Category: UK Airshow News

Honours were evenly distributed at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with just one crew – the C-27J Spartan from the Italian Air Force – scooping two prizes.

The winners were announced at the traditional end to the event, the Sunday Night Hangar Party, when Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, opened proceedings by thanking everyone for their contributions to RIAT 2011.

Sir John thanked all the air crews for creating “two days of stunning flying displaying, not withstanding the very difficult weather conditions” and paid special tribute to the Patrulla Aguila from Spain who were unable to fly on either day: “We hope they’ll be back next year and that the weather will allow them to show off their talents,” he concluded.

Air Cde Nigel Wharmby of the Air Tattoo’s Flying Control Committee commented on the professionalism shown by everyone, especially the Spanish display team, and made special mention of the Air Training Corps. “The display with training aircraft and gliders was truly remarkable given that the wind and weather made conditions phenomenally difficult,” he said, adding: “I salute you.”

This year the top award, the King Hussein Memorial Sword – presented in memory of the late HM King Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the International Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the Best Overall Flying Demonstration – went to Maj Murat Keles, flying the F-16C “Solo Turk” from 141st Sqn, Turkish Air Force.

Maj Keles said: “I am very happy. It is wonderful to receive this award in the first year of our display and in the same year as we celebrate 100 years of the Turkish Air Force.”

The sword was presented by Major General Malek Habashnah, Commander Royal Jordanian Air Force, on behalf of HRH Lt Gen Prince Faisal.

The Paul Bowen Trophy – presented in memory of The Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration – went to Capt Michael “Mikael” Brocard flying the Rafale C from EC01.007, French Air Force. The trophy was presented by Tim Prince, Director of the Air Tattoo and Chief Executive of the RAFCTE.

Capt Brocard said: “This is my first time at the Air Tattoo and my first display outside France this year, so to receive this award is fantastic. I hope I can return next year.”

The Sir Douglas Bader Trophy – for the Best Individual Flying Display – went to Maj Severino De Luca, Maj Francesco Ferreri and Chf Master Sgt Ugo Sabeni from Reparto Sperimentale Volof of the Italian Air Force, flying the C-27J Spartan.

Alan Smith, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, presented the trophy to the winning crew. Maj De Luca said: “This is so unexpected and an immense pleasure. I’m so pleased for myself and the entire team – it’s the greatest honour we can have.”

Seconds after receiving the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy, the same team were back on stage to be presented with the As the Crow Flies Trophy, voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo, and presented by Fred Crawley, Trustee of the RAF Charitable Trust.

Maj De Luca added: “We weren’t expecting to succeed so to get two exceptional gifts from the organisation is a great honour. It’s very not expected!”

Gp Capt Geoff Brindle, whose Air Tattoo roles have included Lightning Display Pilot and Flying Display Director, presented The Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy – awarded by Lockheed Martin for the Best Flying Demonstration by an overseas participant – to Maj Roland “Wally” Blankenspoor and Capt Paul “Wokkel” Webbink, flying the Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64D Apache.

Maj Blankenspoor commented: “This is a real honour for the whole team, and I’m very proud of them all. This is not our regular job, performing as a display team, so I’m proud of the whole crew: it’s a nice reward for the team.”

The Steedman Display Sword – presented by The Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, Chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988), for the Best Flying Demonstration by a UK participant – was awarded to Mark Bowman flying the BAE Systems Typhoon FGR4.

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire presented the sword to BAE Systems Test Pilot Mark Bowman who said: “This award is testament to the efforts of the company and all the groundcrew that made the display possible.”

And finally, the Best Livery award went to Maj Ingo Heinle and Capt Rene Lorgen of JBG 32, German Air Force with their Tornado ECR. They received the award from Gardiner Porter, Senior Manager, Military Global Sales for Jeppesen. Maj Heinle said: “The award belongs to the designer of our scheme, Joey. Thank you very much on his behalf.”

www.airtattoo.com

The Ukrainian Air Force say they have been delighted to be back at this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.The air arm was last present at the Air Tattoo in 2000 when the event took place at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland: prior to that they’d appeared at Fairford in 1999, having made their Air Tattoo debut in 1996.

Now, in the 40th-anniversary year of the show, the Ukrainians have returned bringing two stars of the static display with them: the Sukhoi Su-27 and a giant Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane.

