UK Airshow News – Page 64

Spitfire Confirms Sponsorship Deal with Wings & Wheels

Dunsfold Wings & Wheels is thrilled to confirm that aviation’s favourite tipple, Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale, has signed up to support the charity airshow for its 8th consecutive year. The Kent brew will take a leading role in the 2012 show held at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey on Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August.

Originally brewed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, its characteristically Kentish, hoppy flavour and risqué advertising campaigns has made it a firm favourite with both beer and Wings & Wheels lovers.

Shepherd Neame Brand Manager, Kate Mclean, comments: “Spitfire Ale is delighted to be supporting Wings & Wheels again. The popularity of this fantastic family show keeps on growing and it’s great to be involved in an event that helps so many deserving causes.”

Wings & Wheels Event Director, Jamie McAllister, comments: “We are delighted that Spitfire has chosen to continue its support. The brand has become synonymous with Wings & Wheels over the years and their support is invaluable in helping us create an even bigger and more successful event than before.”

Wings & Wheels is a sensational summer event for the whole family! The unmissable heart pumping roar of powerful jet engines, the twisting and turning trills (thrills?) of death-defying stunts, the iconic beauty of vintage and classic machines and the joyful buzz of delighted spectators will blow your mind and leave you and your loved ones breathless!.

Binoculars will be at the ready as the ‘Wings’ of the event ensures visitors are treated to phenomenal and diverse five hour air displays including show favourites the Red Arrows, Avro Vulcan and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Headlining the explosive *NEW* additions to the show is the Tornado GR4 display in which the two RAF aircraft will perform an astonishing and intense simulated attack on the airfield in an aggressive and exciting display of power and force. Adding to the *NEW* displays will be breath-taking routines from the RAF King Air, Apache Attack Helicopter and the B-25 Dutch Mitchell Bomber, which will be performing its only UK air display in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the airfield.

With sparkling hub caps, perfect paintwork and the deep murmur and reverberation of finely-tuned engines, you don’t need to be a petrol head to delight in the ‘Wheels’ of the show. A mouth-watering selection of vehicles will take to the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular which showcases a range of supercars and classic and vintage icons in an awe inspiring display of power and speed. Delivering an element of nostalgia to the ‘Wheel’s, the regal Military Vehicles will complete a cavalcade for spectators before statically displaying in the Military Zone. The Stunt Zone not only welcomes back Paul Swift and his world record j-turns, fast action parallel parking and two wheel driving, but will be hosting a gravity-defying display of balance, back flips, somersaults and other hair raising stunts with *NEW* freestyle motorbike stunt performances – proving that two wheels are just as dramatic as four!

The excitement and anticipation doesn’t stop at the main displays, as the 32 acre public arena is bursting with a huge variety of interactive attractions containing all you need for a great family day out. The 1940s Zone will swing to the beat of jive dancing master-classes and historic re-enactment while the Hot Rod Zone will host live rockabilly music, themed retail outlets and a stunning display of nostalgic and ‘kustom’ Hot Rod vehicles. *NEW* interactive displays include the famous Boeing 747 film set which will open its doors to visitors for the first time and Dunsfold’s 70th anniversary display which will reveal the illustrious aviation and motoring history of the site. The show arena also boasts laser quest, kids driving, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, a Wall of Death, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes added extras to make your experience even more enjoyable; over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free and on-site parking, public camping, a lost children point, disabled access, mobility provision, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, a raffle, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 8th annual Wings and Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Sunday 26th & Monday 27th August 2012, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:00.

Tickets start from £18 for adults, £40 for a family (two adults and three children aged 5 – 15yrs), £5 for children aged 5 -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 tickets call 08712 305572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust, Cranleigh Village Hospital Trust, Help for Heroes and Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.

Wings & Wheels Secures Attack Helicopter Display

Visitors to this year’s Wings & Wheels can be forgiven for thinking they are being hunted as the Show welcomes the Army’s skilful tank destroyer, the Apache helicopter. The fierce defender of the skies will be on display for the first time at Dunsfold Aerodrome as the Attack Helicopter Display Team joins the incredible Wings line-up.

