Tag: 2014

Model Show at the Fleet Air Arm Museum

The Fleet Air Arm Museum’s February Model Show has attracted quite a following. In addition to exhibitors travelling from London and the Home Counties, Cornwall and Wales, the event has also attracted two intrepid exhibitors from Scotland. David Jack and Dougie Salmon represent Edinburgh Model Boat Club and travel from Edinburgh with their display of WW2 warships.

Says David Jack “I attend shows all over the country but this one is the biggest and best and the natives are quite friendly”.

The show attracts model makers of all persuasion – Over 110 traders and clubs will be exhibiting radio controlled and plastic aeroplanes, tanks, ships figures and more.

Says event organiser Jon Jefferies “The event has been running for eighteen years and has attracted a loyal following of enthusiasts”.

The highlight of the show will be a flying display by the British Model Flying Association whose model making and piloting skills are admired around the world. The flying line-up for this year has yet to be confirmed but previous shows have seen a 20ft wingspan B52 bomber and jet powered model Concorde taking to the skies.

Whether your interest is in kits or ‘scratch built’ model aircraft the Fleet Air Arm Museum’s Feb Model Show undoubtedly will have something for everyone.

There will be competitions for plastic modellers with generous prizes sponsored by Airfix, so bring along your best models and you could walk away with a prize.

Standard museum entry prices apply and there is no additional fee for the Model Show. In addition to the show, visitors can have the opportunity of going on board the first British Concorde and on the award winning aircraft carrier experience.

Doors open at 10.00am. Normal admission prices apply and there’s no extra cost for attending the show. Tickets can be bought in advance on the Museum’s website www.fleetairarm.com

Take a Walk in the Skies Over Britain

Aerofilms - Britain from Above exhibition

The RAF Museum and English Heritage invite you to discover a brand new exhibition with the most breathtaking views.

Exhibition: Aerofilms: Britain from Above

Date: 20th: February 2014 to 1st March 2015

Entrance: FREE

In 1919, in the area where the RAF Museum now stands in Hendon, North London, the world’s first firm of commercial aerial photographers – Aerofilms – was established.

Aerofilms was founded by two pioneers who married the fledgling technology of flight with the discipline of photography- Claude Grahame-White and Francis Lewis Wills

For the next 80 years Aerofilms captured Britain’s villages, towns, cities and landmarks from the air which provided unique and stunning views of the development of Britain’s rural and urban landscape throughout the 20th century.

At the outset of World War II the company was requisitioned by the Air Ministry, with its aerial interpretation skills making an invaluable contribution to the war effort as part of the highly successful Central Interpretation Unit at RAF Medmenham in Buckinghamshire. Iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire – featured in this exhibition – proved invaluable for this purpose. After the war, Aerofilms once again took to the skies, photographing the rapidly changing face of Britain’s urban centres and rural landscapes.

The Aerofilms Collection was acquired for the nation in 2007 by English Heritage and its partners the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales and Scotland – over 1 million oblique aerial images of Britain were acquired. In 2010 funding was secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Foyle Foundation to help conserve, digitise, catalogue and make accessible the earliest part of the Aerofilms collection under the banner of Britain from Above. The Britain from Above project has ensured that this unique and enthralling picture of Britain in the 20th century has been saved and made accessible to the public for the first time. Over 95,000 images dating from 1919 to 1953 are available to explore online at the project’s dedicated, interactive website www.britainfromabove.org.uk 

The Exhibition:

The completion of the Britain from Above project will be celebrated this year with a series of exhibitions across England, Wales and Scotland. The RAF Museum is host to the first English exhibition, jointly curated with English Heritage. Members of the public can trace the history of this landmark company and see the changing face of Britain in the 20th century through Aerofilms’ unique aerial archive.

As well as the images, the exhibition also includes aerial cameras, a Spitfire and Aerofilms’ own A5 Autograph machine. This machine – the first ever to be brought to England – was imported by Aerofilms in 1938. The A5 Autograph is an instrument designed and built by the Swiss firm Wild (pronounced “Vilt”) to take accurate measurements from photographs in order to produce maps. Aerofilms’ use of the A5 during World War II was revolutionary. The machine’s excellent magnification and measurement accuracy meant that it was possible to make valuable interpretations from small-scale images that otherwise were useless to the Air Ministry.

