UK Airshow News – Page 62

ACTION PACKED PROGRAMME AT COSFORD AIR SHOW

The latest announcements from the Cosford Air Show promise a thrilling new aspect to the flying display with role demonstrations from a host of military aircraft.

The RAF Sea King from HRH Prince William’s unit at RAF Valley will be working with the RAF Mountain Rescue team to provide a demonstration of the work done by the Search and Rescue teams. This is a unique opportunity to see winching operations at first hand and to meet members of the team on the ground afterwards.

The Tornado GR4 Role Demo will show how the RAF employs aircraft on operations in support of people on the ground. You can expect some loud bangs and the noise of aircraft in full re-heat with pyrotechnics being used to simulate various attack profiles.

More action comes from the Apaches of the Army Air Corps with their stunning attack helicopter role demonstration. The Army Apaches play a key role in Afghanistan and this display gives the public a taste of the skill shown by these front line pilots.

Other new announcements include a Lynx from the Royal Navy Helicopter display team The Black Cats and a welcome overseas visitor, the Augusta 109 from the Belgian Air Force with its special flying display. The line up of historic aircraft includes the Swordfish and Sea Fury of the Royal Navy Historic Flight and a selection of aircraft representing 100 years of the Central Flying School.

All of this alongside the Red Arrows, the Typhoon, the Blades, the RAF Falcons and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will make this year’s show one of the most exciting yet.

Full information on the show can be seen on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Best of British at Cosford Airshow

Cosford Air Show is set to be one of the highlights of the aviation year with a full line up of RAF aircraft just confirmed. As well as the Red Arrows and the RAF Falcons parachute display team there will be an opportunity for nostalgia in the Queen’s Jubilee year with a display from the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Other confirmed historic aircraft include the vintage pair of Meteor and Vampire.

For those hoping for some fast jet thrills both Typhoon and Tornado will be displaying their 2012 routines along with classic jets such as Gnats, the aircraft type once flown by the Red Arrows.

All-day ground entertainment includes something for all the family with a children’s funfair, an indoor craft fair, bands and exhibits and free entry to the RAF Museum. Many of the displays and exhibits are under cover, so whatever the British weather does there will be somewhere to go to get out of the rain or the sun!

Full information on the show can be seen on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Announcing the IWM Duxford Air Shows App for 2012

The IWM Duxford Air Shows App for 2012 will soon be available to enhance your experience of our 2012 air shows.

The App offers a library of over 100 aircraft that have graced the skies over IWM Duxford, containing fascinating biographies, exciting statistics and stunning photographs.

Using the My Log section, you can collect your favourite aircraft from across the season’s air shows, which you can then admire at your leisure.

The useful map tool enables you to locate specific aircraft on display at the museum, together with museum exhibitions and air show amenities, to ensure that you don’t miss a thing at our air shows.

The App is free to download. The library, My Log and map tools are available free of charge.

Download the automated flying schedule which gives minute-by-minute information during the air show as the aircraft commence their displays. You can then also set reminder alerts to make sure that you don’t miss your favourite aircraft displaying.

The flying schedule is bought in app at a cost of £0.69.

Using Facebook and email you can share your air show experience with friends and family.

The App is optimised for iOS 4.3 and above running on iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S handsets and an Android 2.2.2 and above.

The Flying Legends air show is not included in this app.

www.iwm.org.uk

Donuts launch jam packed Wings & Wheels You Tube Channel

The Wings & Wheels team were in a spin yesterday as the aerodrome reverberated to the sound of squealing tyres and laughter and the spray of sugar, jam and smoke as the girls took up a donut eating challenge to celebrate ‘National Donut Week’. It wasn’t pretty and mind over matter certainly came into play as donuts were scoffed in a minute of dizzying spins in the donuting stunt car of Paul Swift.

