Tag: 2016

RAF Red Arrows Return to UK’s Best Free Airshow

Red Arrows at Eastbourne

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows will be back flying above Eastbourne’s skies this summer following the announcement of their 2016 flying programme!

Their appearance at Airbourne, Eastbourne’s international airshow, voted as the UK’s best free airshow in the 2015 Airscene Awards, will see them joined by Royal Air Force displays from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the King Air, all of which promise to provide show-stopping displays in Eastbourne, when Airbourne returns from 11-14 August 2016.

Excitement for this year’s Airbourne mounts after this initial release of RAF displays, which confirms that the Red Arrows will fly on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August. Airbourne organisers eagerly await the news of more aircraft which will display at the airshow, including helicopters, further military aircraft, civilian and commercial display teams.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “We are delighted to hear that airshow favourites, the Red Arrows have chosen to return to Airbourne for two great displays this year, which will no doubt attract many thousands of spectators, and along with the news that some other amazing military aircraft have been confirmed, our award-winning airshow is off to a high flying start! We can’t wait to confirm many more dazzling display teams and stunning jets in what will be another extensive flying programme.”

This year’s flying programme will see the roaring RAF Typhoon soaring above Eastbourne’s beach as it takes the skies on three days of Airbourne; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when the 29 squadron showcases the aircraft’s incredible speed and performance ability.

Airshow visitors will also have the chance to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on all four days, in a year which marks the 80th anniversary of the Spitfire and the 75th year of the Lancaster Bomber. The King Air a multi-engine pilot trainer which is part of No. 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell, will fly on Saturday and Sunday.

Airbourne is awaiting news from VisitEngland to hear whether it has achieved Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended status in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, after it was announced as a winner in the ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ category by the national tourism board last month; the results will be announced at an awards ceremony in Blackpool on 8 March during English Tourism Week.

The news came less than two months after Airbourne was awarded Gold in the category of ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ at the Beautiful South Awards, organised by Tourism South East.

To treat friends or family to a special occasion or entertain business clients, the Aviator Club hospitality packages are available at Eastbourne’s Western Lawns providing visitors with high-end catering and a chance to mingle with the pilots, as well as uninterrupted views of the display line. Exclusive air show seating at Eastbourne’s iconic Bandstand is also available to book now.

To book hospitality packages and exclusive seating and to find out about trade space, advertising and sponsorship opportunities at Airbourne, and keep up to date with flying display news, go to www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Farewell to the Sea King at RNAS Yeovilton

RNAS Yeovilton Sea King's

The end is sadly in sight for another iconic military aircraft; the last ever flight of the Royal Navy HC4 Sea King, with only 7 now left in active service at Yeovilton, the only UK RN based that is still operating any HC4 Sea Kings.

The weather was predicted wet and wild, but thankfully the day turned out to be a bright dry day. We were all gathered in the squadron briefing room, to hear the CO give his thoughts on the Sea King, and being rather reserved when talking about the Sea King which we all have seen both at air shows and more commonly on search and rescue sorties around the UK.

The most amusing tale was from an exercise in Norway when a white out occurred and each aircraft was following the one in front, with a loss of visual contact the pilot kept going on the instruments only to catch up with the aircraft in front and being so close the other aircrew looked for wheel marks on the hub above the rotors.

The last flying day for the Sea King is the 31st March 2016, of which by then all the crews will be fully trained on the Merlin HC3 replacement.

RNAS Yeovilton Sea King

One of the last seven is ZA298 which is planned to go into the Yeovilton Museum at the end of March. This aircraft seems unable to be destroyed as it has been shot at with 7 rounds going through the airframe in conflict in Afghanistan, where it was bought back to an operating base and repaired quickly before flown back to bastion. This one is not going down without a fight!

Back to Yeovilton, after the brief by the staff and the CO we were mustered into three waves with each wave being split into two groups, Avengers 1 (ZE427) & 2 (ZG821). This was to allow air to air photos of each aircraft with the sun lighting up the aircraft beautifully, videos were also taken on wave three.

After boarding the helicopter we were offered to be harnessed in so that we could take photos and video at the edge of the open door, we had a short taxi to allow what can only be described as the most graceful take-off I have ever experienced. Climbing to and then flying over Somerset at about 500 feet with the door open and turning round at Glastonbury Tor, with the Sea King flying so gracefully it seems difficult to believe that she is over 40 years old.

Once back at base and after a short taxi to the apron stand, we were fortunate to be able to gather for the final photos as the sun set on the airfield and on an experience that will not be forgotten for a long time.

by Ian Birdsey

TriStar Simulator Acquired

TriStar Simulator Newark Air Museum

During the week commencing 15th February 2016 the Newark Air Museum took delivered of its latest exhibit, a Lockheed TriStar Simulator at its site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the border with Lincolnshire.

