Tag: 2016

History Made at Memorable Air Tattoo

F35B RIAT

History was made both in the air and on the ground at this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The airshow, which took .

A post on the Royal Family’sofficial Facebook page, said: “The Air Tattoo is a fantastic family-orientatedplace over three days (July 8-10), attracted a sell-out crowd of 153,000 people who enjoyed demonstrations by some of the world’s leading pilots.

Friday’s flying programme featured the first ever international display by Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning II, the world’s most advanced fighter jet and on the same day, the airshow hosted a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who attended with Prince George on his first ever public engagement event, and The Duke and Duchess knew that George would enjoy seeing the aircraft up close. Their Royal Highnesses took a closer look at an RAF Squirrel helicopter, which The Duke trained upon at RAF Shawbury in 2009, met Air Cadets and teams involved in the spectacular displays at the show, and even tried out an RAF Red Arrows Hawk for size.”

Other Royals attending the airshow were HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan.

More than 230 aircraft, from 37 air arms in 24 countries participated in the Air Tattoo which took place in warm, largely sunny weather. Among the manyhighlights were displays by the F-22 ‘Raptor’, a Polish MiG-29, an RAF Typhoon and Chinook, a French Rafale and the Turkish Air Force F-16 ‘Solo Turk’.

Flypasts included a unique formation of the Red Arrows, an F-35B and two RAF Typhoons giving a glimpse of the future of the UK’s defence capability. There were also some notable firsts and lasts, with the Croatian Air Force displaying for the first time in the UK with their display team Wings of Storm and the last ever display by the French Air Force ‘Ramex Delta’ Mirage 2000D duo.

Croatia became the 56th nation to take part in the Air Tattoo since it was first staged in 1971.

Among the highlights on the ground was a march past by 750 air cadets to mark the Air Cadet Organisation’s 75th anniversary. Taking the salute were the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Commandant Air Cadets Air Cdre Dawn McCafferty and Honorary Air Cadet Gp Capt Carol Vorderman.

There were 36 international military chiefs in attendance includingAir Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff;Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the RAF Chief of the Air Staff (Designate); and new Chief of the US Air Force, General David Goldfein. Senior industry guests included the Chairman of BAE Systems, Sir Roger Carr; Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson and Airbus CEO Mr Allan McArtor.The UK’s Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt and the Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne were also attended.

RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises’ Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “This year will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest ever Air Tattoos. That such a significant aircraft as the Lockheed Martin F-35B should make its international display debut at the Air Tattoo is testament to the incredible faith the military and the world’s leading aerospace companies have in our event.

“Our 2,000-plus volunteers and small team of permanent staff deserve a huge pat on the back for delivering such an outstanding event. The icing on the cake was the visit on Friday by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George.

“My thanks go to all our sponsors, in particular BAE Systems and all the participating air arms including the US Air Force, who allow us to stage the event at RAF Fairford and the Royal Air Force for all its support.

Once again, the Air Tattoo has performed an important defence diplomacy role not only in showcasing some of the world’s most exciting aircraft but also by offering the RAF a platform on which to demonstrate its current – and future – capabilities.

“I am particularly pleased that over the three-day airshow our parent charity, the RAF Charitable Trust was able to demonstrate the many ways it has touched people’s lives by providing support for RAF personnel and encouraging and inspiring young people.”

The show received a big thumbs’ up from the many visitors who attended.

Hannah Booth, from Birmingham said: “We’re having a great day! There’s a brilliant atmosphere here and so many amazing aircraft to see. I couldn’t believe how much is here and how big it is,” whilst Tom Newdock, from Cardiff said: “It was phenomenal to see the F-35 and, as always, a fantastic job by the Air Tattoo organisers. I can’t wait for next year!”

www.airtattoo.com

Old Buckenham Airshow Confirms Another Aviation Giant

Catalina

 

The Old Buckenham Airshow is pleased to confirm details of the final acts which make up its largest air display weekend ever on the 30th and 31st of July.

