Air – Page 5 – Airscene News

The Ukrainians have Landed

A PAIR of aircraft dating from the Cold War era have arrived from the Ukraine to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this weekend.The Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’, sporting the spectacular blue camouflage of the Ukrainian Air Force, touched down at RAF Fairford today (Thursday) ready to take its place as one of the stars of the spectacular static display.

Arriving alongside the Flanker was another Russian design, a giant Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane, which will also appear on static display alongside its Western-built counterparts this weekend.

The Flanker is considered to be one of the most potent Russian-built fighters, first developed in the 1970s to counter the US Air Force’s new F-15 Eagle. It is often considered to be the best and most successful Russian-built fighter of the Cold War era.

The Ukrainian Air Force made its debut at the event in 1996 and has enjoyed a close relationship with the Air Tattoo ever since.

Alan Smith, Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises and the Air Tattoo, said: “We are delighted once more to be welcoming our friends from the Ukrainian Air Force, and we know they will have a great time at the Air Tattoo.”

E-tickets are available for both days of the airshow 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.

Defence Minister to Christen Voyager

A senior Government minister will be at RAF Fairford tomorrow (Friday) for the christening ceremony of the Royal Air Force’s largest and newest aircraft.

Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton will be at the Royal International Air Tattoo for the first official public appearance of the RAF’s future strategic tanker aircraft, the A330 ‘Voyager’.

Voyager is the longest and widest aircraft in the RAF’s fleet with an impressive wing span of more than 60 metres. It has been designed to carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes, which can include up to 111 tonnes of fuel, eight standard NATO freight pallets or 291 passengers. The aircraft will operate from RAF Brize Norton.

The A330 will be flown for air-to-air refuelling and air transport missions, but will also have an aeromedical capability, enabling it to carry up to 40 NATO stretchers and three critical care patients. The Voyager fleet, which will replace the VC-10 and Tristar, is based on the A330-200 commercial passenger aircraft with twin-engines, a wide-body and twin-aisles produced by Air Tanker.

AirTanker’s contract with the Ministry of Defence will see them provide 14 purpose-built A330 tanker and transport aircraft, as well as the associated support services, including training, maintenance, infrastructure, flight operations and ground services.

AirTanker has five shareholders who are also subcontractors for the programme. They are Babcock, Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce and Thales.

The name Voyager, follows the heritage of a number of RAF tanker aircraft, with the names beginning with V, specifically the Victor and the VC-10 Tanker aircraft.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “We are delighted that Dr Fox and Sir Stephen will be ‘christening’ an aircraft that will play a big part in the RAF’s future capability. The Air Tattoo has a proud history of showcasing new aircraft and we are delighted that we can now add to that list, the A330.”

www.airtattoo.com

Typhoon Test Pilot in Rare ‘Weapons’ Display

A RARE display of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s agility and engine power with a full weapon load, will be one of the highlights of next weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The BAE Systems’ development aircraft IPA 5 (Instrumented Production Aircraft), is one of five production standard aircraft fitted with instruments for dedicated flight testing and further systems development. The UK-based IPA 5 is helping develop air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons integration.

Most air displays are achieved by reducing fuel and weapon loads, however with this display, BAE Systems Chief Test Pilot for Combat Air, Mark Bowman will demonstrate IPA5’s significant weapon carriage and manoeuvrability whilst still able to show carefree handling.

In addition to the demonstration, a full scale replica of the world’s most advanced, new generation multi-role combat jet, including full weapon display, will be available for general public access. The RAF will also have a Typhoon on display in the static aircraft park.

IPA 5 will fly in a swing-role configuration, including four Paveway II laser guided bombs, two 1,000 ltr fuel tanks, four AMRAAMs (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles) and two ASRAAMs (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles) and will highlight the Typhoon’s agility regardless of weapon load.

Test pilot Mark Bowman said: “I am looking forward enormously to displaying at the Air Tattoo next week. The aim is simply to demonstrate the Typhoon’s power, performance and presence in a truly representative combat load. Different than most other ‘clean aircraft’ displays, I hope the observer will get a real sense of why Typhoon is not only at the forefront of world combat aviation, but also acknowledge the role of European technology, engineering and ingenuity in producing this ‘awesome’ aircraft.”

An Air Tattoo spokesman said BAE Systems’ decision to display their prized demonstration aircraft at the airshow showed the significance of the event in the eyes of the company.

