UK Airshow News – Page 54

Air Tattoo Makes Aviation History

F35B copyright USMC

AVIATION history will be made in the UK this summer when, in a major airshow ‘first’, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Joint Strike Fighter, makes its much-anticipated European debut.

This hugely important multi-role combat aircraft, which has never before been seen outside of the US, will display at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 11-13.

Three examples of the F-35B, the short take-off/vertical landing version of the Lightning II optimized for operation from austere bases and smaller ships, will be based at RAF Fairford: two from the US Marine Corps and one destined for the UK. The flying displays on all three days of the airshow, will see participation by one aircraft.

The aircraft’s appearance at Fairford will allow a whole new audience to see at close quarters this highly advanced multi-role platform, which, in F-35B form, will demonstrate the ‘hover’ capability required for operation from, for example, Britain’s forthcoming new aircraft carriers.

Its appearance at RAF Fairford in July will be the latest in a long list of legendary military aircraft that have made their UK debut at the Air Tattoo. These have included the F-14 Tomcat in 1976, the MiG-23 in 1991, the Typhoon in 1995 and the V-22 Osprey in 2006.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Designate, Andy Armstrong said: “Not only will people witness aviation history being made at the Air Tattoo this summer but they will also see a breath-taking demonstration of the future of combat aviation. Those people who, like me, enjoyed seeing the legendary Harrier display its hovering capabilities in the past will relish the opportunity to see its state-of-the-art successor.”

In the words of Lockheed Martin, the F-35B combines for the first time ‘the most lethal fighter characteristics: supersonic speed, radar-evading stealth, extreme agility and short take-off/vertical landing capability.’

The stealthy Lightning II is a vital aircraft for the air arms of the nine countries who have, thus far, signed up to become part of the programme: apart from the US and UK, also involved are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey.

The type is rapidly entering service with the US Air Force in CTOL (conventional take-off and landing) F-35A guise, and with the US Marine Corps in F-35B form. The UK plans to procure 138 F-35Bs for joint operation by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and has begun pilot and maintainer training on the aircraft at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The F-35 will, in future, become a common sight in our skies – but it will perform its first international display at this summer’s Air Tattoo.

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event are only available in advance. Specially-priced Earlybird tickets for this summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 11-13, are available until May 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

More Military Displays For Cosford Air Show

Army Air Corps Apache

Today the organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show revealed a number of exciting additions to aircraft appearing at this year’s event.

Following on from last year’s popular Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) demonstration, which saw Prince Harry in his first air show appearance, the RAF Chinook and Army Apache will again be at Cosford as part of the planned six-hour flying display. As well as performing their individual displays, they will showcase the combat capabilities of the two helicopters in an exciting joint demonstration with the RAF Regiment. Other helicopters taking part in the flying display include the Royal Navy Lynx, making a welcome return with its ‘Black Cat’ solo routine.

The Navy are also represented by the Royal Navy Historic Flight displaying the Swordfish & Sea Fury, joining a number of historic aircraft already confirmed for this year’s event including the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Great War Team.

On the ground, a number of military aircraft join the resident Jaguar fleet, with an Army Air Corps Defender and RAF King Air being the latest additions to the static displays.

Details of where to buy tickets can be found on the RAF Cosford Air Show website, with advanced tickets held at last year’s price of £20 and children under-16 and parking free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Italians In Air Tattoo Show Of Force

Frece Tricolori

The Italian Air Force has confirmed no fewer than five flying items for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

Headlining the Italian involvement in the weekend’s flying display on July 12-13 will be the country’s national aerobatic team, the world-renowned FrecceTricolori. Flying 10 examples of the Aermacchi MB339 PAN jet trainer, the Frecce are joining celebrations to mark the 50th display season of their British counterparts, the Red Arrows.

Few aerobatic teams can claim to be as exuberant as the Frecce, famed for the closeness of their large formations, the spectacular manoeuvres of their soloist, and the spine-tingling finale flypast set to the tones of Pavarotti while the MB339s stream in smoke the colours of the Italian flag.

Tremendous support for the Air Tattoo is also being provided by Italy’s air force flight test centre, the RepartoSperimentaleVolo (RSV). It will this year send four aircraft to give solo displays, comprising a Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon, Panavia A-200 Tornado, AMX International A-11 and Alenia C-27J Spartan. The RSV’s test pilots always put on top-quality performances, those in the twin-turboprop C-27J transport being especially notable for their aerobatic agility, and regular winners of Air Tattoo flying display trophies.

