The IWM Duxford Autumn Air Show (Sunday 16 October) celebrates the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the iconic Tiger Moth with a superb display by the Tiger Nine Team, which will see nine Tiger Moths in close formation in the skies above Duxford.The Tiger Nine formation team was created in the summer of 2005 in response to a request for a flypast of nine Tiger Moths at the 25th de Havilland Moth Club  Rally at Woburn Abbey.

Having risen to the challenge, the newly-formed team went on to perform its full display routine for the next season.

A challenging aircraft to fly in a formation display, the Tiger Moth requires a mature discipline and expert flying skill, particularly when operating a large group of Tiger Moths simultaneously.

There is something quintessentially British about a group of men from a diverse range of backgrounds, including airline pilots, ex-RAF pilots, a farmer, a sales executive, a company director, an anaesthetist and an RAF Wing Commander, coming together for the camaraderie and fun of flying such a special aircraft.

The Tiger Nine team is the only team in the world to have nine Tiger Moths in close formation. Its crowd pleasing, spectacularly entertaining display will be a significant highlight of the Autumn Air Show 2011.

The Tiger Moth

The de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, was first flown on 26 October 1931 by de Havilland Chief Test Pilot Hubert Broad.

The RAF ordered 35 dual-control Tiger Moth Is which had the company designation DH-82. A subsequent order was placed for 50 aircraft powered by the de Havilland Gipsy Major I engine which was the DH-82A or, to the RAF, Tiger Moth II.

The Tiger Moth entered service at the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932. From the outset, it proved to be an ideal trainer, simple and cheap to own and maintain. The Tiger Moth required a sure and steady hand to fly it well, enabling instructors to easily weed out inept student pilots. Whilst generally docile and forgiving in the normal flight phases encountered during initial training, when used for aerobatic and formation training, the Tiger Moth required definite skill and concentration to perform well. A botched manoeuvre could easily cause the aircraft to stall or spin.

Percival Leggett trained on Tiger Moths during the Second World War in Cambridgeshire:

“The Tiger Moth is easy to fly. No vicious tendencies at all. It’s very responsive to the controls.

Most people, I think, found landing rather tricky, because…it is quite a small aeroplane, with a very small  undercarriage. It is very close to the ground. And coming in to land one finds it difficult to decide just at  what point you should draw back the stick to land the aircraft. Most people tend to start easing off too high, with the result that either the aircraft stalls or they miss the airfield altogether.

But that apart it’s a good aeroplane – very reliable. We did have one engine failure from one of the pupils but he managed to force land it in a field. It’s a good aeroplane, and still flying today!”

By the start of the Second World War, the RAF had 500 Tiger Moths in service. During a British production run of over 7000 Tiger Moths, a total of 4005 Tiger Moth IIs were built during the war specifically for the RAF.

The Tiger Moth became the foremost primary trainer throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere and remained in service with the RAF until it was replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1952.

Post-war, large numbers of surplus Tiger Moths were made available for sale to flying clubs and private individuals. Inexpensive to operate, the aircraft took on new civilian roles including aerial advertising, air ambulance, aerobatic performer, crop duster and glider tug.

www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows

Unconfirmed reports say that perhaps as many as 12 people have died and dozens injured after a P51 Mustang crashed into the crowd yesterday at Reno Air Races, Nevada.

54 people were taken to hospital and it is believed that 15 are in critical.

Eyewitness Dr Gerald Lent, of Reno, told the newspaper: “It’s just like a massacre. It’s like a bomb went off. There are people lying all over the runway.”

With four pilots killed in the 2007/2008 National Air Races at Reno, and another Mustang crashing last year whilst trying to land in heavy crosswinds (on this occasion the pilot survived), it was only a matter of time before a tragedy involving spectators would happen, and perhaps now Reno’s safety record will get an overdue ‘long hard look’.

Airscene’s thoughts are with the families of those killed or injured in this disaster, and we hope that further tragedies of this kind will be avoided in future.

