UK Airshow News – Page 58

Big Cats Take Over At RAF Cosford

With a fascinating selection of Jaguars on display, RAF Cosford’s 75th Anniversary Air Show is offering a big cat line-up that will be seen nowhere else this summer.

As well as celebrating the 75th anniversary of both RAF Cosford and the entry into RAF service of the Spitfire aircraft, this year’s Air Show also looks to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jaguar aircraft. Whilst no longer on front line duty with the RAF, the Jaguar jets are still used at RAF Cosford to help train the next generation of aircraft technicians and engineers. RAF Cosford is now the only Royal Air Force station operating these aircraft.

Last year as an exclusive treat, the Air Show gave its visitors a rare glimpse of the Jaguar in action as it was started up and taxied down the runway, providing a rare photo opportunity. This display was so well received that the organisers are keen to demonstrate the aircraft again this year and have decided this time to show off two aircraft simultaneously. The plan includes a rare opportunity to see “Spotty”, the Jaguar with a big cat paint scheme, on the runway.

In addition to the aircraft, Jaguar Land Rover will also be attending this year’s Air Show and bringing along with them a selection of their finest cars. The brand new Jaguar F-Type Convertible will be on display, as well as some famous vehicles including the XKR model used as James Bond’s car in the 2002 hit ‘Die Another Day’. David Moore from Jaguar Landrover says “Having worked with 6 Squadron Jaguars for many years I’m really excited about seeing the ‘Spotty Jag’ again as both myself and Joe Buck from Jaguar Styling painted the aircraft when they were based at Coningsby.”

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is pleased to offer our visitors the rare opportunity to witness this jet in action. We were blown away last year with the warm reception that the Jaguars received and are more than happy to offer twice as much noise and excitement to open this year’s show. We are also happy to welcome Jaguar Land Rover to the event who will not only be strengthening our superb ground display line up, but also contributing significantly to our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) exhibit.”

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

Air show tickets can be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk, by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min plus network charges), or at various other outlets details of which can be found on the website. Advance adult tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20% discount on tickets bought on the day and FREE admission for children under-16 accompanied by an adult as well as FREE car parking.

Air Tattoo Salutes Test Pilot School

The 70th anniversary of a world famous flying school that has trained some of the greatest test pilots in aviation history will be celebrated at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

QinetiQ and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will be marking the 70th anniversary of the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) by showcasing some of its unique aircraft at this year’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. On display will be an Avro RJ100, a new multi-engine airliner; an Agusta 109 helicopter, an Alpha Jet, and a unique fly-by-wire, variable stability ASTRA Hawk.

The School, at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, was established in 1943 after it was recognised that many pilots were losing their lives whilst testing the many new aircraft that were being introduced during World War Two.Since then, the school 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 civil and military aircraft.

Former trainees include legendary test pilots Neville Duke, who set a world air speed record of 727.63mph in a Hawker Hunter reached at low level over Tangmere, Sussex in 1953 and Peter TwissOBE, who in 1956 flew the experimental Fairey Delta 2 along the Sussex coast and achieved a world air speed record of 1,132mph.

CdrMark Macleod RN, Commanding Officer at ETPS, said: “Having our aircraft on static display at the Air Tattoo, for the public to see close up, along with the chance to meet test pilots and engineers who have graduated from the School over the past 70 years and been involved in testing many of the aircraft on display at the Air Tattoo, is an excellent way to showcase the School’s expertise and longevity.”

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said that over the years, the cream of the Empire Test Pilots’ School had performed some of the most memorable flying displays seen at the airshow. He said: “By training some of the greatest test pilots in history, ETPS has played a crucial role in the development of aviation through the ages. We feel honoured to have been chosen to play a part in the School’s 70th anniversary celebrations.”

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.

RAF Cosford Air Show Confirm Eye-Opening Helicopter Displays

The RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show team is excited to announce that a Chinook and an Apache helicopter from the MOD Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) will be coming to the event on Sunday 9th June.