English Heritage, in association with the Royal Commissions on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales and Scotland, has published a book to accompany the exhibition: Aerofilms: A History of Britain From Above by James Crawford, Katy Whitaker and Allan Williams.

As well as including 200 fascinating images from the Aerofilms collection – many of which are previously unpublished – the book allows plenty of space to tell the compelling human stories behind the Aerofilms company, at the same time providing an authoritative record of rapid social, industrial and architectural changes in Britain in the first half of the twentieth century.

ISBN: 978-1-84802-248-5

RRP: £25.00

Hardback, 224pp, 245x300mm

Andy Renwick, Curator of Photographs, RAF Museum

“It is wonderful to be working with English Heritage on this exhibition. The RAF Museum is the perfect setting for this exhibition as like us, Aerofilms was established on the site of the London Aerodrome. Our shared history also extends to our collection – with the Spitfire being one of the most successful aircraft for photo- reconnaissance.”

Mike Evans, Head of Archive at English Heritage

“I am delighted that we are able to bring this nationally important collection back to Hendon where the firm was founded in 1919. The Aerofilms Collection embodies all that is exciting about aerial photography. Between 1919 and 1953, there was vast and rapid change to the social, architectural and industrial fabric of Britain, and Aerofilms provides a unique and at times unparalleled perspective on this upheaval. We hope that people today will be able to immerse themselves in the past through the Britain from Above website, adding their own thoughts and memories to this remarkable collection.”

Britain from above will open on 20th February and is available for viewing Monday to Sunday between 1000am – 6.00pm with free admission to all.

www.rafmuseum.org

Canberra PR9 to display at Abingdon Air & Country Show

The iconic and celebrated Canberra XH134, the world’s only airworthy PR9, will join an array of aviation acts, including the Breitling Wingwalkers, Trig Team and a P40 Kittyhawk, at the Abingdon Air & Country Show on Sunday 4th May.

In her first scheduled airshow of the year, XH134 will perform a revised display, showcasing the exceptional PR9 capabilities, under the skilled piloting of Sqn Ldr Dave Piper and Flt Lt Mike Leckey. Incorporating a variety of impressive manoeuvres, visitors will be captivated by the power and noise of XH134.

Designed as the RAF’s first jet bomber, the Canberra had an exceptional career spanning 55 years of active service, before retiring from operations in July 2006. Following an extensive restoration by C2 Aviation, XH134 unveiled the striking new silver colour scheme of the Midair Squadron in September 2013, and will be flanked by two Hawker Hunters as the 2014 season progresses.

Aircraft owner, Michael Davis, explains, “The refined PR9 display showcases XH134 in all her glory. Demonstrating the sheer power and capabilities of the photo reconnaissance aircraft, it is a pleasure to introduce XH134 back to the display circuit.”

Speaking of the new air display, Sqn Ldr Dave Piper comments, “It is an honour to fly such an internationally recognised aircraft, in front of crowds who have supported her restoration from the outset.”

The annual Abingdon Air & Country show, located at Abingdon Airfield, is staged to raise money for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, donating over £45,000 since 2007. Over 9,000 visitors are expected this year.

www.abingdonfayre.com

Swiss Turn Airshow Into Joint Celebration

Patrouille Suisse

The Swiss Air Force has ensured the Red Arrows won’t be the only aerobatic display team celebrating an aviation landmark at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 11-13.

It has announced plans to send their aerobatic display team, the Patrouille Suisse, in their 50th anniversary year, along with an F-18 Hornet and Super Puma helicopter to take part in the Air Tattoo’s flying display.

Air Tattoo organiserssaid that official celebrations markingthe 50th display season of the Red Arrows would also include the Patrouille Suisse in order that their anniversary was also recognised.