The show has already confirmed the return after more than a decade of the only flying B-17 Bomber in Europe, Sally B, star of Memphis Belle. In a new development another American giant will perform at the show on both days in the form of a Catalina Flying Boat. This 10 ton giant boasts a 114 foot wing span. Designed an built for bombing, submarine hunting and search & rescue, the Catalina is still in service today as a fire-fighting platform. Others are used for fishing in the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft displaying at Old Buckenham is in wartime USAAF markings of the 8th Air Force 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron.

Both days at the Airshow crowds will also be able to see a truly unique act, described as one of the most innovative and thrilling of recent years. It has also been described as one of the most amusing. Noted Advanced Aerobatic competitor Chris Burkett will be flying his Extra 330, a 330hp carbon fibre aerobatic aircraft capable of withstanding forces of +/- 10g. This alone is a spectacular sight. Chris, however, will be joined in the sky by what appears to be an identical blue Extra. The other aircraft is, in fact, a 41% scale model flown by Mike Williams, a multiple remote control champion who has been flying models since he was 9. Mike’s skills allow him to control the model in unison with Chris in the full size aircraft and the resulting ‘little and large’ act has been the talk of aviation for the last two years.

2016’s Airshow features some of the most powerful aircraft on the display circuit; to provide something in the way of balance the show has also confirmed a slightly more modest 145 hp Auster, a venerable WWII spotter plane, still popular as a trainer and pleasure aircraft. The Auster is the final act to be confirmed for the record line up.

Matt Wilkins, Airshow Organiser; “It was a major coup to have secured the first display by B-17 Sally B n over ten years. To be able to add to it with the mighty Catalina is fabulous. Both aircraft are enormous and the importance of their roles in WWII cannot be overstated. They have rightly achieved iconic status and this will be a remarkable Airshow weekend. To further add to these the ‘Extra & Model’ act is very exciting and this mix of old, new and unique means that we will have to work very hard to try to beat this year’s lineup in years to come” Tickets for the show are available online at www.oldbuckenhamairshow.co.uk. Forward sales are comfortably above the record levels seen in 2015 and organisers anticipate a sell-out attendance; advance purchases are
recommended to avoid disappointment.

For further information please contact Old Buckenham Airfield on 01953 860 806 or visit www.oldbuck.com

The Red Baron

The Red Baron

Written and Directed by Robert Gillespie

Date: 27 to 31 July

Book now: 020 8038 4614

Location: RAF Museum London,

Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

The Royal Air Force Museum and Jane Nightwork Productions presents a ‘World Premier’ theatre production of The Red Baron, written and directed by TV actor Robert Gillespie.

Manfred von Richthofen was one of the Great War’s aerial super-stars.   An aristocrat and huntsman, he loved the new medium and trained himself to be a superb air-borne killer

He was never seen with a girl, though – or hardly ever.   Hacked off with being pestered and nudged by his friends, he calls on Coco.   She’s one of the girls in a house near the front.   Where all the squadron goes.

But all Manfred does is talk about planes and guns – and shooting down enemy flyers.

For most of us, World War One means trench warfare.

But in 1915, for the first time in history, young men were soaring the skies.   Fighting in flimsy machines for country and personal glory. This play is about them. And one man’s astonishing change of mind.

Robert Gillespie began his acting career with two years with the Old Vic Company, beginning in autumn 1953 for Michael Benthall’s Shakespeare seasons. In the company were Richard Burton, Clare Bloom, Fay Compton and Michael Hordern. The second year was headed by Paul Rogers, Ann Todd, Virginia McKenna and John Neville. His TV roles include Hugh and I Spy, The Good Life, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads, Robin’s Nest, George and Mildred, Rising Damp, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, Porridge, Dad’s Army (in which he played Charles Boyer playing Napoleon Bonaparte), Butterflies, The Liver Birds, Beggar My Neighbour, Agony, Terry and June and It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.