The Chinook helicopter, operated by the Royal Air Force primarily to support troop movements, will be joined by an Apache attack helicopter from the Army Air Corps. Although operated by different services, the two aircraft are far from strangers as they operate alongside each other regularly whilst on overseas deployments. The heavily-armed Apache helicopters usually work in pairs to act as escorts for the Chinook and the personnel onboard, offering an extra layer of protection whilst being transported.

The focus of the displays will be to demonstrate the outstanding work carried out by the Medical Emergency Response Teams (MERT) who are frequently called into the firing line on military operations in order to save the lives of injured personnel. In addition to the MERT demo, both the Chinook and Apache helicopters will show off their stunning individual flying displays that promise to thrill the crowd with dazzling performances of agility and grace.

A MERT, which usually comprises of a Military Doctor, an RAF Emergency Nurse and two RAF State-Registered Paramedics, is tasked to deliver expert pre-hospital emergency care at the point of injury before rapidly recovering the casualties to the deployed hospital. RAF Regiment gunners are also enlisted on MERT missions to provide armed protection when the Chinook helicopter lands, allowing the MERT crew to collect the injured individual as quickly and safely as possible.

The demonstration being provided at this year’s Air Show aims to be as realistic as possible to provide an insight into the day-to-day activities on overseas deployments. As such, RAF Regiment gunners that work at RAF Cosford are being utilised on the Chinook helicopter as well as a MERT that is supported by the specialist aeromedical evacuation unit, 4626 RAuxAF Squadron, at RAF Brize Norton, all while the Apache is flying overhead providing protection from above, just like it would in operational theatres such as Afghanistan.

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is delighted to offer our visitors the opportunity to witness first-hand the incredibly vital life-saving work that the MERT provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The additional displays flown by both aircraft either side of the MERT demo will also be a wonderful treat to remind everybody of the hugely diverse capabilities of these amazingly versatile aircraft.”

To further help members of the public experience life on operations in Afghanistan, significant effort has been put in to provide a mock up “Afghan village” as part of the extensive ground displays provided at this year’s event.

Master Aircrew Chas McHugh, one of the individuals in charge of organising the Afghan village as well as the MERT demo, says “In 2013 the RAF Cosford Air Show brings you an insight into present day operations in Afghanistan. This multi-service display is exclusive to RAF Cosford and demonstrates the co-operation between UK Forces that is essential to success on the modern battlefield. We hope our visitors find the displays both insightful and eye-opening”.

The RAF Cosford Air Show team have also introduced several new hospitality enclosures for the 2013 Air Show including the popular ‘The Cosford Club’ sponsored by Nikon. With a dedicated crowd line spot, private domestic and catering facilities as well as the opportunity to trial exclusive Nikon equipment and the chance to win a taxi ride in a Jaguar aircraft, ‘The Cosford Club’ offers its members a fantastic enhancement to the Air Show experience. For details of the full range of packages on offer to suit all requirements and budgets, please visit the air show website at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

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

Flying Fortress Secures Place At RAF Cosford

The RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show team is excited to announce that the last remaining airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe will be joining the packed line-up at this year’s event on Sunday 9th June.

Flying Fortress G-BEDF, affectionately known as ‘Sally B’, is housed at the Imperial War Museum Duxford and will make her way to RAF Cosford to wow the crowds with her nostalgic beauty and increase the length of the flying display to almost 6 hours.

Used primarily as a memorial to the World War II United States Army Air Force (USAAF) airmen in Europe, ‘Sally B’ has successfully remained in the air for the last 38 years thanks to the efforts of the B-17 Preservation Group, which aims to preserve, operate and exhibit this living piece of aviation history. No stranger to Hollywood fame, ‘Sally B’ played the starring role in the 1989 re-make of William Wyler’s ‘Memphis Belle’, telling the story of the first B-17 to complete twenty-five missions over enemy territory during World War II.

