The RAF’s future airlifter, the Airbus A400M Atlas, is making its only UK flying appearance this year, taking to the air at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The giant aircraft took to the skies over RAF Fairford yesterday as part of the RAF’s Air Mobility flypast, along with the other transport aircraft based at nearby RAF Brize Norton. It will also appear in the flypast today.

Air Tattoo director Tim Prince said: “I am delighted the Air Tattoo was chosen as the venue for the naming ceremony for the A400M Atlas, and that Airbus Military’s chief test pilot, Ed Strongman, was able to fly the Atlas in our weekend’s eight-hour daily flying display programmes.

“Our visitors have been able to enjoy this fantastic aircraft on the ground, and they’ve also had two rare opportunities to see and hear this amazing machine fly in the skies over RAF Fairford.”

The aircraft appearing at Fairford is one of six prototypes being used by Airbus Military for the development of the aircraft. The first aircraft made its maiden flight in December 2009 and the first production aircraft is due to enter service with the French Air Force at the end of this year or in early 2013.

The RAF will receive the first of the 22 A400Ms ordered in 2014. The fleet is due to be based at Brize Norton.

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Japan said its announcement today that it would be sending an aircraft to participate in its first ever European airshow this week was a step towards developing closer military ties with the UK.

A Japanese KC-767J from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force will arrive at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Thursday (July 5) for the weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo (July 7-8).

Other than for State visits, it will represent the first time a Japanese military aircraft has touched down on British soil.

Capt (Navy) Atsushi Minami, Defence Attache at the Japanese Embassy in London said the decision to send an aircraft to the Air Tattoo was taken following visits to Japan by the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton last year and by David Cameron in April.

Capt Minami said: “When Prime Minister Cameron paid and official visit to Japan, our two prime ministers agreed in a joint statement to upgrade bilateral defence co-operation in various fields. On instruction from the two Prime Ministers, the Japanese Defence Minister and the UK Defence Secretary signed a Defence Cooperation Memorandum earlier this month (June).

“The prodigious economic growth of countries in East Asia amid the delicate strategic balance in the region represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Japan and the UK. Japan and the UK are each other’s most important partners in Asia and Europe, respectively. We hope our participation in the Air Tattoo will enhance defence cooperation between our two countries.”

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force participating in this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo. During my visit to Japan, late last year, I was particularly keen to secure the attendance of the JASDF for the 2012 Air Tattoo and I am very pleased that the Taiko Drummers have also travelled to Fairford to provide some outstanding entertainment and to showcase some Japanese culture; It is my pleasure to welcome them to the United Kingdom.”

European Airshow Council Chairman Gilbert Buekenberghs said: ” Whilst other nations will also be sending aircraft to European air shows for the first time this summer, most notably South Korea and Colombia, it is the backdrop against which Japan is proposing to participate that makes their visit to the Air Tattoo so significant. Whilst other far flung nations may choose not to attend for reasons of distance or cost, Japan’s absence over the years has been self imposed, a restriction borne out of the Second World War. That they now feel the time is right to participate more fully on the international stage is to be applauded – and certainly one welcomed by the European airshow community.”

Aviation author Lindsay Peacock said: “Since the end of World War Two, the Japanese have adhered to a pacifist clause in its constitution that prohibits it from settling international disputes with the use of military force. However, in recent times, the once strict interpretation of this clause has been relaxed somewhat, resulting in participation in training exercises such as ‘Red Flag Alaska’ as well as involvement in humanitarian efforts. In addition, Japan is now beginning to play an increasing role in global security. Sending its first ever military aircraft – a Boeing KC-767J – to an airshow in Europe is an indication of Japan’s growing confidence.”

In addition to its 14 crew, on board the KC-767J will be a troupe of 26 Taiko drummers from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. They plan a series of performances during the airshow.

The aircraft, one of four JASDF tankers, will arrive via Elmendorf US Air Force Base, Alaska, on July 5.

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Organisers of next week’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford have announced that one of the most popular and distinctive aircraft ever to appear at the airshow will be among almost 300 others taking part from around the world.

The US Air Force B-2 ‘Spirit’ stealth bomber, which last touched down at RAF Fairford for the airshow in 1999, will make a 10,000-mile round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to take pride of place within the Air Tattoo’s static aircraft park.

The B-2 ‘Spirit’ has the ability to deliver massive firepower in a short time anywhere in the world and through previously impenetrable defences. It has both a conventional weapons and nuclear capability. First flown in 1989, the stealth bomber has since taken part in a number of military operations including Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said that securing the B-2’s participation in the Air Tattoo was a great coup for the event.

