UK Airshow News – Page 54

Airborne Angels Enact Air Tattoo Drama

Whether it’s the police, ambulance or fire and rescue, the speed and effectiveness of the UK’s airborne emergency servicesin responding to an incident can often be the difference between life and death.

Thanks to Eurocopter UK Ltd, their capability and professionalism will be demonstrated in vivid fashion when a dramatic rescue is enacted at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds on July 20-21.

From search, surveillance and crime detection to casualty evacuation and air ambulance airlift, the rotary wing aircraft element of the UK’s frontline response unitsare on 24-hour standby to provide vital support wherever it is needed.

In a recreation of an emergency scenario, the National Police Air Service, London Fire Brigade and Devon Air Ambulance,operating three Eurocopter helicopters, will demonstrate their capabilities to Air Tattoo spectators.

As the drama unfolds, a Police EC135 helicopter will overfly the scene to aid co-ordination whilst an EC145 with a fire service team on board will attend the incident along with an EC135 air ambulance.

The demonstration is part of the Air Tattoo’s Sky Guardian theme which will turn the spotlight on civil and military aircraft operators who play an important role safeguarding life, land and liberty around the globe.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “The demo will be a rare opportunity for the public to witness the airborne emergency services’ skill and bravery, often working in situations none of us would want to find ourselves in.

“We are grateful to Eurocopter, whose EC135 helicopter is the aircraft of choice for the UK Emergency Services, for offering us the opportunity to salute the role of these unsung heroes.”

Among the other highlights in the airshow’s seven-and-a-half hour flying programme will be displays by the Vulcan bomber, fast jets including the Typhoon, Gripen and Rafale; six aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows; the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight plus a number of unique joint flypasts.

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.

Mitchell Bomber returns to Dunsfold for Wings & Wheels

Mitchell Bomber

Some 70 years after the B-25 Dutch Mitchell Bomber first arrived at Dunsfold Aerodrome it will be back in our skies for Wings & Wheels on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August 2013 thanks to the generous support of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight.

It was August of 1943 when the menacing silhouette of the first of the North American B-25 Mitchells was spotted in the skies above Dunsfold. The aircraft was easily recognisable due to its twin tail rudders, two engines and unusual tricycle undercarriage which, although very much the norm today, was a daring innovation of its time.

The aircraft was used in the defence of the country and in connection with the Allied invasion and liberation of occupied Europe and continued to be based at Dunsfold Aerodrome until 1946. Following the Mitchells’ participation in D-Day, they were billed as ‘Heroes of the Night’.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Dutch Mitchell Bombers and the squadrons who flew them contributed significantly to Dunsfold Aerodrome’s defining Second World War achievements. It is only fitting that we are able to celebrate 70 years since their arrival here with a stunning display at Wings & Wheels.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and both classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 20:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £65 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 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

A thrilling line-up announced for the Flying Legends Air Show

Duxford Spitfires

Over 50 aircraft are booked to appear at the Flying Legends Air Show, on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, in a spectacular aerial celebration of historic aviation.

The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team will present the worldwide debut of their thrilling new display in a trio of Supermarine Spitfires, including two rare Mark I variants.

To showcase the incredible lineage of the Supermarine Spitfire, we are proud to present variants ranging from the Mark I to the Mark 19, flying alongside their old adversary, the Hispano Buchon (Messerschmitt Bf 109). These aircraft will take part in choreographed dogfights reminiscent of the Battle of Britain above IWM Duxford’s historic Second World War airfield.

The Fighter Collection is pleased to present a melee of Mustangs including two rare blue-nosed Mustangs, Moonbeam McSwine and Princess Elizabeth. They represent aircraft flown by Captain William T Whisner of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group at RAF Bodney, Suffolk in 1944. When the 352nd Fighter Group discovered that they were to be honoured by a visit from the then Princess Elizabeth, they decided to christen Bill Whisner’s aircraft in her honour. Unimpressed by this imposition on his beloved Mustang, Bill soon changed the name to Moonbeam McSwine. Princess Elizabeth arrived at IWM Duxford in May this year to display as part of the Eagle Squadron commemoration at the Spring Air Show. This is a rare opportunity to view this US-based aircraft in the Duxford skies once more before her return to the USA.

Making a welcome return is the Flying Bulls’ Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS. The Flying Bulls’ stunning aerial performances always wow the crowds at the Flying Legends Air Show.

The biplane era will be celebrated by a four-ship display comprising of two Hawker Nimrod aircraft, a Hawker Demon and a Hawker Hind. These glorious aircraft are instantly reminiscent of the golden age of adventurous aviation.