RAF Museum London

Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5LL

27-31 July Wed-Sat, 7-30pm and Sun 3 & 7pm

Box Office: 020 8038 4614

Tickets £8

Website: www.janenightwork.com

Final Countdown to Air Day

French Navy Rafale Duo Yeovilton Air Day

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day 2016 takes to the skies on Saturday 2 July. Now fast approaching its seventieth anniversary (the first event was staged in 1947), Air Day is one of the Royal Navy’s premier annual events and among the South West’s key single-day shows, attracting up to 40,000 spectators. An action-packed day featuring five hours of spectacular flying displays, extensive ground displays and a galaxy of other attractions is in store for all who attend.

Air Day 2016’s theme is Naval Aviation – Past, Present & Future. We will remember a landmark Royal Navy engagement of 75 years ago when Swordfish biplanes famously helped sink a key German Navy battleship. We say farewell to the maritime Lynx, paying tribute to the Fleet Air Arm’s outgoing small ships helicopter, which will be retired in March 2017, and looking to the future, we celebrate the new generation of Wildcat and Merlin helicopters.

10 Unmissable Air Day Highlights

  • Navy Wings – A rich assortment of past naval aircraft including the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber in its 820 NAS Bismarck attack scheme, the pounding Seafire and Corsair WW2 fighters, both in British Pacific Fleet schemes, and the world’s only flying Sea Vixen fleet air defence fighter of the 1960s. Ground exhibits include the Sea Fury – one of the fastest piston-engine fighters ever built, the mighty Phantom 1970s fleet air defence fighter and two Sea Harriers.
  • International Display Teams – Three world-class international display teams, with Air Day newcomer the Polish Air Force’s Orlik Aerobatic Team joining longstanding crowd favourites the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.
  • Lynx Farewell – One very last chance to see these legendary maritime helicopters in action over home ground at Air Day. Our Lynx Farewell events include a special formation flypast and a spectacular Maritime Role Demo.
  • STEM – The Royal Aeronautical Society’s wind tunnel, the Imagineering Foundation’s interactive exhibits and other features making up our STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) fair designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.
  • B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ – Europe’s only flying example of the famed US WW2 bomber, making its first Air Day appearance in over 15 years.
  • Commando Assault Finale – World-renowned, Air Day’s Commando Assault finale features helicopters, troops and pyrotechnics galore! This edition will be the first in which the Commando Helicopter’s Force’s very impressive new Merlin iHC3 troop transport helicopters take centre stage.
  • Arena & Music Displays – Highlights include the hotly-contested HMS Heron Field Gun Competition and performances from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines in the arena. Whilst in Hangar 8 the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir and HMS Heron’s Volunteer Band will be on hand to entertain you.
  • Roaring Fast Jets – Cutting-edge multirole fighters, with a sensational solo display from the RAF’s Typhoon FGR4 and the French Navy’s scintillating Rafale M role demonstration pair, again making its only UK airshow appearance of the year.
  • The ‘Heavies’ – Dominating the static park will be a line-up of huge overseas military aircraft including an E-3A Sentry, C-17 Globemaster and C-160D Transall. Most of them will be opened up to the general public.
  • Family Attractions – For car enthusiasts our extensive vehicle exhibition includes an array of ex-military vehicles, classic cars and high-performance supercars to view and even sit in. Meet Transformers, Star Wars and Superhero characters who will be roaming around the showground, interacting with our younger visitors. For the more adventurous there are simulators, pleasure flights and thrill-seeking fairground rides including a 90ft sky swing!  

Discounted Advance Tickets are now only available from participating Tourist Information Centres until 5pm Friday 1 July. Tickets are also available On the Day priced at £27 for Adults and £14 for Children under 16. Children under 5 are free of charge. Full details, including visitor information can be found at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticket Office on 0330 100 3656.

Air Tattoo Reveals Trademark Showstopper!