An impressive piece of machinery the 2001 Apache attack helicopter is designed to hunt and destroy tanks and has significantly improved the Army’s operational capability. Able to operate in all weathers, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds, it could assess the whole Wings & Wheels audience in just 2 minutes!

High hovers, twists, pedal turns, wingovers and flypasts are just some of the team’s signature moves as they give visitors a glimpse of its array of weapons including the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun. In addition to the distinctive Longbow Radar located above the rotor blades, this Apache is equipped with a Day TV system, Thermal Imaging sight and Direct View Optics. Defensively it possesses a state of the art fully integrated Defensive Aid Suite.

Gerry Forristal, Wings & Wheels Aviation Director comments; “Helicopters are an incredible spectacle at airshows so we are delighted to confirm we are one of only five shows the Attack Helicopter display team will be displaying at with not one, but two Apache’s. This year’s five hour airshow is on course to be our best yet as Wings & Wheels returns for two days on Sunday 26th & Monday 27th August.”

Other aircraft set to perform in the main aircraft display at Dunsfold Wings & Wheels include RAF Red Arrows, Tornado GR4, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Tucano Display, RAF Hawk, RAF Tutor as well as a host of civilian aircraft all accompanied by entertaining and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and enthusiasts.

Tickets 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. Hospitality packages start from £125 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book tickets call 08712 305572.

Japan Acts to Strengthen Military Ties

Japan said its announcement today that it would be sending an aircraft to participate in its first ever European airshow this week was a step towards developing closer military ties with the UK.

A Japanese KC-767J from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force will arrive at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Thursday (July 5) for the weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo (July 7-8).

Other than for State visits, it will represent the first time a Japanese military aircraft has touched down on British soil.

Capt (Navy) Atsushi Minami, Defence Attache at the Japanese Embassy in London said the decision to send an aircraft to the Air Tattoo was taken following visits to Japan by the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton last year and by David Cameron in April.

Capt Minami said: “When Prime Minister Cameron paid and official visit to Japan, our two prime ministers agreed in a joint statement to upgrade bilateral defence co-operation in various fields. On instruction from the two Prime Ministers, the Japanese Defence Minister and the UK Defence Secretary signed a Defence Cooperation Memorandum earlier this month (June).

“The prodigious economic growth of countries in East Asia amid the delicate strategic balance in the region represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Japan and the UK. Japan and the UK are each other’s most important partners in Asia and Europe, respectively. We hope our participation in the Air Tattoo will enhance defence cooperation between our two countries.”

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force participating in this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo. During my visit to Japan, late last year, I was particularly keen to secure the attendance of the JASDF for the 2012 Air Tattoo and I am very pleased that the Taiko Drummers have also travelled to Fairford to provide some outstanding entertainment and to showcase some Japanese culture; It is my pleasure to welcome them to the United Kingdom.”

European Airshow Council Chairman Gilbert Buekenberghs said: ” Whilst other nations will also be sending aircraft to European air shows for the first time this summer, most notably South Korea and Colombia, it is the backdrop against which Japan is proposing to participate that makes their visit to the Air Tattoo so significant. Whilst other far flung nations may choose not to attend for reasons of distance or cost, Japan’s absence over the years has been self imposed, a restriction borne out of the Second World War. That they now feel the time is right to participate more fully on the international stage is to be applauded – and certainly one welcomed by the European airshow community.”

Aviation author Lindsay Peacock said: “Since the end of World War Two, the Japanese have adhered to a pacifist clause in its constitution that prohibits it from settling international disputes with the use of military force. However, in recent times, the once strict interpretation of this clause has been relaxed somewhat, resulting in participation in training exercises such as ‘Red Flag Alaska’ as well as involvement in humanitarian efforts. In addition, Japan is now beginning to play an increasing role in global security. Sending its first ever military aircraft – a Boeing KC-767J – to an airshow in Europe is an indication of Japan’s growing confidence.”

In addition to its 14 crew, on board the KC-767J will be a troupe of 26 Taiko drummers from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. They plan a series of performances during the airshow.

The aircraft, one of four JASDF tankers, will arrive via Elmendorf US Air Force Base, Alaska, on July 5.

www.airtattoo.com

Former RAF pilot killed in airshow tragedy

The pilot of a historic DeHavilland Hummingbird aircraft was killed today when his plane crashed in front of more than 600 spectators at the Old Warden Military Pageant.

