Global Security Company throws its weight behind new airshow

Northrop Grumman Logo

Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company, pledged its support to the new Scampton Airshow earlier this month with an agreement to become the show’s Title Sponsor.

The Scampton Airshow, held at the home of legendary RAF aerobatic display team the Red Arrows, offers a wide range of sponsorship and networking opportunities for businesses to connect with audiences throughout the show.

Scampton Airshow Director Paul Sall said he was confident that the sponsorship agreement with Northrop Grumman would prove mutually-beneficial as the new event begins to establish itself as a key player within the UKs airshow industry. He said: “To be supported by one of the leading defence and security suppliers in Europe is a huge vote of confidence in our new airshow. Its backing not only underlines the value of the airshow but it also reinforces the airshow’s potential for delivering a first class regional event that will benefit visitors and businesses alike.

“We are very excited to be working with Northrop Grumman at the Scampton Airshow and to building a long and successful relationship.”
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Working closely with the Royal Air Force (RAF), Northrop Grumman has a long-established presence in the UK with a range of programmes, including provision of whole life support for the fleet of E-3D Sentry aircraft based at RAF Waddington. The company performs engineering and logistics support, and sustainment and modernisation for the fleet including depth maintenance to maintain relevant mission capabilities.

The Scampton Airshow is an exciting new event which is expected to attract in excess of 40,000 spectators in its first year alone. Staged in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust, the airshow will take place from 9-10 September at RAF Scampton. Not only will spectators witness an impressive five-hour flying display, but there will be an array of entertainment on the ground, from a nostalgic Vintage Village through to interactive and engaging exhibits from across industry in the Techno Zone.

To find out more about bespoke sponsorship opportunities at the Scampton Airshow, please visit www.scamptonairshow.com/airshow/commercial-opportunities or call Head of Corporate Relations David Winstone on 01285 713380 x5634

Patrouille Suisse Adds Flare to RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

Patrouille Suisse

The Swiss Air Force’s superb Patrouille Suisse national display team has confirmed that it will participate in RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day’s flying display on Saturday 8 July. Making its first visit to RNAS Yeovilton in a decade, Patrouille Suisse’s mesmerising performance will undoubtedly be one of the memorable highlights at the Somerset airshow.

Equipped with six Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs, painted in the Swiss national colours of red and white, including a large painted flag on the aircraft’s underside, the team’s National pride is both evident and prominent. Regarded as one of the best display teams in Europe, the Patrouille Suisse performs with great precision and panache. Its routine is based on smooth formation manoeuvres, interspersed with dramatic solo and duo passes and includes the outstanding ‘Tunnel’ – one of the most exciting manoeuvres flown by any national team.

The Patrouille Suisse was created in 1964, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Swiss Air Force. Initially equipped with the beloved Hawker Hunter, which it flew for over 30 years, it converted to the Tiger IIs in 1995. Its continued operation of front line combat aircraft throughout its existence marks it as unique on the European Airshow circuit, in contrast to the training Hawks of the Red Arrows for example.

Further display team, fast jet and historic aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Bringing Poppies from Flanders Fields

Bronco Demo Team

The Bronco Demo Team’s OV-10 will be bringing Poppies from Flanders Fields to venues and airshows all over Europe in 2017; supporting a message of peace and reconciliation in remembrance of the sacrifice by so many 100 years ago.

The Bronco Demo Team is based at Kortrijk-Wevelgem airport situated just 12 nm East from the Ypres salient. The airfield was first used during World War I, initially by German fighter squadrons and later, during the advance of the Allied Powers leading to the end of the conflict, by the Royal Air Force.

As a commemoration of The Great War, the Bronco Demo Team has adorned their OV-10 Bronco in a truly amazing new “Poppy” livery. The Poppies and “LEST WE FORGET, 1914-18” graphics reflect light differently when the aircraft moves, producing a different shine and brightness at various angles. The effect is outright awesome and very unique!
Our OV-10 Bronco will carry actual Poppy seeds to venues and airshows in 2017, underlining the theme. The seed packets will be offered for sale at the shows, with each bag individually marked with flight date and show name. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity.

OV-10B Bronco

The Boeing North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s for counter insurgency (COIN) combat. One of its primary missions was as a forward air control (FAC) aircraft in the Vietnam War.