As Europe’s last flying example of the aircraft, ‘Sally B’ will join a plethora of other historically significant aircraft. Just last week, the RAF Cosford Air Show team confirmed the appearance of Avro Vulcan XH558 to the exciting list of flying displays. The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also provide a poignant display as a memorial to the many servicemen who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The World famous RAF Red Arrows, as well as the RAF Typhoon and Tucano display teams have also been confirmed for the event, with many more providing a hugely diverse selection of aircraft on show throughout the day.

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team warmly welcomes ‘Sally B’ to this year’s Air Show, building on the exciting list of iconic aircraft on display. The non-stop airborne entertainment paired with the extensive activity on the ground will provide visitors with a truly fun-filled day. This year’s flying schedule is one of our best ever and we are very pleased to be adding Sally B to an already star studded display.”

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

Multi-Role Typhoon Returns to Wings & Wheels

The RAF’s only Multi Role fast jet will be demonstrating its unrivalled flexibility and war fighting capabilities at Wings & Wheels in August as the Typhoon returns to the skies over Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

The backbone of RAF fast jet operations, the Typhoon’s impressive display of force and grace will wow and humble the crowds as 29(R) Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby, bring their display to the 2013 Show and remind people everywhere of its role in protecting the Falkland Islands and UK airspace 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The Typhoon is an incredible aircraft to watch and we are delighted to welcome the team back to Wings & Wheels on Sunday 25th August. There is no other aircraft which can make an audience hum with the vibration of their display or deafening roar of its engines like the Typhoon and it’s a welcome addition to our five hour air display.”

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

RAF Cosford Brace for Vulcan Effect

RAF Cosford’s 75th Anniversary Air Show is thrilled to announce the news that many have been waiting for, as Avro Vulcan XH558 from the Vulcan To The Sky Trust is confirmed to attend the event on Sunday 9th June.

Since returning to the skies in October 2007, the last flying example anywhere in the World of the Avro Vulcan has only been to the Air Show on one other occasion in 2009. The iconic aircraft was a huge hit with the visitors, setting a new attendance record and the Vulcan proved itself a firm crowd favourite.

XH558 supplements an already impressive line-up for the 2013 Air Show and is sure to be one of many highlights throughout the day. Other confirmations for the one-day event include the RAF Typhoon and Tucano display teams, aerobatic display team The Blades and the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight including the Avro Lancaster, another famous creation from the same engineering minds behind the Vulcan. The World famous RAF Red Arrows have also included the RAF Cosford Air Show in their 2013 display schedule.

The V-Bomber became a symbol of British strength in the deterrent years following World War II and was also used to great effect during the Falklands conflict until it retired from service in 1984. Its presence will complement a warmly anticipated exclusive to the static display, involving a Harrier GR3 complete with aircraft hide, set up exactly as it would have been during the Cold War.

Air show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell said: “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is very excited about the announcement of XH558 returning to the Shropshire skies. We know from her display debut here at RAF Cosford in 2009 that the public love her appearance on their day out, so we are thrilled to be able to offer the experience again for the many thousands we are expecting.”

The appearance of the Vulcan has been made possible by a part-sponsorship deal with MPM Catering who provide all the refreshment stands offering a wide selection of food and drink during the day. Fiona O’Hanlon from MPM Catering commented: “We are delighted to be able to provide both the catering facilities for the RAF Cosford Air Show 2013 as well as a portion of the funding required to bring the Avro Vulcan back to the event. We have a particularly special relationship with the RAF Cosford Air Show and also wanted to provide this support given that the number of years we can enjoy this wonderful aircraft is decreasing.”

The organisers this year have also introduced several new hospitality enclosures for the 2013 Air Show including the popular ‘The Cosford Club’ sponsored by Nikon. With a dedicated crowd line spot, private domestic and catering facilities as well as the opportunity to loan exclusive Nikon equipment and the chance to win a taxi ride in a Jaguar aircraft, ‘The Cosford Club’ offers its members a fantastic enhancement to the Air Show experience. For details of the full range of packages on offer to suit all requirements and budgets, please visit the air show website at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

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

Air show tickets can be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk, by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min plus network charges), by combining rail travel and admission with Arriva Trains Wales or at various other outlets details of which can be found on the website. Advance adult tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20% discount on tickets bought on the day and FREE admission for children under-16 accompanied by an adult as well as FREE car parking.

