UK Airshow News – Page 55

Post Show Announcement From The RAF Cosford Air Show 2013

The RAF Cosford Air Show saw record attendance on Sunday 9th June. The highlights of the show included an appearance by the Vulcan XH558 accompanied by the two Rv8s, the RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Typhoon display. On the ground a whole range of new exhibits and interactive displays provided entertainment for all the family.

An appearance by Captain Wales (Prince Harry) flying the Apache took the crowd by surprise and was a first for the Air Show circuit. On the ground a visit from Carol Vorderman helped launch the Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics area and her visit and the programme signing session by the Red Arrows both proved popular with the public.

Unfortunately the large crowd numbers led to congestion on the roads and many people were delayed getting to the show. On the day organisers introduced contingency parking spaces and everybody who arrived at the show was able to get in. Air Show Spokesman Amanda Butcher said “We worked hard with the Civilian Police and the Highways Agency to try to manage the huge volume of traffic trying to get to the show and we thank the vast majority of the members of the public for their patience. We did ask those without tickets not to come but many did still travel and that added to the volume of traffic.”

Anybody who was unable to get to RAF Cosford and wishes to apply for a refund should visit the Air Show website for further information on how to do so. Applications will be addressed on an individual basis.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

State of the art Wildcat at Wings & Wheels

Wildcat Lynx

Wings & Wheels is thrilled to announce that visitors to the airshow will get an exclusive look at the Royal Navy’s new helicopter, the Maritime Wildcat Attack Helicopter, as it performs a flypast on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

The new £26million Wildcat combat helicopter was unveiled in July 2012 and will be deployed to fight the Taliban, pirates, drug-smugglers and terrorists. The state-of-the-art multi-role chopper – so powerful it can blow a submarine out of the water – will play a vital role in military operations for the Royal Navy and Army from 2014.

The sophisticated aircraft’s primary task will be to protect soldiers on the battlefield and the Royal Navy’s fleet around the world. It is also designed to carry out a raft of other missions including cargo transport, casualty evacuation, troop carrying, surveillance and search and rescue.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “As one of the only UK airshows debuting the new Wildcat helicopter it’s a real coup for Wings & Wheels and our visitors. We have the strongest aviation line-up on the events calendar with more to announce over the coming months.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Typhoon, 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 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 18:00.

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 with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Record Ticket Sales Promise Bumper Turnout At Air Show

Red Arrows Break

With pre-show ticket sales already breaking records, the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show looks ready to provide an excellent day out this Sunday 9th June.

The advance ticket sales from the website, the 24 hour telephone hotline and the various outlets across the West Midlands are already more than double the figure sold in 2012 with still 4 days to go until the event.

Organisers are therefore expecting a mammoth turnout and car parks could reach capacity. People that have purchased tickets in advance are advised to make their way to RAF Cosford early to minimise the possibility of disappointment later in the day.

Members of the public are reminded that rail travel is extremely convenient to the Shropshire base with Cosford railway station situated right next to the airfield, dropping passengers off just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance. Those travelling on Arriva Trains Wales can also benefit from the discounted ‘advance’ ticket price, even on tickets purchased on the day, when purchased alongside their rail ticket. Arriva Trains Wales have also placed more services in their timetable for the 9th June to cater for the expected increase in numbers.

The RAF Cosford Air Show team have implemented a robust traffic management plan which aims to ease any congestion and have also put together contingency plans should more car parking space be required.

Air Show spokesman Amanda Butcher says “With the great British weather finally emerging this week, we are preparing for potentially the largest Air Show we’ve held over recent years and therefore encourage members of the public to exploit the extra services on offer from Arriva Trains Wales. We hope that the weather forecast stays in our favour and that everybody attending this year has a truly splendid family day out.”

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

Anybody with a query relating to the Air Show are prompted to check out the FAQ on the website before contacting the Air Show Office due to the incredibly high volume of calls currently being received.

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).

A worldwide debut and some 1940s nostalgia at the Flying Legends Air Show

Manhattan Dolls - Duxford

The Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July) sees a welcome return by The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team, best known for their masterful handling of P-51 Mustangs which they flew at Flying Legends in 2009 and 2011.