A particularly rare item is the AMX attack aircraft, not seen in a British flying programme since 2001. The Typhoon will provide an interesting contrast with the Royal Air Force example also displaying, while the Tornado is expected to be the sole representative of the swing-wing combat aircraft in the flying display during this, the type’s 40th anniversary year.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati commented: “All of us at Fairford are delighted at the support Italy has confirmed for RIAT 2014. The addition of the FrecceTricolori to the Red Arrows’ birthday celebrations is great news, and such a level of participation from the RSV has not been seen for many years.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event are only available in advance. Specially-priced Earlybird tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 11-13, are available until May 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

2014 Bournemouth Air Festival Takes OFF

UKs leading seaside resort gets ready for an incredible 4-day summer extravaganza of land, sea and air display entertainment… it’s more than just an airshow!

31st March 2014: The 2014 Bournemouth Air Festival, supported by Mouchel and City Fibre Gigler has been launched and this year’s incredible line up features 4 days of the Red Arrows displays, a host of land, sea and air assets from the Royal Navy, Pier to Pier county show trading stalls and the return of three fantastic evenings of Night Air entertainment … certainly proving the 2014 Festival is set to be much more than just an airshow!

With entertainment on land, sea and air the 7th Bournemouth Air Festival will be welcoming back aircraft favourites and a number of Festival firsts as well as the new Patrons 100 Club designed for local businesses and individuals with a passion for aviation. Last year organisers successfully funded a third Night Air display and again the intention is to organise three evenings of entertainment and bridge the early evening gap with even more flying and music!

If last year was big, this year is bigger and better as the Royal Navy demonstrates their land, sea and air abilities. At sea will be a 4 ship fleet, which includes the French Navy’s FS Sagittaire alongside the RFA Argus, HMS Westminster and HMS Mersey, in the air check out the return of the Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, Royal Navy Historic Flight and Sea Kings. On the ground will be an impressive joint Army village area, hosting the much anticipated amphibious demonstration. Celebrating the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines, there will also be unarmed combat demonstrations and the historic Beat Retreat performed by The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood.

Royal Navy Commodore Jamie Miller said; “2014 will be the greatest ever concentration of Naval force yet seen off Bournemouth, needless to say I am keeping some surprises back – but rest assured this will be our best year yet!”

With a full allocation of RAF display aircraft, the UKs leading seaside resort is set to welcome back the Red Arrows on ALL 4 days of the Festival, a first for the event, and the mighty Typhoon Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition get set for the Tutor, Tucano, RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team and incredible Battle of Britain Memorial Flight displaying with the Dakota, another first for this year’s flying programme.

RAF Wing Commander Alf Garnett said; “The Air Festival is a high priority event for the RAF, in terms of audience numbers it’s perfect for showcasing our aircraft and offers a first class arena for engaging with the public and showing them what we do for them on a daily basis.”

The onshore interactive Forces village areas, the Royal Navy at the heart of the Festival with the Army and Royal Marines, and the RAF located in the Waterfront at Pier Approach area, will give Festival goers a chance to find out more about each Force as well as talk to those with first-hand experience, check out displays, speak to the Careers teams, charities and have a chance to try out military equipment.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director added; “For us as a Festival, the organisers, teams of people behind the event and the hundreds of thousands of people who attend, it really shows how far we have come to have such superb Royal Navy and RAF support. This is our seventh Air Festival and with some great confirmations including the Red Arrows performing on all four days, return of the Typhoon, superb Naval contingency and Night Air entertainment, we hope this will keep us on top and news still to come, as we get closer to the event, will only get better!”

Setting Bournemouth Air Festival apart from the other air events is the stunning Night Air programme. Supported by the Patrons 100 Club members and their Ambassador local hotelier David Bailey they will again be funding three nights of evening air displays as well as supporting this year’s Air Festival charities. The entertainment certainly doesn’t stop with the last aircraft as there will be live music at the Bournemouth stage and big name acts and live music on the Wave105 Corona music stage at Boscombe Pier, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights until 10pm.

With announcements of civilian aircraft participation still to come, as well as the Wave105 Corona stage line up and huge seafront and cliff top trading areas the 2014 Air Festival is certainly set to be the event of the summer!

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Cosford In A Class Of Its Own

At the recent launch for this summer’s RAF Cosford Air Show, organisers unveiled more information about aircraft confirmed to take part in the thrilling six-hour flying display.

The announcement that the ever-popular Blades and the exciting four ship Yakovlevs are both coming on 8 June, as well as the Red Arrows, brings the total number of aerobatic teams up to three. Other aircraft that will feature include two which support this year’s special photo-reconnaissance theme – the Canberra PR9 and the Spitfire PR11. For the Spitfire it will be “welcome home” to RAF Cosford where she was based for a time during WWII.