RAF Cosford Air Show Right On Track

Exciting plans for this summer’s RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show are firmly on track thanks to a partnership deal with Arriva Trains Wales.

The Air Show has teamed up with the rail company once again to offer an easy-to-buy ticket that combines rail travel with entry to the West Midlands’ largest – and most thrilling – aviation event.

The relationship between the two companies has existed for over 10 years to ensure visitors to the Air Show have the opportunity to indulge in a stress-free and cost-effective day out.

Visitors can enjoy the advantages of a 20% discount off the on-the-day rate for standard admission as well as utilising dozens of rail links to the RAF Station. Furthermore, for the first time ever, tickets to the Air Show can be purchased from any staffed UK station or online. The Cosford railway station is within 120m of the Air Show pedestrian entrance so therefore provides people with a simple but effective way of getting to and from the 2013 event.

Air show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell said: “The relationship we have been able to forge with Arriva Trains Wales provides visitors to the RAF Cosford Air Show with a unique opportunity to have direct transport access virtually right up to the entrance gates. We are hoping more people than ever choose such a discounted and time-saving method of enjoying this year’s spectacle.”

The announcement follows a spate of exciting aircraft confirmations to this year’s show including the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Red Arrows. In addition to the flying display, organisers have put significant effort in creating an attractive selection of events on the ground. Visitors can enjoy expanded interactive aircraft and military exhibits, arena demonstrations, a fair ground, as well as having the opportunity to shop for craft and memorabilia, enjoy fine refreshments or visit the RAF Museum Cosford and its famous Cold War exhibition. Last year more than 38,000 people attended the family day out and organisers are anticipating another bumper turn-out at the one-day event.

Jonathan Goode, Special Events Manager for Arriva Trains Wales commented: “We are delighted to be involved yet again in this year’s RAF Cosford Air show and what promises to be a spectacular event. As always, all of our available carriages will be in use to transport visitors to the ground and we will be catering for approximately an additional 6,000 people. A rail service will be available from Cosford station to Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton and extra staff will be on hand at the station to assist passengers with their journey”.

Arriva Trains Wales are offering these extra services in anticipation of increased numbers and will supplement their current Sunday timetable. Schedules will be revealed sooner to the event. If you wish to purchase your combined rail travel and admission tickets, or for more information, please visit www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk.

Air show tickets can also be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083. Advance tickets are priced from £20, a 20% discount off tickets bought on the day (£25). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for children under-16s accompanied by an adult.

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

Air Tattoo Unveils Show Makeover

This summer will see the Royal International Air Tattoo unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the world’s greatest airshow even more enjoyable for the thousands of people who flock to the Cotswolds each year for this unique celebration of aviation.

New Visitor Service Stations, themed areas and a variety of other enhancements in the showground are being introduced to ensure that all the thrilling aerial action is matched by an equally-enjoyable customer experience on the ground.

Visitors to the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 20-21, will be invited to try out three new Service Stations, which have been designed to bring together everything needed for a great day out including food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, toilets, official merchandise outlets, banking services, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover.

Organisers believe improved signage on the showground, greater access to aircraft, participating pilots/aircrew and new enclosure opportunities will add further to people’s enjoymentwhilst at RAF Fairford.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said many of the initiatives have been introduced in response to feedback from visitors who said that with so much happening in the air and on the ground during the day it was a challenge to take in all that was happening and where everything was.

Mr Prince said: “Of course the aircraft are the stars of the show but we also recognise that the showground’s a big area and there’s lots going on over the weekendso it can be a bit daunting. We started bygathering together many of the facilities people useduring the day into three strategically-located Service Stations.

“We’ve also extended the range of catering options in these areas so visitors can now enjoy vegetarian and Asian cuisine – plus deli bars – alongside the traditional burger and fish & chip options.

“We’ve looked at everything we do in terms of delivering customer satisfaction from the journey to the airshow, the event itself and the departure phase. We’re confident visitors will welcome the enhancements we’ve introduced.”

