Airscene News – Page 156 – Airshow and Aviation Museum news.

Special delivery flight to mark 100th Anniversary of the first Air Mail Letter

One hundred years ago Claude Grahame-White launched the World’s First Aerial Post, flying mail from Hendon to Windsor to celebrate the Coronation of King George V.

On September 9th this year The Royal air Force Museum takes part in the centenary celebrations for the first ever Air Mail flight with a commemorative flight and letters to Her Majesty The Queen!

In a world before emails, texts and social networking the first ever Air Mail flight in the world took place between the London Aerodrome in Hendon North London to Windsor on September 9th 1911.

The historic 15 minute flight was piloted by Gustav Hamel in a Bleriot aircraft and as well as letters from the general public it also carried a number of official ones to reigning monarchs, emperors and world leaders.

Today the Royal Air Force Museum stands at the grounds of the original London Aerodrome and on 9th September, a commemorative helicopter flight will leave the Museum at 1100 flying over the original 1911 route to Windsor Great Park. It will be carrying mail, anniversary cards and covers produced by Buckingham Covers. Air Marshall Sir Ian Macfadyen, the Constable and Governer of Windsor Castle will be on board and it is hoped that a Bleriot will fly again in the park at Windsor (weather permitting), piloted by Henk van Hoorn.

Also in attendance at Windsor, will be Eric “Winkle” Brown who holds the record of the largest number of aircraft flown) and Tony Iveson – the only Battle of Britain pilot to have won a medal as Bomber Captain (Tirpitz).

The Museum is also inviting its younger visitors to write a brief message to Her Majesty the Queen, telling her what they like the most about growing up in 2011. Letters should be brought to the Royal Air Force Museum where there will be a special post box and all letters posted there will be carried by helicopter to Windsor on Friday 9 September.

Letters can be written on site at the Museum on a special letterhead and placed in a postbox at the London site.

The Royal Mint will also be issuing a miniature sheet of stamps, Tower Mint have struck a commemorative medallion and Buckingham Covers are producing commemorative presentation packs and covers.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Museum commemorates Battle of Britain with family weekend

10-11 September 2011

Spitfire Flypast on Saturday (weather permitting)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be commemorating the Battle of Britain, considered the most important event in Royal Air Force history, with a family weekend of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a flypast on Saturday from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire (weather permitting).

Activities taking place over the weekend include real life working Merlin & Griffon engine demonstrations lasting approximately 30 minutes and a chance to see how a WWII Ops Room operated. A land army re-enactment group will be digging for victory in the wartime garden with Hoo Farm bringing along sheep, ducks, chickens, goats and a sheep dog as part of the land army experience.

A main highlight of the weekend will be a Question and Answer session with Battle of Britain veterans. Come along and listen to their remarkable tales and ask those in the know, what it was really like to be in the RAF during the Battle of Britain era. The Q&A session plus screenings of outtakes from the 1969 epic film Battle of Britain will be taking place in the Conference Room located in the Visitor Centre.

Over this weekend children and adults can find out what it was like to be a 1940’s RAF pilot by sitting inside a replica Spitfire, complete with flying jacket and goggles; and will have the opportunity to have their photo taken professionally as a memento of the day (charges apply). Also on display over the weekend will be a range of 1940’s military vehicles and a Guild of Aviation Artists exhibition displaying 51 paintings themed around the Battle of Britain will be on display in Hangar 1.

And to keep the children entertained the Museum will be running its popular ‘Step Back In Time’ workshop where children and adults alike, will write with a dip pen using old fashioned inkwells and have a go at pounds, shilling and pence arithmetic and fill in a replica evacuee label and identity card. But, be prepared to evacuate the class quickly at any time in order to make it down to the Anderson Shelter to escape a day time bombing raid. Other children’s activities including colouring in Spitfires and Union Jack flags, will be taking place throughout the site over both days.

The Museum Restaurant will be offering some culinary delights with their wartime menu and visitors will be able to dine in true street party style. Visitors are also welcome to dress up for the occasion in their 1940’s clothing. For more information about the Battle of Britain Weekend event please contract the Museum on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.