Formed in 1964, the team fly six F-5E Tiger IIs painted in a bright colour scheme that incorporates the red and white of the Swiss national flag. The pilots, who are all volunteers from various frontline squadrons, are famed worldwide for performing precise formations at high speed.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said that as an international celebration of aviation,it was important thatthe Air Tattoo recognised important anniversaries being celebrated by other participatingair arms.

He said: “The Swiss have particular cause to celebrate this year. Not only is it the 50th anniversary of the Patrouille Suissebut it is also the 25th anniversary of their PC-7 aerobatic display team. On top of that, the Swiss Air Force will also be marking the 100th anniversary of military aviation in their country. Given all these anniversaries, we’re really pleased that the Swiss have agreed to support our airshow in such an incredible way.”

The Swiss Air Force have been regular visitors to the Air Tattoo since first attending the airshow at RAF Greenham Common in 1979 with the Patrouille Suisse. Then, the team flew six Hawker Hunter F-58s before switching to their current Northrop F-5E Tiger II jets in 1995. Accompanying the display team on their first visit was a Swiss Air Force de Havilland Venom FB.4, which was presented as a gift, to the Royal Air Force Museum.

This summer could be one of the last times the Patrouille Suisse perform in the UK after it was announced last year that the team would be disbanded in 2016 due to the withdrawal of the F-5 from Swiss Air Force service.

Specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 11-13, are available until the end of January from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Interesting Restoration Project at Yorkshire Air Museum

Eastchurch Kitten Yorkshire Air Museum

One of the aircraft restoration projects currently in progress at the Yorkshire Air Museum is indeed something of a rarity! It is the construction from a very faded and sketchy print of plans of a hardly known WWI fighter, the Eastchurch Kitten, of which only 3 prototype examples were built. The aircraft would almost have disappeared from history had not an attempt been made in the early 1980’s to essentially build one from scratch. However, this effort stalled and what existed in the shape of a incomplete fuselage, came to the Museum in 1987. It has lain in store, awaiting its turn, in a long line of aircraft restoration projects until Spring 2011, when the green light was given to the Museum Aircraft Engineering team commence the re-build.

The concept behind the Eastchurch Kitten was by the Admiralty for a ‘high altitude’ fighter to tackle the threat posed by the Zeppelin airships which had brought the war to our shores with bombing raids in 1915. The Kitten was planned to be launched from platforms on battleships, cruisers or even torpedo boats. It was to be a ‘disposable’, one operation aircraft, to simply go up, intercept and shoot down the airship, then ditch in the sea. In 1917, the Royal Naval Air Service Experimental Construction Depot at Port Victoria produced two concepts, the P.V. 7 ‘Grain’ Kitten and the P.V.8 ‘Eastchurch’ Kitten. The latter proved to be the better and made its first flight on 1st September 1917, but was found to be unstable, leading to redesign of the horizontal tail surfaces, elevator and tailplane.

The alterations made the P.V.8 a pleasant aeroplane to fly and it performed better than the P.V.7. However, the 35 h.p Gnat engine was unreliable and the aircraft would have benefited from a more powerful engine and might have been a practical anti-airship weapon. But by this time the threat of the airships had receded and the project was deemed unviable. There was interest in the project in the USA from the aircraft designer James Martin and the P.V.8 was packed for shipping in March 1918 and that’s where the story ends, for it was not known if it ever made the journey or what became of it.

The story of the aircraft and its restoration is now very significant, encapsulating this fascinating piece of aviation history. The project received a major boost during the summer of 2012, when two young French aviation design students undertaking a placement here at the Museum, were able to assist the project leader Ray McElwain, and made many of the wing struts and other parts, such as cable brackets, putting their metal working skills to the test. Since then, the framework has been covered in Irish linen, tautened with dope to a tension similar to a drum and painted in the original specification for a Royal Naval Air Service craft. In addition we have sourced a similar twin cylinder air cooled engine and refitted all the controls so that this 97 year old design is once again live.