He said: “The B-2 is high on the list of people’s must-see aircraft because of its distinctive and mysterious, sleek shape and the fact it rarely appears at airshows outside of the USA. Anyone who has seen it will tell you what an incredible looking aircraft it is. It’s simply unique.

“With seven aerobatic display teams, special flypasts and aircraft such as the B-2, Vulcan, Osprey and Rafale, I can confidently say that no other airshow in the world this year will be as exciting as the one we have planned at Fairford next week.”

The last time a B-2 ‘Spirit’ appeared at the Air Tattoo was in 2004 when it performed a flypast without landing. Since then, the B-2 has never been seen at any other European airshow.

More than 250 aircraft are due to land at the Gloucestershire air base for the event, starting with the arrival from Colombia of a C-130 Hercules. It will be the first time Colombia has ever taken part in an airshow in the United Kingdom.

Tickets for the Air Tattoo, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com. Under-16s go free. No tickets will be available on the gates.

Organisers of Europe’s largest airshow are preparing to serve up a triple helping of historic aircraft as three new nations prepare to touch down at RAF Fairford for the Air Tattoo next month.

Colombia has confirmed it will be sending a C-130H Hercules plus a rare training aircraft whilst the Republic of Korea will be represented by its aerobatic display team, the Black Eagles.

In May, the Koreans began shuttling 10 of its T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft to Manchester airport on board a 747 jumbo jet. The aircraft arrived in pieces and have since been reassembled at RAF Leeming.

Details of the third new participating nation are due to be announced by the Air Tattoo next week.

As well as almost 300 aircraft taking part in the airshow on July 7-8, the Air Tattoo will host one of the largest gatherings of international air chiefs ever assembled in the UK.

More than 44 military chiefs, representing air forces from countries including Brunei, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Uruguay, New Zealand, the US and Singapore, will be joining more than 130,000 people over the weekend.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the Air Tattoo’s international reputation as one of the world’s biggest and best airshows helped secure the 250-plus aircraft from more than 22 countries.

He said: “I’m delighted that 41 years after the first Air Tattoo, the world’s air arms still see the Air Tattoo as the place to demonstrate the capabilities of their aircraft and aircrew. Everyone involved in next month’s Air Tattoo is very excited because we believe we shall be staging one of the greatest aviation events anywhere in the world this year. It’s really not to be missed.”

Among the highlights of the Air Tattoo’s eight-hour flying programme will be displays by seven international aerobatic teams, the only flying Vulcan bomber and a special flypast by the RAF’s heavyweight airlift fleet featuring the VC-10, TriStar, C-17, C130, A330 and A400M. There will also be a recreation of the mass flypast by 27 Hawk jets in ‘EIIR’ formation that took place over Windsor Castle in May as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Tickets for the Air Tattoo are only available in advance and are priced from £39. Visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

An aircraft considered by many to be one of the finest symbols of man’s conquest of the skies will receive a modern ‘guard of honour’ when it makes a rare appearance in the UK this summer.

The only flying Super Constellation in Europe, and one of only three flying ‘Connies’ in the world, will make its first appearance in the UK for eight years when it performs a special flypast at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 7-8.

The iconic Breitling Super Constellation Star of Switzerland, seen by many as the embodiment of the golden age of propeller planes, will be flanked by seven Czech-built L-39C Albatross jets, from the Breitling Jet Team, for a Diamond Jubilee tribute to the Queen.

Capable of crossing the Atlantic without any stop-overs, the Lockheed Super Constellation dominated civil aviation in the 1950s and set new standards in comfort and luxury.

Air Tattoo flying display commentator and Classic Aircraft magazine editor Ben Dunnell said: “There’s no doubt that the Breitling Super Constellation will be an absolute highlight of this summer’s Air Tattoo. The Connie is simply one of the most beautiful aircraft ever conceived and makes a majestic sight in the sky.

“There are few spectacles in aviation more evocative than that of a ‘Connie’ in the air, thanks in no small part to its wonderful shape and distinctive sound. Many will be delighted that it’s coming back to these shores after an eight year absence. Simply put, it’s everyone’s favourite big-pistoned airliner.”

Other Diamond Jubilee attractions taking place at the Air Tattoo include a repeat of the spectacular mass flypast of 27 Hawk jets in an ‘EIIR’ formation that flew over Windsor Castle in May. A number of colourful Diamond Jubilee-painted aircraft will also be displaying along with a static line-up of current and historic aircraft with ‘Royal’ connections.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. This summer will see aircraft from more than 22 countries, including two that will be taking part in a UK airshow for the first time – South Korea and Colombia.

