2011 – Page 7 – Airscene News

Typhoon Test Pilot in Rare ‘Weapons’ Display

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.

Lancaster flying display set to be a highlight for large model aircraft show

16-17 July 2011

Tickets available in advance or on the gate

Flypast 2.35pm on Saturday 16th July (subject to weather and operational requirements)

Visitors at the Large Model Aircraft Rally, taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 16-17 July, will be treated to a flying display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster – scheduled for 2.35pm on the Saturday (subject to weather and operational requirements).

This famous air show in miniature is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast. Last year the show attracted in excess of 12,000 visitors over the weekend, with hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft taking to the skies during the two-day event.

The main theme of this year’s show will be the 75th Anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire. Taking place twice each day, there will be a mass Spitfire scramble consisting of 15 models – possibly the largest number of model Spitfires flying together ever seen at a model air show.

Last year saw a large scale model Vulcan and Victor flying together for the first time in formation. This year all three of Britain’s V-Bombers; Vulcan, Victor and Valiant will be flying together in model form, in an exclusive for Cosford.

During the course of the show there will be a display of aircraft from both World Wars including the largest ever formation of the Dawn Patrol WWI fighter team, approximately two waves of 20 aircraft each including air combats within the display. In addition to this, several WWII Fighter and Bomber display teams will be performing.

Chairman of the Large Model Association, Dave Johnson says:

“At present we already have over 150 aircraft booked in and we’re still counting, so it’s sure to be a real busy display as always. Many of the aircraft on display cannot be seen flying in full size form anymore, so a real pull for aircraft enthusiasts everywhere.”

Events and activities on the airfield include trade stands selling modelling and non-modelling related items, food stalls, and access to the RAF Museum and full size aircraft displays, plus there will be a fun fair to keep the youngsters entertained throughout the day.

Large Model Association organisers are hoping this year’s event will prove just as popular and are now offering the chance to beat the rush and buy tickets early on at a discounted rate. Advance tickets for the Large Model Aircraft Rally at the RAF Museum Cosford are priced at just £9 for adults, £5 for children and £7 for senior citizens with a family ticket of 2 adults and up to 2 children retailing at £20, saving £5 on the gate price. Gates open at 8.30am.

On site camping including entrance to the show is only £45.00 for the weekend when booked in advance. Contact Dave Bailey for more details on camping at dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk or call 07827 675665.

For further information on how to purchase advance tickets and for on the gate prices, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

UK Debut for Eye-in-the-Sky Prototype

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.”

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 Special Day for Sally B

B-17 Preservation and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to present Sally B and Friends Day on Sunday 31 July 2011.

A celebration of B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, in her 66th year, this special event offers 1940s nostalgia, fantastic flying and the opportunity to hear from the pilots and ground crews who keep historic aircraft in pristine condition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Duxford’s historic airfield will revisit the evocative days of the Second World War, with living history groups representing different aspects of Britain at war. Rangers Re-enactors represent the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of the United States Forces into wartime Britain, while the Pitsford Home Guard present demonstrations and displays in appreciation of the real ‘Dad’s Army’, the Local Defence Volunteers who were the first point of defence against invasion on British soil.

Fabulous forties music is provided by Room 21, a 21-piece Big Band who will be performing instantly recognisable Swing and Big Band classics from the wartime period.

There will also be a display of wartime military vehicles.

Duxford’s Wing Co Joe’s Cafe will be bedecked with victory bunting and propaganda posters, with a special wartime menu on offer – ration books not required!

Why not get into the Blitz spirit and arrive dressed in your 1940s finery? We’d love to see visitors in wartime uniforms or forties frocks, really becoming part of this special celebratory day! While this event is not an air show, there will be moments of superb flying during the afternoon of Sally B and Friends Day.

Sally B will fly three set pieces to the atmospheric sounds of Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn. She will fly a solo display and then will be joined by her ‘little friends’ – the North American P-51 Mustang, which escorted Flying Fortresses on their outward bombing missions from the East Anglian airfields, and the iconic Supermarine Spitfire IXB, the quintessential British wartime fighter aircraft.

Two de Havilland Dragon Rapides will display, representing the airliners of the golden age of air travel.

The SWIP Team of Peter Wells and Guy Westgate will perform stunning aerobatic routines in their graceful and agile Twister SA1100 aircraft.