The OV-10B variant was produced for Germany in the target tug role. 18 aircraft were delivered in the early 70’s and were equipped with target towing equipment in the fuselage. A clear dome replaced the rear door and a rearwards facing seat was installed in the cargo bay for a winch operator.

Bronco Demo Team

Formed in 2010, the Bronco Demo Team’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate the history of the OV-10 Bronco and the people who designed, built, flew and maintained this unique airplane.

http://www.broncodemoteam.com

RAF Centenary Exhibition: Behind the scenes

100 objects

BEHIND THE SCENES: 100 OBJECTS FOR 100 YEARS OF THE RAF

The RAF Museum is busy developing it’s London site and preparing exhibits for the RAF Centenary next year One of the areas in the new exhibition will be a timeline covering 100 years of the RAF. Like the exhibition itself, it will not be looking to tell you the whole history of the RAF but will be taking events, some major, some minor and placing them in the appropriate position on the timeline.

Accompanying the timeline will be a number of tactile models showing how aircraft of a similar role have evolved (representative models can be seen in the photos) and a miscellany of roughly 100 smaller objects highlighting many varied aspects of the RAF. It covers technical equipment, (some high tech, some very low tech) and personal items from the mundane to the extraordinary.

A couple of weeks ago we took a long list of roughly 150 items and laid them down on a 10 meter long table to see if we could whittle the list down to about 100. This allowed us to group some of the objects together, see what items worked and which didn’t and get a general feel for what this part of the exhibition may look like…

www.rafmuseum.org

Swiss Display Team to Wow Crowds at RAF Cosford Air Show

Swiss PC-7 Display Team

Organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show today revealed the exciting news that the Swiss Air Force would be sending their elite PC-7 Team to perform in the skies over Shropshire on Sunday 11th June.

The Swiss PC-7 Team were formed in 1989 and they are named after their aircraft; the Pilatus PC-7, which is a military training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Their display is designed to showcase the skills of the Swiss Air Force pilots, with uniquely choreographed formations flown with precision timing – Swiss-ness at its best!

This will be the first time that the Swiss Air Force PC-7 Team have displayed at RAF Cosford, making them a must-see attraction for fans of the aviation event which attracts more than 50,000 spectators to the air base each year. Air Show Operations Manager Peter Reoch said, “We’re extremely pleased to welcome our friends from the Swiss Air Force back to RAF Cosford, and are delighted that their award-winning PC-7 Team will be performing here for the first time. We hope this is the first of many aircraft coming from Europe to participate as part of our ‘International Co-Operation’ theme at the Air Show in 2017.”

The organisers are also expecting confirmation on which Royal Air Force aircraft will be performing in the flying display within the next few weeks. With this in mind, they are reminding visitors that discounted Early-Bird ticket prices are still available until midnight on Monday 27th March and to take advantage of the savings available! The Air Show will, for the third year running, be an Advanced Ticket Only event, with no tickets available for sale at the gates.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

An Extraordinary Edition for An Extraordinary Service

RAF book

The RAF Museum is proud to announce the launch of the RAF Centenary Anthology, a handmade, limited edition of 1,500 books of which 250 are signed exemplary copies.

Forged in the crucible of the First World War, the Royal Air Force will commemorate its Centenary on 1 April, 2018.The story of the RAF has shaped the modern world. By inspiring technological development, pioneering cultural change and pushing the boundaries of human achievement, the RAF has touched the lives of millions around the globe

This new anthology, produced by award-winning specialist publishers Extraordinary Editions in association with the RAF Museum, will commemorate a hundred years of service and sacrifice, courage and honour whilst celebrating the spirit and values of the people who have contributed to the RAF Story

A donation from all sales will be made to the RAF100 Appeal supporting the RAF Association, Charitable Trust, Benevolent Fund, Museum and the Royal Air Force.

The RAF Commemorative Anthology will consist of at least 650 pages of documents, orders, operational reports, maps, air diagrams, diaries, letters and ephemera, recording RAF life over its first 100 years. It will measure an impressive 39 x 27 cm, in order that original documentation can be reproduced at full size.

From General Smut’s memorandum on the need for an air force to the latest air actions, the book presents both a history of the Service and a series of fascinating glimpses into RAF life, operations and policy. Among the many extraordinary documents included in the book are the leaflet dropped over German lines telling them of Von Richthofen’s death, the tragic last written note from Arthur Aaron VC and the secret clandestine letters from an imprisoned Douglas Bader.