Lt Gen Sergii Onyschenko of the Ukrainian Air Force said he was delighted his Air Force could be represented at the show. He said: “I am very proud that our Air Force could take part in this world famous airshow.

Gen Onyschenko first visited the UK when he was a student at the General Staff College in Ukraine, and said he took home many memories. “Britain and Ukraine have a very good close relationship and it will continue with visits like this,” he said.

While at the Air Tattoo, Gen Onyschenko met Prince Michael of Kent and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton: the special guests were shown around the aircraft and invited to sit in the Su-27.

www.airtattoo.com

Displays by the only Cold War Vulcan bomber still flying, a BAE Systems’ Typhoon and a US Air Force A-10 were among the stars of this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Around 138,000 people attended during the show period and enjoyed some spectacular flying displays as well as a wealth of entertainment on the showground – including a concert by X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke on the Sunday.

The event got off to a spectacular start with the christening of the A330 ‘Voyager’, the RAF’s new air-to-air refuelling aircraft, when the Air Tattoo was delighted to welcome Government officials. Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox was the guest of honour at the official ceremony, accompanied by Gerald Howarth, Minister of International Security Strategy, and Peter Luff, Minister of Defence Equipment, Support and Technology.

Both days saw participants pulling out all the stops to entertain with some superb flying, one of the highlights being the Hawker Hunter 60th Anniversary flypast with the veteran aircraft turning out to mark the 40th anniversary of the Air Tattoo itself. And making their UK debut, the Saudi Hawks display team lived up to expectations with an impressive performance, cementing the Air Tattoo’s reputation for bringing new aerobatic display teams to the event.

The Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker” was the aircraft every enthusiast wanted to see, and it didn’t disappoint, flying in from the Ukraine accompanied by a giant Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane before going on static display. In total, 219 aircraft took part in the Air Tattoo, from 27 air arms representing 17 nations.

Both days started with rain but the weather failed to dampen spirits, with the crowds enjoying a huge range of showground activities and events, in addition to the spectacular flying sequences. The weather improved in the afternoon on both days, with the airshow closing in sunshine with a thrilling finale by the Breitling Jet Team, performing a unique flypast with their fellow Breitling Wingwalking Team – a fitting birthday present for the Air Tattoo.

Special guests included: HRH Prince Michael of Kent; HRH Lieutenant General Prince Feisal bin Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the Air Tattoo’s Flying Scholarships for the Disabled; Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton; and the Chinese PLA Air Force’s Deputy Commander, Lt Gen Chen Xiaogong, with Defence Attache Maj Gen Zhang Jianguo. Also attending in his role as Patron of the RAF Charitable Trust was HRH the Duke of Kent.

Organisers said the event was a great success. Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “I’m so pleased that the great British public, and our overseas visitors, came to support us. They came determined to have a good time and, in response, the Air Tattoo team – whether volunteers, sponsors, supporting military units, aircrew or our paid staff – battled through the challenges the weather gave us to do what Britain does best, put on a superb airshow. Our grateful thanks go to everyone for supporting us in our 40th anniversary year.

“We’ve been especially pleased to welcome the delegation from China, and we hope their visit bodes well for the future aircraft participation from that nation.”

“This year’s airshow has seen other organisations celebrating anniversaries, and we’ve been delighted to help the Air Cadets celebrate 70 years as they are invaluable in helping keep the airshow running smoothly). We were also pleased to mark the 50th anniversary of the NATO Tiger Association, maintaining the strong bonds we enjoy with this group of enthusiastic and colourful aviators; and to help the MoD Police celebrate 40 years. It’s also been good to welcome the latest addition to the ISTAR family, the CASA 295AEW, and to get a taste of the future with the Rivet Joint – soon to be operated by the RAF – the Mantis and the SPYDR aircraft.”

Despite the large crowds there were relatively few incidents over the weekend. Chief Medical Officer Sara Hall reported that 192 visitors had been treated for minor injuries, largely climate-related with people suffering the effects of heat, cold and rain. First Aid Posts and the Medical Centre were kept busy, with five per cent of patients being conveyed to hospital for further treatment.