The museum was first made aware of the possible disposal of this Lockheed TriStar simulator from the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon, back in autumn 2015. This potential acquisition was to be in the form of a gift. After gathering more details about the simulator, the museum trustees decided to register the museum’s interest in the former crew-training aid.

It was just before Christmas 2015 that Newark Air Museum was notified that, out of several other groups who had registered interest in the simulator, that it had been selected to receive the item.

Initially it had been anticipated that the simulator would arrive in one piece, but this was not the case as the simulator had already been disassembled. An assessment of the move requirements was made and the first of several loads arrived at Newark on Monday 15th February.

The TriStar simulator has been placed into temporary storage in Display Hangar 2 at the museum and is not currently on display. It is understood that the museum’s mainly volunteer workforce will start to reassemble the simulator after the Spring Indoor Aero boot sale event on 5th March.

Various display locations in Display Hangar 2 are currently being evaluated and at this time it is not known to what extent the simulator will be returned to an operational condition. This latest acquisition complements the museum’s growing collection of ‘synthetic’ trainers and adds part of a notable airliner cockpit to the museum collection.

The museum trustees are grateful to the RAF Museum for donating this exhibit to the Newark Air Museum.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Full RAF allocation confirmed for Wings & Wheels 2016

Red Arrows by Peter Gardener

Wings & Wheels is returning for its twelfth year with an all-star line-up of RAF display teams. The Red Arrows, Typhoon, King Air and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will all be displaying at Dunsfold Aerodrome on both days, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August 2016.

The world famous Red Arrows, one of the premier aerobatic teams in the world and a visitor favourite, will be headlining the weekend with their trademark combination of close formations and precision flying. All Red Arrows pilots are from frontline squadrons and, before joining the team, operated jets such as the Tornado or the Typhoon – helping the Royal Air Force to secure the skies and protect the United Kingdom and its interests at all hours, 365 days a year.

We are also delighted to welcome back the state-of-the art Typhoon fighter jet and the team’s phenomenal solo display. The first and only current Royal Air Force fast jet to be declared Multi-Role capable, it provides the backbone of RAF fast jet operations and is an unmistakeable sight and sound in the skies.

A national institution and household name, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be flying the most famous RAF aircraft of any decade at Wings & Wheels, the Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota. The display team consider themselves a “museum without walls” and a “living and breathing tribute” to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring we do not forget the young men who went into battle.

The King Air B200 is the fourth confirmed RAF display team and is a popular aircraft with visitors and the students and instructors who use it at No 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell. The twin-engine turboprop monoplane, which first entered RAF service in 2004, is used as an advanced, multi-engine pilot trainer by No 45(R) Squadron. The display team ably demonstrate its well-proven airframe with advanced cockpit and systems which makes it an ideal training platform for the new generation of multi-engine aircraft entering RAF service.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are delighted to confirm that all display teams from the RAF will be flying at Wings & Wheels on both days this year. With the very best of aviation excellence headlining the Show and highly skilled pilots demonstrating the expertise with which they handle their aircraft, Wings & Wheels is one event people won’t want to miss!”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy supercars and classic and vintage icons put on awe inspiring displays of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as wells as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes 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, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 12th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th August 2016, 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 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Spitfire legends honoured at 80th anniversary event

R J Mitchell

Date: 5 March 2016

Time: Talk 1 – 11.30am

          Talk 2 – 2.15pm

Cost: FREE

The Supermarine Spitfire, the most famous British fighter aircraft in historyfirst took to the skies on 5 March 1936 and won immortal fame throughout the summer months of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain.The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be marking eighty years since the first flight of the Spitfire on Saturday 5 March 2016, with a day of special talks.

The talks will pay tribute to Spitfire creator RJ Mitchell CBE and Vickers Supermarine test pilot Alex Henshaw MBE and the men of the Battle of Britain.

In the first talk entitled ‘R. J. Mitchell CBE, the Spitfire and the Battle of Britain . . .Their Finest Hour’,Tony tells thestory of Staffordshire born R. J. Mitchell CBE, the creator of Britain’s most iconic aircraft and some of the men who flew Spitfires in the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire, an evolution from the Schneider Trophy Races, first flew in 1936, remained in production through the 1940s and in service throughout the 1950s. Hear stories from some of the men who fought the Battle of Britain, including a distinguished Luftwaffe ace in interviews recorded with Tony. The talk will commence at 11.30am lasting approximately one hour.