Tickets, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

GIANT aircraft from the RAF’s air transport and air-to-air refuelling fleets will fill the sky over RAF Fairford next month when they take part in a unique flypast at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

A VC-10, TriStar, A330 Voyager, C-17 and C-130 Hercules from RAF Brize Norton will be joined by Airbus Military’s A400M for a flypast representing the past, present and future of the RAF’s airlift capability.

The flypast will be particularly poignant as it will provide a final opportunity for Air Tattoo visitors to bid farewell to the VC-10 before the fleet is finally retired in March 2013. It was from RAF Fairford that the first RAF Transport Command VC-10 sortie was flown by 10 Sqn in the late 1960s.

The flypast is part of the Air Tattoo’s operational theme Skylift 2012 which will bring together some of the aircraft that help project air mobility around the globe by providing air-to-air refuelling and delivering troops and equipment quickly and safely to support combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian campaigns.

Among the other international military aircraft supporting the Skylift 2012 theme will be a German Airbus A310, a Hungarian An-26, an Italian KC-767, a Polish An-28, an Omani Airbus A320 and a USAF KC-135. Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “This is an incredible opportunity to witness an entire generation of mighty RAF aircraft flying together, as the old and the new combine to perform a unique flypast as well as giving the VC-10 a spectacular send-off.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will feature aircraft from around the world, including South Korea, Russia, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. The eight-hour flying programme includes the European debut of the United Arab Emirates’ Al Fursan display team, the Red Arrows and the unique MV-22 Osprey.

The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Tickets, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Today’s announcements from the Cosford Air Show taking place on Sunday 17 June have something to please enthusiasts and families alike.The latest thrill for those with a love of special aircraft is the unique opportunity to see one of the Cosford based Jaguar aircraft taxiing along the runway during the morning.

Although these iconic aircraft are no longer in active RAF service they are still used for ground training and the organisers have promised a close up view of some of them. As well as the live taxi several of the aircraft, including some with unusual paint schemes, will be on display with their ground equipment in the static aircraft park.

For those who prefer something more sedate there will be some fascinating flying by the RAF Large Model Aircraft Association. Their beautiful scale models cover aircraft old and new and with the right camera lens could almost be the real thing. The display will last for an hour and is scheduled to take place immediately before the main flying display.

Other highlights of the show include the fabulous Red Arrows and two Tornados performing a role demonstration accompanied by a pyrotechnic display, as well as an appearance by a P-51 Mustang which saw service with the famous Tuskegee airmen in World War II. This year’s Air Show image is of two Gnats which will star in the display and form part of the celebration of 100 years of the Central Flying School. On the ground the special line up of Central Flying School aircraft starts with the Tiger Moth and features training aircraft through the ages.

Other ground entertainment includes military bands, Field Gun displays, interactive exhibits from the Royal Air Force and of course the famous Sunday market and Craft Fair.

Full information on the show including details of all participating aircraft can be found on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

DARE-DEVIL parachutists provided a taste of what’s to come when they dropped in to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire yesterday.

Members of the RAF Falcons parachute display team unfurled a Diamond Jubilee flag as they drifted down to earth from 3,000ft at a special preview of the Royal International Air Tattoo.

The world’s biggest military airshow, which will take place on July 7 and 8, is this year celebrating HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and a sparkling display of aircraft touched down to publicise this summer’s event.

Children’s tv presenter Barney Harwood flew in as the day’s special guest, arriving in style courtesy of an RAF Hawk flown by Fairford-born display pilot Flt Lt Phil Bird.

The logo on the flag delivered by the RAF Falcons had been chosen from thousands of entries in a children’s design competition run by the BBC’s Blue Peter programme, and presenter Barney performed the official raising of the flag, accompanied by the Fanfare team from the Band of the RAF Regiment.

Barney said: “I got my first Airfix kit at the age of eight, and that was a Hawk, so it was incredible to actually fly in one. It relays the message that anything is possible: I used to work in a kennels and now here I am in an RAF jumpsuit. It’s such a beautiful aircraft and it was so exciting to fulfil a lifelong ambition.”

Five spectacular aircraft touched down at the Gloucestershire airbase, including a Chipmunk with a royal connection – WP903, painted in the bright colours of the Royal Flight, is the actual two-seater trainer aircraft in which Prince Charles learnt to fly – and an RAF Tucano, painted in special Diamond Jubilee livery.