And Fire Control Officer Barry Hudson reported a safe Air Tattoo, assisted by the indifferent weather. Small incidents included a bird strike on a Hawk aircraft, firefighters being called to assist a visitor who’d collapsed, and a car fire adjacent to Jubilee Garden enclosure which was managed by the Domestic Fire Crew.

First-time Air Tattoo visitor Liz Clark from Stanford-in-the-Vale, Oxfordshire, said: “It’s a long time since I’ve been to an airshow and this has reminded me what I’ve been missing. It’s been amazing, and I got quite sentimental seeing the Spitfire and Vulcan. I’ll come again!”

And John Thompson from Cottingham, East Yorkshire, said: “I was very impressed with the flying displays and the Chinook which I’d never seen perform before. I liked the Rafale best – it got closest to the crowd and was the noisiest – and it was great to see the Vulcan which did much more than I expected. There was such variety – I enjoyed it all.”

www.airtattoo.com

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. Since it was established in January 2005, the Trustees have awarded over £1.56 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.

THE Vulcan “roar” has once again been heard in the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as the iconic aircraft flew in to take part in this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The distinctive shape of the mighty Avro Vulcan, the biggest aircraft in RAF history, touched down this afternoon, with the ‘Vulcan Effect’ being sufficient to fill the FRIAT grandstand and empty the corporate chalets, as a crowd of several thousand onlookers witnessed the arrival of this graceful machine.

For the third year in a row, the Vulcan “roar” will once again be heard as XH558 powers up her four Olympus engines and begins her take-off, before wowing the crowds with performances on both days at the weekend.

Richard Clarke, Press officer and patron of the Vulcan To The Sky (VTTS) organisation said: “The Vulcan is a very popular aircraft on the airshow circuit and it attracts large numbers of people. We’ve been coming to RIAT since 2009 and the pilots love flying here. It’s a great experience”.

This weekend’s co-pilot is Martin Withers, the veteran Vulcan pilot who flew the aircraft in action during the Falklands War.

E-tickets are still available for both days of the airshow (up to 9pm tonight for Saturday’s show, and to 9pm tomorrow for Sunday’s show) from the Air Tattoo website, www.airtattoo.com. Tickets will not be available at the gate but can still be bought, subject to availability, at branches of Barclays Bank, Little Chefs and at Tourist Information Centres.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. Since it was established in January 2005, the Trustees have awarded over £1.56 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.

A PAIR of aircraft dating from the Cold War era have arrived from the Ukraine to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this weekend.The Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’, sporting the spectacular blue camouflage of the Ukrainian Air Force, touched down at RAF Fairford today (Thursday) ready to take its place as one of the stars of the spectacular static display.

Arriving alongside the Flanker was another Russian design, a giant Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane, which will also appear on static display alongside its Western-built counterparts this weekend.

The Flanker is considered to be one of the most potent Russian-built fighters, first developed in the 1970s to counter the US Air Force’s new F-15 Eagle. It is often considered to be the best and most successful Russian-built fighter of the Cold War era.

The Ukrainian Air Force made its debut at the event in 1996 and has enjoyed a close relationship with the Air Tattoo ever since.

Alan Smith, Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises and the Air Tattoo, said: “We are delighted once more to be welcoming our friends from the Ukrainian Air Force, and we know they will have a great time at the Air Tattoo.”

E-tickets are available for both days of the airshow from the Air Tattoo website, www.airtattoo.com. Tickets will not be available at the gate but can still be bought, subject to availability, at branches of Barclays Bank, Little Chefs and at Tourist Information Centres.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. Since it was established in January 2005, the Trustees have awarded over £1.56 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.

A senior Government minister will be at RAF Fairford tomorrow (Friday) for the christening ceremony of the Royal Air Force’s largest and newest aircraft.

Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton will be at the Royal International Air Tattoo for the first official public appearance of the RAF’s future strategic tanker aircraft, the A330 ‘Voyager’.

Voyager is the longest and widest aircraft in the RAF’s fleet with an impressive wing span of more than 60 metres. It has been designed to carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes, which can include up to 111 tonnes of fuel, eight standard NATO freight pallets or 291 passengers. The aircraft will operate from RAF Brize Norton.

The A330 will be flown for air-to-air refuelling and air transport missions, but will also have an aeromedical capability, enabling it to carry up to 40 NATO stretchers and three critical care patients. The Voyager fleet, which will replace the VC-10 and Tristar, is based on the A330-200 commercial passenger aircraft with twin-engines, a wide-body and twin-aisles produced by Air Tanker.