At this year’s Flying Legends Air Show, The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team presents the worldwide debut of their thrilling new display in a trio of Supermarine Spitfires.

The Bremont Horsemen are Steve Hinton, Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley, highly-skilled warbird pilots who share a passion for showcasing historic aircraft.

Following the success of the Vintage Village at the Flying Legends Air Show 2012, it makes a welcome return this year in all its bygone charm!

Situated on the historic hangar base next to Wing Co Joe’s Café, the Vintage Village offers a nostalgic destination for rest and relaxation. Enjoy a glass of fizz or two from the stylish Prosecco Bar and watch the world go by in our traditional deckchair seating area.

Enjoy authentic thirties and forties songs, sung in true Andrews Sisters style by The Manhattan Dolls, direct from New York. The Manhattan Dolls have wowed the crowds at Flying Legends over the past two years with their stylish and glamorous performances. Sing along with them as they perform instantly recognisable wartime hits or cut a rug with a jitterbug on the hangar base.

Accompanying The Manhattan Dolls, and playing musical interludes, will be the Wilmslow Concert Band. They will perform swing and big band hits of the thirties and forties for your listening pleasure.

Enjoy a unique living history experience aboard the Home Front Bus. This classic double-decker bus contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Containing period features and artefacts, the Home Front Bus replicates the sights, sounds and smells of the Home Front, creating an authentic trip back in time.

Also on display in the Vintage Village will be a replica Supermarine Spitfire. Why not complete your day of nostalgia by having your photograph taken next to this iconic British aircraft?

Enhance your vintage experience by pre-ordering an IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper. Soak up the atmosphere in the Vintage Village and sink back into a traditional deckchair as you enjoy a perfect ration-free picnic lunch for two, including a scrumptious red onion and goats cheese tart, homemade bloomer sandwiches, hand-cut crisps, a seasonal salad, mixed olives, a refreshing Pimms summer berry jelly and traditional lemonade, all served in a disposable hamper which includes cutlery, plates and glasses. Forties food never tasted so good!

The IWM Duxford picnic hamper for two costs £26.50. To order, please email duxfordevents@elior.com or call 01223 497 501. Please give a minimum of three days notice for your picnic order. Picnics are then collected from Wing Co Joe’s Café on the day.

Join us for some forties fun in the Vintage Village!

Flying Legends

Over 50 historic aircraft are already booked to appear at the Flying Legends Air Show 2013. In addition to the first ever performance by The Bremont Horsemen Spitfire display, there will also a rare chance to see two iconic British Gloster Gladiator aircraft display over IWM Duxford’s historic airfield.

A worldwide following has ensured that the Flying Legends Air Show is the heritage air show event in the aviation calendar. Each of the historic aircraft on display at the Flying Legends Air Show is a living tribute to the outstanding skills of the people who built, maintained and flew them and to the dedication of those who have brought these stunning aircraft back to life.

The Flying Legends Air Show presents these iconic aircraft in a spectacular display that honours their history and aerial achievements. The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as a series of rare and unique piston-engined aircraft perform their breathtaking flights over the historic airfield at IWM Duxford.

Buy now and save!

Purchase your tickets for the Flying Legends Air Show by Monday 1 July at our advance booking rate and enjoy 10% off our ‘on the day’ ticket prices.

To purchase your tickets go to www.iwm.org.uk

Anticipation Heats Up For Cold War Line Up At Cosford

Vulcan Bomber by Mr Jamie Hunter

Avro Vulcan XH558 leads the way with several cold war era jets lined up for various displays at the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show this Sunday 9th June.

With pre-show ticket sales already breaking recent records, the West Midlands’ premier aviation event looks set to be one of the best ever. One of the key reasons for anticipation reaching fever pitch is the confirmed appearance of the World’s last remaining flying Avro Vulcan, which will, subject to serviceability, be roaring through the Shropshire skies in what could be her last year of flight.

Kept in the air by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the aircraft that retired in 1993 after 33 years of service with the RAF returned to the skies in October 2007 and has been facing a long and determined battle to stay airborne ever since.