He said: “To have such a formidable aircraft displayed by BAE Systems’ chief test pilot for combat air is something special and will be appreciated and eagerly anticipated by the knowledgeable Air Tattoo audience.

“Having such an experienced pilot at the controls will ensure visitors to the Air Tattoo will get to see the aircraft’s full capabilities. We are extremely grateful to our title sponsor BAE Systems for agreeing to display the aircraft at the Air Tattoo.”

This summer’s Air Tattoo will be marking its 40th anniversary and hosting a gathering of specially-decorated ‘Tiger’ aircraft from the NATO Tiger Association. ‘Tiger’ aircraft come from NATO squadrons that have a Tiger or Big Cat in their emblem and their association marks its 50th anniversary in 2011. The ‘operational’ spotlight STAR 11 will focus on aircraft and equipment involved in the roles of Strike and Reconnaissance.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

UK Debut for Eye-in-the-Sky Prototype

A state-of-the-art surveillance aircraft that flew for the first time last month will make its UK debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo next week.

The C295 Airbourne Early Warning and Control (AEW) demonstrator, which made its maiden flight on June 7 from Seville in Spain, will offer air forces a cost-effective advanced radar system to support a variety of operational activities including coastguard and homeland security. The turbo prop aircraft will arrive at RAF Fairford with a mushroom-shaped rotodome demonstrator on its roof, part of on-going flight trials to test the aircraft’s aerodynamics. The aircraft will go on static display.

A spokesman for the manufacturer Airbus Military said: “We’re delighted to give the C-295 AEW demonstrator its UK ‘premiere’ at the Air Tattoo. The aircraft is aimed at providing nations with a new and very cost effective, high quality 360° surveillance solution in the so far uncovered medium size market. It is based on the proven, rugged and versatile C295 platform and is to be equipped with the IAI/ELTA Systems’ 4th Generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar with integrated IFF.”

An Air Tattoo spokesman said: “Our airshow has long had a tradition of presenting new aircraft for the first time at a British event and the C295 AEW demonstrator is an exciting example. It is rare for demonstrators to attend airshows – especially those that have only just completed their maiden flight. We are extremely grateful to Airbus Military for allowing this rare aircraft to take a break from its test programme in order to join us for our 40th anniversary.”

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

RAFs biggest Aircraft to Take Air Tattoo Bow

The first public appearance of the Royal Air Force’s largest and newest aircraft will take place at the Royal International Air Tattoo next month.The much-anticipated A330 tanker will feature on static display at the airshow at RAF Fairford on July 16-17 and will take part in an official naming ceremony to confirm its prestigious title, Voyager.

It will be the longest and widest aircraft in the RAF’s fleet with a wing span of 60 metres.

Voyager has been designed to carry a payload of up to 45 tonnes, which can include up to 291 passengers or 111 tonnes of fuel for its air-to-air refuelling or air transport missions.

Dave Mitchard, Managing Director for AirTanker Services Ltd – the company delivering the fleet to the RAF at Brize Norton – said: “We are delighted to have the Voyager aircraft on public display for the first time this year.

“The Air Tattoo provides the perfect showcase for the RAF’s future tanker and transport aircraft and we’re thoroughly looking forward to bringing it into service towards the end of this year.”

Dave continued: “We’re going to provide a step change in capability for the RAF.

“We are using a new, modern aircraft, where traditionally the RAF has used existing aircraft and converted them for specific usage. Voyager will therefore have all the benefits associated with a new aircraft such as better fuel efficiency, greater reliability and quieter engines, which is particularly good news for those living in the local area.”

The first two aircraft within the Voyager fleet, which will replace the VC-10 and Tristar, have been converted by Airbus Military in their purpose-built facility near Madrid, Spain. Once the aircraft have been certified and qualified, they will be owned by AirTanker and leased to the Royal Air Force.

AirTanker has five shareholders – all well-known names within the defence and aviation sectors – who are also subcontractors for the programme. They are Babcock, Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce and Thales.

The A330 will also have an aeromedical capability, which will enable it to carry up to 40 NATO stretchers and three critical care patients.

The name Voyager follows the heritage of a number of RAF tanker aircraft, with the names beginning with V, specifically the Victor and the VC-10 Tanker aircraft.