Although non-flying the aircraft will be completed for live “ground running” in time for the WWI centenary commemorations alongside the Museum’s other WWl fighters, which include the 1914 BE2 and the 1917 SE5a which is also a live ground running aircraft. The first planned running of the Kitten will be on Sunday 6th April, during the first of our 2014 “Thunder Day” engine running shows. It is also planned for the Kitten and BE2 to be exhibited in the centre of Leeds to herald the regions WWI Centenary Commemorations.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

Kestrel goes on display at Cosford

RAF Museum Cosford Kestrel

The New Year has got off to a flying start at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford with the addition of the Hawker-Siddeley Kestrel FGA.1 going on public display. This jet aircraft was built to evaluate the jump jet concept during the 1960s and visitors are now able to view it within the Museum’s Test Flight collection.

The Kestrel, serial number XS695, is one of only nine built by Hawker-Siddeley and its main role was to evaluate vertical take-off in near service conditions. Fitted with a single Bristol Siddeley Pegasus engine and single seat cockpit, the success of the Kestrel came little more than a year before its successor, the Harrier, made its first flight. The Harrier served successfully with the Royal Air Force until 2011.

During the 1950s, Hawker had been privately developing a vertical take-off aircraft under the code of P.1127. The success of this private venture, and the subsequent service interest, led to an announcement in 1962 that a ‘Tripartite Evaluation Squadron’ (TES), also known as the Kestrel Squadron would be formed. The Kestrel was a developed version of the P.1127 and nine of the type were ordered for use by the TES during its operations in 1965. The TES was based at RAF West Raynham and included pilots and ground crew from the UK, USA and West Germany. They used nearby abandoned airfields for testing the aircraft on semi-prepared runways and on grass to test its capabilities on unprepared sites.

The Kestrel made its maiden flight in February 1965 at Dunsfold. By November that same year XS695 had flown 153 times totalling 70.44 airframe hours of which 51.04 were on trials work including 141 sorties with the TES. During 1966 the aircraft was assessed for its handling characteristics, used for training and even appeared at the Hanover and Farnborough Air Shows. In 1972 it was allocated to the Royal Navy Engineering College at Manadon, Devon and later used for apprentice training and to simulate aircraft handling and flight deck procedures.

After being transported by road to the RAF Museum Cosford in November 2001, the Kestrel remained in storage until late Autumn 2012 when it was moved into the Museum’s award winning Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. After undergoing a full restoration and repaint in its tripartite colours which include tri national roundels and fin flashes, the aircraft has now been placed on display for Museum visitors to enjoy.

Nick Sturgess, Alex Henshaw Curator at RAF Museum Cosford said:

“We are delighted to finally have the Kestrel out on public display after its time in storage and its extensive restoration. This aircraft is the only surviving example in the UK and represents an important stage in aircraft development. It was used by three nations to evaluate the jump jet concept and wore a unique colour scheme which can now be seen for the first time since 1965. The results from the Kestrel Squadron would be a huge influence in the development of the Harrier. It now sits alongside the Hunting H126 which was also used to experiment with short take off ideas at the same time.”

The Museum is open daily from 10am and admission is free of charge. For more information on the Museum, visit www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200.

Yorkshire Air Museum 2014 Events Programme

The Yorkshire Air Museum’s 2014 Events programme will be kick started, or rather prop swung, into action on Sunday 6th of April with the first of our Thunder Days. This event will see the first public engine start of the unique P.V. 8 Eastchurch Kitten WWI interceptor. The reproduction has been lovingly brought to life by the Aircraft Engineering Team, from the scraps of the earlier project to create a Kitten that arrived at the Museum in 1988.

On Thunder Day, the Kitten will be joined by our other live WWI bi-plane, the SE5a and the Douglas C47 / DC3 Dakota and the De Havilland Devon VIP Transport, making up the propeller contingent. Then it will be the turn of the jets, in the form of Blackburn Buccaneer XN974, Nimrod MR2 XV250 and last, but by no means least, the Handley Page Victor XL231 “Lusty Lindy”.

With 7 live aircraft on the ground, the event promises a lot of activity for everyone to enjoy. The show will be repeated on the first Sunday in June and August.