Thousands of visitors flocked to The Duxford Air Show this weekend (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire.

In a thrilling flying programme, highlights included the only UK appearance by the F-15-E Strike Eagle in 2011, which produced a rip-roaring display which amazed the crowds. The popular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight presented a display with the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, while a Hispano HA-1112 Bouchon and Hawker Hurricane recreated the dog fights of the Battle of Britain.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 pair displayed at Duxford for the first time, as did the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Aerial excitement was provided by aerobatic masters The Aerostars and the SWIP Twister Duo. Other highlights included the RAF Westland Sea King performing an Air Sea Rescue demonstration, an energetic display by the Apache helicopter and an elegant display by B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B. The grand flying finale was the poignant sight of seven Spitfires in the skies over Duxford, showcasing the technological development of the Spitfire aircraft. An appreciative silence fell throughout the audience when this finale display took place.

The Second World War was brought to life by living history groups who provided an authentic 1940s atmosphere. Ops 1939-45 recreated an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal point and reconstructed a Second World War Bomber briefing with which visitors participated. The Military Equipment Collectors recreated the role of RAF ground crew, while the March Re-enactors recreated a Home Guard checkpoint.

Colonel Richard Graham hosted his ever-popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 spyplane that he flew. There were many fun family activities across the museum, including the Parachute Regiment’s Airborne Forces Jump Tower.

In addition to providing a superb flying display, the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team were also mingling with and chatting to visitors.

Duxford Radio Society had displays of Second World War radio equipment where visitors could get hands-on and have a go at receiving and transmitting messages.

The Military History Hands On History Zone offered the chance to meet costumed interpreters acting the roles of wartime characters, and to hold and handle historic objects.

A fantastic weekend’s flying and fun activities on the ground ensured that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire was celebrated in unforgettable style!

The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, at the home of this iconic aircraft.A spectacular flying display includes the only UK appearance in 2011 of the United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a thrilling aircraft to watch in action and a true highlight of the flying programme.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this legendary fighter with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will display its Avro Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane while a Hispano HA-1112 Bouchon and Hawker Hurricane will recreate the dog fights of the Battle of Britain in the skies over this historic fighter base.

Never-seen-before displays at Duxford include the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 Pair and the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Aerial excitement will be provided by aerobatic masters The Aerostars, the largest civilian formation aerobatic team in the world. The SWIP Twister Duo performs graceful aerobatics in the Silence Twister which, with its elliptical wings, strongly resembles the Supermarine Spitfire. The SWIP Twister Duo is aerobatic experts Peter Wells and Guy Westgate.

The Piper Cub Truck Top Landing is a spectacle not to be missed! As a large truck drives down the runway, pilot Brendan O’Brien lines up a Piper Cub and lands it on the roof – a feat of skill and precision that amazes audiences.

The RedHawks Duo formation display team performs elegant glider displays to music, a gentle and graceful contrast to the more powerful aircraft displays.

Other highlights include the French Air Force Dassault/ Dornier Alpha Jet (Saturday only), Augusta Westland Apache AH Mk I, RAF Westland Sea King, Royal Navy Historic Flight Fairey Swordfish, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Curtiss P-40F Warhawk, Curtiss P-40B Warhawk, Hawk 75, North American Fennec T-28 (x2) and the Hawker Nimrod (x2).

On static display will be the Polish Air Force M-28 and Historic Aircraft Collection’s newly restored Hawker Fury Mk I, the only one of its kind in the world.

Fun is not just to be had in the air as there are plenty  of activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the day.

The Second World War will be brought to life by various re-enactment groups, who will be meeting and chatting to visitors across the Museum. Ops 1939-45 will be recreating an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal position and giving visitors a glimpse of 1940s Bomber briefings in action.

The Military Equipment Collectors will be recreating the role of the RAF ground crew who kept Spitfires constantly at scramble readiness throughout the Battle of Britain and beyond. They will be displaying an RAF Mobile Mechanic Unit with early Second World War field equipment.

