UK Airshow News – Page 51

Air Day’s MiG-nificent Cold War Star

MiG 15

Northern Europe’s only flying MiG-15 will be making a rare UK appearance in the flying display at RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2015 on Saturday 11 July. The Cold War classic jet fighter belonging to the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will be the first of its kind to display in this country since the late-1990s.

In all, more than 18,000 MiG-15s were constructed, mainly by the Soviet Union, but also some among them were Polish-built variants of which the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s example is one. It wears the markings of the aircraft flown by famed Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin before he became the first man to visit outer space in 1961.

Given the shared border between north-eastern Norway and Russia, and the many encounters between Royal Norwegian Air Force and Soviet aircraft during the Cold War, the MiG-15 is an appropriate addition to the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron as a representative of the-then Cold War ‘enemy’.

The MiG-15 is also well known for its role in the Korean War – a conflict which involved Royal Navy operated Hawker Sea Furies. Piloted by Lieutenant Peter ‘Hoagy’ Carmichael, one such Sea Fury FB11 made history when it downed a MiG-15; one of the very few times when a piston-engined aircraft has gained superiority over a jet.

The Royal Navy Historic Flight based at RNAS Yeovilton operates two Sea Furies including an FB11 fighter-bomber variant which will be taking part in the static display. Air Day visitors will thus have the very rare opportunity to see both Korean War types at the show.

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

Vulcan, Red Arrows & Typhoon to Wow Crowds by the Beach this August at Eastbourne Air Show

Vulcan by Eric Coeckelbergh

Plans for Airbourne, Eastbourne’s international air show have got off to a flying start this year with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon and Vulcan cold war bomber all confirmed to fly at the free, four day air show which returns from 13 – 16 August.

Featuring new look Union Jack tailfins, the world renowned RAF Red Arrows display team will wow crowds on the seafront, beaches and reopened pier with three performances over Eastbourne, in one of the UK’s busiest free flying displays.

Joining the line-up, the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon will provide a fast jet highlight on three days and historic fans can look forward to the return of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which features a four-ship formation from the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.

The world’s only flying Vulcan bomber makes an appearance as it nears retirement and the Tutor returns to display its agility, along with a new variant Hawk T2 duo display.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “Eastbourne has a special place in its heart for the Red Arrows so we are delighted to welcome back the world’s best aerial display team. Many special memories are made thanks to this amazing team, from meeting fans on the ground, to marriage proposals and even themed fireworks! Coupled with the awesome Typhoon and what could possibly be the last chance to see the imposing sight and sound of the Vulcan, we are in for a real treat this year.”

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including a military exhibition, live music on the beach stage, children’s entertainment areas, helicopter pleasure flights, evening concerts and fireworks, which move to a new slot on Saturday night.

Now in what could possibly be its final display season, the Vulcan cold war jet is set to perform over Eastbourne in a remarkable return to the show, after record donations from Airbourne fans last year. The bomber, which last visited the show in 2012, is a rare sight and unique to the display circuit.

The flying display is part funded from public donations each year at Airbourne, thanks to local resident David Dickens and collections organised by Marco and Cathy Giorgi along with the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, with 30% of the proceeds also passed onto local charities.

Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Philip Ede added “With the Red Arrows and the legendary Vulcan Bomber sharing top billing, this promises to be the most popular air show yet, providing a boost to the resort in more ways than one. The factor that makes this appearance of the Vulcan possible is the generous contribution of one particular fan, who deserves our thanks. I know we’ve said it before but this really may be the last time we see this aircraft perform – so make the most of it!”

Eastbourne’s 23rd Airbourne will also mark roughly one year since the pier fire of 2014, which closed the Victorian landmark just two weeks before the air show. The pier, which reopened two months later, is a popular viewing platform during the show and includes shops, restaurants, tea rooms, a bar, nightclub and fishing platform.

Airbourne returns from 13 – 16 August 2015 and entry is free, with more flying displays to be announced. All flying is subject to RAF operational commitments, weather and serviceability.

To beat the crowds, there are exclusive seating areas available at the Bandstand and exclusive hospitality available on the Western Lawns with tickets on sale now.

For more information or to book online visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Air Show Debut For Life Saving Helicopter

Cosford Air Ambulance

Visitors to the RAF Cosford Air Show will have the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s newest Eurocopter EC135 helicopter, which was today confirmed for static display on Sunday 14th June.

The iconic red helicopter, which is one of three used by the charity, is taking part in the Midland’s largest aviation event for the first time in 2015, as part of the show’s Search and Rescue theme. The aircraft, registration ‘G-OMAA’ is the first to be wholly owned by the charity and is one of the newest air ambulance helicopters in the UK, with the ability to carry a paramedic and flight doctor plus full life-support medical equipment at a top speed of 155 knots.

Air Show Spokesperson Peter Reoch said, “The Air Ambulance EC135 will be part of our unique ‘SAR Zone’ at the show, which will showcase the work of the Emergency Services alongside an array of Search and Rescue aircraft types. Our award winning ground displays are a highlight for many visitors, which make the RAF Cosford Air Show a great day out for all the family.”

Since 1991, the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has responded to more than 42,000 missions, making it one of the longest established and busiest air ambulance organisations in the UK. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Air Operations Manager, Becky Tinsley said, “We are extremely proud to be part of the RAF Cosford Air Show. The aircrew will be on hand to give the public a tour of our brand new helicopter, which was purchased purely through the generous donations from the communities we serve. As we have extended our daily operating time into the hours of darkness, it will also give the public an insight into how we fly during darkness.”

To ensure there is no disruption to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s life saving service while the helicopter attends the show, the charity’s aviation partner, Bond Air Services is providing another aircraft to support the charity’s emergency operations.

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

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.”

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.”