The jet line up includes the classic Hunter T7 and the RAF Typhoon and at the other end of the scale will be the distinctive pair of Boeing Stearman biplaneswith the BreitlingWingwalkers and the classic aircraft of the Great War Team.

On the ground three large hangars will feature interactive displays covering the wide range of engineering and technical skills taught at RAF Cosford, with one totally dedicated to a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths exhibition and all of the individual specialist schools each having their own area, many including the chance to get that all-important photo in the cockpit.

One ground display unique to RAF Cosford will be a line-up celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first light of the Kestrel, the prototype for the Harrier. The RAF Museum’s beautifully restored Kestrel will be brought up to date with static examples of the Harrier GR3 and GR9 and the naval variant the FA2, on special loan for this year’s celebration.

Advance tickets are on sale now at £20 with children under 16 coming free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Air Tattoo appoints new Chief Executive

The man who will step into the shoes of Tim Prince, as Chief Executive of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises following RIAT 2014, says he feels privileged to be taking over such a unique organisation.

Andy Armstrong, whose appointment was announced this week, said he hoped to use his business experience to give something back to the RAF family.

He said: “I am genuinely excited and feel very privileged to be taking over the controls of such a unique organisation. I look forward to working alongside everyone at Douglas Bader House and hope to meet many of the extraordinary volunteers, whom I have heard so much about, as we get ready for this summer’s Air Tattoo.”

Andy, who is married with two children, will be working closely alongside Tim throughout the build-up to this summer’s airshow before formally taking over immediately after.

A marketing graduate, Andy has a strong track record in developing a wide range of consumer businesses, most recently managing the transition from physical to digital delivery of filmed entertainment as Managing Director Northern Europe for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

He believes his interest in the Royal Air Force and his desire to support it was inherited from his father, who was the ATC Corps Chaplain for more than a decade.

“My enthusiasm definitely came from him,” said Andy. “I remember being taken to anAir Tattoo when I was very young, to see one of the first displays of the Harrier. Watching an aircraft stop in mid-air, hover and then fly backwards for the first time was something I, and thousands of others that day, will never forget.”

On leaving school, Andy was awarded a Cadet Flying Scholarship, which enabled him to obtain his Private Pilot’s Licence and he continued flying with the University Air Squadron whilst studying at Strathclyde University.

Andy said: “Having personally benefited from the support of the RAF family, I think joining the RAFCTE and RIAT team is a fabulous opportunity to use all my experience to ‘give something back’.”

Tim said he was pleased to be handing over the reins to someone who not only valued what had been achieved in the past but who had the experience to take the organisation forward.

He said: “I know Andy has been attracted by the determined yet caring ethos of our highly capable and enthusiastic team and fully understands that aircraft comprise the core element of the Air Tattoo. I am so pleased that I will be handing it all over to someone who values all that we have done in the past and who is looking forward to using his considerable experience to take the organisation forward.”

Andy, who lives in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, was appointed following a rigorous recruitment process, which attracted a number of very strong candidates.

Air Tattoo and RAFCTE Chairman Alan Smith said: “I am delighted that Andy has agreed to take up the job of leading our unique organisation following Tim’s decision to retire after 43 years spent making a fantastic contribution to military aviation in general and the Royal Air Force and its charities in particular.”

“In discussing the job with him, I was immediately struck by Andy’s strong commitment to continue to support the RAF Charitable Trust whilst safeguarding the interests of our permanent staff and our thousands of volunteers. Most importantly, Andy clearly understands what our customers expect from the company in running what is still the largest military airshow in the world.”

Super Hornet To Create Airshow Buzz

RIAt Super Hornet

Boeing has announced that it will be displaying its powerful Super Hornet on the Saturday and Sunday of the Royal International Air Tattoo, July 12-13, 2014.

The multi-role fighter, originally developed for the United States Navy but now also in service with the Royal Australian Air Force, has appeared several times at the Air Tattoo in two-seat F/A-18F form since its debut in 2004.

Once again, its manufacturer Boeing will lease a US Navy example for the RIAT 2014 flying displays. It will offer a rare chance for a British audience to witness at close quarters the power and manoeuvrability of the Super Hornet, a development of the earlier F/A-18 Hornet that will itself be displayed at the Air Tattoo this year by the Swiss Air Force.