A Douglas Dakota DC-3 and Beech 18 Expediter will perform a duo display, representing the United States transport aircraft of the Second World War. They will then join Sally B for a very special salute to the Sally B Supporters Club, without whom it would not be possible to keep Sally B flying.

Two T-28 Trojan aircraft, used by the US Navy for training purposes, will fly simultaneously, followed by aerobatic master Mark Jefferies in the Extra 330SC.

The grand flying finale will feature Sally B with the SWIP Team in their Twister SA1100 aircraft – a display that has never been previously performed!

Visitors can find out more about the passion and commitment needed to keep historic aircraft flying. Pilots and ground crew of the Sally B, together with representatives of many of the historic aircraft on display at the Sally B and Friends Day, will be available to chat to visitors about their individual roles in historic aviation.

There will be fun family activities on offer, with science and technology experiments in AirSpace and the opportunity to experience the 1940s Home Front with costumed characters and hands-on craft activities in Hangar 4: Battle of Britain.

There will also be tours of the American Air Museum, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the United States Army Air Force Bombing Campaign during the Second World War.

Join us to celebrate Sally B’s 66th year, and her 36th display season – an incredible achievement for an iconic aircraft that delights air show crowds and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors all year round.

Sally B and Friends Day is included in standard admission to the Museum. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.

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

Ray Winstone takes a flight in a P-51 Mustang at Imperial War Museum Duxford

Yesterday, film and TV actor Ray Winstone visited The Fighter Collection at Imperial War Museum Duxford to absorb the atmosphere prior to Flying Legends, one of the world’s largest warbird air shows, which will be held on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July. Flying Legends features classic Second World War-era propeller-driven aircraft in an amazing aerial display.

A keen historic aviation fan, and a particular fan of Second World War aircraft, Ray Winstone enjoyed a flight in a P-51 Mustang which was piloted by Steve Hinton, a Reno Air Race Champion. This was accompanied by two other P-51 Mustangs, one flown by Stevo Hinton (Steve Hinton’s son) who is the youngest ever Reno Air Race Champion.

With only days to go until Flying Legends on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July, The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that over 55 aircraft will be participating in this year’s warbird spectacular, with three Second World War Hispano HA_1112 MIL (Buchon), a debut by the Aer Lingus DH-84 Dragon Iolar, a rare air show appearance of three Skyraiders, The Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team, displaying as a two-ship with pilots Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley showcasing the aircraft that made America great, and The Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lightning reg. N25Y and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS. On the ground there will be fun activities and a 1940s atmosphere with dancing, music and living history groups.

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

Saturday Night at the Movies at Airbourne

Visitors to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow are being invited to vote now for Saturday Night at the Movies with a choice of 12 films to be shown on a giant beachside screen on the Western Lawns during the spectacular summer event.Brand new for 2011 Airbourne TV is coming to Eastbourne from 11-14 August for the four day flying extravaganza providing a fully produced and interactive show of the event on three big screens along the seafront and one in the town centre.

With Eastbourne already hosting a successful big screen broadcast of the Royal Wedding and a screening of opera Tosca live from Valencia earlier this year, the Saturday evening of Airbourne promises another big screen event with the chance for visitors to vote for the film they’d like to see.

Starting this week, airshow fans, residents and visitors are being invited to vote for a choice of 12 films through the Airbourne and VisitEastbourne pages on facebook. The film shortlist includes musicals Grease, Hard Day’s Night and The Sound of Music, family favourites Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Jungle Book and Monsters Inc, and popular titles such as The Aviator, Airplane, Ghostbusters, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Back to the Future.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Neil Stanley said “Saturday Night at the Movies promises to be another fantastic new addition to this year’s Airbourne extending the brilliant airshow atmosphere into the evening and bringing visitors together for a giant film screening. I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to vote for their favourite movie from our shortlist and join us on Saturday 13 August for a magnificent free seaside film showing.”

Airbourne TV will offer visitors the chance to interact with Airbourne throughout the four days, including live streaming, pilot interviews and text to screen. It will also offer businesses the opportunity to promote themselves to the huge footfall that the event attracts with advertising spots available, contact Big Bear Events for details of packages on 0845 652 5586.

