets, visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Vulcan Set To Roar Again At Air Day

Vulcan at Yeovilton Air Day

XH558, the world’s only flying Avro Vulcan ‘V-bomber’, is RNAS Yeovilton Air Day’s first confirmed flying display participant. Now 55 years old, this thunderous Cold War icon will be among the largest, heaviest and noisiest types involved in this year’s show on Saturday 11 July.

XH558 is a globally unique survivor and has brought Air Day to a standstill on each of its previous appearances at RNAS Yeovilton. As before, the sensational Vulcan will perform a spectacular, roaring air display and will also be present on the ground. This will allow visitors to enjoy a close-up guided ‘under-wing’ tour – an attraction offered by few other airshows. With 2015 marking XH558’s last planned display season, this really could be one of the last chance opportunities to see this famed and hugely popular type in South West England.

The Vulcan’s RAF career peaked during the 1982 Falkland’s Conflict when the type’s famous Black Buck missions became the longest bombing raids in history. Many squadrons from RNAS Yeovilton also played a hugely significant role as part of the Royal Navy task force sent to regain the Falkland Islands.

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2015’s main theme marks 75 years since the Air Station was commissioned as HMS Heron on 18 June 1940. A large gathering of aircraft types with past RNAS Yeovilton connections is planned to mark this anniversary.

Advance tickets priced at £20 (adults) and £6 (children 5-15 yrs) are now available to order from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

BA Flies Business Class To Air Tattoo

BA A318

Britain’s national airline will make a rare airshow contribution at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

A British AirwaysAirbus A318, one of the rarest aircraft in its fleet, will go on static display at the airshow on July 17-19.

The A318serves a route aimed at the business community between London City Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. It is unique among aircraft types in the British Airways fleet in operating with an all-business class interior comprising 32 seats, each convertible into a fully flat bed.

British Airways flies just two A318s, this being the smallest member of the hugely successful Airbus A320 family of aircraft. In order to be certified for operations at London City, the A318 was subject to a stringent steep approach test programme, the airport requiring specific operational procedures. This the Airbus passed with flying colours, the first example being delivered to British Airways in September 2009.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “For many years, British Airways has kindly supported the Air Tattoo, most memorably sending Concorde and, more recently, the giant A380. I am very pleased that our national airline is able to spare an A318 for a rare appearance at a British airshow.”

The BA A318 joins Vulcan bomber XH558, a C-130J Hercules from Qatar and a Super Puma from the Swiss Air Force as confirmed participants at this summer’s airshow. The Swiss are also sending their PC-7 aerobatic display team.

Mr Arquati added: “Though it’s still early days, the Air Tattoo is already shaping up to be one of the UK’s most exciting outdoor events this summer. Anyone planning to attend has until January 31 to take advantage of our special Super Earlybird ticket offer.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Special Super Earlybird tickets priced from £26 are available until January 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Qatar Makes UK Airshow Debut

Qatar C-130J RIAT

Qatar will make its UK airshow debut this summer when it takes part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

The Qatar Emiri Air Force will send for the show’s static display a C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft, one of four such aircraft delivered to the small but strategically and economically-important Arab state by manufacturer Lockheed Martin in 2011-12. Qatar thus became the first Middle Eastern customer for the C-130J model.

Based at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, the country’s capital, the C-130J-30s -the stretched version of the so-called Super Hercules – and four Boeing C-17A Globemaster IIIs have provided Qatar with a much-improved air transport capability, for use on both military airlift and humanitarian taskings.

The Qatari aircraft joins the legendary Vulcan bomber and Swiss Air Force aircraft on the list of early confirmed participants for this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 17-19 and brings to 55, the number of nations that have taken part in the airshowsince it was first staged in 1971.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “Our thanks go to the Qatar Emiri Air Force for agreeing to participate in this year’s Air Tattoo. I’m particularly pleased that new nations continue to be added to the long list of those that have supported the event over the years. We look forward to welcoming the C-130 and its crew to Fairford in July.”