Not wanting Wings & Wheels fans to miss out on all the edible and vehicle donut action the team made sure to capture the fun on camera! The video clip launches the *NEW* Wings & Wheels You Tube Channel today, ‘wingsandwheelsuk’, which is set to be packed with the latest videos and updates in the lead up to the show which takes place on 26th & 27th August 2012. Follow this link for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urMgqwXcRig

Nancy Edwards, Wings & Wheels Event Manager, comments; “We know from our social networking sites that our fans love a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the preparations for the show. The You Tube channel is designed to share some of the hard work and fun that goes into creating such a fantastic and popular two day event as well as to give visitors a glimpse of the action we have in store over the August Bank Holiday weekend.”

Wings & Wheels 2011 saw the exhilarating introduction of the Stunt Zone which included action such as hand-brake turns, two wheeled driving and donuts! In order to bring visitors even more death defying stunts an exciting line up of new performances have already been confirmed to take place! Ahead of the 2012 show, last year’s headline act, Paul Swift, returned to the venue at Dunsfold Aerodrome to showcase his phenomenal driving skills and to lend a hand in the team’s ‘National Donut Week’ challenge.

More Wings & Wheels pre-event preparations are set to appear via You Tube in the coming months and visitors should take a look at www.wingsandwheels.net for all the latest news and offers. Tickets to the show start from £18 for adults, £40 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £5 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free

Wings & Wheels to host only UK Display for Wartime Hero

The raw power of the B-25 Dutch Mitchell Bomber will be on display at Wings & Wheels 2012 as the throaty roar of the 1700 horsepower engines are once again heard reverberating around Dunsfold Aerodrome, some 70 years after it was based at the historic airfield.

Billed as ‘Heroes of the Night’ following their participation in D-Day, the Dutch Mitchell Bombers and the squadrons who flew them contributed significantly to Dunsfold Aerodrome’s defining Second World War achievements. Now in its 70th year the Airfield will be marking its anniversary at Wings & Wheels 2012 and is delighted to announce that, with the generous support of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight, the Mitchell Bomber will be returning to the Surrey base to complete its ONLY UK air display at Wings & Wheels over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

It was August of 1943 when the menacing silhouette of the first of the North American B-25 Mitchell’s was spotted in the skies above Dunsfold. The aircraft was easily recognisable due to its twin tail rudders, two engines and unusual tricycle undercarriage which, although very much the norm today, was a daring innovation of its time. The aircraft was used in the defence of the country and in connection with the Allied invasion and liberation of occupied Europe and continued to be based at the Surrey Airfield until 1946.

Gerry Forristal, Wings & Wheels Aviation Director, comments, “Wings & Wheels will be the public’s only opportunity to see this phenomenal aircraft on the UK airshow display circuit this year. We are thrilled to confirm the B-25 Mitchell Bomber is returning to the Aerodrome as it not only holds a fond place in the hearts of us all here on the airfield, but also for our visiting veterans, some of which worked on and flew the aircraft during the Second World War.”

Wartime images and fascinating stories about the B-25 Dutch Mitchell Bombers and the squadrons who flew them can be discovered in the 70th Anniversary celebratory timeline which can be found in the centre of the show arena at Wings & Wheels 2012.

http://www.wingsandwheels.net

Korean Eagles Prepare for Historic Display

History will be made at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer when the South Korean Black Eagles become the first fixed wing aerobatics display team from Asia to perform in Europe.The team, comprising eight T-50 ‘Golden Eagle’ supersonic light-trainer aircraft, will make their debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo on July 7-8.

Their visit is the culmination of more than 20 years’ planning by the airshow organisers, who first contacted the Republic of Korea’s London embassy in the mid-1980s.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Each year we would visit the embassy to build relations and explain the background to our event. Finally, in 2002, we had a breakthrough when the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) sent some of their pilots and senior military representatives to experience the airshow first hand – and they have been back most years ever since. It is a great honour for us to host their visit – and we’re pleased for the UK aircraft enthusiast community who will, I’m sure, be relishing the thought of seeing such rare visitors.”

In order to get the aircraft – 10 in total, including two spares – they will have to be dismantled in Asia and flown the 5,000 mile journey in a fleet of large transport aircraft before being reassembled in the UK.

The T-50 was developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in response to the increased demands on future trainer aircraft to keep up with higher-performance military fighters such as the Typhoon, the F-22 and the Joint Strike Fighter.