July will also see the Air Tattoo unveil three new entertainment zones on the showground: the Techno Zone, the Toys For Boys Zone and the Vintage Village each offering a range of exciting ground-based attractions and hands’ on activities courtesy of leading brands such as Caterham and Animal.

Mr Prince said: “Most people knowthatour event isone of the greatest aviation spectacles in the world but there is so much more to the Air Tattoo experiencethan just that – and this summer we’re going to prove it!”

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. Special Earlybird tickets, priced from £35, are available until April 4. All under-16s go free. Free parking.For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.

RAF Cosford Air Show Includes BBMF In Tribute To Historic Aircraft

The RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show is pleased to confirm the attendance of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to the event on Sunday 9th June.

The BBMF preserves the heritage of much loved RAF World War II aircraft and stands as a poignant reminder of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in conflict. The Memorial Flight consist of Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota and Lancaster aircraft, all of which are scheduled to make their way to RAF Cosford as flying and static displays on the 9th June and will be sure to perform an awe inspiring display.

In addition to the RAF BBMF, Cosford will welcome back an old friend of the Station in the form of civilian owned Spitfire PRXI serial number PL965. Built at the Aldermaston factory in mid-1944 as a photo reconnaissance aircraft, she was designed to operate at high altitudes of over 30,000ft as well as at high speeds in excess of 400 mph. She was allocated to No.9 Maintenance Unit, RAF Cosford on 1st October 1944 for installation of service equipment and the Air Show is delighted to welcome her back this year as part of the packed flying programme.

Air show spokesman Ashley Claber-Aikman said: “We are extremely pleased that the BBMF are joining us for this year’s anniversary event. One of our key themes for the show is celebrating the 75 years since the introduction of the Spitfire and having so many here along with the majority of the BBMF will really be something special and a delight for our visitors.”

Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to marvel at the historic icons, alongside a number of current RAF aircraft including the Typhoon, Tucano and the famous RAF Red Arrows, during the flying display lasting over 5 hours. The organisers this year have also introduced several new hospitality enclosures for the 2013 Air Show aimed to enhance the visitor’s experience. For details of the range of packages on offer to suit all requirements and budgets, please visit the air show website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

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

Air show tickets can be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083. Advance tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20 per cent discount on tickets bought on the day (£25). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.

Raf Cosford Strengthen Line-Up With Fast Jet Training Aircraft

RAF Cosford’s 75th Anniversary Air Show is pleased to announce the confirmed attendance of the RAF Tucano and Typhoon display teams to the event on Sunday 9th June.

The 2013 RAF Typhoon display team is brought to you this year by 29(R) Squadron based at RAF Coningsby and will continue to wow crowds with their impressive display of force and grace. 29(R) Squadron will undertake the entire 2013 display season throughout the UK and beyond. The squadron is responsible for the training of future RAF Typhoon pilots that began their advanced flying training on the Tucano aircraft.

Now a regular in the display season, the RAF Tucano aerobatic display never fails to surprise and impress visitors with its capability and agility given its purpose of training student aircrew. For 2013 the Tucano Display team has decided to commemorate the 70th anniversary of 72 Squadron’s involvement in North Africa in support of the Tunisian campaign during World War II. During this period, 72 Squadron flew a selection of Supermarine Spitfires including Mk VIII and Mk IX variants, which ties into the over-arching theme of this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show.

Air show spokesman, Flight Ops Manager Master Aircrew Chas McHugh said: “We are delighted that the RAF Tucano and Typhoon aircraft are joining us for this year’s anniversary event. Training has always been an important part of RAF Cosford’s history and so having these aircraft as part of the flying display will not only excite the crowds but will be an important reminder of the hugely diverse background of the West Midlands’ RAF Station.”

Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to enjoy the Tucano and Typhoon displays, alongside the famous RAF Red Arrows and many other aircraft during the 5½ hour flying display, from one of the new hospitality enclosures which have been introduced for the 2013 show. For details of the range of packages available to suit all requirements and budgets, please visit the air show website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

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