Continuing this bygone theme, we are pleased to announce that two Gloster Gladiator aircraft will fly together for the first time at the Flying Legends Air Show and indeed anywhere else in the world.

A celebration of Curtiss aircraft includes The Fighter Collection’s Curtiss P-40B Warhawk , the only remaining airworthy survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack on 7 December 1941, and their Curtiss P-40F Warhawk, one of only two airworthy examples of this variant in the world.

Favourite aircraft returning to the Flying Legends Air Show include the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin-Stifutung Junkers Ju 52 and Messerschmitt 108; B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; Dakota Norway DC3 and on Sunday 14 July only, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster will join the Flight’s Spitfire and Hurricane for a commemorative wartime display.

The wartime atmosphere continues across the museum. The Vintage Village, situated on the hangar base next to Wing Co Joe’s Café, offers the perfect nostalgic destination for some rest and relaxation.

Enjoy authentic thirties and forties songs sung in true Andrews Sisters-style by The Manhattan Dolls, who will have flown directly from New York to perform for visitors to the air show. The Wilmslow Concert Band will be performing 1940s swing band classics.

Don’t miss the chance to clamber aboard the Home Front Bus! This unique living history experience contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Enjoy a glass of fizz from the Prosecco Bar and take the weight off your feet in our traditional deckchair seating area. Complete your 1940s day by sitting in a replica Supermarine Spitfire!

Ops 1939-45 represent Battle of Britain-era RAF pilots and ground crew with uncanny accuracy. They will present a dispersal point display at the Flying Legends Air Show, where they will be chatting to visitors as they await the call to scramble. They will also be hosting Bomber briefings, where, as members of Bomber Command, they will tell you about your target for tonight and get you ready for your bombing mission.

The 42nd Field Hospital portrays US Army medical personnel from the Second World War, while the Screaming Eagles Living History Group will be representing servicemen who served with the 101st US Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Easy Company during the Second World War. They will have displays at the air show and will be bringing the 1940s to life in US style.

We’ve got fun family activities happening between 10am and 2pm, in AirSpace, next to the Lancaster, where you can get hands-on with RAF Bomber Command historical objects.

If you love the sound of a Merlin engine, don’t miss the dynamic display of seven instantly-recognisable historic engines on the airfield jet pan, including two Merlins, a Griffon, two Leonides, a Napier Lion and a Hercules.

Join us for another unforgettable Flying Legends Air Show! Advance booking has now closed but you can still purchase your ticket on the gate on each day of the air show.

www.iwm.org.uk

The Bottle of Britain Confirms Wings & Wheels Support

Wings & Wheels has more cause for celebration this week as the air and motoring Show renewed its partnership with Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale. For its ninth consecutive year, the biggest ale success story of the last decade will be at the 2013 Show supporting the fundraising efforts of the team through ale supplies and sponsorship of key air displays and facilities for past and present veterans.

Originally brewed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Spitfire’s characteristically Kentish, hoppy flavour and cheeky advertising campaigns have made it a firm favourite with beer lovers and Wings & Wheels visitors.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “As the airshow evolves and continues to grow in strength and reputation, Spitfire has been with us every step of the way. The support they provide ensures that we are able to enhance our visitors’ experience and offer value for money which is invaluable in these current economic times.”

As well as their continued sponsorship of Wings & Wheels, Spitfire Ale recently announced a new partnership with comedy duo Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller in the guise of their RAF characters. The pilots featured in their award winning BBC One comedy sketch show and are renowned for using street language and having stereotypical modern-day attitudes but speaking in clipped 1940s accents. Continuing Spitfire Ale’s tradition of tongue-in-cheek British humour, the characters herald a new era for marketing the beer, helping it appeal to new and existing consumers alike.

Spitfire Brand Manager Kate Maclean said: “It’s an exciting time for Spitfire and whilst we are very excited with all the new initiatives being implemented, we are delighted to continue our support of long term partners like Wings & Wheels. The airshow not only allows us to engage with existing and new customers in a fun environment but, with Alexander and Ben’s RAF pilots as our new ambassadors, the fit couldn’t be better. ”

Returning on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August, visitors to Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey can enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing everything needed for a great family day out. The Hot Rod Zone hosts live rockabilly music, themed retail outlets and a stunning display of nostalgic and ‘kustom’ Hot Rod vehicles. The show arena also boasts laser quest, kids driving, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, a Wall of Death, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

Taking the hassle out of everyone’s day the show includes added extras to make the experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 Spitfire bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, a raffle, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Tim Prince To Hand Over Air Tattoo Controls In 2014

After 42 years at the helm of the Royal International Air Tattoo, Chief Executive Tim Prince announced today (June 24) that the 2014 airshow will be his last.