Wing Commander Mike Wilson, the Chairman of the Air Show Executive Committee, says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is delighted to welcome XH558 and members of the Vulcan to the Sky organisation to the 2013 event. As it represents a cornerstone of British aviation heritage, the Avro Vulcan is truly a remarkable aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing its iconic shape gracing the skies over RAF Cosford once again and hope that our guests will be as thrilled as we are by the Vulcan’s appearance.”

In addition to XH558, RAF Cosford will also be providing a flying display by a Jet Provost aircraft, which was used as a jet trainer for RAF aircrew throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and beyond. On the ground, a 1970’s Harrier GR3 is the star in a keenly anticipated exclusive to the Cosford static display, with a reconstruction of an operational field hide used as they were with the Harriers in Germany throughout the East/West divide.

As well as the celebrations of its 75th anniversary, RAF Cosford also looks to showcase its current day activities in the form of the Jaguar jet. Another Cold War aircraft, these last remaining Jaguars are used to help train the next generation of RAF aircraft technicians and engineers. A duo of the aircraft will be performing a demonstration taxi on the morning of the Air Show to provide the public with an extremely rare opportunity to witness the jet in action.

Further to the Cold War aircraft, a diverse collection of other vintage and modern aircraft will also be showing off their abilities on Sunday. With displays from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with their enchanting Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft, to the emphatic demonstrations by the RAF Typhoon and the RAF Red Arrows. With over 25 aircraft on offer, the Air Show will boast a bumper flying display lasting over 6½ hours.

With ticket sales projected to be sky-high and the great British weather finally emerging, visitors looking to make the most of their day and reduce any possible travel delays are encouraged to exploit a special Air Show train timetable. This provides extra services throughout the day right into the heart of RAF Cosford, which is served by its own railway station. Dropping you off right next to the airfield, it is just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance. Those who purchase their Air Show admission ticket with their rail travel will also be able to enjoy the discounted advance rate.

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).

(Vulcan photo by Jamie Hunter)

P40 rollout at North Weald

P40 Warhawk

Peter Teichman is no stranger to the war bird community, His love for WW2 hardware is clear for all to see. The 2nd May 2013 was a day to remember for all who attended the unveiling of P-40 Kitty hawk G-KITT. Owned by the Hanger 11 stable (owned by Peter ), the aircraft has undergone an 8 month, re-furb with a great new paintjob. Finished in the colours of Phillip Adair’s ‘Lulu Belle’ of the 89th FS, the aircraft looks absolutely stunning, with a great attention to detail applied.

Peter used social network site Facebook to spread the word and invite friends of the Hangar 11 team to an impromptu gathering to unveil the new colours. I must admit, it was a great atmosphere and I felt very welcomed from the off. Peter really is a superb guy, choosing to mingle with the assembled crowds and was very happy to chat to everyone. It felt like a big family in some respects and we were all offered a limited offer T-shirt to support Hangar 11.

With the official unveiling done, It was a great privilege to see the P-40 fly for the first time in its new colours. A stunning display was put on by Peter and you can see in his flying just how much he enjoys flying his war birds. Upon landing, you couldn’t fail to see the beaming smile of satisfaction on Teichman’s face. Job well done Peter and the Hangar 11 crew. I’d like to say a big thank you to all those involved and look forward to seeing G-KITT on the airshow circuit……

By Neil Darby

Carol Counts Down To Cosford

With less than 10 days to go until the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show, Carol Vorderman has confirmed her attendance on the day in support of a selection of engineering-orientated exhibits for the public to enjoy on Sunday 9th June.

The focus of the displays is to develop an interest and educate young people in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) to inspire the future generation of technical-minded individuals through the medium of interactive activities.

In order to help achieve these aims, TV personality Carol Vorderman will be there to help promote interest in various opportunities available within the spectrum of STEM. Carol will join a number of female RAF personnel and act as the ideal role model for the female presence in the STEM community today. This is highlighted by a Spitfire on display by the RAF Museum Cosford which focuses on appreciating Women in Engineering during their roles in the Air Transport Auxiliary in World War II.

When speaking about her appearance at the STEM exhibition at this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show, Carol says “I’m really looking forward to the RAF Cosford Air Show. I’ll be taking the opportunity to meet some of the organisations promoting Science and Engineering careers and I’m hoping to have a go at some of the activities on offer myself. With an outstanding flying display lined up as well it should be a great day out!”

