UK Airshow News – Page 63

Announcing Flying Legends 2012

The Fighter Collection and IWM Duxford are delighted to announce Flying Legends 2012 with the release of a thrilling clip of a trailer which will whet your appetite for this year’s extravaganza event. See the clip at http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/flying-legends

This year, Flying Legends will be held on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July.

A knowledgeable worldwide following has ensured that Flying Legends is the air show event in the aviation calendar.

Each of the historic aircraft on display at Flying Legends is a living tribute to the outstanding skills of the people who designed, built,maintained and flew themand to the dedication of those who have restored these stunning aircraft back to life.

Flying Legends 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 propeller aircraft performtheir breathtaking flights over the historic airfield at IWM Duxford.

On the ground, there will be a whole section devoted to vintage nostalgia with a fabulous forties wartime atmosphere. There will be livemusic, including a welcome return by The Manhattan Dolls, who will be bringing their Andrews Sisters-style show direct fromNew York. The Manhattan Dolls were hugely popular at Flying Legends 2011, performing those instantly-recognisable songs of the 1930s and 1940s.

The whole museum will be open to explore throughout the day, with eight fantastic exhibition spaces and over 200 aircraft to see. Our award-winning exhibitions take you on an unforgettable journey through aviation from the earliest flights to present-day jets – all part of a rich and unique collection.

For just a hint of what to expect at Flying Legends 2012, watch the filmclip at http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/flying-legends

Buy your tickets in advance and save 10%. Hurry, the offer ends at 5pm on Friday 15 June for overseas postal delivery and at 5pm on Wednesday 20 June for UK postal delivery.

VIP Hospitality

Go For Gold at Flying Legends

Enjoy a very special Flying Legends experience with our Gold Pass, offering admission to Flying Legends with priority car parking, access to a luxury hospitalitymarquee with cash bar, café-style seating and a private garden enclosure. Gold Pass also offers access to the thrilling flight line walk, giving closer access to those wonderful historic aircraft, and a complimentary souvenir programme.

A pre-bookable two course lunch is also available as part of Gold Pass.

Tickets can be purchased online at iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499353. The Box Office is open Monday to Friday from9.30amto 4.30pm.

The Flying Legends Bremont Flight Lounge

Experience Flying Legends fromthe VIP Bremont Flight Lounge hospitality suite.

The Flight Lounge offers priority parking, private luxurymarquee and garden located on the flight line, morning coffee and biscuits, garden access to the flight line walk (9amto noon only), champagne reception with canapés, gourmet buffet lunch served with red and white wine, Flying Legends souvenir programme, luxury toilets within the private enclosure, luxury indoor seating area with television viewing , daily newspapers and magazines, event hostess and bar table service, finishing with a traditional English afternoon creamtea.

To discuss your Bremont Flight Lounge individual requirements please contact Jane Larcombe at The Fighter Collection on 01223 834973 or larks@fighter-collection.com

All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.

www.iwm.org.uk

Cosford Airshow to go ahead on Fathers Day

The organisers of the annual RAF Cosford Air Show have confirmed that the show will go ahead on Sunday 17 June 2012.

In previous years the crowd at this event on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border have enjoyed a fantastic five-and-a-half hour flying display and 2012 will again see dozens of aircraft from all ages of flight coming together for an afternoon of entertainment.

And as well as the excitement in the air the crowds will also be able to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment on the ground with a fun fair, craft fair, market and aircraft exhibitions – as well as entry to the RAF museum. Much of the ground entertainment is indoors. So even if it rains there is plenty to see and do.

Tickets will be £25.00 on the gate, only cash can be accepted, but only £20 in advance. Tickets are free for children under 16 when they are accompanied by an adult. Advance tickets will go on sale in early March. This must be the best present yet for Father’s Day.

Over the next few weeks the organisers will be announcing details of the aircraft taking part but we expect to see many of the RAF stars appearing such as the RAF Falcons display tem and of course the world famous Red Arrows.

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

Knights Promise Historic Air Tattoo Visit

Aviation history will be made this summer when a newly-formed Middle Eastern aerobatics display team makes its European debut at a UK airshow.