A team based at the RAF Museum has been working over the last year, identifying and assessing material and photographs from the RAF Museum archives and the Air Historical Branch in order to create the ultimate documentary history of the Service. There will be a specially written introduction to each chapter and extensive footnotes throughout to guide the reader.

All the documents and images will be scanned at ultra-high resolution to ensure the best possible reproduction and the book will be printed on a specially made, acid free, archival quality paper.

The Centenary Edition will be hand bound on brass posts in quarter leather over reinforced boards, with a book cloth cover depicting the roundel and a pattern of rivets reminiscent of a wing section. Each copy will come in a die cut slip-case revealing the roundel. This edition is limited to 1,250 copies.

The Signed Exemplary Edition will be limited to just 250 copies published in 5 different versions, each representing an iconic aircraft and signed by three pilots or crew from that aircraft: the Spitfire, the Lancaster, the Vulcan, the Harrier and the Tornado. In addition they will contain extra material about each specific aircraft.

Each of the Signed Exemplary Editions will be hand-bound in full leather using RAF colours, with the roundel of the cover inlaid in leather, and presented in a specially made solander box.

This Anthology is now offered at a special subscriber discount to members of the RAF and the RAF charities. Members can secure a copy by completing the subscriber form and sending a deposit. Once sufficient subscriptions have been received the book will go into production with delivery planned for early 2018 in time for the anniversary. All subscribers will have their names listed in the book.

The entire edition set is limited to just 1500 copies worldwide and books will be allocated on a strictly first come first served basis. Members who wish to purchase a copy are urged to do so as soon as possible as any unsubscribed copies will be made available to the public from June 2017 at full price at which point this subscriber offer will close.

Subscribers will be kept in touch with the project through RAF100 partner publications and the RAF Museum and Extraordinary Editions websites. In early 2018 Extraordinary Editions will write to each subscriber requesting their final payment, checking delivery details and confirming delivery costs.

The Centenary Edition is available to subscribers at £750 [rrp £950]
The Signed Exemplary Edition is available to subscribers at £1450 [rrp £1950]

For more information or to register your interest please email: mm@extraordinaryeditions.com or telephone: 020 7267 4547

www.rafmuseum.org

New RAF Museum Playlist

Spotify

The RAF Museum joins the long list of celebrities, politicians and industry leaders with its own Spotify playlists.

Spotify is a music, podcast, and video streaming service which is taking over how we listen to music. It allows users to listen to a large library of music and also to compile playlists for others to enjoy.

Along with our other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube, the Museum sees Spotify as a fantastic way of engaging with audiences, young and old. We look forward to developing new playlists which reflect our collections the work we do and the music we love.

The latest album to be added to the RAF Museum’s playlist ‘Love is in the air…craft’ is now live on Spotify! Click here to listen: https://open.spotify.com/user/rafmuseum/playlist/5GXaDX7YlcINFi1i6SYz7T

The playlist was lovingly compiled by staff at the Museum and includes some love songs with a ‘flight’ theme. The new Valentine’s playlist is the third album to be created by the Museum.

Wings & Wheels returns to the skies in 2017

Dunsfold Wings & Wheels

The sensational summer event for the whole family, Wings & Wheels, returns on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August 2017 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey to celebrate its 13th show. Famous favourites in the air and on the ground will blow your mind, whilst the attractions and Zones in the Arena will keep you entertained and buzzing with delight the WHOLE weekend.

Eyes to the sky as the ‘Wings’ of the event treats visitors to outstanding and diverse 5 hour air displays which has previously included show favourites the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane), Royal Navy Black Cats, the Tigers Parachute Team Blades, B-25 Mitchell bomber, Jet Provost Pair, Hangar 11 P51 Mustang and Hurricane, Xtreme Air and Sally B, accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots. The display line-up will be announced in March 2017.

The ‘Wings’ of the event would not be complete without a close-up inspection of all the weekend’s visiting aircraft including Dunsfold’s resident Boeing 747 in the ‘Wings Park’ (open for tours) and the Brooklands VC10.

Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular. The ‘Wheels’ of the show includes displays from McLaren 12C, Lamborghini Aventador Roadster and Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari California T, Aston Martin Rapide, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Multistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40 and Lotus Elise.