Airshow visitors offered chance of a flight in vintage aircraft

Visitors to the Battle of Britain Airshow are being offered the rare opportunity of a flight in a vintage airliner.The event, at Cotswold Airport, on September 17 and 18, will feature some of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War, including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

However, crowds will also get the chance to take to the skies themselves, courtesy of Classic Flight and its beautifully restored de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

The 1940s-built twin-engined airliner was one of the most successful British commercial short-haul passenger aircraft of its time.

And Classic Flight will be offering pleasure flights throughout the airshow weekend.

Event operations manager Glen Moreman said: “The Dragon Rapide is a beautiful aircraft and a flight will surely live long in anyone’s memory.

“Classic Flight have been to Cotswold Airport on several occasions and we’re delighted to be welcoming the Dragon Rapide back and offering visitors a fantastic opportunity.”

In addition to the Dragon Rapide, Cotswold Airport-based HH Helicopters will be offering pleasure flights.

Crowds will also get the chance to visit the various flying clubs and organisations on-site, which specialise in everything from flying lessons to Top Gun aerial combat experiences.

Other performers will include the Tiger Nine Tiger Moth display team and the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team.

An AN2 – the world’s largest single-engined biplane – and a Chipmunk will also take to the skies.

Unlike previous years, when the event was a pure airshow, the 2011 event will also feature a traditional fair, complete with carousel, helter skelter and other rides.

Organisers are also inviting local traders to become more involved and use the show to showcase their products and services and create a shopping area featuring the best of local produce.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “We’ve already had a great response from local businesses and are extremely keen to attract even more participation from the surrounding community.

“We want to show everyone exactly what the Cotswolds has to offer, as well as provide an event that caters for all the family.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

They are available online through the air show website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); at The Crown public house, West Market Place, Cirencesrer; from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, and also by telephoning 08712 301 079.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com

Royal Air Force Kemble opened in 1938 as part of the RAF’s ‘expansion plan’, which concentrated on training and maintenance bases.

It has been used for aviation activities ever since and was home to the world-famous Red Arrows display team during the 1980s, who were a regular sight in the skies above the south Cotswolds, practicing up to four times a day.

The airport’s current owner, Ronan Harvey, operated the airfield on behalf of the Ministry of Defence for five years, before purchasing it outright in 2001.

His aim was to maintain the site’s use as an active airfield and safeguard its rich heritage, while at the same time encouraging both local and international businesses to base themselves at Kemble – a move which has created hundreds of jobs in the local community,

Today, the site, which is known as Cotswold Airport and is licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority, is home to dozens of businesses, flying clubs and a thriving restaurant.

The airport stages a host of events, including the hugely popular annual Cotswold Airshow, Vintage Flying Weekend, Race for Life, and Mobility Show – the biggest UK show devoted to mobility for the disabled.

In addition, the airport has very strong ties with the local community, offering an aviation scholarship scheme to young pilots, engineers and would-be traffic controllers.

The airport also raises thousands of pounds for charities and worthy causes, including the RAF Benevolent Fund.

A little bit of the United States at Duxfords American Air Day

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a day out at IWM Duxford stateside-style today, Friday 19 August, at American Air Day.

Visitors met and mingled with men and women from the Third Air Force of the United States Air Force in Europe, based at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in East Anglia.

There were a wide range of fascinating demonstrations, from the K9 dog display team, to the Birdman with his stunning birds of prey. There was a display by the USAFE Operational Support Service showing how they prepare a fighter aircraft for readiness, using Duxford’s own static F-15 Eagle for true authenticity, and a display of Security Forces Humvee vehicles and equipment.

In a poignant Missing in Action ceremony, the USAFE Honor Guard remembered United States personnel who are missing in action or lost their lives in active service.

Imperial War Museum Duxford was delighted to welcome back SR-71 Blackbird pilot Colonel Richard Graham who hosted walk-around tours of the Blackbird spy plane that he flew, which is now in pride of place in the American Air Museum.