Al Fursan – The Knights – from the United Arab Emirates Air Force will display at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 7-8.

Featuring seven Alenia Aermacchi MB-339A Italian trainer aircraft, the team first performed at the Dubai Airshow in November to mark the UAE’s 40th anniversary. The fighter pilots were trained in formation flying by the Italian Air Force display team the Frecce Tricolori, who also fly the same aircraft.

Alan Peaford, Editor-in-Chief, Arabian Aerospace magazine said: “The Al Fursan team surprised everybody at the Dubai Airshow in November when it made its first appearance with an incredible performance. The team’s international debut at Bahrain stole the show.

“Coming to the UK for the Air Tattoo is a major step up for the team and really puts the UAE pilots in front of a world audience. I believe they will surprise people with their skills and professionalism. We have seen what the UAE has done to change world perception in football, golf and horseracing – I think they might be about to do the same in the world of display flying.”

The Al Fursan aircraft are painted predominantly in black and gold to represent the desert’s golden sands and the black oil which lies beneath it. Smoke generators produce red, green, white and black smoke to represent the colours of the national flag.

Al Fursan team leader Lt Col Nasser Ahmad said: “The Al Fursan pilots and their Director, Brigadier staff pilot Khaled Omar, are privileged to represent their country at the world’s largest military airshow. For us, the Air Tattoo offers an important opportunity to exchange ideas, build relations and share our experience with other military display teams. It will be an honour to perform our aerobatic display in the UK in July which we dedicate to our new British and European friends. Equally, the Al Fursan team will be very proud to paint the lovely British sky with the colours of the UAE flag.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, head of the RAF, said he was pleased to welcome his Arab partners. He said: “I am delighted that Al Fursan has agreed to perform at this summer’s Air Tattoo. This will be the team’s first display in Europe and I can think of no better place for the team to demonstrate their flying prowess than at one of the world’s largest military airshows.”

Al Fursan will join a number of other international aerobatic display teams at this summer’s Air Tattoo, including the Patrouille Suisse.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “During the past 46 years, the Red Arrows team has performed more than 4,300 displays, projecting both the professionalism and capability of the Royal Air Force around the globe.

That such a fledgling display team as Al Fursan, representing a comparatively young nation, should have the enthusiasm and confidence to make its European flying debut on such a significant stage speaks volumes. We are honoured to have been chosen by the UAE Air Force as the European airshow at which to demonstrate its military pilots’ close formation aerobatic skills.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Countries that have already confirmed they will be sending aircraft to the airshow include Brazil, Hungary, France, the US, Switzerland, Poland and Latvia.

Special Air Tattoo Earlybird tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking. www.airtattoo.com

Aviation Jewel Set for Diamond Display

Sixty years since it first took to the skies, the most iconic aircraft of the Cold War era will be at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo for a double celebration as the airshow marks the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Named The Spirit of Great Britain, the delta-winged Vulcan XH558 is the only remaining airworthy Vulcan bomber. Not only will it take part in the flying display on July 7-8 but it will take centre stage in the airshow’s Cold War Zone, enabling people to see it close up on the ground.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Anyone who hasn’t seen the Vulcan display really ought to while they have the chance. Those who have seen it, return again and again to experience its power, grace and beauty. It conjures up similar emotions to those felt by people who saw Concorde display. There’s a palpable sense of awe in the crowd.

Dubbed ‘the people’s aircraft’, Vulcan XH558 is funded largely by public donations. Not only is she the last flying Vulcan but she is also the only remaining airworthy example of the RAF’s famous Cold War V-Force, the UK’s strategic nuclear strike force which comprised Victors, Valiants and Vulcans.

The Vulcan, which first flew on August 30, 1952, has a special relationship with the Royal Family as the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and Prince Michael of Kent have all piloted the aircraft.

Organisers of this summer’s Air Tattoo are working alongside the Royal Air Force to stage a number of special aerial tributes to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Countries that have already confirmed they will be sending aircraft to the airshow include Brazil, Hungary, France, the US, Switzerland, Poland and Latvia.