Other highlights coming up at Airbourne 2011 include a top flight of flying displays including the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers and new for 2011, displays from the Royal Navy Black Cats and Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display Team.

The Marines Unarmed Combat team will make a welcome return to the arena displays, joining the popular Essex Dog Display Team and RAF College Band, while the RAF Exhibition and trade stands will offer plenty to keep visitors entertained on the ground.

For more information on Airbourne 2011 and to vote for Saturday Night at the Movies go to www.facebook.com/airbourneeastbourne or www.eastbourneairshow.com. The vote will close at midday on Friday 15 July.

A Special Day for Sally B

B-17 Preservation and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to present Sally B and Friends Day on Sunday 31 July 2011.A celebration of B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, in her 66th year, this special event offers 1940s nostalgia, fantastic flying and the opportunity to hear from the pilots and ground crews who keep historic aircraft in pristine condition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Fabulous forties music is provided by Room 21, a 21-piece Big Band who will be performing instantly recognisable Swing and Big Band classics from the wartime period.

There will also be a display of wartime military vehicles.

Duxford’s Wing Co Joe’s Cafe will be bedecked with victory bunting and propaganda posters, with a special wartime menu on offer – ration books not required!

Two de Havilland Dragon Rapides will display, representing the airliners of the golden age of air travel.

The SWIP Team of Peter Wells and Guy Westgate will perform stunning aerobatic routines in their graceful and agile Twister SA1100 aircraft.

Two T-28 Trojan aircraft, used by the US Navy for training purposes, will fly simultaneously, followed by aerobatic master Mark Jefferies in the Extra 330SC.

The grand flying finale will feature Sally B with the SWIP Team in their Twister SA1100 aircraft – a display that has never been previously performed!

There will also be tours of the American Air Museum, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the United States Army Air Force Bombing Campaign during the Second World War.

Sally B and Friends Day is included in standard admission to the Museum. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult. http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

RAFs biggest Aircraft to Take Air Tattoo Bow

The first public appearance of the Royal Air Force’s largest and newest aircraft will take place at the Royal International Air Tattoo next month.The much-anticipated A330 tanker will feature on static display at the airshow at RAF Fairford on July 16-17 and will take part in an official naming ceremony to confirm its prestigious title, Voyager.

It will be the longest and widest aircraft in the RAF’s fleet with a wing span of 60 metres.

Voyager has been designed to carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes, which can include up to 291 passengers or 111 tonnes of fuel for its air-to-air refuelling or air transport missions.

Dave Mitchard, Managing Director for AirTanker Services Ltd – the company delivering the fleet to the RAF at Brize Norton – said: “We are delighted to have the Voyager aircraft on public display for the first time this year.

“The Air Tattoo provides the perfect showcase for the RAF’s future tanker and transport aircraft and we’re thoroughly looking forward to bringing it into service towards the end of this year.”

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.

Dave continued: “We’re going to provide a step change in capability for the RAF.

“We are using a new, modern aircraft, where traditionally the RAF has used existing aircraft and converted them for specific usage. Voyager will therefore have all the benefits associated with a new aircraft such as better fuel efficiency, greater reliability and quieter engines, which is particularly good news for those living in the local area.”

The first two aircraft within the Voyager fleet, which will replace the VC-10 and Tristar, have been converted by Airbus Military in their purpose-built facility near Madrid, Spain. Once the aircraft have been certified and qualified, they will be owned by AirTanker and leased to the Royal Air Force.

AirTanker has five shareholders – all well-known names within the defence and aviation sectors – who are also subcontractors for the programme. They are Babcock, Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce and Thales.

The A330 will also have an aeromedical capability, which will enable it to carry up to 40 NATO stretchers and three critical care patients.

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.

Squadron Leader Kevin Latchman, 30, who will be one of the first pilots to operate Voyager when the first of 14 A330s come in to service in the autumn, said: “This is a completely different way of doing business for the Royal Air Force and it has the potential to revolutionise an existing capability. The aircraft is brand new and being one of the first pilots to fly it is a very exciting prospect.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Voyager at RIAT, especially because it will start to focus the mind on the fact that the aircraft will soon be entering service.”

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.

Duxford counts down the days to Flying Legends 2011

With only weeks to go until Flying Legends on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July, The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that over 55 aircraft will be participating at this year’s warbird spectacular.