Swiss To Star At RAF Cosford

Swiss Hornet at Cosford

The organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show today announced details of the first international participant for this year’s show. Visitors on Sunday 14th June will be treated to a stunning display of noise, power and agility from an F/A-18C Hornet provided by the Swiss Air Force.

The Hornet was designed as a naval fighter with reinforced undercarriage, folding wings and tail-hook, however it is used by many land based air arms across the globe. Air Show spokesperson Peter Reoch said, “The Swiss Hornet Display is likely to be one of the stars of the flying display, and another great attraction for both new and returning visitors to RAF Cosford.This is the first time a Hornet has featured in the flying display at RAF Cosford and will hopefully be the first of many international participants at this year’s event.”

Visitors to the show will be witnessing one of the world’s most capable fast-jet aircraft with the F/A-18C Hornet having a top speed of nearly twice the speed of sound and the ability to climb at 50,000ft per minute.The Swiss Air Force operate a fleet of 32 Hornets, which are used for air defence duties, armed with a 20mm Cannon and Sidewinder missiles.

Air Tattoo To Welcome Aviation Icon

Vulcan Bomber

ONE of the world’s most iconic aircraft will touch down at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds this summer to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Vulcan XH558 is the only flying example of this large Cold War bomber having been restored to flying condition in 2007 following a public fundraising campaign by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST).

Since then, displays by the aircraft, demonstrating both its grace and immense power, have been among the most eagerly-anticipated on the UK airshow circuit.

Based at Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster, XH558 is the first aircraft to be confirmed for the airshow which takes place on July 17-19.

Named The Spirit of Great Britain, Vulcan XH558 will fly into RAF Fairford on Friday, July 17for a special ‘Pit Experience Day’ offering people close access to the aircraft and the opportunity to meet members of the Vulcan to the Sky team and the dedicated band of volunteers who help keep the aircraft airborne.

The aircraft will perform two flying displays during its visit, one on Saturday July 18 and the other on Sunday July 19. Weekend visitors will also be given the opportunity to visit her on the ground in return for a small donation toVTST.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Vulcan is arguably the most popular historic aircraft flying today and I am delighted that we’re able to welcome her back to the Air Tattoo this summer.

“What better way to launch our 2015 theme Securing the Skies – Past, Present and Future than with an aircraft that performed a crucial role in the UK’s strategic nuclear strike force during the Cold War, on standby 24 hours a day with crews ready to launch the aircraft with two minutes’ notice.

“I am confident the Vulcan will be the first of many exciting aircraft from around the world to confirm their participation over the coming months – but what a start!”

VTST Chief Executive Dr Robert Plemingsaid: “We are really delighted to return XH558 to such a prestigious event on the aviation calendar.”

Re-Live All Of The Air Tattoo Thrills

RIAT dvd

Forget Santa’s Sleigh, when it comes to providing an aerial spectacle to savour this Christmas, look no further than the official 2014 Royal International Air Tattoo Souvenir DVD.

Featuring all the thrills and excitement from the world’s greatest airshow, it’s the perfect gift for anyone with a passion for aviation.

Filmed in High Definition and featuring multiple camera angles, including on-board footage, the official DVD captures the very best of the flying display including the rarely-seen Polish Air Force Su-22M4 pair, the Turkish Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, the RAF Chinook and the RAF Typhoon plus the ever-popular Alenia C-27J Spartan from the Italian Air Force.

A sell-out crowd of 140,000 visited RAF Fairford over three days in Julyto join celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season. The souvenir DVD, which is also available on Blu-ray or as a digital download, captures behind-the-scenes preparations, interviews with team members and display footage as well as coverage of the Reds’ unique flypast with the leaders of four other international aerobatic display teams.

More than 220 aircraft, representing 32 air arms from 26 countries took part in this year’s airshow, which is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. In a special ‘extras’ section on the DVD, there is the opportunity to see many of those aircraft that appeared on static display either arriving or departing RAF Fairford. They include the debut airshow appearance of the Textron AirLand Scorpion, the final Air Tattoo appearance by two Hellenic Air Force LTV A-7E/TA-7C Corsair IIs and a rarely seen Japanese Boeing KC-767J.