Red Arrows Flypast with A380 RIAT 2013

Visitors to RAF Fairford next month will be treated to one of the Royal International Air Tattoo’s show-stopping joint flypasts that over the years have become the trademark of the world’s greatest military airshow.

Featuring the F-35B ‘Lightning’, two RAF Typhoons and the legendary aerobatics display team the Red Arrows, this uniquecombination, flying together, will provide one of the many highlights planned over the three-day event.

The pairing of the F-35B and Typhoon, which together represent the fast jet component of the UK’sfuture air defence capability, comes as the F-35B performs its first ever display outside of the US.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “Over the years the Air Tattoo has staged a number of memorable joint flypasts, many featuring the Red Arrows,most notablywith the US Air Force F-117A stealth fighter in 2003, the A380 in 2013 and with the iconic Vulcan XH558, on its final Air Tattoo appearance,in 2015.

“The forthcoming airshow will see us continue the tradition of presenting aerial spectacles that have rarely – or never – been seen before. I am sure everybody will be reaching for their cameras!”

Other Air Tattoo highlights next month include displays by the USAF F-22 Raptor, a Dutch Apache helicopter and the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, takes place at RAF Fairford on July 8-10.

www.airtattoo.com

Student helps restore Great Grandfather’s Hampden bomber

Student helping restore Hampden bomber

A young student from London is nearing the end of a week’s work experience placement at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, working on her Great Grandfather’s aircraft.  Beth Halbard, aged 16 has spent the last few days working alongside the museum’s Technicians and Apprentices, helping to restore the wing box section with seat from the Handley Page Hampden P1344.  This particular section of the aircraft has close family links and was the seat where her Great Grandfather, George Shepherd, sat on the Hampden’s final flight on 4 September 1942.

George Shepherd was a Corporal Engine Fitter on 144 Squadron Royal Air Force and serviced the Hampden currently being restored at the museum.  As a Technician, he rarely had the opportunity to fly in the aircraft he serviced, but the lack of Ground Crew in Russia meant there was a need for each aircraft to carry a technician as fifth crew member. George ended up flying on his aircraft, P1344, which turned out to be the aircraft’s final flight.

Hampden’s were required to provide aerial protection for Arctic Convoy’s and to meet this demand, 16 aircraft from 144 Sqn and 16 from 455 Sqn RAF flew out to Vaenga, northern Russia. After departing from Sumburgh, Shetland Islands on the evening of 4 September 1942, the museum’s Hampden example, with George aboard, suffered with icing problems and diverted slightly north to find lower ground, avoiding the mountains. This action took the aircraft directly above a Luftwaffe base at Petsamo in northern Norway and was subsequently hit by ground fire from anti-aircraft battery, followed by attacks from two Messerschmitt 109 fighters who helped bring it down. 

This air battle resulted in Flight Sergeant Miller and Sergeant’s Robertson and Garrity’s loss of life, and whilst Pilot Officer Perry and George both survived the crash landing; Perry was badly injured.  George covered him in cloth to help keep him warm before going on the run for over 30 hours, eventually being captured.  He spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft V111b and was involved in the long marches, where he walked over 500 miles in 52 days in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.  Eventually liberated by the US Army, George returned to the UK and was demobed at RAF Cosford, just a stone’s throw away from the museum where his aircraft now lives. 

Six decades later, Beth visited the RAF Museum Cosford with her parents and Great Grandfather to view the Hampden.  She was studying the Second World War at school and George surprised the whole family when he wrote notes to help with her project, detailing what happened during his flight in the Hampden back in 1942, something he had kept from the family for over 60 years. 

Almost a decade after first viewing the Hampden and with an interest in aviation and engine mechanics, Beth was on the lookout for a hands-on, engineering work placement and the RAF Museum Cosford was her number one choice.  Beth has now spent five days in the museum’s Conservation Centre, temporarily part of the team, helping to restore the aircraft to its former glory.