The March Re-enactors will be recreating a Home Guard checkpoint, so have your identity cards at the ready!

Colonel Richard Graham will be hosting his ever-popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 Spyplane that he flew. In Land Warfare, visitors can meet and chat to veterans of the Burma Star campaign, who will be talking about their personal experiences of warfare.

There are lots of fun things for all the family to do together. At the Airfix Make and Paint Zone, visitors can make their own model aircraft, paint it in a range of colours and take it home as a souvenir of a fabulous air show day.

On the Hangar Base, there is Second World War paintballing, 1940s outfits for children to try on and mini-tank rides. The RAF Recruitment Team will also be on the Hangar Base, inviting visitors to climb aboard the replica Tornado model. For any daredevil visitors, the Parachute Regiment will be offering jumps from the Airborne Forces Jump Tower.

The Military History Hands on History Zone in Hanger 4: Battle of Britain offers the chance to meet a costumed interpreter acting the role of a wartime character and to hold and handle historic objects.

There is also the chance to learn more about historic objects in the American Air Museum.

Duxford Radio Society has displays of Second WorldWar radio equipment where visitors can get hands-on and have a go at transmitting and receiving messages.

Visitors can enhance their day by enjoying a tank ride, a flight in a classic 1930s aeroplane or a children’s fun ride.

With the Museum open as usual, this fun-packed day out will ensure that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire is celebrated in unforgettable style!

The IWM Duxford Air Show App 2011

Following the launch of the IWM Duxford Air Shows App at the Spring Air Show and some enthusiastic feedback from users, we have refined the Air Shows App for use at The Duxford Air Show.

The App will now run faster and more seamlessly, providing real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at The Duxford Air Show, as the aircraft display.

Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App also includes an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the 2011 air shows and where in the Museum you can find out more about them.

The App is currently FREE to download. It will be available for download prior to The Duxford Air Show and on the day itself – IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading.

This dynamic guide to The Duxford Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around.

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

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a day out at IWM Duxford stateside-style today, Friday 19 August, at American Air Day.

Visitors met and mingled with men and women from the Third Air Force of the United States Air Force in Europe, based at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in East Anglia.

There were a wide range of fascinating demonstrations, from the K9 dog display team, to the Birdman with his stunning birds of prey. There was a display by the USAFE Operational Support Service showing how they prepare a fighter aircraft for readiness, using Duxford’s own static F-15 Eagle for true authenticity, and a display of Security Forces Humvee vehicles and equipment.

In a poignant Missing in Action ceremony, the USAFE Honor Guard remembered United States personnel who are missing in action or lost their lives in active service.

Imperial War Museum Duxford was delighted to welcome back SR-71 Blackbird pilot Colonel Richard Graham who hosted walk-around tours of the Blackbird spy plane that he flew, which is now in pride of place in the American Air Museum.

There were also displays by the USAFE weather display team and medical team. Visitors also had to the chance to see some stylish American cars and motorbikes.

The USAFE C-130 aircraft flew in, landed and opened for very popular public tours.

In the skies there were exciting fly-pasts and displays. There were a series of United States Air Force fly-pasts, comprising two F-15E aircraft, followed by a fly-past of a KC-135. This was followed by a fly-past of two F-15C aircraft.

Duxford’s historic American aircraft then took to the skies, with displays by a pair of North American Harvards, followed by a Boeing Stearman, and then a pair of S1 Pitts aircraft.

The final flypast of USAF F-15E aircraft was followed by a second display of Duxford aircraft, including the North American F-86 Sabre, Beech Staggerwing and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina.

It was a fantastic day of Anglo-American celebration, enjoyed by visitors from both sides of the pond!

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

A capacity crowd proved to be one of the stars of the show at a hugely-successful air display held at Scotland’s National Museum of Flight on Saturday (July 23).

This was the first year that the annual summer airshow, at East Fortune, south east of Edinburgh, had been organised by Air Tattoo Event Services (ATES), the air display arm of the Royal International Air Tattoo based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, home of the world’s largest military airshow.
And the ATES show, which took place in glorious sunshine went down a storm with the 12-000-strong crowd that flocked to the airfield.