Additional displays will include a wide array of exhibits with everything from flight simulators and scientific demonstrations to rocket cars and 3-D virtual reality environments, with many offering the opportunity to interact with the displays to provide a truly hands-on experience. Also in attendance will be Jaguar Land Rover with a spectacular display of some of their finest cars including a brand new 2013 Jaguar F-TYPE as well as the XKR model used in the 2002 hit James Bond film ‘Die Another Day’.

The STEM exhibition supports a diverse selection of ground displays aimed at all ages right across the show ground including both military and civilian demonstrations. The flying displays also promise to entertain, with over 6½ hours of airborne excitement. With over 40 aircraft performing, don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacular RAF Red Arrows, Vulcan XH558, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and many more!

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

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

Air Tattoo is Full of Eastern Promise

Eastern European airpower will take centre stage in the Cotswolds this summer when two of the world’s most potent fighter aircraft take to the skies for one of the UK’s biggest outdoor events – the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Airshow organisers have just added a legendary Mikoyan MiG-29, from the Polish Air Force, and a SAAB JAS-39 Gripen from the Hungarian Air Force to the seven-and-a-half hour flying display programme, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21.

The Russian-built MiG-29 is a giant among modern-day combat jets, combining supreme power and agility with remarkable versatility. Developed in the mid-1970s, in response to a rapid stream of highly-capable new fighters emerging from the US and Europe, the MiG-29 made its first flight in 1977 and joined the then Soviet Air Force six years later. It has since been acquired by many other nations, several of them in Eastern Europe including Poland.

The MiG-29 can fly at approximately Mach 2.25, or almost 1,500 miles per hour, and it can operate at an altitude of over 59,000ft. The delta-winged JAS-39 Gripen is one of the world’s most advanced fighters having been designed to replace the SAAB 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force.

Both aircraft will line up against other fighters such as the Typhoon, Tornado and F-16 in the flying display which also features a wide range of large transporters, helicopters, historic warbirds such as the Vulcan and aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The Air Tattoo’s reputation has been built on attracting exciting aircraft from former Soviet Bloc countries. These countries, many of which are now our NATO allies,remain among the most eagerly anticipated and popular participants at our airshow.”

In July, the Air Tattoo will unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the visitor experience even more enjoyable. These include new Service Stations, featuring food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, merchandise outlets, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover. There will also be three new exciting themed areas called the Adrenalin Zone, Techno Zone and the Vintage Village.

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.

Experience the Spring Air Show in American style

We’re now only days away from the Spring Air Show (Sunday 26 May), where we’ll be commemorating the 70th anniversary of the American air forces arriving at RAF Duxford in the Second World War.

Commencing at 2pm, the flying programme presents a wide range of historic American aircraft, including the first-ever display by the Eagle Squadron, which will open the flying display.

We’ve just had confirmation that the Eagle Squadron will also fly in formation with the Red Arrows, giving a spectacular finale to the Spring Air Show. This momentous occasion is a break in tradition for the Red Arrows and honours the historic Anglo-American relationship that has endured at IWM Duxford since the latter stages of the First World War.

The magnificent sight of the Eagle Squadron’s historic Hawker Hurricane X , Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51C Mustang Princess Elizabeth alongside the modern Hawk jet aircraft of the Red Arrows will be a unique air show moment never to be forgotten!

There’s plenty of American atmosphere to soak up too as you explore the museum during the morning of the Spring Air Show.

There will be cheerleading displays throughout the morning on the hangar base in front of Wing Co Joe’s Café.

Andrews Sisters-style singing group The Three Belles will perform nostalgic 1940s songs on the hangar base at 11am and 12.15pm.

Colonel Richard Graham makes a welcome return to IWM Duxford, hosting his popular talks around the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum. His talks will take place at 10.30am and noon. Colonel Graham will also be signing copies of his new book SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird.

Also in the American Air Museum will be a display from Madingley American Cemetery, Britain’s only Second World War American cemetery. Find out more about the American servicemen who lost their lives fighting on British shores.

Second World War United States Army Air Forces veteran Bud Anderson will be signing books and chatting to visitors in the Tower Shop between 11am and noon.