A Day with the Red Arrows

Airscene were recently invited to spend a day with the world famous Red Arrows display team.As editor, I of course jumped at the chance, unfortunately my full time day job as a civil servant meant I couldn’t take up the offer myself.

So instead I passed over the invite to one of my intrepid front line airshow reviewers – Dave Briers.

Dave spent this wednesday with the Reds at RAF Scampton – observing the pre-flight briefing, watching the team practice and indulged in his favourite past-time… photography.

Dave’s full report on the day can be viewed here… http://www.airscene.co.uk/a%20day%20with%20the%20red%20arrows.pdf

As a famous brand of lager might say – probably the best airshow in the world!

IWM Duxford announces air shows for 2012

We are delighted to announce that tickets for the 2012 IWM Duxford air shows are now on sale.Following another exciting air show season in 2011, we now look ahead to a fabulous year of unforgettable flying displays.

We’ve got a fantastic value Early Bird offer running until the end of February 2012 and we’ve also got a very special ticket offer in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Jubilee Air Show
Sunday 27May

Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style, The Jubilee Air Show brings together historic and contemporary aircraft fromthe past 60 years and beyond. Enjoy a fantastic display fit for royalty.

Jubilee Air Show Ticket Offer

To mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign, we are 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.

Flying Legends

Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July

Flying Legends – two words which instantly evoke the very best of classic aircraft displaying at IWM Duxford in one of the world’s most celebrated air shows. The Fighter Collection and IWM Duxford are proud to present Flying Legends 2012 – another unmissable fusion of power, sounds and nostalgia.

Please note that the Early Bird offer does not apply to Flying Legends (Saturday 30 June and
Sunday 1 July)

The Fighter Collection and IWM Duxford are delighted to offer a range of hospitality offers for this year’s unmissable Flying Legends event. Full details of the packages will be revealed in the Flying Legends press release issued shortly.

The Duxford Air Show
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September

The Duxford Air Show is the highlight of IWMDuxford’s calendar of flying events. In an outstanding aerial spectacle, the very best historic andmodern aircraft display in the skies over this famous airfield. Featuring civilian andmilitary aircraft, The Duxford Air Show always presents a fantastically varied programme with some distinctive and popular flying performances.

Autumn Air Show
Sunday 14 October

Closing the air show season for 2012, the Autumn Air Show presents a thrilling aerodynamic show with a relaxed, end-of-season atmosphere. Featuring aircraft past and present, the Autumn Air Show offers a fine selection of aerial demonstrations with something for all aviation interests.

Early Bird Offer

We’re offering a fabulous early bird discount of 15%on IWM Duxford 2012 air show tickets. The Early Bird offer is available untilWednesday 29 February 2012. After this date, the normal advance purchase discount of 10% applies.

Tickets can be purchased online at iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499353. The Box Office is open Monday to Friday from9.30amto 4.30pm. There is no booking fee but a postage and packing fee applies per transaction.

Please note that these offers do not apply to Flying Legends (Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July 2012).

Advance tickets will be available until:

The Jubilee Air Show

For overseas postal delivery – 5.00pm on Friday 11 May
For UK postal delivery – 5.00pm on Wednesday 16 May

The Duxford Air Show
For overseas postal delivery – 5.00pm on Friday 24 August
For UK postal delivery – 5.00pm on Wednesday 29 August

Autumn Air Show
For overseas postal delivery – 5.00pm on Friday 28 September

For UK postal delivery – 5.00pm on Wednesday 3 October
Please call the Box Office on 01223 499353 should you require further assistance.

VIP Packages for The Duxford Air Show

Enjoy a very special air show experience with our range of hospitality passes which offer the best seats in the house at The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2012).

Our Platinum Pass offers seats at the heart of the flying action, together with access to a sumptuous hospitality marquee where you can enjoy a delectable two-course lunch before enjoying a thrilling flying display fromthe comfort of a private garden enclosure. PlatinumPass is perfect for corporate entertaining or a special family celebration.