There were also displays by the USAFE weather display team and medical team. Visitors also had to the chance to see some stylish American cars and motorbikes.

The USAFE C-130 aircraft flew in, landed and opened for very popular public tours.

In the skies there were exciting fly-pasts and displays. There were a series of United States Air Force fly-pasts, comprising two F-15E aircraft, followed by a fly-past of a KC-135. This was followed by a fly-past of two F-15C aircraft.

Duxford’s historic American aircraft then took to the skies, with displays by a pair of North American Harvards, followed by a Boeing Stearman, and then a pair of S1 Pitts aircraft.

The final flypast of USAF F-15E aircraft was followed by a second display of Duxford aircraft, including the North American F-86 Sabre, Beech Staggerwing and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina.

It was a fantastic day of Anglo-American celebration, enjoyed by visitors from both sides of the pond!

http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration to make UK appearance at Duxford Air Show

Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted to announce that the United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration will display at The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) in its only UK appearance in 2011.

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter aircraft with two crew members, a pilot and a weapons systems officer, performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fly at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather. It also gives the aircraft the ability to destroy enemy ground positions and fight its way out of combat situations.

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a thrilling aircraft to watch in flight and its presentation at The Duxford Air Show will provide an exciting highlight to an amazing programme of aerial activity. The F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration will be performed by Major Mike “Cash” Maeder, the Air Combat Command’s Strike Eagle Demonstration Team Pilot and Commander.

As the Demonstration pilot, Mike showcases America’s F-15E Strike Eagle to more than seven million people at approximately 65 shows around the world every year. He is currently assigned as an F-15 Eagle instructor pilot.

The F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team operates from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina and is part of the United States Air Force 4th Fighter Wing. It has the distinction of being the only Air Force unit that can trace its history back to Great Britain.

The lineage of the 4th Fighter Wing can be traced back directly to RAF Duxford during the 1940s. Prior to the United States officially entering the Second World War, American volunteers were already serving in combat with the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons.

There were three Eagle Squadrons – Nos. 71, 121 and 133. No.133 Squadron, reformed as the 3rd RAF Eagle Squadron on 31 July 1941, was based at Duxford from August to October 1941. On both occasions, it operated from Fowlmere, Duxford’s satellite fighter station.

When the United States entered the Second World War, the Eagle Squadron units, and their American pilots, were transferred to the United States Army Air Forces 8th Air Force, forming the 4th Fighter Group on 12 September 1942. The 4th Fighter Group was redesignated as the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing in July 1958.

Today, the 4th Fighter Wing is one of two on-call rapid response aerospace expeditionary wings. The 4th Fighter Wing was the first to assume this mission on 1 October 1999.

The historic link between Duxford and the United States Air Force continues to the present day.

The only UK appearance by the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration forms a key highlight of a superb flying programme at The Duxford Air Show. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this iconic aircraft with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.

Aerobatic excitement is provided by the Aerostars on Saturday 3 September and the Red Arrows on Sunday 4 September.

Additional highlights include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane French Air Force Alpha Jet (Saturday only), RAF Sea King, Army Apache, RAF King Air, Royal Navy Historic Flight Swordfish, SWIP Twister Duo, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, T-28 Trojan (x2), Curtiss 75 Hawk, Hawker Hurricane, Bouchon 109, Curtiss P-40F, Curtiss P-40B and, on static display, the Italian Air Force C-27J and the Polish Air Force M-28.

With such a spectacular air display, The Duxford Air Show, celebrating the legendary Spitfire, is not to be missed!

The IWM Duxford Air Show App 2011

Following the launch of the IWM Duxford Air Show App at the Spring Air Show and some enthusiastic feedback from users, we have refined the Air Show App for use at The Duxford Air Show.

The App will now run faster and more seamlessly, providing real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at The Duxford Air Show, as the aircraft display.

Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App also includes an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the 2011 air shows and where in the Museum you can find out more about them.

The App is currently FREE to download. It will be available for download prior to The Duxford Air Show and on the day itself – IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading.