ATES Display Director Norman Webster said: “I’ve never seen a more appreciative or enthusiastic audience at any flying display in the UK. The shouts and cheers as the Skyraider and Bronco flew past, and the whole crowd standing up and waving as the Sea King departed are things I will carry with me for a long time – it was truly a joy to present a display to such a stunning crowd.”

Stars of the show including the UHIH “Huey” helicopter, the DH-2, de Havilland’s first world war biplane, the de Havilland Dragon biplane airliner from the 1930s, and the North American OV-10 Bronco, making is debut display in Scotland.

Alongside the air display, the Museum of Flight was open to visitors while sideshows and arena acts also did their bit in keeping audiences amused.

Norm concluded: “It was excellent, really good. The weather was brilliant, and there were so many people there that the airshow nearly ran out of parking spaces. And the audience reaction certainly bodes well for the future, with our second ATES display taking place on July 29, 2012, when we hope it will be even bigger and better.”

Honours were evenly distributed at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with just one crew – the C-27J Spartan from the Italian Air Force – scooping two prizes.

The winners were announced at the traditional end to the event, the Sunday Night Hangar Party, when Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, opened proceedings by thanking everyone for their contributions to RIAT 2011.

Sir John thanked all the air crews for creating “two days of stunning flying displaying, not withstanding the very difficult weather conditions” and paid special tribute to the Patrulla Aguila from Spain who were unable to fly on either day: “We hope they’ll be back next year and that the weather will allow them to show off their talents,” he concluded.

Air Cde Nigel Wharmby of the Air Tattoo’s Flying Control Committee commented on the professionalism shown by everyone, especially the Spanish display team, and made special mention of the Air Training Corps. “The display with training aircraft and gliders was truly remarkable given that the wind and weather made conditions phenomenally difficult,” he said, adding: “I salute you.”

This year the top award, the King Hussein Memorial Sword – presented in memory of the late HM King Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the International Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the Best Overall Flying Demonstration – went to Maj Murat Keles, flying the F-16C “Solo Turk” from 141st Sqn, Turkish Air Force.

Maj Keles said: “I am very happy. It is wonderful to receive this award in the first year of our display and in the same year as we celebrate 100 years of the Turkish Air Force.”

The sword was presented by Major General Malek Habashnah, Commander Royal Jordanian Air Force, on behalf of HRH Lt Gen Prince Faisal.

The Paul Bowen Trophy – presented in memory of The Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration – went to Capt Michael “Mikael” Brocard flying the Rafale C from EC01.007, French Air Force. The trophy was presented by Tim Prince, Director of the Air Tattoo and Chief Executive of the RAFCTE.

Capt Brocard said: “This is my first time at the Air Tattoo and my first display outside France this year, so to receive this award is fantastic. I hope I can return next year.”

The Sir Douglas Bader Trophy – for the Best Individual Flying Display – went to Maj Severino De Luca, Maj Francesco Ferreri and Chf Master Sgt Ugo Sabeni from Reparto Sperimentale Volof of the Italian Air Force, flying the C-27J Spartan.

Alan Smith, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, presented the trophy to the winning crew. Maj De Luca said: “This is so unexpected and an immense pleasure. I’m so pleased for myself and the entire team – it’s the greatest honour we can have.”

Seconds after receiving the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy, the same team were back on stage to be presented with the As the Crow Flies Trophy, voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo, and presented by Fred Crawley, Trustee of the RAF Charitable Trust.

Maj De Luca added: “We weren’t expecting to succeed so to get two exceptional gifts from the organisation is a great honour. It’s very not expected!”

Gp Capt Geoff Brindle, whose Air Tattoo roles have included Lightning Display Pilot and Flying Display Director, presented The Lockheed Martin Cannestra Trophy – awarded by Lockheed Martin for the Best Flying Demonstration by an overseas participant – to Maj Roland “Wally” Blankenspoor and Capt Paul “Wokkel” Webbink, flying the Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64D Apache.