Ex RAF Tornado pilot Trevor Roche had only been in the air a few minutes when the aircraft crashed into the ground at around 09.45 this morning.

Old Warden fire services immediately attended the scene and were joined by Bedfordshire emergency services, however have reported that Mr Roche was killed instantly.

The airshow was immediately cancelled and all spectators sent home.

Air Accident investigators from the AAIB are currently in attendance to look into what caused the crash.

Airscene’s thoughts are with the family of Mr Roche.

Stealth set to steal show at Air Tattoo

Organisers of next week’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford have announced that one of the most popular and distinctive aircraft ever to appear at the airshow will be among almost 300 others taking part from around the world.

The US Air Force B-2 ‘Spirit’ stealth bomber, which last touched down at RAF Fairford for the airshow in 1999, will make a 10,000-mile round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to take pride of place within the Air Tattoo’s static aircraft park.

The B-2 ‘Spirit’ has the ability to deliver massive firepower in a short time anywhere in the world and through previously impenetrable defences. It has both a conventional weapons and nuclear capability. First flown in 1989, the stealth bomber has since taken part in a number of military operations including Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said that securing the B-2’s participation in the Air Tattoo was a great coup for the event.

He said: “The B-2 is high on the list of people’s must-see aircraft because of its distinctive and mysterious, sleek shape and the fact it rarely appears at airshows outside of the USA. Anyone who has seen it will tell you what an incredible looking aircraft it is. It’s simply unique.

“With seven aerobatic display teams, special flypasts and aircraft such as the B-2, Vulcan, Osprey and Rafale, I can confidently say that no other airshow in the world this year will be as exciting as the one we have planned at Fairford next week.”

The last time a B-2 ‘Spirit’ appeared at the Air Tattoo was in 2004 when it performed a flypast without landing. Since then, the B-2 has never been seen at any other European airshow.

More than 250 aircraft are due to land at the Gloucestershire air base for the event, starting with the arrival from Colombia of a C-130 Hercules. It will be the first time Colombia has ever taken part in an airshow in the United Kingdom.

Tickets for the Air Tattoo, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com. Under-16s go free. No tickets will be available on the gates.

Air Tattoo to serve up Triple Treat

Organisers of Europe’s largest airshow are preparing to serve up a triple helping of historic aircraft as three new nations prepare to touch down at RAF Fairford for the Air Tattoo next month.

Colombia has confirmed it will be sending a C-130H Hercules plus a rare training aircraft whilst the Republic of Korea will be represented by its aerobatic display team, the Black Eagles.

In May, the Koreans began shuttling 10 of its T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft to Manchester airport on board a 747 jumbo jet. The aircraft arrived in pieces and have since been reassembled at RAF Leeming.

Details of the third new participating nation are due to be announced by the Air Tattoo next week.

As well as almost 300 aircraft taking part in the airshow on July 7-8, the Air Tattoo will host one of the largest gatherings of international air chiefs ever assembled in the UK.

More than 44 military chiefs, representing air forces from countries including Brunei, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uruguay, New Zealand, the US and Singapore, will be joining more than 130,000 people over the weekend.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the Air Tattoo’s international reputation as one of the world’s biggest and best airshows helped secure the 250-plus aircraft from more than 22 countries.

He said: “I’m delighted that 41 years after the first Air Tattoo, the world’s air arms still see the Air Tattoo as the place to demonstrate the capabilities of their aircraft and aircrew. Everyone involved in next month’s Air Tattoo is very excited because we believe we shall be staging one of the greatest aviation events anywhere in the world this year. It’s really not to be missed.”

Among the highlights of the Air Tattoo’s eight-hour flying programme will be displays by seven international aerobatic teams, the only flying Vulcan bomber and a special flypast by the RAF’s heavyweight airlift fleet featuring the VC-10, TriStar, C-17, C130, A330 and A400M. There will also be a recreation of the mass flypast by 27 Hawk jets in ‘EIIR’ formation that took place over Windsor Castle in May as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Tickets for the Air Tattoo are only available in advance and are priced from £39. Visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Flying participation announced for Flying Legends 2012

With only three weeks to go to this year’s Flying Legends Air Show on Saturday 30 June and Sunday 1 July, The Fighter Collection and IWM Duxford are delighted to announce some of the stunning aircraft that will be flying in this year’s extravaganza event.