This dynamic guide to The Duxford Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around.

For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows

Military History supports Duxford’s 2011 Air Shows

Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted that Military History is supporting its 2011 air show season.

In addition to brand positioning across the Duxford air shows, Military History is supporting the new Duxford Air Shows App and a ‘Hands on History’ zone, which gives families the opportunity to learn
about history together in a fun and interactive way during Duxford’s air shows.

Military History is the only channel dedicated to the conflicts, people and technology that shaped our modern world. With programmes that feature expert interviews, eyewitness accounts, astonishing archive and re-enactments, we take you into the war rooms, in the seat of a fighter jet and onto the battlefield.

Military History is available in the UK on Sky 531 and Virgin Media 236.

Eastbourne Airbourne Goes Global

Eastbourne is celebrating a spectacular weekend with Airbourne 2011 attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the destination to witness the thrilling aerobatics and action-packed arena displays, as well as reaching its biggest ever online audience.For the first time this year Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow was streamed live online through the new Airbourne TV and with several websites carrying the feed, the Eastbourne event reached more than 60,000 viewers across the world.

Attracting some of the most visibly busy crowds in the event’s history; Airbourne was also enjoyed by online viewers in countries such as the USA, India, Brazil, Thailand, Germany, Italy, France and the Philippines.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “What a brilliant four days we have just enjoyed in Eastbourne! Airbourne 2011 really did surpass all expectations and despite a bad start with the weather on Thursday, the rest of the weekend showed Eastbourne to be back on form with bright sunshine and blue skies!

“The seafront was absolutely packed with visitors all here to enjoy our four day flying spectacular and it was a fantastic sight to see so many people enjoying themselves at our fabulous free event. Airbourne TV was a great addition this year meaning that we could raise awareness of Eastbourne across the globe with the live stream and it also offered visitors to the event the chance to watch exclusive interviews with pilots and display crews for the first time.

“Airbourne is a magnificent event for Eastbourne; not only does it bring new visitors to the town spending in local businesses but it also raises the profile of the destination. I’d like to pass on my thanks to the many partners and sponsors who support Airbourne, including the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and the British Army, the emergency service teams and all the concessions and exhibitors who help to fund the how. I’d particularly like to thank the Eastbourne Hospitality Association, who carry out the bucket collection to raise funds towards the future of the event. If anyone missed the bucket collectors on the day, there is still time to donate either in person at the Tourist Information Centre or online via VisitEastbourne.com.

“We would also like to thank our major sponsors Eastbourne Pier, SITA, Stagecoach, Shepherd Neame, Southern Railway, Specsavers, Moira House School, Renault UK, Cherry Broadband and Geo Collins Honda for their generous support of the show.”

This year’s Airbourne welcomed several new displays, including the Royal Navy Black Cats, classic jets Hawker Hunter ‘Miss Demeanour’ and F86 Sabre, and the return of the RAF Tornado, with visitors also pleased to see the Royal Marines Unarmed Combat back in the arena.

Hundreds of visitors lined the arena on Saturday afternoon to meet the Red Arrows for their special ground visit with the display team greeting fans, signing autographs and even practicing their football skills with Brighton and Hove Albion. On Saturday evening, visitors watched and sang along to a screening of the popular 70s movie Grease at the Western Lawns.

Icon Stylists added a new element to the event this year with Hairbourne offering the chance for visitors to have their hair cut by celebrity hairdresser Jal Clarke in return for donations towards the event. Scores of people queued each day for a hair cut and hundreds of visitors watched the hairdressing team in action on the Wish Tower Slopes.

Airshow fans made the most of popular social networking sites Twitter and Facebook to interact with fellow Airbourne visitors and share their comments and photos throughout the event, with the event’s official twitter feed attracting an additional 400 followers during the past week and over 521 new likes on the official facebook page.

Airbourne is set to return to Eastbourne next summer for its 20th anniversary year from 9 – 12 August.