And with narration by one of the UK’s most respected airshow commentators, Ben Dunnell, the official RIAT 2014 DVD shines an entertaining and informativespotlight on modern military aviation.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “Air Tattoo DVDs are renowned for featuring great in-cockpit footage and this year is no different. We went all out to get access to as many aircraft as we could and the result is fantastic. Viewers will be able to enjoy many of the displays from the pilots’ perspective – which can sometimes make you feel quite dizzy!”

The official Air Tattoo 2014Souvenir DVD is available on DVD (priced £19.95); Blu-ray (£24.95) and, for the first time via digital download (£14.95). To order your copy, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.

Super Offer For Air Tattoo Earlybirds

Air Tatto 2015 promo art

A special commemorative flypast marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be among the highlights of next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The details were announced as specially-priced tickets for the three-day airshow, which takes place on July 17-19, went on sale for a limited period.

Super Earlybird admission tickets, priced at £26 for the Friday and £36 for Saturday and Sunday are available until January 31, 2015. The prices represent a saving of more than 20 per cent off the cost of a standard admission ticket.

Next summer’s airshow will focus on aircraft from around the world whose primary role is to protect their nations’ skies whether in support of combat missions, intelligence gathering, providing an airlift capability or delivering humanitarian aid.

Themed ‘Securing The Skies – Past, Present, Future’, the airshow will look to feature legendary aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane, that proved so effective during World War Two; operational aircraft such as the RAF Tornado, currently in action over Iraq; and the RAF Typhoon, which remain on 24-hour standby in the UK and were scrambled recently to intercept Russian bombers.

The Air Tattoo also hopes that the futuristic Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which was due to take part in the 2014 airshow, will make its much heralded European display debut at RAF Fairford next summer.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong saidthat with so much instability in the world, it was the ideal time to turn the spotlight on the important role air power has played and continues to play in making Britain and our allies around the world, safer.

He added: “Already, the response from international air arms has been extremely positive and we’ll be looking to build on last summer’s hugely successful event. With ticket prices starting at £26 and all under-16s enjoying free admission, the Air Tattoo continues to offer extraordinary value for money.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. To purchase Super Earlybird admission tickets and to view enclosure options, visit www.airtattoo.com. All under-16s go free. Free parking.

Date announced for Culdrose Air Day 2015

Culdros Air Day

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose is pleased to announce the date for ‘Air Day’ 2015 – Thursday 30th July.

The annual event, which has become a firm favourite on the Cornish Event Calendar, enables the general public to experience the sights and sounds ‘onboard’ one of the Royal Navy’s helicopter bases, whilst seeing breathtaking flying displays in the skies. It’s the only day of the year when the public can ‘experience the world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates.

The Commanding Officer of Culdrose, Captain Mark Garratt said: “Air Day 2014 was a fantastic event, with a record numbers of visitors attending from across Cornwall and beyond. Now that we have set the date for 2015, my team will start to book aircraft for the Air Display and military acts for the arena. We will work hard to make it another day to remember and hope to have some very special visitors in the air and on the ground.”

Captain Mark added: “Our Air Day is quite different from the other Air Shows across the United Kingdom. As one of the few events held within a military establishment, it is often the only opportunity for non-military personnel to come into our world and find out about life in the Armed Forces. It is a day when we invite the general public to meet those serving on frontline Squadrons, learn about our outstanding training facilities, get close to our aircraft and learn about the Operations that we are involved in across the World.”

A list of aircraft participating in the event will be announced next year, however Captain Mark confirmed that: “The Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm will be attending in force to demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of maritime helicopters including the Lynx, the new Merlin and the Sea King. The nimble Hawks of 736 Naval Air Squadron will show off their agility and speed and it will be the last Air Day that the Search and Rescue Sea Kings of 771 Naval Air Squadron will perform. We are also hoping to welcome fast jets, aerobatic display teams, historic jets and veteran aircraft, in particular the Royal Navy Historic Flight.”

Tickets for the event will be on sale in the New Year. More information about the event and a list of display aircraft will be available soon at www.culdroseairday.com.