Flying Legends sees the air show debut of The Fighter Collection’s Republic P-47G Thunderbolt 42-25068 ‘Snafu’, one of only two Curtiss-built examples left in the world.

The Sikorsky S-38makes its UK debut at Flying Legends. An American twin-engine eight-seat amphibious aircraft, it was sometimes called ‘The Explorer’s Air Yacht’ and was Sikorsky’s first widely produced amphibious flying boat. In addition to serving with Pan American Airways and the United States Army, the Sikorsky S-38 was owned by numerous private individuals, including aviators Howard Hughes and Charles Lindbergh.

Making a welcome return following their debut UK air show appearance at Flying Legends last year is the Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lighting and the Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair. The Flying Bulls’ stunning aerial performances will no doubt wow the crowds at Flying Legends.

Flying Legends is famous for presenting a unique combination of remarkable aircraft in superb aerial displays and this year is no different.

Over fifty aircraft will be participating, including two Hispano Buchon; eight Spitfires covering various marques, including two Mark One variants; three Hawker Sea Furies; three Hawk variants including the Hawk 75, the P40B and the P40F; threemarques of YAK fighters; a Fiesler Storch and a Lysander. Three First World War aircraft – the Nieuport 17, Fokker DR1 and Sopwith Triplane – will fly together for the first time. The ever-popular Breitling Wingwalkers will performas a two-ship display. And of course, there will be displays by the famous IWM Duxford-based B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B and the PBY Catalina Miss Pick Up.

The legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster and Hawker Hurricane will display on Saturday 30 June only, while on Sunday 1 July only the Aerostars perform stunning aerobatics.

The Vintage Village

Don’t forget to visit our nostalgic Vintage Village at the Flying Legends Air Show. You can enjoy a glass of fizz or two fromthe Prosseco Bar and relax as you listen to the romantic sounds of Harry and Edna’s Revolution 78, as the dapper DJs play 1930s and 1940smusic in all its original atmospheric splendor on period gramophones.

Look out for the Manhattan Dolls, whomake a welcome return after their debut at last year’s Flying Legends. This glamorous New York-based Andrews Sisters-style group will be performing those instantly-recognisable hits of the thirties and forties in their own inimitable style.

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

Past to Present Historical bring the Second World War Home Front to life with an Anderson air raid shelter, an evacuees’ display and costumed interpreters. Look out for our iconic wartime leader Winston Churchill – if you are very lucky, he may even accompany you for a photograph.

Complete your vintage experience by ordering an IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper. Soak up the atmosphere in the Vintage Village as you enjoy a perfect ration-free picnic lunch for two, including the Duxford sausage roll, homemade sandwiches, hand-cut crisps, seasonal salad, a refreshing Pimms summer berry jelly and traditional elderflower presse, all served in a disposable hamper including cutlery, plates and glasses.

The IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper for two costs £21. To order, please email duxfordevents@elior.com or call 01223 497 501. Please give aminimumof three days notice for your picnic order. Picnic orders are collected fromWing Co Joe’s Café on the day.

Flying Legends Hospitality Packages

If you’d like tomake your experience of Flying Legends evenmore special, do hurry to take advantage of our air show hospitality packages. Our Gold Pass package is almost sold out for Saturday 30 June. To find out more about our hospitality packages go to http://www.iwm.org.uk/commercial/venue-hire/iwmduxford/airshow

Tickets for the Flying Legends Air Show 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 from 9.30amto 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 15 June
For UK postal delivery – 5pm on Wednesday 20 June

Flying Icon Joins Jet Set at Air Tattoo

An aircraft considered by many to be one of the finest symbols of man’s conquest of the skies will receive a modern ‘guard of honour’ when it makes a rare appearance in the UK this summer.

The only flying Super Constellation in Europe, and one of only three flying ‘Connies’ in the world, will make its first appearance in the UK for eight years when it performs a special flypast at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 7-8.