For more information and to contribute to this year’s retiring collection, with 70% of monies going towards Airbourne’s future and 30% to the Eastbourne RNLI Lifeboats go to www.eastbourneairshow.com or call 0871 663 0031.

Hercules makes final flight into Cosford

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford today took delivery of its latest acquisition, an RAF Hercules C130K Mk.3 transport aircraft. The aircraft made its final flight into RAF Cosford at 11.30am yesterday morning after a farewell flypast over the Museum.

The XV202 Hercules C130K Mk. 3 was an American aircraft built by Lockheed in Marietta, Georgia and was used by the United States Air Force. It was acquired by the RAF in 1966 and used mainly on longer routes and for paratrooping.

This particular aircraft was one of 30 Hercules modified during the early 1980’s, with the fuselage being lengthened by 15ft. Work was carried out by Marshall of Cambridge (Engineering) Ltd, using fuselage plugs in front of and behind of the wing.

RAF Museum Curator, Al McLean says:

“We are very pleased to be given a Hercules. For more than forty years it has been the corner stone of the RAF’s tactical transport fleet and has operated all over the world.”

The aircraft will remain at RAF Cosford for the next 3-4 weeks and will undergo a short period of maintenance carried out on the airfield. After work has been completed, the aircraft will be moved onto the RAF Museum site and will go on permanent display as part of the Museum’s extensive collection.

The aircraft was flown into RAF Cosford by No 47 Squadron, based at RAF Brize Norton. This is the second new aircraft to arrive at the Museum this year, following the Dominie’s arrival in February. More aircraft are expected to arrive later this year, including a Nimrod.

The RAF Museum Cosford is home to over 70 aircraft and the award winning National Cold War Exhibition. The Museum is open daily from 10am, admission is FREE. For more information on the Museum please call 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org

Visitors Encouraged to Recycle at Airbourne

Eastbourne company Haulaway Ltd is teaming up with the organisers of Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow to encourage visitors to recycle their rubbish during the free four day event this week.Taking place from tomorrow, Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th August, Airbourne attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and this year is stepping up its recycling efforts by introducing Haulaway Ltd’s new wheelie bins throughout the site.

Haulaway Ltd has dedicated 27 brand new wheelie bins ranging from 1100ltr to 660ltr to be placed around the Airbourne site to encourage visitors to recycle their glass and cardboard. All waste streams will then be brought back to Haulaway Ltd’s Transfer Station in nearby Hailsham where it will be segregated into its recycled commodities.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are very pleased to be working alongside Haulaway Ltd at Airbourne this year to make it as easy as possible for visitors to recycle their waste. Bins will be located close to all of the catering units and I really want to urge visitors to make the most of the recycling facilities available.

The Council’s Waste Awareness Team will be on site at Airbourne this year with an informative stand to tell visitors about all things recycling. Visitors and residents will be able to find out how much is recycled in the town and exactly what happens to it.

Airbourne opens at 10am this Thursday and promises a packed four days of thrilling flying, arena displays, evening concerts and a firework finale. The Red Arrows will be displaying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday alongside a bumper programme of RAF, Royal Navy, and civilian displays.

For more information on what’s on at Airbourne go to www.visiteastbourne.com or call 0871 663 0031. Visitors will also be able to keep up with the action via Airbourne TV on three large screens on the seafront or online at www.visiteastbourne.com/airbournetv.

Cockpits open to aviation fans

17th September 2011

6.00pm – 8.30pm

£10.00 per person

(Open cockpits and aircraft may be subject to change)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be opening up its doors to visitors for a special evening event taking pace on Saturday 17th September 2011. During ‘Open Cockpits Evening’, a selection of historic aircraft and cockpits will be available for close viewing for a limited number of visitors, allowing rare inside access to some of the World’s most historic aircraft.

During ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ members of the public will have the chance to see inside a number of cockpits including; the MH-53 Combat Search and Rescue helicopter, as used by the United States Air Force; the Jaguar ACT Demonstrator a ground attack aircraft modified to demonstrate fly-by-wire /active control technology (ACT) and a Gnat T1 as previously used by the world famous Red Arrows team.