The Rangers Re-enactments living history group portrays the 2nd Ranger Battalion with the uniforms and equipment that they would have used on Omaha Beach on D-Day. They will have an evocative living history display next to the Control Tower.

Last, but not least, the stunning photographic exhibition Somewhere in England: Portraits of the Americans in Britain 1942 to 1945 can be seen in the Mezzanine gallery in AirSpace.

These striking images, many of which have not been seen by the public before, show the range and diversity of the roles undertaken by the men of the United States Army Air Forces and the women of the Women’s Army Corps and the Red Cross – it wasn’t just pilots and ground crew that kept the aircraft flying.

We tell the individual stories of these men and women, their wartime experiences in Great Britain and how their own personal war ended.

The photographs also capture rare off-duty moments and show how the American airmen became part of the community in which they were based.

In addition to the American atmosphere that can be enjoyed across the museum, there will also be children’s rides, the opportunity to explore retro 1950s and 1960s commercial airliners in true Pan Am style, tank riding and lots of enticing shopping opportunities.

Join us this Sunday for the Spring Air Show as we remember the time when the Stars and Stripes flew at RAF Duxford.

www.iwm.org.uk

Fun Fair and Festivities Inspire Family Fun at RAF Cosford

This year RAF Cosford celebrates its 75th Anniversary and the annual Air Show aims to provide one of the greatest family orientated summer days out in the West Midlands with non-stop entertainment for all ages, with opportunities to enjoy everything from a fun fair to unique ground displays this Sunday 9th June.

The Air Show organisers, who in 2013 are in their second year of arranging the event, are building on that reputation by providing some excellent opportunities to make what already promises to be a great day out even better!

Children under 16’s enter the event for FREE when accompanied by an adult and, for the first year ever, there will be exclusive family meal deals at a number of catering outlets spread out over the site. Consisting of two adult meals and two children’s meals, including food and hot or cold drinks, the meal deal outlets will be well signposted to ensure that you can make the most of these special offers. Individual children’s meals, including food and a drink, will also be on offer from as little as £5.

This year’s event boasts one of the best flying displays that RAF Cosford has ever welcomed to the Air Show and this is supplemented on the ground by a wide array of static aircraft displays. These include a number of open-cockpit displays so little ones and adults alike can have the opportunity to sit in a jet once capable of flying faster than 1,000mph! Ground displays will also involve a host of competitions and games for children to enjoy including a penalty shootout and the chance to make your own model aircraft.

The airfield will also accommodate a fun fair that promises to get your blood pumping, with rides on offer including all your favourites from dodgems and galloper horses to tea cup rides and a wide selection of stalls and games.

For those in need of some retail therapy, a craft fair will be available in one of the hangars for you to check out a huge choice of both local and national hand-made products. There are also many exhibitors and stalls outside on the show ground itself selling everything from aircraft models and clothing to experience days out and perfumes. The RAF Air Cadets will also have a large exhibition, including a climbing wall as part of their own interactive displays, with various Air Cadet Squadrons on hand to have a chat about the opportunities available to you and your little ones.

The popular arena demonstrations will return for 2013, this year sponsored by Free Radio. ‘The Free Radio Arena’ will play host to some exciting spectacles such as a Field Gun Run and performances from the Royal Air Force College Band. You may even get the opportunity to meet and get a photo with Free Radio’s own HumFree the Hamster too!

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says “A vast majority of our visitors are those looking for a wonderful family day out and so we put great deal of effort into making sure that we cater to all ages and interests with our activities on the ground. This year we’ve managed to organise so much entertainment around the airfield that, coupled with a flying display lasting over 6½ hours, will provide a truly thrilling experience.”

Over those 6½ hours, the whole family will have the opportunity to marvel at some phenomenal flying displays. With over 25 on offer, don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacular RAF Red Arrows, Vulcan XH558, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and many more!

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

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

Visitors looking to make the most of their day at RAF Cosford and reduce any possible travel delays are encouraged to exploit a special Air Show train timetable which provides extra services throughout the day. For those further afield, see our website for coach companies operating excursions near you www.cosfordairshow.co.uk/coachtravel.html.