Gold Pass offers relaxed entertaining at its best. Enjoy a fine view of the flying action and access to a fully equipped hospitality marquee.

Choose to dine fromour in-house Gourmet Deli Bar or bring your own picnic lunch and relax in comfort as you watch the flying display fromthe heart of the flight line.

New for 2012, Silver Pass has been created especially with families in mind. Enjoy all the atmosphere and activities that the air show has to offer fromthe convenience of the Silver Passmarquee. There will be special children’s activities to entertain all the family and a refreshment point selling drinks and snacks.

Book your Gold or Silver Pass tickets beforeWednesday 29 February 2012 and enjoy £5 off the standard ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased online at iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499353. The Box Office is open Monday to Friday from9.30amto 4.30pm.

Join us for a thrilling season of air shows in 2012 – the sky’s the limit for exciting aerial entertainment!

www.iwm.org.uk

Air Tattoo Debutant Takes Pole Position

A rare Russian-built helicopter never before seen in the UK is among the first aircraft to confirm participation in next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The Polish Navy will be sending one of its Mi-14 ‘Haze’ helicopters, which are used in Anti-Submarine Warfare and Search and Rescue, to the Air Tattoo on July 7-8 along with a maritime and reconnaissance variant of the Soviet-made Antonov An-28.

Both Hungary and Latvia have also confirmed they will be sending Russian-built aircraft, the former sending an Antonov An-26 transport aeroplane and the latter an Mi-8 helicopter. This performs a search-and-rescue role as well as transporting troops and supporting Special Forces. Other aircraft from Brazil and France have also been confirmed for the Air Tattoo.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Russian-built aircraft are very popular among UK enthusiasts because of their rarity on these shores. To have one making its UK debut is a real coup and one the enthusiasts will look forward to seeing.

“With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics taking place in the UK next year, I think there’s a feeling that this is the place to be in 2012. Although it is still early for most international air arms to confirm their participation we are already hearing whispers from Asia that might see some extremely rare and exotic aircraft heading for Fairford next summer. It’s very exciting.”

Next summer’s Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, will see the airshow join forces with the RAF to stage a special Diamond Jubilee celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.

A limited number of special Super Earlybird tickets, priced £29, are available until January 4 by visiting www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All Air Tattoo tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

AIR TATTOO UNVEILS F-ACE OF AIRSHOW

A FICTIONAL fast jet pilot named ‘Ace Mandala’ has been unveiled as the face of next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, organisers have announced.

Ace will feature prominently on billboards, in advertising and on poster sites around the UK in the run-up to next summer’s airshow on July 7-8.

Ace is the creation of renowned artist David Bent, who was inspired following a trip to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in 2007 at the invitation of the Red Arrows. The Red Arrows first saw David’s work on display at the Air Tattoo and shortly after his visit to Cyprus, the artist was invited to become the Reds’ artist in residence.

It was whilst photographing one of the display pilots in his Hawk jet that the idea for Ace came. David said: “Although Ace made his first appearance on the 2011 posters we hadn’t given him a name or an identity. I believe he symbolises all the skilled, adventurous and brave airmen who fly. We decided we’d develop him as a character so that he could become the face of the Air Tattoo. Ultimately, I hope Ace will be to the Air Tattoo what The Stig is to Top Gear.”

Air Tattoo Marketing Deputy Director Helen Webb said when she first saw David’s artwork she was immediately struck by his vivid use of colours and his ability to convey all the excitement aviation has to offer. She said: “We felt that if David could apply the same eye-catching techniques to creating a poster image for the Air Tattoo then it could have a big impact. In the past, members of the Red Arrows have said their journey to becoming a world-class pilot was first inspired by a visit to the Air Tattoo. By bringing ‘Ace Mandala’ to life, we hope to convey the sort of excitement and thrills that can spark the imagination of a future fast jet pilot.”

Next summer’s Air Tattoo on July 7-8 will see the airshow join forces with the Royal Air Force to stage a special Diamond Jubilee celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen. A limited number of special Super Earlybird tickets, priced £29, are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

Major new event encourages folk to be patriotic

A major new event aimed at celebrating the best of everything British is to be staged at Cotswold Airport next year.