The iconic Breitling Super Constellation Star of Switzerland, seen by many as the embodiment of the golden age of propeller planes, will be flanked by seven Czech-built L-39C Albatross jets, from the Breitling Jet Team, for a Diamond Jubilee tribute to the Queen.

Capable of crossing the Atlantic without any stop-overs, the Lockheed Super Constellation dominated civil aviation in the 1950s and set new standards in comfort and luxury.

Air Tattoo flying display commentator and Classic Aircraft magazine editor Ben Dunnell said: “There’s no doubt that the Breitling Super Constellation will be an absolute highlight of this summer’s Air Tattoo. The Connie is simply one of the most beautiful aircraft ever conceived and makes a majestic sight in the sky.

“There are few spectacles in aviation more evocative than that of a ‘Connie’ in the air, thanks in no small part to its wonderful shape and distinctive sound. Many will be delighted that it’s coming back to these shores after an eight year absence. Simply put, it’s everyone’s favourite big-pistoned airliner.”

Other Diamond Jubilee attractions taking place at the Air Tattoo include a repeat of the spectacular mass flypast of 27 Hawk jets in an ‘EIIR’ formation that flew over Windsor Castle in May. A number of colourful Diamond Jubilee-painted aircraft will also be displaying along with a static line-up of current and historic aircraft with ‘Royal’ connections.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. This summer will see aircraft from more than 22 countries, including two that will be taking part in a UK airshow for the first time – South Korea and Colombia.

Tickets, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Cosford to Reprise Royal Flypasts

The Diamond Jubilee weekend has given everyone a tantalising glimpse of some of the treats in store at the Cosford Air Show. The Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts stole the show along the Mall, but on Sunday 17th June at Cosford both will be giving their full display which is sure to wow the crowds.

Sadly the flypast for the River Pageant on Saturday had to be cancelled because of the bad weather. However, the planned stars of that flying display – the Swordfish of the Royal Naval Historic Flight and Royal Navy helicopters – are both in the programme for Cosford as well as nearly six hours packed with performances from aircraft old and new.

Among many other current highlights are the famous Blades, the RAF Typhoon, role demonstrations from a pair of Tornados, the RAF Sea King and the Army Air Corps Apache, while Vampire, Meteor, P-51 Mustang and the Great War team aircraft lead the classic line-up.

Like many big events the activity is not only in the air but includes a full programme of ground entertainment and displays. With less than two weeks to go advance ticket sales are on sale on-line and from local outlets at just £20 per person with children under 16 admitted free.

Full information on the show including details of all participating aircraft can be found on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

RAF Heavyweights Prepare to Flex Muscles

GIANT aircraft from the RAF’s air transport and air-to-air refuelling fleets will fill the sky over RAF Fairford next month when they take part in a unique flypast at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

A VC-10, TriStar, A330 Voyager, C-17 and C-130 Hercules from RAF Brize Norton will be joined by Airbus Military’s A400M for a flypast representing the past, present and future of the RAF’s airlift capability.

The flypast will be particularly poignant as it will provide a final opportunity for Air Tattoo visitors to bid farewell to the VC-10 before the fleet is finally retired in March 2013. It was from RAF Fairford that the first RAF Transport Command VC-10 sortie was flown by 10 Sqn in the late 1960s.

The flypast is part of the Air Tattoo’s operational theme Skylift 2012 which will bring together some of the aircraft that help project air mobility around the globe by providing air-to-air refuelling and delivering troops and equipment quickly and safely to support combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian campaigns.

Among the other international military aircraft supporting the Skylift 2012 theme will be a German Airbus A310, a Hungarian An-26, an Italian KC-767, a Polish An-28, an Omani Airbus A320 and a USAF KC-135. Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “This is an incredible opportunity to witness an entire generation of mighty RAF aircraft flying together, as the old and the new combine to perform a unique flypast as well as giving the VC-10 a spectacular send-off.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will feature aircraft from around the world, including South Korea, Russia, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. The eight-hour flying programme includes the European debut of the United Arab Emirates’ Al Fursan display team, the Red Arrows and the unique MV-22 Osprey.

The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Tickets, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.