The second talk of the day entitled ‘Alex Henshaw MBE. . .The Flight of the Mew Gull and Sigh for a Merlin’includes video footage of Alex Henshaw telling his own story. He won the King’s Cup Air Race and achieved a record-breaking solo flight from London to Cape Town and back in four and a half days with just a compass, a chronometer and a set of maps – a record unbeaten for more than 70 years. He served throughout the war as Chief Production Test Pilot for Vickers Supermarine, personally testing more than 2,000 Spitfires and the occasional Lancaster at both Southampton and Castle Bromwich (now the Jaguar factory). He finished his flying career marketing aircraft in South Africa where he flew his last epic flight. During the video footage, Alex recallsmemories of his heroic tales includingflying an aircraft down the centre of Broad Street in Birmingham when asked by the Mayor. The talk will commence at 2.15pm lasting approximately an hour and 15 minutes.

The talks will be presented by Tony Edwards, a friend of Alex Henshaw. Tony has enjoyed a comprehensive career within the aerospace industry, commercially, within the Ministry of Defence and Academia. He is a keen supporter of the Royal Air Force Museum and a former Trustee.

Both talks will take place in the museum’s lecture theatre inside the National Cold War Exhibition and are suitable for all ages.

Don’t forget, thatof the 1,566 Spitfire I’s that were built, the RAF Museum Cosford is home to the world’s oldest surviving example of its type. Especially for this 80th anniversary event, the canopy will be opened and visitors can get an up-close view of the cockpit. The Spitfire is displayed alongside the Hurricane in the Museum’s War in the Air hangar and viewing will be available all day.

The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry is FREE of charge. To book your place on the FREE talks, please visit the Museums website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

NEW aircraft added to Open Cockpits Evening line-up

RAF Museum Shorts Belfast

Date: 13-14 May 2016

Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Cost: £12.50 per person

Aviation fans are being given the chance to climb on board a selection of historic aircraft and sit in the pilot’s seat during an ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ event taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. The event which runs on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May will offer 300 visitors each evening the rare opportunity to step inside some of the world’s most iconic aircraft, including two research jets which have never been opened to visitors before.

Visitors can experience what it feels like to sit inside a military aircraft that’s seen action around the world and marvel at the advanced technologies on unique airframes. So whether it’s a fast jet to spark interest in the younger generation, or a nostalgic wartime aircraft that brings back memories with older visitors, with the mix of aircraft available there is something to please everyone.

Confirmed aircraft include the never before opened English Electric P1A. This experimental aircraft was the basis for the RAF’s front line fighter, the English Electric (later BAC) Lightning and was the first and only truly supersonic aircraft developed by Britain on her own. This radical and far sighted design was considered so novel there were concerns as to whether it could succeed. The museum’s example is the first of two prototypes built to test the 60 degree sweepback wing and the low position tail plane, a concept that was later confirmed. The P1A exceeded the speed of sound in level flight, achieving in excess of Mach 2.0 and went on to become the RAF’s front line fighter, staying in service for nearly three decades.

Also new to the event list is the Fairey Delta 2 (FD2), one of only two FD2S ever built. Devised in response to Britain trailing behind in supersonic aircraft design during the late 1940s, the Ministry of Supply issued a specification for a supersonic research aircraft. Fairey set about meeting this with a single-seat, delta-winged aircraft powered by a Rolls-Royce Avon engine with an afterburner and called it the FD2. To improve the pilot’s forward view during landing, taxiing and take-off, the aircraft had a unique feature whereby the cockpit and nose section could be hinged downwards by ten degrees. In March 1956 the FD2 broke the World Air Speed Record reaching speeds of 1132mph, breaking the record by 300mph set by an American F100 Super Sabre the year before.

This May will be the first time Visitors at Cosford have been able to get on board both the P1A and the FD2 and organisers are confident they will be popular with aviation fans wanting a closer inspection. Visitors to ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ can also view inside the cockpit of the British Aircraft Corporation TSR2 – one of the most exciting and controversial British combat aircraft designs of the 1960s. Plus, the giant Short Brothers Belfast, a long-range, strategic RAF transport aircraft weighing over 56 tonnes when empty, will be opened up for visitors along with the Handley Page Hastings and the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis to name but a few.

RAF Museum Cosford Event Manager, Abi Betteridge said:

“Events like this make a visit to the museum extra special as it’s such a unique opportunity to have access inside military aircraft. To make sure visitors get the most out of the event, we have a fantastic team of Volunteers on hand to answer any questions they may have. We have also added two new aircraft to the list, along with some that haven’t been open for a number of years, so there is something new and exciting for our repeat visitors.”