Aviation, the motor industry, food, drink, wildlife, and traditional crafts, are just some of the areas to be covered at the Best of British Show, which will take place during the August Bank Holiday weekend (26th and 27th).

The annual Cotswold Airshow and Battle of Britain Airshow are to be merged and will form part of the major new event, which will also include a concert featuring talented UK bands and individuals.

It is hoped the show will become established as a ‘must visit’ date on the events calendar.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “We wanted to create a unique new event and what better than a show which celebrates the best of what our fine nation has to offer.

“It will come at a time when national pride will be on a natural high too, due to the Olympic Games being staged in the UK during the summer.

“In keeping with our proud aviation heritage, a British-themed flying display will form a key part of the proceedings, but there will be so much more for people to see and do as well.”

It is hoped that the RAF’s world famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team – who were based at Cotswold Airport (formerly RAF Kemble) for many years – will make their now annual return to their ‘spiritual home’, along with the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

They will be joined by other famous British aircraft such as the Typhoon, Tucano and Tiger Moth.

On the ground, military vehicles will be joined by a large number of classic cars, with everything from Minis to Bentleys grabbing the public’s attention.

A dog show, lurcher racing, birds of prey and ‘The Lamb National’, will be among the acts entertaining in the show arena.

There will be music to suit every taste later on both days too when bands and solo artists from all over Britain take to the stage to perform.

A traditional funfair and a trade village, showcasing everything from beautifully hand-crafted items to the finest in traditional food and drink, will also give visitors plenty to enjoy.

Miss Harvey added: “We’re still in the planning stages but the show really seems to have captured the imagination as we already have confirmed bookings from organisations and individuals we have contacted.

“We are offering some great sponsorship packages and would also love to hear from any traders interested in coming.

“The Best of British Show is not purely an air show and it isn’t solely a country fair; the event is a celebration of Britain as a whole and includes both those aspects and more.

“Our aim is to offer something for everyone and we truly hope that people will feel patriotic and come along to enjoy the fun.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £15 (adults) and £5 (child aged 5 to 14), in advance.

For more information, visit www.bestofbritishshow.co.uk.

RE-LIVE THRILLS OF GREATEST SHOW ABOVE EARTH

From the Vulcan to the Red Arrows, the Lancaster to the Typhoon, all the action from this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo flying display have been captured on an exciting new DVD released this week.

The official Air Tattoo 2011 DVD features displays by many of the world’s greatest aircraft as they perform on one of aviation’s greatest stages. Highlights include the USAF A-10, the, the Frecce Tricolori, Team Viper and the RAF’s Tornado GR4 Role Demo.

There is also the opportunity to see just why Maj Murat Keles, pilot of the Turkish Air Force F-16; Capt Michael Brocard, the French Air Force Rafale display pilot; and the crew of the Italian C-27J Spartan, took top honours at this summer’s Air Tattoo’s flying display awards. Stunning in-cockpit footage offers the viewer a pilot’s-eye-view of many of the displays as aircraft twist and turn above RAF Fairford to the delight of thousands of spectators.

Altogether, 219 aircraft, representing 27 air arms and 17 nations took part in RIAT 2011 and among those featured on the DVD are some of the ‘stars’ on static display including the rarely-seen Ukrainian Su-27 ‘Flanker’ and the debut appearance of the RAF’s future strategic tanker aircraft – the A330 ‘Voyager’.

With narration by one of the UK’s most respected aviation journalists and Air Tattoo commentator, Ben Dunnell, the official RIAT 2011 DVD provides an informed, entertaining and occasionally moving insight into the modern military mindset.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Even for the seasoned enthusiast, it can be hard to take in all the action the Air Tattoo has to offer. Our official DVD is an opportunity to fully appreciate the sheer power, agility and operational capabilities of many of the world’s greatest aircraft – both past and present.”

Sold in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the official RIAT 2011 DVD is priced £16.95 and can be ordered online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 297 1940.