Classic Aircraft magazine editor Ben Dunnell said: “It’s no coincidence that the T-50’s manufacturer KAI should be so keen to put this very capable advanced jet trainer on display at the airshow, given the number of potential deals for such aircraft in discussion amongst the world’s air arms, many of whose chiefs now attend the Air Tattoo. With key competitors such as the BAE Systems Hawk and the Russian Yakovlev Yak-130 also due to participate, RIAT 2012 will be an important stage for jet trainer manufacturers.”

The Republic of Korea’s Defence Attaché in the UK, Captain Chong-Ho Choi, said he was delighted his country’s air force pilots could demonstrate their flying capabilities in Europe for the first time. He said: “The Black Eagles are extremely proud to be representing the Republic of Korea Air Force. Their aim will be to perform the best flying display possible not only for the People of the Republic of Korea but also for the rest of the world. It is privilege to be taking part in this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo and I hope everyone will enjoy our magnificent display.”

Red Arrows team leader, Squadron Leader Jim Turner, said: “On behalf of the Royal Air Force and the Red Arrows, I am delighted to welcome the South Korean Display Team, the Black Eagles both to the United Kingdom and the Royal International Air Tattoo. The opportunity to engage with other highly respected professional display teams is always an exciting opportunity and one we look forward to.”

www.airtattoo.com

Rare Jet set to be Tsar of the Show

A state-of-the-art combat jet used to train Russian Air Force fighter pilots will give a rarely-seen demonstration of its light attack capabilities at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The display will be the first time anyone outside of Russia has seen a display by the Yak-130 ‘Mitten’ in its light attack configuration with a full complement of weapons.

The Yak-130, which will come from the Irkut Corporation based in Moscow, is a two-seat, subsonic jet trainer/light attack aircraft. It entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2010. The aircraft can replicate the characteristics of the latest generation fighters and carries a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry.

The participation of the Yak-130 in July’s display cements the Air Tattoo’s reputation for showcasing aircraft from Russia, which began in 1992 when a Su-27P ‘Flanker’ 595 and Tu-134 appeared at Boscombe Down followed, in 1993, by two Mig-29s and the Tu-95MS ‘Bear’ at RAF Fairford.

The first of 55 Yak-130s ordered by the Russian Defence Ministry entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2010. RuAF Commander-in-Chief Col Gen Alexander Zelin announced in March that a new aerobatics team flying Yak-130s would be created by 2015.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “To have such a rare Russian aircraft display is quite a coup and simply adds to what is already shaping up to be quite a spectacular display. We know how much aircraft enthusiasts enjoy seeing Russian aircraft – and Russian-built aircraft – at Fairford and we work hard to achieve this. This year’s Air Tattoo already has an abundance of aviation riches but now it seems the whole world wants to be at Fairford this July!”

This year’s Air Tattoo will see organisers join with the RAF to stage special aerial tributes celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. For further details, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

First flying displays announced for The Jubilee Air Show

IWM Duxford will be celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style at The Jubilee Air Show on Sunday 27 May.A stunning aerial display will feature historic and contemporary aircraft from the past 60 years and beyond performing in the skies over IWM Duxford.

Flying displays confirmed to date feature historic and contemporary aircraft fromthe Royal Air Force, including the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire; Eurofighter Typhoon from No.6 Squadron RAF Leuchars; BAE Systems Hawk from No.208 Squadron, RAF Valley; Embraer Tucano from No.72 Squadron, RAF Linton-on-Ouse; Beechcraft King Air from No.45 Squadron, RAF Cranwell and the Grob 115E Tutor from No.115 Squadron, RAF Cranwell.

The Royal Navy is represented by a solo Lynx helicopter display by No.815 Naval Air Squadron from Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

Vintage aircraft flying at this celebratory air show include two glorious 1930s Hawker Nimrod single-seat biplanes; the beautiful and rare Hawker Fury Mark I biplane; two North American Harvards, single-engine trainer aircraft which played a vital role in training fighter pilots during the Second World War; three examples of the iconic Spitfire, synonymous with IWM Duxford’s heritage; the famous B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; de Havilland Dragon Rapide and the rip-roaring North American F-86 Sabre.