‘Open Cockpits Evening’ is part of ‘The Museums at Night’ cultural event, an annual international event where hundreds of museums, galleries, libraries, archives and heritage sites across Europe open their doors to the public for special after hours events. Visitors will have exclusive after-hours access to the museum which displays a collection of over 75 aircraft, military vehicles, engines and aviation artefacts within three wartime hangars and the National Cold War Exhibition.

Tickets are now available to purchase through the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford and cost £12.50 per person which includes parking. Minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply. The Museum will close at 5.00pm both days, however the Visitor Centre and Refuel Restaurant will remain open for visitors attending the evening event which commences at 6.00pm and finishes at 9.00pm.

Tickets for a second Open Cockpits Evening taking place in September which will feature a different collection of aircraft to the May event are also on sale via the Museum website.

Carole Vorderman Open News Exhibition at RAF Museum

RAF Museum Carole Vorderman

The RAF Museum is pleased to announce the launch of its newest temporary exhibition ‘Venture and Adventure’ which marks the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the RAF Air Cadets*

Air cadet officers have been working closely with the Museum’s team to produce the exhibition which chronicles the exciting story of the Air Training Corps, from 1941 when it was established, right through to the very latest developments.

Together with a range of other anniversary events across the UK to mark the organisation’s 75th year, the exhibition aims intended to raise public awareness of what is one of the finest national voluntary youth organisations in the world.

As honorary ambassador for the Air Cadets, TV personality Carol Voderman was on hand to open the exhibition at an event attended by RAF VIP’s, local cadets from Barnet and the Mayors of Barnet and Harrow.

Project Officer, Flt Lt Roger Starling said: “This fascinating exhibition will be located in the Art Gallery area on the first floor of the museum’s main building and will use specially designed panels to illustrate key cadet activities. There will also be some historic artefacts on display, including an original uniform from 1941.”

A second, smaller exhibition will feature at the museum’s other site at RAF Cosford, Shropshire. Admission to both exhibitions is free and they will run until November 11 next year (2016).

*The RAF Air Cadets comprises both the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF).

www.rafmuseum.org

Air Tattoo Unveils Art Of Flying

RIAT poster

Three of the anticipated stars at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford feature prominently in dramatic new artwork unveiled by the organisers today.

In the eye-catching image, the RAF’s new state-of-the-art stealth fighter – the F-35 – and the legendary Red Arrows are prominent, along with the RAF’s latest heavylift aircraft, the A400M.

The Air Tattoo poster was produced for the first time by CGI expert Wiek Luijken who has combined his expertise in computer generated images with his passion for aviation.

Air Tattoo Head of Marketing Helen Webb said she was delighted to add Wiek to the list of illustrious artists who have captured the thrills and excitement of the Air Tattoo since it was first staged in 1971.

She said: “We commission new artwork each year and many of these, by renowned aviation artists such as Wilf Hardy, Philip Castle and David Bent,have become iconic. I am sure Wiek’s poster will be equally popular.”

Wiek has been creating aviation art for big print, calendars, book and model box covers, game illustrations and magazine articles for more than 20 years. He works full-time as an Art Director in the games industry and uses aviation art as a creative outlet in his spare time. Wiek also has a passion for classic aircraft, with a special interest in British and Dutch historic military aviation.

Helen added: “We were aware of Wiek’s work and very much liked his style. He loves aviation and this passion comes over clearly in the images he produces. Furthermore, he’s created the artwork in a way that enables us to use it across many mediums – from tiny web banners through to giant roadside posters!”

Wiek said: “It’s such an honour to create artwork for an event such as the Air Tattoo, one of the world’s greatest airshows! At the same time, the challenge of stepping in the footsteps of legendary aviation artists such as Wilf Hardy was slightly terrifying. I have tried to pay homage to their style whilst adding my own twist.

“Creating the poster gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone as I am more used to featuring historic aircraft. Last year the A400M blew me away with a stunning display, giving the fast jets a run for their money. I couldn’t help but put in the Red Arrows as well, they never cease to amaze with a vibrant display of British colours and are always a highlight of the show. It has been an absolute blast creating this artwork!”

Last week it was announced that Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning would be making its international flying display debut at the Air Tattoo.

This summer’s Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 8-10. Earlybird tickets, starting at £34, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. Under 16s go free. Free parking.

Tickets now on sale for The American Air Show and Flying Legends at IWM Duxford

IWM Duxford is delighted to announce that tickets for The American Air Show (Bank Holiday weekend Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May) and for the Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July) are now on sale.

Tickets for The American Air Show and the Flying Legends Air Show must be booked in advance; no on the day tickets are available.