In the 30th anniversary year of The Fighter Collection, Flying Legends promises to be a memorable celebratory occasion.

Highlights include:

For the first time since the filming of the famous Battle of Britain film in 1968, three Second World War Hispano HA-1112 MIL (Buchon) fighter aircraft will display in the skies over Duxford.

The Aer Lingus DH-84 Dragon Iolar will make its debut at Flying Legends this year. Built in 1936, the Iolar was acquired by Aer Lingus in the 1960s, as the airline’s original DH-84 was destroyed during the Second World War. The original Iolar was Aer Lingus’ first aircraft that flew the airline’s inaugural flight from Baldonnel to Bristol in May 1936. The Iolar will be flown alongside a second DH-84 Dragon and a de Havilland Dragon Rapide.

In a rare air show appearance, there will be three Skyraiders displaying at Flying Legends.

As previously announced, The Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lightning reg. N25Y and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS will perform a stunning display as part of an unrivalled programme of aerial excitement.

The Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team, will perform at Flying Legends as a two-ship team with pilots Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley showcasing the aircraft that made America great.

On the ground, there will be fun activities for all ages.

The Airfix Make and Paint Zone will give families the opportunity to make their own Airfix model and paint it with the accompanying paint colours. Once complete, the finished model aircraft is placed into a hanger box so that visitors can take their aviation masterpiece home as a souvenir of their day at Duxford.

Tank Heroes will be offering mini tank rides for children. Hands on History will be giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to dress as a British Army private or a Royal Air Force airman from the Second World War (no additional charge). There is also the opportunity to have a go at shooting paintballs at a mock-up of a ruined Normandy village with three-dimensional tank and soldier targets (additional charges apply).

Creating an authentic 1940s wartime atmosphere, the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Lindy Hoppers will be dancing up a storm on the Hangar Base on Saturday 9 July and encouraging toetapping visitors to join in.

On Sunday 10 July, direct from New York City, The Manhattan Dolls bring their Andrews Sisters style show to Flying Legends.

Performing on the Hangar Base, they’ll be taking visitors on a sentimental journey through those evocative songs of the 1930s and 1940s.

In addition, visitors will be able to interact with living history groups, who will be bringing the Second World War to life at Duxford’s historic airfield. Ops 1939-45 will be representing Battle of Britain-era RAF pilots and ground crew, while the 42nd Field Hospital portrays US Army medical personnel from the Second World War.

The Screaming Eagles Living History Group will be representing servicemen who served with the 101st US Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2ndBattalion, Easy Company during the Second World War.

For daredevil visitors, the Parachute Regiment will be offering jumps from their Parachute Tower.

The Royal Air Force Recruiting Team will be showcasing a replica Red Arrows Hawk and chatting to visitors about life in the RAF.

Without doubt one of the finest warbird air shows in the world, Flying Legends will again provide an unrivalled line-up of the classic propeller-driven combat aircraft from both the First and Second World Wars, many of which are now either rare or unique.

With legendary aircraft and superbly talented pilots coming from across the globe to display at Flying Legends, a spectacular performance of stunning aerial displays awaits. Coupled with fantastically fun ground activities and an authentic evocation of the 1940s, Flying Legends is a unique event not to be missed!

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

Tickets can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or by calling the box office on 01223 499 353.

World Record-Breaking Pilot Drops into Duxford

On Wednesday 15 June, world record-breaking round-the-world pilot CarolAnn Garrett flew into Duxford in her Mooney aircraft.CarolAnn has circumnavigated the world twice and set a world record by completing a round the world trip in 8.5 days, at an average speed of 115.35mph.

CarolAnn was born in the UK and emigrated to the USA as a child in 1964. Her father passed on his passion for aviation to the whole family and it was whilst flying her father to visit his sister in New Zealand, who he hadn’t seen for many years, that the idea of a round the world trip was born. The first world circumnavigation was undertaken as a fundraising exercise for DASH for a Cure, supporting ALS Research (www.alsworldflight.com), while Carol’s second round the world trip resulted in her record-breaking achievement.

This wasn’t the first time that Carol had visited Duxford, as in 2004 she brought her father to see the Valentine, the type of tank that he drove during the Second World War under General Montgomery’s command, which is on display in Land Warfare.

Visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford for details of our events and activities.