The evening will be a rare treat for visitors to get inside some of the iconic aircraft on display at the Museum and get a feeling of what it was like to fly these much loved aircraft. Major highlights for aviation enthusiasts include the opportunity to see inside the famous TSR2 a twin engined tactical strike reconnaissance prototype and to examine how pilots operated the unique Meteor F8 Prone Position, whilst flying lying down. Other aircraft accessible to the public on this evening will include the York, Hastings and Twin Pioneer.

Museum Events Executive, Nina Mitchell says:
“After the success of the first ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ held in May this year, we hope to make this an annual event. Access inside the aircraft is something we are not able to do all the time. By opening them up to a limited number of visitors for this event, we are able to offer them quality time inside the aircraft, with our team of volunteers available to answer any questions.”

A total of 14 aircraft will be available for close viewing on the night. In addition to this, visitors will have exclusive access to the Museum which contains over 70 aircraft on display and its award winning National Cold War Exhibition.

This evening event will run from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Numbers onto the Museum site will be limited to 300 people, to allow enthusiasts to spend as much time as possible examining these wondrous aircraft. Admission is by advance ticket only. Tickets costs £10.00 per person and are on sale now at the Museum. Height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply. Parking charges are included in the ticket price.

For further information on the ‘Open Cockpit Evening’ or to purchase tickets over the phone, please contact the Museum on 01902 376200. Visit www.rafmuseum.org for information on the Museum and other events. Please note: Open cockpits and aircraft available for close viewing may be subject to change.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight legends in moving tribute at Cotswold show

The most iconic aircraft of the Second World War will take to the skies in a moving tribute at the Battle of Britain Air Show and festival, at Cotswold Airport.The Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) are set to play the starring role at this year’s show, on September 17 and 18.

Unlike previous years, when the event was a pure airshow, the 2011 event will also feature a steam fair, complete with carousel, helter skelter and other rides. Organisers are also inviting local traders to become more involved and use the show to showcase their products and services and create a shopping area featuring the best of local produce.

Event director Suzannah Harvey said: “Last year’s event was a sell out and we want to build on that huge success and create a real festival atmosphere.

“As always, we want to ensure the show is a fitting tribute to all those who fought so gallantly for our freedom in the Second World War.

“But we also want local people to become more involved and really feel like an integral part of the event.”

The BoB Airshow will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire and the BBMF are one again set to thrill the crowds.

The flight, based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, serves as a flying tribute to the many courageous pilots, some still in their teens, who took to the skies against an enemy German air force that had vastly superior numbers of aircraft.

Along with Europe’s only flying Lancaster bomber, the flight operates no less than five Supermarine Spitfires of various marks (one of which actually fought in the Battle of Britain), two Hawker Hurricanes and a Dakota.

Other performers will include the Tiger Nine Tiger Moth display team and the South Cerney-based Renegades parachute team.

An AN2, Dragon Rapide and a Chipmunk, representing the airport-based fly2help charity, will also take to the skies.

Event operations manager Glen Moreman said: “It’s always a delight to see the BBMF return to the skies above the Cotswolds and this year’s show has added significance in that it marks a true milestone for the Spitfire.

“We’ve got a beautiful setting here at Cotswold Airport and, because the BoB Airshow will be based on the north side, around the control tower, it gives the event a very intimate and atmospheric feel.”

Cotswold Airport will continue to support the charities fly2help and the RAF Benevolent Fund during the weekend of the show.

Tickets for the event are priced at £15, with children 16 and under admitted free.

They are available online through the air show website (www.battleofbritainairshow.com); from the following Tourist Information Centres: Cheltenham, Chippenham, Cirencester, Corsham, Malmesbury, Stroud, Swindon, Tetbury, Warminster, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Melksham, Trowbridge, Gloucester, Tewkesbury; from The Crown public house, Cirencester; and via telephone 08712 301 079.

Local traders are also being offered heavily discounted rates for showground pitches.

For more information on trade stand rates, contact Suzannah Harvey at suzannah@cotswoldairport.com.