The American Air Show

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May

To commemorate the reopening of the newly-transformed American Air Museum*, The American Air Show at IWM Duxford tells the story of American and British collaboration in war.

Dynamic flying displays combine with evocative living history and veterans’ voices to show the impact of the American forces on Duxford and the eastern region in the First and Second World Wars, a relationship which developed into the Cold War and the present day.

Tickets for IWM Duxford’s American Air Show must be booked in advance; no on the day tickets are available. Tickets are now on sale at http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/airshows/2016/the-american-air-show

Flying Legends Air Show

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July

The Flying Legends Air Show is famous the world over for its unique presentations of historic piston-engined aircraft in rare combinations and remarkable flying displays.

The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as piston-engined aircraft from across the globe perform their breathtaking flights over IWM Duxford’s historic airfield.

The balbo, a massed-formation finale featuring many of the aircraft which have taken part in the flying display, is unique to the Flying Legends Air Show and a world-renowned spectacle.

Complementing the ‘wow’ factor in the air is the authentic 1940s atmosphere that can be experienced across the museum and in the Vintage Village. Sit back in our deckchair seating area to enjoy the sounds of the 1940s courtesy of The Manhattan Dolls from New York, take the opportunity to have a photograph sitting in a replica Spitfire, enjoy the antics of Laurel and Hardy and take on a vintage look with a 1940s makeover.

The Flying Legends Air Show is organised and produced by The Fighter Collection. For further information visit www.flyinglegends.com

Tickets for the Flying Legends Air Show must be booked in advance; no on the day tickets are available. Tickets are now on sale at http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/airshows/2016/flying-legends-air-show

Details for IWM Duxford’s September air show (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September) will be announced in late spring.

*March 2016 will see the reopening of IWM Duxford’s American Air Museum, after a major transformation and redevelopment.

The transformed American Air Museum will tell the story of Anglo-American co-operation in twentieth and twenty-first century conflict, as seen through the eyes of the people intrinsically linked with the aircraft and objects on display. From Private to President, the American Air Museum will feature the personal stories of many people whose lives have been shaped by their experiences of conflict.

Historic aircraft from the 1930s to the present day have been conserved and are dramatically displayed in the transformed American Air Museum. New technology has been used to create a continuously evolving and interactive record of the American Air Museum’s Roll of Honour, as a fitting tribute to the men and women who lost their lives fighting for world freedom from the East of England.

Air Tattoo Prepares For F-35 Debut

F35 by Jamie Hunter

AVIATION history is set to be made in the UK this summer when, in a major airshow ‘first’, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Joint Strike Fighter, makes its much-anticipated international display debut.

Visitors to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford will be the first outside the US to see the stealthy, supersonic aircraft’s state-of-the-art capabilities when it displays on all three days of the airshow(July 8-10).

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:”The F-35s are the most advanced fast jets in the world. Whether operating from land or from one of our two new aircraft carriers – the UK’s largest ever – they will ensure we have a cutting edge and formidable fighting force.

“The plan for F-35 aircraft to take part in air shows here in the UK this summer is a significant milestone – for our RAF and Royal Navy personnel training hard to fly the F-35; for British industry who are contributing an impressive 15 per cent of every aircraft; and for the British public who will have their first opportunity to see this remarkable aircraft in action.”

Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced that he planned to speed up the purchase of 24 of the multi-role combat aircraft, a decisionthat will see two front-line squadrons operating from the UK’stwo new aircraft carriers by 2023.

Air Tattoo organisers anticipate that examples of the F-35B, the short take-off/vertical landing version, will demonstrate the Harrier-like ‘hover’ capability required for operation from austere land bases andaircraft carriers.

Its appearance at RAF Fairford in July will be the latest in a long list of legendary military aircraft that have made their UK debut at the Air Tattoo. These have included the F-14 Tomcat in 1976, the MiG-23 in 1991, the Typhoon in 1995, the V-22 Osprey in 2006 and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Kawasaki P1 in 2015.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “No doubt, the sight of F-35s in the sky will be quite common for future generations but thissummer, all those who attend our airshow will enjoy a first glimpse of that future. Over the years, the Air Tattoohas featured the UK and European debuts of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft but few will have been as important to the UK’s future defence capability as the F-35. I am sure many people will want to join us to witness this piece of aviation history being made.”

US Marine Corps (USMC) Deputy Commander for Aviation, Lt. Gen. Davis said: “The US Marine Corps is looking forward to demonstrating the capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II in the skies over the United Kingdom this July.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event are only available in advance. Specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets for this summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 8-10, are available until January 31 from www.airtattoo.com. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.