UK Airshow News – Page 60

RAF Cosford Air Show Keep Feet Firmly On The Ground

The RAF Cosford Air Show has always prided itself on not just being the Midlands’ premier aviation event, but also a fun-filled family day out that provides a wide range of interactive and engaging activities on the ground this Sunday 9th June.

This year the event will focus on celebrating the 75th Anniversary of RAF Cosford itself and this will be reflected in a number of displays by the various schools and training establishments currently based at the Shropshire station. Together they will provide an insight into the rich heritage of first class technical and engineering operations that RAF Cosford has become known for. These will include a demonstration of radar and computer equipment from No 1 Radio School and a display of armed aircraft & escape equipment from the Weapons & Survival Equipment Training Squadron. An array of activities will also be on offer from the School of Physical Training, a demonstration of hydraulic principles provided by the Avionic & Mechanical Training Squadron and an interactive opportunity for visitors to attempt various hand skills with the Trade Foundation Training Squadron. 238 Squadron will be opening the cockpits of their fast jets to allow people the rare opportunity to sit in the aircraft and experience what it’s like for the pilots of the RAF.

In addition to the anniversary celebrations, a wide variety of other exhibitors, stands, arena displays, bands and charities will also attend the show. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy everything from the Cosford Military Wives Choir and a fair ground, to aviation artwork specialists and a host of conservation and wildlife groups.

Free Radio this year will sponsor a demonstration arena to be known as ‘The Free Radio Arena’ and will play host to some exciting spectacles such as a Field Gun competition and performances from the Royal Air Force College Band. You may even get the opportunity to meet Free Radio’s own HumFree the Hamster too!

The RAF Air Cadets will have a large exhibition manned by various Air Cadet Squadrons there to discuss the opportunities available to you and your little ones. For those old enough to think about joining, the RAF Careers recruitment team will be on hand to inform those that also want to ‘Rise Above The Rest’ in the Royal Air Force.

Air Show spokesman Marilyn Summers says “Not only will the Air Show provide a thrilling flying display, but we also aim to keep the whole family entertained with a wide and varied selection of activities on the ground. From the fun fair, the RAF Museum, static aircraft displays, military exhibitions and a craft fair. A number of stands by Nikon, who sponsor our exclusive ‘The Cosford Club’, will be available to display some of the very latest photography equipment, so we are sure that visitors will find something here to suit everyone’s interests.”

The ground exhibits help make the Air Show a unique day out, coupled with an incredible 5½ hour flying display on offer. Aircraft confirmations include Vulcan XH558 from the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, B-17 Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ and a number of RAF aircraft including the Typhoon & Tucano display teams, a medical evacuation demonstration including Chinook & Apache helicopters and the world famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

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.

Folkestone Airshow Cancelled

In a statement to Airscene, Yvonne Holder (Event Organiser) said:

It is with great sadness, that I have to advise you that Folkestone Airshow on Saturday 8th June 2013, will not take place.

After a very difficult few weeks, the hard decision has been taken to cancel Folkestone Airshow for a number of factors. The first being is the financial risk of putting on this major event is too great for Folkestone Town Centre Management Ltd, a not for profit organisation, to take, in these very difficult financial times.

The second, as we were unable to confirm additional flying displays, due to financial constraints, the Shepway Safety Advisory Group were unable to assess the risks involved. We all agreed that there wasn’t enough time left for to provide the Shepway Safety Advisory Group with the complete Event Management Plan in order to satisfy them that the event could take place safely.

I will continue to look into the financial viability of continuing the work already completed, to see if it is at all possible of postponing until 2014 and to carry forward the commitment of our sponsors and organisations who have supported Folkestone Airshow into 2014.

http://www.folkestoneairshow.com

RAF Cosford Make Air Show Even More Accessible

A partnership between the RAF Charitable Trust and the Event Mobility Charitable Trust will help increase the accessibility for disabled visitors to the RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 9th June.

The Event Mobility Charitable Trust was founded in 1998 with the sole aim of providing electric scooters and manual wheelchairs for disabled, mobility impaired and elderly people to enjoy a day out at an event or show.

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says: “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is extremely pleased to be able to offer our visitors this new service for those that might require it. It important to the organisers that everybody, regardless of ability, is able to enjoy a wonderful day out and we hope that this will help go that little bit further to help.”

The Air Show also offers a special parking area on hard-standing and with accessible toilets nearby, for those displaying the nationally recognised blue wheelchair symbol. However, with all parking being on the showground many disabled visitors prefer to use the standard public car park which is central to all attractions.

The RAF Charitable Trust and the Royal International Air Tattoo have a long-standing record of working with disabled people through the Flying Scholarships for Disabled People, and the historic links with Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader. The Director of the RAF Charitable Trust Air Commodore (retired) Tim Winstanley said: “The Trust’s objectives include the aspiration to ‘Encourage air education and aviation-mindedness’ so that it is hugely important that those who require additional help to gain access to all parts of the RAF Cosford Air Show should be able to do so safely and efficiently.

As such the Trust is delighted to be able to be involved with the provision of mobility scooters at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2013.”

In order for visitors to reserve an electric scooter or manual wheelchair, they must either print out an advance booking form from the website www.eventmobility.org.uk/events-bookings.asp or contact the EMCT office on 01386 725391 to request a form to be posted. Please be aware that advance bookings cannot be made by phone. Alternatively, please browse the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.

For further information as to how the RAF Cosford Air Show ensures that guests with disabilities can enjoy the spectacular flying and ground displays in the same conditions as all our visitors, please visit the accessibility area of our website at http://www.cosfordairshow.co.uk/accessibility.html.

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

New Look Tucano Joins Wings & Wheels Line-up

Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the RAF Tucano will be showing off its new desert camouflage design in an impressive aerobatic display on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

Unveiling the new paint scheme at the end of March at their base at RAF Linton on Ouse, its design mirrors the Second World War Spitfire aircraft operated by 72 Squadron in 1943. The scheme was chosen 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 they flew a selection of Supermarine Spitfires including Mk VIII and Mk IX variants.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Our five hour air display is starting to take great shape and we are excited to have the Tucano at Wings & Wheels. The display of skill and power demonstrated by the pilots never fails to impress and the camouflage design will be a welcome new sight in the skies over the aerodrome.”

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.

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 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.

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.