Beth Halbard said:

“There is a huge respect within the family for my Great Grandfather about everything he went through.  Seeing the aircraft being restored to its former glory and playing even just a small part of that is a huge honour.  My Great Granddad didn’t really speak about his experiences in the RAF, but I remember how emotional he got when he was reunited with his Hampden and it was after this that we could appreciate what he went through.”

 Beth has been put to work in a variety of roles during her placement, including helping with aircraft moves, the removal of aircraft wheels from the Catalina as well as bench work learning how to work with various metals.

RAF Museum Conservation Centre Manager, Darren Priday said:

“I first met Beth aged 9, when she visited the project with George and other family members.  Last year Beth approached me about attending work experience with us as she is interested in completing an aeronautical degree. How could we refuse such a request with her connections to our Hampden. Hopefully after spending time with us she will have a better understanding of the aviation industry; she will always be welcome back.”

The Hampden is one of the museum’s longest running conservation projects, which has progressed considerably over the last year.  As one of only three examples of the type remaining, the significance of this project is huge and is being led by one of the museum’s skilled Aircraft Technicians.  This work includes manufacturing a forward fuselage (above the lower longeron) hand built and where possible, incorporating existing fixtures and fittings from the original cockpit.  Another major component manufactured on site has been the aircraft’s tailplane which now has an operational flying control system (elevator and rudder) and the surfaces have been covered in Irish Linen and sprayed into Bomber Command green/brown camouflage pattern.  The rear fuselage external structure is close to being finished with just a few small tasks to be completed on the bomb bay sidewalls.  Internally, the wooden floor is being fitted; once installed this will allow for further rebuilds to be progressed. 

From 9-14 November visitors will be able to get up close to all of the current conservation projects undertaken by the team at Cosford, which include the Wellington bomber, Dornier Do 17 and the Range Safety Launch.  For more details on the open week, visit www.rafmusuem.org/cosford.

Buckle Up – Bournemouth Air Festival Is Coming Into Land!

Bournemouth Air Festival

Details announced for the four day extravaganza of land, sea and air display entertainment at the UK’s leading seaside resort… it’s more than just an air show!

23rd June 2016: Back to impress the hundreds of thousands of avid fans who annually flock to the UK’s leading seaside resort, the skies of Bournemouth will hosting displays from the awesome RAF Red Arrows and the mighty Typhoon, SallyB and The Blades , to name but a few, supported with a multitude of land, sea and air Royal Navy assets, Pier-to-Pier county show trading stalls and Wave105 staging three nights of music, including a ‘proms on the beach’ style concert, the best chart acts and a celebration of dance music.

New performances for 2016 come from the B25Mitchell Bomber, Strike Master and awe-inspiring Swiss Air Force Super Puma Helicopter Display Team. Display Pilot Captain Matthieu Ghiringhelli said; “On behalf of the Swiss Air Force I am delighted we will be participating at this summer’s Bournemouth Air Festival – we have heard great things about the event on the air show circuit.  I hope visitors will enjoy watching the incredible agility demonstrated by the Super Puma Display Team – see you in August!”

The Red Arrows, supported by Morgan Sindall, will be performing at the festival and visitors can see the breath-taking team in action at the set time of 1545 (3.45pm) on all four days.

With the presence of Admiral Sir George Michael Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy at last year’s event, the Navy’s ongoing commitment to the festival is confirmed with four warships, a large amphibious command ship complete with helicopters, Royal Marines and landing craft and Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team. The famous amphibious beach assault demonstrations and beachfront Royal Navy Village are back again, all bolstered tremendously by world class music from the Royal Marines Band, HM RM Band Collingwood.

Commander Steve Henagan said; “2016 will demonstrate yet another superb concentration of Naval force. On land, at sea and in the air, we look forward to showcasing what we do best!”