A deHavilland Vampire T11, which entered service with the RAF 60 years ago, was also on show, while a US Air Force MC-130 Hercules, operated by US Special Forces, also flew in, symbolising the close links between the airshow and the USAF.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “It’s been great to provide a preview of what’s in store in July, as we have an exceptional line-up of aircraft. As well as a special mass flypast of Hawks in an E II R formation, the Air Tattoo will feature seven aerobatic display teams including Al Fursan, a newly-formed team from the United Arab Emirates who’ll be making their European debut at the airshow.

“Two countries, Colombia and South Korea, will be making their Air Tattoo debuts, the iconic Avro Vulcan will be here to thrill the crowds, and many of the world’s top fast jets will also be joining us in July. The world really is coming to Fairford this year – make sure you don’t miss out on the action.”

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The dramatic flypast of RAF Hawks that flew over Windsor Castle at the weekend as part of the Armed Forces’ tribute to HM The Queen will provide the centrepiece of the Royal International Air Tattoo’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer.

Visitors to the airshow on July 7-8 will be able to see a repeat of the EIIR flypast, comprising 27 BAE Systems’ Hawk fast jets from RAF Valley in Anglesey and RAF Leeming in Yorkshire.

Other Diamond Jubilee attractions will include specially-painted aircraft, a display of current and historic aircraft with ‘Royal’ connections and a Diamond Jubilee Lawn featuring a wide variety of themed attractions with a street party atmosphere.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said the Air Tattoo would provide the perfect complement to this summer’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He said: “Mass flypasts are only rarely staged because of the incredible amount of practice and planning involved. To have the opportunity to feature the EIIR element of the Armed Forces’ official tribute to the Queen at Fairford is not only a great honour but it will also provide a wonderful spectacle for our visitors.”
Also at the Air Tattoo will be a number of legendary aircraft also celebrating their 60th anniversaries, including the Vulcan bomber, the US Air Force B-52 and the Vampire T11.

This summer’s Air Tattoo will feature aircraft from around the world, including South Korea, Russia, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. The eight-hour flying programme includes the European debut of the United Arab Emirates’ Al Fursan display team, the Red Arrows and the unique MV-22 Osprey.

The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Tickets, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

History will be made at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer when the South Korean Black Eagles become the first fixed wing aerobatics display team from Asia to perform in Europe.The team, comprising eight T-50 ‘Golden Eagle’ supersonic light-trainer aircraft, will make their debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo on July 7-8.

Their visit is the culmination of more than 20 years’ planning by the airshow organisers, who first contacted the Republic of Korea’s London embassy in the mid-1980s.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Each year we would visit the embassy to build relations and explain the background to our event. Finally, in 2002, we had a breakthrough when the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) sent some of their pilots and senior military representatives to experience the airshow first hand – and they have been back most years ever since. It is a great honour for us to host their visit – and we’re pleased for the UK aircraft enthusiast community who will, I’m sure, be relishing the thought of seeing such rare visitors.”

In order to get the aircraft – 10 in total, including two spares – they will have to be dismantled in Asia and flown the 5,000 mile journey in a fleet of large transport aircraft before being reassembled in the UK.

The T-50 was developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in response to the increased demands on future trainer aircraft to keep up with higher-performance military fighters such as the Typhoon, the F-22 and the Joint Strike Fighter.

Classic Aircraft magazine editor Ben Dunnell said: “It’s no coincidence that the T-50’s manufacturer KAI should be so keen to put this very capable advanced jet trainer on display at the airshow, given the number of potential deals for such aircraft in discussion amongst the world’s air arms, many of whose chiefs now attend the Air Tattoo. With key competitors such as the BAE Systems Hawk and the Russian Yakovlev Yak-130 also due to participate, RIAT 2012 will be an important stage for jet trainer manufacturers.”

The Republic of Korea’s Defence Attaché in the UK, Captain Chong-Ho Choi, said he was delighted his country’s air force pilots could demonstrate their flying capabilities in Europe for the first time. He said: “The Black Eagles are extremely proud to be representing the Republic of Korea Air Force. Their aim will be to perform the best flying display possible not only for the People of the Republic of Korea but also for the rest of the world. It is privilege to be taking part in this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo and I hope everyone will enjoy our magnificent display.”

Red Arrows team leader, Squadron Leader Jim Turner, said: “On behalf of the Royal Air Force and the Red Arrows, I am delighted to welcome the South Korean Display Team, the Black Eagles both to the United Kingdom and the Royal International Air Tattoo. The opportunity to engage with other highly respected professional display teams is always an exciting opportunity and one we look forward to.”

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