Maj Blankenspoor commented: “This is a real honour for the whole team, and I’m very proud of them all. This is not our regular job, performing as a display team, so I’m proud of the whole crew: it’s a nice reward for the team.”

The Steedman Display Sword – presented by The Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, Chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988), for the Best Flying Demonstration by a UK participant – was awarded to Mark Bowman flying the BAE Systems Typhoon FGR4.

Air Chief Marshal Sir John Cheshire presented the sword to BAE Systems Test Pilot Mark Bowman who said: “This award is testament to the efforts of the company and all the groundcrew that made the display possible.”

And finally, the Best Livery award went to Maj Ingo Heinle and Capt Rene Lorgen of JBG 32, German Air Force with their Tornado ECR. They received the award from Gardiner Porter, Senior Manager, Military Global Sales for Jeppesen. Maj Heinle said: “The award belongs to the designer of our scheme, Joey. Thank you very much on his behalf.”

www.airtattoo.com

The Ukrainian Air Force say they have been delighted to be back at this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.The air arm was last present at the Air Tattoo in 2000 when the event took place at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland: prior to that they’d appeared at Fairford in 1999, having made their Air Tattoo debut in 1996.

Now, in the 40th-anniversary year of the show, the Ukrainians have returned bringing two stars of the static display with them: the Sukhoi Su-27 and a giant Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane.

Lt Gen Sergii Onyschenko of the Ukrainian Air Force said he was delighted his Air Force could be represented at the show. He said: “I am very proud that our Air Force could take part in this world famous airshow.

Gen Onyschenko first visited the UK when he was a student at the General Staff College in Ukraine, and said he took home many memories. “Britain and Ukraine have a very good close relationship and it will continue with visits like this,” he said.

While at the Air Tattoo, Gen Onyschenko met Prince Michael of Kent and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton: the special guests were shown around the aircraft and invited to sit in the Su-27.

www.airtattoo.com

Displays by the only Cold War Vulcan bomber still flying, a BAE Systems’ Typhoon and a US Air Force A-10 were among the stars of this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Around 138,000 people attended during the show period and enjoyed some spectacular flying displays as well as a wealth of entertainment on the showground – including a concert by X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke on the Sunday.

The event got off to a spectacular start with the christening of the A330 ‘Voyager’, the RAF’s new air-to-air refuelling aircraft, when the Air Tattoo was delighted to welcome Government officials. Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox was the guest of honour at the official ceremony, accompanied by Gerald Howarth, Minister of International Security Strategy, and Peter Luff, Minister of Defence Equipment, Support and Technology.

Both days saw participants pulling out all the stops to entertain with some superb flying, one of the highlights being the Hawker Hunter 60th Anniversary flypast with the veteran aircraft turning out to mark the 40th anniversary of the Air Tattoo itself. And making their UK debut, the Saudi Hawks display team lived up to expectations with an impressive performance, cementing the Air Tattoo’s reputation for bringing new aerobatic display teams to the event.

The Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker” was the aircraft every enthusiast wanted to see, and it didn’t disappoint, flying in from the Ukraine accompanied by a giant Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane before going on static display. In total, 219 aircraft took part in the Air Tattoo, from 27 air arms representing 17 nations.

Both days started with rain but the weather failed to dampen spirits, with the crowds enjoying a huge range of showground activities and events, in addition to the spectacular flying sequences. The weather improved in the afternoon on both days, with the airshow closing in sunshine with a thrilling finale by the Breitling Jet Team, performing a unique flypast with their fellow Breitling Wingwalking Team – a fitting birthday present for the Air Tattoo.

Special guests included: HRH Prince Michael of Kent; HRH Lieutenant General Prince Feisal bin Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the Air Tattoo’s Flying Scholarships for the Disabled; Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton; and the Chinese PLA Air Force’s Deputy Commander, Lt Gen Chen Xiaogong, with Defence Attache Maj Gen Zhang Jianguo. Also attending in his role as Patron of the RAF Charitable Trust was HRH the Duke of Kent.