Other events are the ever popular Battlegroup North Military Vehicle Rally and Wargaming Show, complemented by various Living History display’s. This is the largest military vehicle rally in the North of England, which normally sees some 250 entries.

Another exciting event sees the amalgamation of the popular August Bank Holiday “Golden Era” Vintage Motorcycle Run, where some 70 pre 1931 machines gather splendidly, with an opportunity for some “Rolling Thunder”, as the Buccaneer, Nimrod and Victor get the chance to stretch their legs on Elvington’s long runway! A thrilling prospect made even more tempting by the fact that the Douglas Dakota may by this time be capable of taxying, fulfilling the final goal for this beautiful aircraft.

Memorial Events include the Royal British Legion Women’s Section Reunion, Service and Parade on Sunday 10th August and the annual Allied Air Forces Commemoration Day, this year marking a number of significant anniversaries, such as the WWI Centenary, 75th Anniversary of the outbreak of WWII, 70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy Invasion and the 70th Anniversary of the formation of Elvington’s French Squadrons, giving us plenty to give thought to during the Parade, Service, Marchpast and Sunset Ceremony.

Remembrance Sunday brings to an end the programme of activities, with Services taking place at the French memorial, Elvington Village and at the YAM Station Chapel, with the following Wreath Laying ceremony in the Memorial Garden.

Events:

2nd March “Anti-Det” Running Day. Nimrod, Buccaneer, Devon, Dakota, SE5a. Victor (Dry or Wet start.)

6th April “Thunder Day”. On site engine runs of all ‘live’ aircraft: Propeller aircraft are: DH Devon (short taxy); Douglas Dakota; SE5a and first run of unique restored Eastchurch Kitten. The jets are: Blackburn Buccaneer XN974 (short taxy); Nimrod MR2 XV250 and Victor XL231 (Dry or Wet start, depending on fuel reserves.)

4th May Nimrod anti-det run.

10th / 11th May BATTLEGROUP NORTH. Annual Wargaming, Military Vehicle rally and Living History Show. Devon, Dakota, SE5a and Kitten engine runs.

1st June “Thunder Day”. As previous.

6th July Nimrod anti-det Run.

3rd August “Thunder Day”. As previous.

10th August Royal British Legion Women’s Section Re-union, Service and Parade. Dakota / Devon engine starts.

25th August “Golden Era” Vintage Motorcycle Run and Rolling Thunder! Another gathering of pre 1930 Vintage motorcycles which depart for a morning run, returning for public display. An added attraction will be the fast taxy runs of the Nimrod XV250 and Victor V-bomber XL231. An airfield viewing pass will be available to purchase for those wishing to get a closer view of these impressive and eagerly awaited aircraft in action. Possible Dakota taxy.

7th September Allied Forces Memorial Day. Annual Commemoration Service and Parade. Aircraft engine runs.

5th October “Anti-det” Running Day.

9th November Remembrance Sunday. Services at the French Memorial, Elvington Village and at the YAM Station Chapel. 11am and 13:30pm respectively. Wreath Laying Ceremony in Memorial Garden.

Note: Wherever possible, Main events will feature historic aircraft flypasts from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and / or private operators. These events may be charged at additional rates – (“Thunder Days” & Battlegroup North.)

The first Sunday of each month, excluding January and February, dependent on operational conditions, are set as “anti-deterioration” aircraft engine maintenance run days. Some, but not all, live aircraft will be powered up for testing.

For information see: www.yorkshireairmuseum.org or ring 01904 608595.

Official Launch Event of Folkestone Airshow 2014

Folkestone airshow launch top gun

Folkestone Airshow will return on 7th and 8th of June 2014 to be even bigger and better than ever before. However, this year we will be running additional events in advance to raise funding and awareness. The first of these exciting events is an Open Air Drive-In showing of the 1986 film, Top Gun.

On the Saturday 29 March 2014, the Rotunda site on Folkestone sea front will be transformed into a Drive-In Cinema, complete with 30ft screen, food served to your car and surprise entertainment. And best of all, it’s free.