Visit the Wheels Zone with a bigger and better crowd line parade and interactive displays from car and motorbike clubs. The Stunt Zone will be exploding into 2017 with four wheeled hair-raising performances from Mission Motorsport and the popular Monster Truck arena returns offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The Military Zone & Parade is interactive and explosive bringing re-enactors, a living history zone, live battles and our popular military vehicle parade. The Zone has over 80 military vehicles, six re-enactment groups, tanks that will be firing and available for rides, as well as the history of Dunsfold Aerodrome and Army, Navy and RAF recruitment stands for everyone’s enjoyment.

Sid’s Zone is an action packed free area for the little ones. From 10:00 until 16:00 the kids can join in with colouring competitions, arts and crafts, paper plane challenges, relay races, egg and spoon, face painting and the popular Sid’s Trail which encourages the whole family to search the arena for questions and answers to win a goody bag. Meet and greets with show mascot Siddeley and the display pilots are not to be missed.

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 show arena boasts go-karts, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts. Shopping in the arena includes a craft marquee full of tempting tea time treats to take home and craft gifts.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with musical evening entertainment from Champagne at the Blitz, a 1940s songbird trio armed with smooth harmonies, seamed nylons and lots and LOTS of red lippy!

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 on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 13th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th August 2017, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2017 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Love is in the Air

Cosford Logo

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner treat your loved ones to a memorable day out at RAF Cosford Air Show on Sunday 11th June 2017. With plenty to see and do on the day you will be spoilt for choice! Why not make the day extra special by purchasing tickets for one of our hospitality chalets or even add a unique twist with a romantic helicopter flight?

Helicopter pleasure flights on the day cost just £39.00 for a 6-mile round trip journey. It’s a great opportunity to get a feel of how extensive the Air Show is and experience first-hand what the display pilots see as they head in to thrill the crowds. The helicopter pilots will point out local landmarks as you enjoy the spectacular views of the local countryside from the sky.

Hospitality packages range from just £60.00 per adult for a centre crowdline enclosure, to £230.00 per adult in an exclusive over-18 chalet from which you can watch the Air Show while being hosted by RAF Officers and enjoy a bucks fizz reception followed by a four course luncheon and an open bar. Air Show Deputy Director, Marilyn Summers, said; “We have hospitality packages to suit every budget. Adding on a helicopter flight to any of our packages would really give your day out at the Air Show an extra special touch.”

The flying display line-up is already beginning to take shape for 2017. Alongside the display offerings from the Royal Air Force, visitors will also be treated to the sight of exciting vintage aircraft such as the Douglas Skyraider which will be performing as part of a special set-piece finale to the six-hour flying display.

Tickets to the RAF Cosford Air Show 2017 are on sale now and organisers are encouraging attendees to purchase their tickets soon. The Air Show will, for the third year running, be an Advanced Ticket Only event. Early bird pricing is available until Tuesday 28th March 2017, with adult tickets costing £22.00 and accompanied under 16s entering free.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre to kick start season with new exhibition paying tribute to female aviators

Bessie Coleman
Image Credit: NASA

High Flying Women – Pioneering Aviators
Saturday 1 April to Sunday 24 September 2017

From Saturday 1 April, Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre’s forthcoming exhibition – High Flying Women – Pioneering Aviators will open to the public telling the stories of female aviators from around the world. The exhibition will enable visitors to discover these remarkable women and their love of flight, speed, adventure and service for their countries.

Equally important, the exhibition examines their struggles and rebellion against the conventions of their respective times, in order to realise their dreams; and how they fearlessly took to the air when aviation was a far greater risk than it is today. It will also show that wealth or indeed a lack of it was not an inhibitor of their ambitions.

The exhibition will also highlight the role women played in nursing wounded aircrew, against the conventions of the day.

See how these extraordinary women took different paths to achieve their dream including entertainment, endurance racing, military and nursing service. They all were and still are, reminders that any dream is possible with determination and tenacity.

This exhibition is open to the public from Saturday 1 April to Sunday 24 September 2017. Admission is free.

For more information about this exhibition please contact Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre on 01529 488490 or email cranwellaviation@n-kesteven.gov.uk. For more information about Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre please visit www.cranwellaviation.co.uk