Organisers said the event was a great success. Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “I’m so pleased that the great British public, and our overseas visitors, came to support us. They came determined to have a good time and, in response, the Air Tattoo team – whether volunteers, sponsors, supporting military units, aircrew or our paid staff – battled through the challenges the weather gave us to do what Britain does best, put on a superb airshow. Our grateful thanks go to everyone for supporting us in our 40th anniversary year.

“We’ve been especially pleased to welcome the delegation from China, and we hope their visit bodes well for the future aircraft participation from that nation.”

“This year’s airshow has seen other organisations celebrating anniversaries, and we’ve been delighted to help the Air Cadets celebrate 70 years as they are invaluable in helping keep the airshow running smoothly). We were also pleased to mark the 50th anniversary of the NATO Tiger Association, maintaining the strong bonds we enjoy with this group of enthusiastic and colourful aviators; and to help the MoD Police celebrate 40 years. It’s also been good to welcome the latest addition to the ISTAR family, the CASA 295AEW, and to get a taste of the future with the Rivet Joint – soon to be operated by the RAF – the Mantis and the SPYDR aircraft.”

Despite the large crowds there were relatively few incidents over the weekend. Chief Medical Officer Sara Hall reported that 192 visitors had been treated for minor injuries, largely climate-related with people suffering the effects of heat, cold and rain. First Aid Posts and the Medical Centre were kept busy, with five per cent of patients being conveyed to hospital for further treatment.

And Fire Control Officer Barry Hudson reported a safe Air Tattoo, assisted by the indifferent weather. Small incidents included a bird strike on a Hawk aircraft, firefighters being called to assist a visitor who’d collapsed, and a car fire adjacent to Jubilee Garden enclosure which was managed by the Domestic Fire Crew.

First-time Air Tattoo visitor Liz Clark from Stanford-in-the-Vale, Oxfordshire, said: “It’s a long time since I’ve been to an airshow and this has reminded me what I’ve been missing. It’s been amazing, and I got quite sentimental seeing the Spitfire and Vulcan. I’ll come again!”

And John Thompson from Cottingham, East Yorkshire, said: “I was very impressed with the flying displays and the Chinook which I’d never seen perform before. I liked the Rafale best – it got closest to the crowd and was the noisiest – and it was great to see the Vulcan which did much more than I expected. There was such variety – I enjoyed it all.”

www.airtattoo.com

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. Since it was established in January 2005, the Trustees have awarded over £1.56 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.

THE Vulcan “roar” has once again been heard in the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire as the iconic aircraft flew in to take part in this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The distinctive shape of the mighty Avro Vulcan, the biggest aircraft in RAF history, touched down this afternoon, with the ‘Vulcan Effect’ being sufficient to fill the FRIAT grandstand and empty the corporate chalets, as a crowd of several thousand onlookers witnessed the arrival of this graceful machine.

For the third year in a row, the Vulcan “roar” will once again be heard as XH558 powers up her four Olympus engines and begins her take-off, before wowing the crowds with performances on both days at the weekend.

Richard Clarke, Press officer and patron of the Vulcan To The Sky (VTTS) organisation said: “The Vulcan is a very popular aircraft on the airshow circuit and it attracts large numbers of people. We’ve been coming to RIAT since 2009 and the pilots love flying here. It’s a great experience”.

This weekend’s co-pilot is Martin Withers, the veteran Vulcan pilot who flew the aircraft in action during the Falklands War.

E-tickets are still available for both days of the airshow (up to 9pm tonight for Saturday’s show, and to 9pm tomorrow for Sunday’s show) from the Air Tattoo website, www.airtattoo.com. Tickets will not be available at the gate but can still be bought, subject to availability, at branches of Barclays Bank, Little Chefs and at Tourist Information Centres.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust which, in turn, awards grants in support of the RAF family, including serving personnel and Air Cadets. Since it was established in January 2005, the Trustees have awarded over £1.56 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.