As one of the airshow’s founding fathers, Mr Prince has helped build the event into what is widely considered to be the greatest airshow in the world.

He said he couldn’t go on forever and that it was time to stand down and entrust the Air Tattoo’s future to a fresh pair of hands.

Mr Prince said: “For the past 42 years, the Air Tattoo has been my life and I’ve loved every minute of it. During this time I have been fortunate enough to have met some incredible and inspirational people and have made many wonderful friends. It’s now time to pass on the baton.”

The Air Tattoo was first organised by a group of aircraft loving air traffickers at North Weald airfield in 1971.Driven by their passion for aviation, the Air Tattoo grew over the following three decades until, in 2003, Guinness World Records recognised it as the largest military airshow in the world.

The Air Tattoo continues to feature rare aircraft from countries that have never participated in British airshows before. In 2012, Japan, South Korea and Colombia were the latest names added to the list of 54 nations that have been represented at the airshow since the beginning.

Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) Alan Smith described Tim as a “fantastic” leader of the organisation who is greatly admired by the thousands of volunteers,employees,sponsors and customers who have always beenvery happy to follow his lead.

Mr Smith said: “The Trustees,the Directors and myself are hugely grateful to Tim for agreeing to remain with the company for the next 14 months (and two more Air Tattoos) to help both appoint and introduce his successor.

“Tim’s most important legacy will be that, along with Paul Bowen,he created the greatest airshow in the world and subsequently ensured,with the support of many others, its long term presence in the annual aviation calendar. As a result, thousands of people have benefitted from the millions of charity pounds raised.”

Details of the Chief Executive vacancy will be published after this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. However, the RAFCTE Board of Directors wish to encourage prospective applicants, on their own initiative, to visit the airshow next month if they have not attended the event in recent years.

www.airtattoo.com

Aerial Aerobatics from Apache at Wings & Wheels

Apache Dunsfold Wings & Wheels

The Apache Attack Helicopter Display Team is joining the Wings & Wheels line-up this Bank Holiday on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in, Guildford, Surrey.

Treating visitors to heart stopping aerial-acrobatic manoeuvres as the pilot appears to cheat gravity with a series of heart-stopping barrel rolls, the display team, unlike some other display teams, is not a permanent assignment. It is drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew, and uses aircraft drawn from the operational Apache Squadrons.

This year the pool of display aircrew has been drawn from 662 Squadron AAC which has recently returned from a successful operational tour of Afghanistan.

The Apache team performs manoeuvres in the helicopter, rather than aerobatics like the Red Arrows team. High hovers, twists, pedal turns, wingovers and flypasts are just some of the team’s signature moves as they give visitors a glimpse of its weapons including the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Apache is a truly fierce defender of the skies and it leaves everyone in its path buzzing over the incredible manoeuvres you don’t normally associate with a helicopter. This year’s Show is going to be our best yet – and with this latest addition to the line-up we think our visitors will agree. “

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2013 will be assisting fundraising efforts for Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

School Celebrates A Happy Birthday

Empire Test Pilots School RIAT

TEST pilots from the world-famous Empire Test Pilots’ School at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire touched down at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Tuesday, helping at the launch of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford, and the EPTS will be marking its 70th anniversary at the event. Pilots past and present flew in aboard an ETPS A109 helicopter to talk about how the school continues to play a role in shaping aviation history.

Flight Test Engineer Tutor Dave Widgington said: “This year will be our biggest presence yet at the Air Tattoo, and it’s a great opportunity to spread the word about what we do while celebrating our 70th anniversary. The aircraft we’re bringing to the show will include an RJ-100, a four-engined mini airliner, and we’re unique amongst the world’s training shows in operating one of these.”

Sarah Padley, from ETPS Sales and Marketing, added: “Our 70th year is something to celebrate, especially tieing in with the recent announcement that one of our graduates, Maj Tim Peake, will be going to the International Space Station as a European Space Agency astronaut. We hope members of the public will come to see us at the Air Tattoo and finds out what test pilots do, as they are the people that test every aircraft, from the airliner that takes you away on holiday to the fighters that protect our country.”

The school was established at Boscombe Down in 1943 and has trained military test pilots,
astronauts and flight test engineers to lead and deliver complex, collaborative experimental trials on all types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford when, alongside seven-and-a-half hours of display flying each day, the emphasis will be on entertainment for all the family plus an enhanced visitor experience.