RAF assets alongside the Red Arrows and Typhoon will be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and fantastic interactive RAF Village. RAF Wing Commander Heather Ratnage-Black said; “Wing Commander Heather Ratnage-Black said; “The Air Festival is a high priority event for the Royal Air Force, in terms of audience numbers it’s perfect for showcasing our aircraft and offers a first class arena for engaging with the public.  The event allows the public the opportunity to talk directly to our personnel and discuss the opportunities to have a career within the Service, in over 50 roles ranging from engineering to catering.”

Last seen in 2013, the Breitling Wingwalkers are returning with the ever-popular Tigers Parachute Team making daily jumps from an amazing 6,000feet freefalling at an incredible 120mph! Not forgetting the SallyB, Twister Duo and The Blades.

Tigers Captain, Ian Wicks said; “Bournemouth is the highlight in our display year. The crowds are fantastic, the reception, the organisers and staff are awesome. It sets the precedent for all other air shows!”

A revamped Night Air programme welcomes a mini tattoo on the East Overcliff (Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening) with the brilliant RAF Queens Colour Squadron, alongside the Royal Navy Beat Retreat sunset ceremony and unarmed combat displays by the Royal Marines.

In the skies will be fantastic dusk displays from the Red Devils and O’Briens Flying Circus starring Otto The Helicopter, as well as Team Fire Flies and Aerosparx, both bringing formation flying and pyrotechnics to the evening display programme.
This year’s Night Air entertainment, with Wave105, runs across three nights (Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August). It includes fireworks at 10pm on Friday and Saturday, along with three fantastic music nights created to spread the entertainment across all generations.

Thursday evening will be a very British affair with a ‘Musical Spectacular’ performed by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, Friday night is ‘Pop Night’, sponsored by Shorefield Holiday Parks and Saturday night ‘Sunset on the Beach’ is the official, not-to-be-missed, beach party with Halo. Tickets start from £10.

With day and night time entertainment on land, out at sea and in the air, displays from old favourites, a Bournemouth debut for some new faces as well as a great soon-to-be-announced Wave105 line up, the 2016 Air Festival is certainly set to be the event of the summer!

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Final Preparations Underway For a Spectacular RAF Cosford Air Show

Cosford Overview by Peter Reoch

RAF Cosford has been a hive of activity this week, as the military base prepares for its annual air show, one of the Midland’s most popular outdoor events.

The RAF Cosford Air Show is set to welcome more than 50,000 visitors on Sunday 19th June, to showcase the work of the Royal Air Force, both with interactive ground displays and thrilling flying displays from a diverse array of aircraft. Many of the show’s ground attractions have already been set up in the airfield’s hangars, and display aircraft are set to arrive later in the week. Carol Vorderman, who will again be flying in to visit the show, said “This is a great day out for all of the family!”

The Air Show team have also recently announced a number of exciting last minute additions to the flying programme, including the rare appearance of a United States Air Force strategic bomber, the Boeing B-52H, which will be performing a number of flypasts. Other aircraft recently confirmed also include a RAF Puma HC2 helicopter and RAF C-130J Hercules which will both be appearing at the show.

Despite this week’s wet weather, organisers are confident that the rain won’t cause them any issues. Clive Elliott, Air Show Director, said; “The airfield has great drainage and the ground is still firm despite this week’s heavy rain. As a precaution we’ve got extra trackway coming into the car parks and around the showground this year, so our visitors shouldn’t face any problems. The weather forecast for the weekend is very good so we expecting to match last year’s sell-out crowds.”

Organisers are also keen to remind people of the event’s advanced ticket only policy, meaning that those who do not have a pre-purchased ticket to the show should not attempt to travel to RAF Cosford on Sunday. Tickets are still available to purchase online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or from selected Mid Counties Co-Op stores, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon and the Midlands Air Museum in Coventry. Tickets cost £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Heavy Movers Line Up For Air Day

USAF C-17

Large transport aircraft from three different air arms will dominate the static display at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016. The United States Air Force’s vast C-17 Globemaster III, a German Air Force C-160D Transall and a Polish Air Force CASA C-295M, have all confirmed their attendance and will be open to the public to view.