The single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F are both combat-proven aircraft from operations by the US Navy in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Boeing test pilots have put on some exciting displays in the Super Hornet at previous Air Tattoos, and 2014 will be no exception. Their efforts have featured several times in the RIAT flying display awards, showing the qualities that make the F/A-18E and F so popular with service pilots.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The Super Hornet is an outstanding display aircraft, rarely seen at British events. I am sure that the Boeing test pilots will show its capabilities to fine effect.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event are only available in advance.

Specially-priced Earlybird tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo are available until May 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Photo credit: Ben Dunnell

RAF line-up confirmed for Wings & Wheels 10th Show

BBMF Wings & Wheels

Plans for the 10th annual Wings & Wheels have got off to a flying start with confirmation from the RAF that the Red Arrows, Tucano and Tutor as well as iconic legends from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane – will all be part of the weekend’s aviation line-up.

The Red Arrows are celebrating their 50th display season this year and recently unveiled a striking new Union flag tail design to their Hawk aircrafts, the most significant change to the look of the Team’s famous aircraft in its history. Headlining the Show on Sunday 24th August, the Red Arrows will also help Wings & Wheels celebrate 40 years since the Hawk first flew from the Aerodrome.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are delighted to confirm the RAF’s allocation at Wings & Wheels this year which is just the start of a series of announcements for our air and motoring programmes. The Show and airfield celebrate some very special anniversaries this year and plans are underway to make it the best event yet.”

As well as enjoying RAF aircraft in action, visitors to this summer’s Show will also get the opportunity to meet some of the pilots and crew, watch over two hours of motoring action on the Top Gear track and participate in the Zones and shows throughout the Arena.

The 10th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2014, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

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 £150 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 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

The Red Arrows are coming: official

THE famous RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team will be the star performer on the first day of Folkestone Airshow, Saturday, June 7, it has been announced by organiser Open Air Promotions Ltd. To round off an exciting day, the Folkestone-based event management company is also to stage a spectacular live concert on Folkestone seafront.

Said project manager Yvonne Holder: “It’s wonderful news that Folkestone has been included in this year’s displays by the Red Arrows. The team is in great demand by air show organisers all over the country. Its appearances, of course, are subject to operational requirements.

“A fantastic line-up of military and other aircraft has been assembled to thrill residents and visitors during the Airshow weekend. As well as ‘The Reds’, it includes a Lancaster and two Spitfires of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tucano and Grob Tutor aerobatic planes and the Breitling Wingwalkers, the only formation wingwalking team in the world.

“And that’s not all. Starting at 7pm, we are presenting ABBA Björn Again plus multi-instrumentalist star Chris Andre plus a grand firework finale. It’ll be an evening to remember. Ticket information is posted on www.folkestoneairshow.com“.

The timetable of events in the air and programme of displays, exhibitions, entertainment and activities to be held on the Leas and in the harbour area on June 7 and 8will be announced shortly.

Shepway District Council leader Cllr David Monk said: “I am pleased that the Red Arrows are coming back to thrill us with their breathtaking aerobatic display. The district council and Folkestone Town Council have again made funds available to pay for the Red Arrows display”.

RAF Announces Air Tattoo Highflyers

RIAT Typhoon display

The Royal International Air Tattoo was given a boost this week after the RAF announced which aircraft would be starring along with the Red Arrows in this summer’s flying programme.

Legendary aircraft such as the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota will be joined by the RAF’s state of the art multi-role combat aircraft, the Typhoon and the basic trainer aircraft, the Tucano on Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13. The Typhoon and Tucano will also be flying on Friday, July 11, as part of the special Red Arrows Pit Day.

The power and agility of the Typhoon makes it one of the most eagerly anticipated performers at the airshow. Piloting the multi-role combat aircraft in 2014 will be Flt Lt Noel Rees from 29 (Reserve) Squadron based at RAF Coningsby.

Demonstrating the capabilities of the Tucano,which provides basic fastjet flying training to RAF and Royal Navy student pilots, will be Flt Lt Dave Kirby. The aircraft, which features the Royal British Legion logo, poppies and the words ‘Lest we Forget’, is operated from No 1 Flying Training School, at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

As well as enjoying RAF aircraft in action, visitors to this summer’s Air Tattoo will be able to get close to a wide range of RAF aircraft parked in the Showground. There will also be the opportunity to meet many of the pilots and crew.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said that once again, the RAF has demonstrated the immense value it sees in the airshow, in terms of public engagement opportunities and international diplomacy.”

He said: “The Air Tattoo provides the Royal Air Force with a unique platform on which to highlight the capability of its aircraft and the dedication and skill of all those who fly, maintain and support them. Not only will airshow visitors will be able to see the RAF’s operational aircraft and those from the BBMF that have earned legendary status but they will also be able to join us for the biggest international celebration marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season.”