Three new zones – the Techno Zone, the Adrenalin Zone and the Vintage Village – will offer attractions and activities; Service Stations will provide everything the customer wants, including shelter, catering, information, merchandise, free Wi-Fi, toilets, seating and cash points; and our Air Tattoo CREW will be on hand to provide information and ensure visitors have a great time.

Held in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, the Air Tattoo has raised over £2 million for the charity since it was formed in 2005: the money is used to give grants to promote the RAF, support its people past and present, and to encourage air-mindedness in young people.

http://www.airtattoo.com/

Supersonic Suzi Launches Air Tattoo

Suzi Perry

FORMULA One presenter Suzi Perry went supersonic on Tuesday, blasting her way into the launch heralding this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in one of the most awesome aircraft in the RAF’s current line-up.

Suzi made the trip from RAF Coningsby in a two-seater Typhoon T3, piloted by Wg Cdr Richard Wells, Officer Commanding 11 Sqn. And after a vertical ‘performance take-off’ and a 90-minute flight during which the aircraft went supersonic – travelling faster than the speed of sound – she touched down in a state of euphoria, helping create a ‘fast and furious’ atmosphere that reflects all the excitement and thrills planned for RIAT 2013.

She enthused: “I can’t remember a bigger adrenalin rush! I’ve flown with the RAF before but this journey was the ultimate. And to go supersonic – I just can’t get my head around watching all the instruments show how fast we were travelling, and it’ll probably take days for it to sink in.”

A flight in an RAF Typhoon is something experienced by very few civilians and Suzi was well aware of the privilege she’d just enjoyed. She added: “I’m delighted to be at the launch of the event as the Air Tattoo really is the world’s greatest airshow, and the work of the RAF Charitable Trust is vital. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the airshow, an event that’s summed up by the Typhoon – fast, furious and fabulous!”

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “It was wonderful to meet Suzi and hear her support what we do. Her presence and her enthusiasm was a great accolade for the volunteer team which makes our great airshow what it is.”

www.airtattoo.com

BBMF Returns to Wings & Wheels

Lancaster Bomber

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight returns in full force to Wings & Wheels on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August with a new Officer at the helm and a face-lift for one of BBMF’s most iconic aircraft, the Lancaster.

With a new Officer in Charge, SQN LDR Duncan Mason who begins his 3 year tour with BBMF, the Flight has also welcomed “Thumper” the new nose art on the Lancaster, which has replaced the “Phantom of the Ruhr”. Thumper MK111 is depicted from the 1942 Walt Disney cartoon “Bambi” and features Thumper the rabbit holding a frothing pint of beer. The nose art has been changed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of 617 Squadron’s “Operation Chastise”, better known as the Dambusters raid which famously breached the Mohne and Edersee Dams with the “bouncing bomb” and also flooded the Ruhr Valley.

Joining the Lancaster at Wings & Wheels will be the Flights Hurricane and iconic Spitfire which celebrated its 77th anniversary in March.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The home of Wings & Wheels is a Second World War Aerodrome with an illustrious history, so it’s only fitting that we commemorate this history with the return of the iconic aircraft which make up the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. It’s an honour to have the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane displaying at the Show and we are delighted to confirm their participation.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and is in support of nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Prince Performs For Record Cosford Crowds In World First

Cosford Apache demo Prince harry

As the dust finally starts to settle back over the RAF Cosford airfield, spectators are still talking about the surprise Royal visitor who showed off his flying skills to a record crowd at the Air Show on Sunday 9th June.

Captain Wales, better known as Prince Harry, smiled and waved to the public as he completed the pre-flight checks on his Apache attack helicopter before demonstrating the incredible abilities of the Army Air Corps aircraft.

In his first Air Show performance, Captain Wales flew alongside an RAF Chinook helicopter in the humbling Medical Emergency Response Team demonstration, highlighting how the two aircraft work together out on operations in the life-saving role. He then went on to take part in the individual Apache display, showing off the agility and grace of his deadly attack helicopter.

The Prince couldn’t have picked a better day for his debut on the Air Show circuit, as the record crowds enjoyed glorious summer weather with initial estimates indicating an attendance in excess of 50,000.

The 28 year old Royal co-pilot gunner has been drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew and therefore may be selected to display at other Air Shows throughout the summer.

Other highlights of the 2013 event included a special formation display between the RV8tors and Vulcan XH558 as well as inspiring performances from the RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon jets.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).