AirTanker’s contract with the Ministry of Defence will see them provide 14 purpose-built A330 tanker and transport aircraft, as well as the associated support services, including training, maintenance, infrastructure, flight operations and ground services.

AirTanker has five shareholders who are also subcontractors for the programme. They are Babcock, Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce and Thales.

The name Voyager, follows the heritage of a number of RAF tanker aircraft, with the names beginning with V, specifically the Victor and the VC-10 Tanker aircraft.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “We are delighted that Dr Fox and Sir Stephen will be ‘christening’ an aircraft that will play a big part in the RAF’s future capability. The Air Tattoo has a proud history of showcasing new aircraft and we are delighted that we can now add to that list, the A330.”

www.airtattoo.com

A RARE display of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s agility and engine power with a full weapon load, will be one of the highlights of next weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The BAE Systems’ development aircraft IPA 5 (Instrumented Production Aircraft), is one of five production standard aircraft fitted with instruments for dedicated flight testing and further systems development. The UK-based IPA 5 is helping develop air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons integration.

Most air displays are achieved by reducing fuel and weapon loads, however with this display, BAE Systems Chief Test Pilot for Combat Air, Mark Bowman will demonstrate IPA5’s significant weapon carriage and manoeuvrability whilst still able to show carefree handling.

In addition to the demonstration, a full scale replica of the world’s most advanced, new generation multi-role combat jet, including full weapon display, will be available for general public access. The RAF will also have a Typhoon on display in the static aircraft park.

IPA 5 will fly in a swing-role configuration, including four Paveway II laser guided bombs, two 1,000 ltr fuel tanks, four AMRAAMs (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles) and two ASRAAMs (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles) and will highlight the Typhoon’s agility regardless of weapon load.

Test pilot Mark Bowman said: “I am looking forward enormously to displaying at the Air Tattoo next week. The aim is simply to demonstrate the Typhoon’s power, performance and presence in a truly representative combat load. Different than most other ‘clean aircraft’ displays, I hope the observer will get a real sense of why Typhoon is not only at the forefront of world combat aviation, but also acknowledge the role of European technology, engineering and ingenuity in producing this ‘awesome’ aircraft.”

An Air Tattoo spokesman said BAE Systems’ decision to display their prized demonstration aircraft at the airshow showed the significance of the event in the eyes of the company.

He said: “To have such a formidable aircraft displayed by BAE Systems’ chief test pilot for combat air is something special and will be appreciated and eagerly anticipated by the knowledgeable Air Tattoo audience.

“Having such an experienced pilot at the controls will ensure visitors to the Air Tattoo will get to see the aircraft’s full capabilities. We are extremely grateful to our title sponsor BAE Systems for agreeing to display the aircraft at the Air Tattoo.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

A state-of-the-art surveillance aircraft that flew for the first time last month will make its UK debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo next week.

The C295 Airbourne Early Warning and Control (AEW) demonstrator, which made its maiden flight on June 7 from Seville in Spain, will offer air forces a cost-effective advanced radar system to support a variety of operational activities including coastguard and homeland security. The turbo prop aircraft will arrive at RAF Fairford with a mushroom-shaped rotodome demonstrator on its roof, part of on-going flight trials to test the aircraft’s aerodynamics. The aircraft will go on static display.

A spokesman for the manufacturer Airbus Military said: “We’re delighted to give the C-295 AEW demonstrator its UK ‘premiere’ at the Air Tattoo. The aircraft is aimed at providing nations with a new and very cost effective, high quality 360° surveillance solution in the so far uncovered medium size market. It is based on the proven, rugged and versatile C295 platform and is to be equipped with the IAI/ELTA Systems’ 4th Generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar with integrated IFF.”

An Air Tattoo spokesman said: “Our airshow has long had a tradition of presenting new aircraft for the first time at a British event and the C295 AEW demonstrator is an exciting example. It is rare for demonstrators to attend airshows – especially those that have only just completed their maiden flight. We are extremely grateful to Airbus Military for allowing this rare aircraft to take a break from its test programme in order to join us for our 40th anniversary.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.