Also displaying is the Gloster Meteor T7 from Air Atlantique, which was the star of the show at the Autumn Air Show 2011.

On the ground, there will be fun-packed activities for all the family to enjoy and the whole museum is open to explore.

To mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign, IWM Duxford is offering senior visitors (aged 60 plus) a free ticket for The Jubilee Air Show when a full price adult or senior ticket is purchased. This offer is on advance ticket purchases only; it cannot be used on the day of the event.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499 353. The Box Office is open from Monday to Friday from9.30amto 4.30pm.

There is no booking fee but a postage and packing fee applies per transaction.

Advance tickets will be available until:
For overseas postal delivery – 5pm on Friday 11 May
For UK postal delivery – 5pm on Wednesday 16 May

www.iwm.org.uk

RAF AIRPOWER ON SHOW AT AIR TATTOO

Two of the world’s most potent fast jets are among a stellar line-up of RAF aircraft joining celebrations marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

As well as displays by the RAF’s frontline fighting force, the Typhoon and the Tornado, visitors to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 7-8 will be able to see a range of training aircraft including the Tutor, Tucano and King Air as well as historic RAF warbirds such as the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.

Also taking part will be the legendary RAF Red Arrows, originally formed at RAF Fairford in 1965 who will be performing with seven rather than the usual nine Hawk jets in 2012.

There will be another special homecoming for the RAF’s solo Hawk display pilot Flt Lt Phil Bird who will be performing in his home town of Fairford. He said: “Becoming a fast jet pilot in the RAF was a life-long dream and the idea of displaying in front of the crowds at my home airshow is something I am incredibly excited about.”

It is also likely that the A400M, the new heavy transport aircraft that will supercede the C-130 Hercules in RAF service, will be put through its paces by its Airbus Military test pilot at the airshow.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said the level of RAF participation reflected the important role the Air Tattoo plays in enabling the Service to demonstrate to the public the capability of its aircraft and the professionalism of its men and women. He added: “We’re really looking forward to working with the Royal Air Force to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with an exciting aerial tribute that will live long in the memory.”

Other Air Tattoo highlights this year include displays by the Vulcan bomber, a US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey and the European debut of the Al Fursan aerobatics display team from the United Arab Emirates. Special Air Tattoo ‘Earlybird’ tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Rare Osprey to Swoop at Air Tattoo

A unique-looking aircraft that is both a helicopter and an aeroplane will make a very rare appearance in the UK when it takes part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford this summer.

Having stolen the show at the Air Tattoo 2006 where it marked its UK flying display debut, the US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey – the world’s first tilt-rotor aircraft – will be making a welcome return to Fairford on July 7-8.

A cross between a helicopter and a fixed-wing aeroplane, the Osprey’s rotor blades can tilt mid-air enabling it to take off vertically and then reconfigure to fly like an aeroplane. Not only does this allow it to reach speeds twice as fast as a helicopter but it also enables it to carry heavier payloads and fly at higher altitudes.

In 2007, the aircraft was deployed operationally for the first time, supporting routine cargo and troop movements in Iraq. Two years later, the aircraft performed its first offensive combat mission, Operation Cobra’s Anger, transporting US Marines and Afghan troops into Helmand Province to disrupt the Taliban’s communications and supply lines. In 2010, Ospreys performed their first humanitarian mission, operating in Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response following an earthquake in the country.

The US Marine Corps plans to send two MV-22Bs, one for the flying display and the other for the static park.

An Air Tattoo spokesman said few other modern aircraft have been so revolutionary in terms of their design and operational capability. He added: “In musical terms, adding the Osprey to the flying display is a bit like Glastonbury adding Jay-Z to the bill – it’s sassy, has lots of good moves and looks downright cool.”

This year’s Air Tattoo will see organisers join with the RAF to stage special aerial tributes celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Special Air Tattoo ‘Earlybird’ tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.