Among the biggest types in NATO’s inventory, the Boeing C-17 is a strategic airlifter able to fit some 100 paratroopers inside its cargo hold. Air Day’s example hails from the USAF’s 315th Airlift Wing based in South Carolina. The Globemaster was opened up for public inspection at last year’s show – a move that proved incredibly popular. The aircraft deservedly won Air Day 2015’s best static display award and the aircrew were full of praise for the enthusiasm shown by Air Day visitors. Consequently, they made it their mission to return to Air Day this year.

The German Air Force’s C-160D Transall tactical transport aircraft are now nearing their career’s end, making UK airshow appearances from them an increasingly rare prospect. An example will be on static display alongside a German Air Force Tornado IDS swing-wing strike aircraft.

The CASA C-295M represents a more modern breed of transporter and Poland, operating 16 examples, has more C-295Ms in service than any other European nation. The one attending Air Day is the support aircraft for the Polish Air Force’s outstanding Orlik Aerobatic Team which is making its show debut.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.

Museum aircraft join Air Show line-up

RAF Museum Gnat T1

A collection of aircraft from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be joining the line-up in a static display at the RAF Cosford Air Show, taking place on Sunday 19 June. Aircraft already confirmed to appear include the experimental jets; Bristol 188, Fairey Delta II and the Avro 707. The recently added Hawker Siddeley Gnat T1 will be the fourth aircraft to complete the museum’s display at this year’s show.

As part of the Air Show’s key theme this year ‘Speed: Evolution of the Jet Engine’, the Bristol 188, Fairey Delta II, Avro 707 and Gnat T1 will be rolled out from the museum hangars and exhibited outside on the airfield, forming part of a unique display of vintage British jet aircraft. All four aircraft played a vital role in the advancement of British aviation technologies in the 1950s and 1960s, and are sure to be a popular attraction for aviation fans visiting the show, which attracts in excess of 50,000 visitors each year.

Known as the ‘flaming pencil’ for its sleek looks and intended role as a supersonic research aircraft, the Bristol 188 will be one of the key highlights for aviation fans. Sure to be popular with families is the Gnat T1, made famous by the RAF Red Arrows display team. Not only will visitors see the Red Arrows fly overhead, they will also have the opportunity to get up close to one of the team’s former aircraft on the ground. Plus, Red Arrow fans now have the opportunity to add their name onto one of the iconic planes and see it fly at shows throughout the 2017 season thanks to the museum’s ‘Names on a Plane’ campaign. Speak to museum staff on the day or visit www.namesonaplane.org to find out more.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Al McLean said:

“This is the perfect opportunity for aviation fans and photographers to get stand-alone photos of our aircraft outside of the hangar, particularly the Avro 707 which has been off display for a little while. We are delighted to be able to support the show again this year with static aircraft displays and we hope they will prove popular with visitors.”

In addition to the aircraft displays, the museum’s Access and Learning team will be running workshops in the STEM hangar throughout the day, where families can take part in rocket car activities, in free drop-in sessions. There will also be the opportunity to try on some of the jackets, hats and flying goggles from the museum’s handling collection and view some of the objects used by RAF personnel through the years. To find out more about the museum and the wide range of learning opportunities available, head to the STEM hangar and speak with the team.

RAF Museum Cosford Access and Learning Assistant, Julie Brierley said:

“This is the first time the Access and Learning team have exhibited at the Air Show and we are excited to be able to showcase some of the activities we run with schools to all the families visiting the show. We will be running rocket car workshops throughout the day and alongside this a competition on our Twitter stream for visitors to share photos of their rocket car, with a prize bundle for one lucky winner.”

Tickets for the show are advanced sale only and cost £25 per person with free entry for accompanied under 16s. Tickets will not be available to purchase on the gate so to avoid disappointment, visit the shows website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk and book online.