Book your tickets now at www.openairpromotions.eventbrite.co.uk.

This will be a fun event for the whole family. Please book your ticket in advance, to avoid disappointment, as this event has a limited capacity.

Open Air Promotions Ltd will be collecting funds for Folkestone Airshow 2014 at the event, which will go towards the People’s Flying Display. All funds raised for the People’s Flying Display will help us to bring the Breitling WingWalkers to Folkestone Airshow, and everyone who donates can see their contribution as the Aerobatic Team wow the crowds; filling the skies with amazing flying manoeuvres and showing their aerobatic abilities.

Wings & Wheels celebrates 10th anniversary

Dunsfold Airshow crowds

The sensational summer event for the whole family, Wings & Wheels, returns on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2014 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey (home to BBC’s Top Gear) to celebrate its 10th 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 have previously included show favourites the Red Arrows, Avro Vulcan, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Lancaster, Hurricane), Typhoon, Chinook, Tucano, RN Swordfish and Sea Fury, Apache Attack Helicopter, RN Lynx Black Cat Solo Helicopter Display, Team Breitling Wingwalkers, Glider FX and the Blades accompanied by witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots (please note the air display will be confirmed in March).

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

You don’t need to be a petrolhead to delight in the ‘Wheels’ of the show as the paddock gleams and the sound of finely tuned engines fill the air. 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 from Brooklands Museum. Included among the 360 entrants in 2013 were Porsche 911, Dodge Monaco, TVR Tasmin 280i, Ducati Mutistrada 1200s, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, Ford GT40, Lotus Elise 49 and the stunning Benetton F1 B190.

The Wheels Zone features interactive displays from clubs and a crowd line parade whilst the Stunt Zone squeals with the sound of two and four wheeled hair-raising performances.

The Military Zone & Paddock adds some classic nostalgia to the ‘Wheels’, as the regal Military Vehicles complete a cavalcade for spectators before taking their place in the Zone’s living history and re-enactment displays including live battles.

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 Hot Rod Zone hosts live rockabilly music, themed retail outlets and a stunning display of nostalgic and ‘kustom’ Hot Rod vehicles. The show arena also boasts laser quest, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, military outlets and displays, static aircraft, fairground, emergency services demonstration and over 80 retail outlets selling a wide variety of products and gifts.

As the last plane touches down the party starts across the arena with a mix of musical evening entertainment. Swing, big band and jazz takes over the Military Zone, in the Wheels Zone is a mix of Rock n Roll, Doowop and Rockabilly and finally, taking centre stage in the middle of the Arena, is a covers band with something for everyone.

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, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, a raffle, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 10th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2014, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £150 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 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Air Tattoo Saving is just the Ticket

Red Arrows RIAT

People planning to be at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford to celebrate the Red Arrows’ 50th display season have until the end of the month to take advantage of specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets.

The three-day event, which takes place on July 11-13, will feature a number of unique Red Arrows’ themed spectacles in the air and on the ground as the world famous aerobatic display team return to their first home as part of their official birthday celebrations.

Admission tickets bought by the January 31 deadline are £10 cheaper than the standard price meaning special Friday Reds’ Pit Day tickets can be bought for £24 with Saturday and Sunday tickets costing £34. All under-16s are admitted free.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said buying early not only made sense financially but would also ensure people didn’t risk missing out on all the excitement planned.

He said: “Last July’s airshow was a sell-out and we’re anticipating a repeat this year as excitement for the Reds’ 50th builds. As well as the public’s enthusiasm, fellow military aviators from around the globe have also indicated to us that they’d like to be part of the celebrations. It’s going to be very special.”

As well as celebrating the Reds’ 50th, the Air Tattoo will be marking two other aviation landmarks: the 40th anniversary of both the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the BAE Systems Hawk, the aircraft currently flown by the Red Arrows.

Earlier this month, the Air Tattoo, which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, won top honours in the Tourism Event of the Year category of the Cotswold Tourism Awards 2014. To book tickets and to find out about the range of enclosure packages visit www.airtattoo.com