Squadron Leader Kevin Latchman, 30, who will be one of the first pilots to operate Voyager when the first of 14 A330s come in to service in the autumn, said: “This is a completely different way of doing business for the Royal Air Force and it has the potential to revolutionise an existing capability. The aircraft is brand new and being one of the first pilots to fly it is a very exciting prospect.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the Voyager at RIAT, especially because it will start to focus the mind on the fact that the aircraft will soon be entering service.”

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

Rare Cold War Jet Coup for Air Tattoo

One of the world’s most potent Soviet-built jet fighters, rarely seen in the UK, will make a welcome appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford next month.

The Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 ‘Flanker’, which can fly at speeds of up to 1,550mph, was first developed in the 1970s to counter the US Air Force’s new F-15 Eagle. It is often considered to be the best and most successful Russian-built fighter of the Cold War era. The Eastern European fighters were last seen at the Air Tattoo 12 years ago, having made their debut at the airshow in 1996. When it returns for the airshow on July 16-17, the aircraft will be accompanied by a large Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said the Ukrainians’ participation underlined the airshow’s global reputation built up during the past 40 years.

He said: “We regularly receive wish lists from enthusiasts hoping to see specific aircraft and on almost all, the Su-27 ‘Flanker’ comes either top or close to the top. It is an incredibly large and distinctive looking aircraft with immense manoeuvrability and power.

“I’m absolutely delighted that visitors to the Air Tattoo next month will be able to see such an iconic aircraft along with another from the same era, the Vulcan bomber.”

Nine aerobatic display teams from around the world will be performing in the flying display along with aircraft from countries including the US, Oman, Turkey, Sweden Italy, Austria, Denmark and Jordan. On Sunday, visitors will also be able to see a one-off lunchtime performance by X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

Unique Bomber Joins Air Tattoo Stars

The legendary Vulcan bomber will be among the stars at next month’s Royal International Air Tattoo when it demonstrates its grace and immense power during the airshow’s seven-and-a-half-hour flying display at RAF Fairford on July 16-17.

The Vulcan, one of the most iconic warbirds of the Cold War era, was restored to flying condition in 2008 following a massive £7 million public campaign. Fundraising continues to keep the aircraft in the air each year and it remains one of the most popular flying displays during the UK airshow season.

Vulcan XH558, which was built in 1960, enjoyed a 33-year career in the RAF, including service during the Falklands War. Along with the Valiant and the Victor, the three aircraft comprised the Royal Air Force’s legendary V-bomber force, designed to protect the UK from nuclear threat from the 1950s to the 1980s. It is the only flying Vulcan bomber in the world. Next year will mark the Vulcan’s 60th anniversary after first flying on August 30, 1952.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Mr Tim Prince said few aircraft could rival the Vulcan’s iconic design and raw power.

He said: “Whenever the Vulcan displays there’s a tangible sense of excitement amongst the crowd. Like Concorde, you feel you are witnessing something quite special when you see it roar along the runway and start to take off. It’s simply awe-inspiring.”

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

Fantastic Flying Kicks Off Air Tattoo Media Launch

A BEVY of fantastic flying machines touched down today (Wednesday June 8th) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for the media launch of this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo, to help the event celebrate its 40th anniversary.The aircraft – from the swing-wing fast jet Tornado GR4, through the USAF’s MC-130P Combat Shadow and the Royal Navy’s tiger-striped Navy Merlin, to two ultralight EV-97 Eurostars, provided by the RAF Charitable Trust, and a Boeing Stearman biplane from the Breitling Wingwalkers – touched down at the home of the Air Tattoo to launch this year’s event, which takes place on July 16 and 17.

Sir David Jason, a great supporter of the Air Tattoo and an Honorary Vice Patron since 1999, arrived in an RAF Chinook HC2 from RAF Odiham to perform the official cutting of the Air Tattoo’s 40th birthday cake and to wish the event well. He said: “It’s a great pleasure to come to the media launch, as I like to feel it’s helping drum up the support that the RAF Charitable Trust needs.”

He added: “The Charitable Trust is close to my heart as it supports all the guys in the military who’ve fallen on hard times, as the money raised goes to help them and to make their lives more worthwhile. I feel very strongly about the role the RAF played in the Second World War, as I was born during the conflict and without them none of us would be here – so I feel duty bound, and proud, to support the Trust.”

The launch also featured three veterans from the first-ever Air Tattoo held in 1971 at North Weald, Essex. Spitfire Mk9 (MH434) which displayed at the first-ever Air Tattoo, flew in to join Tim Prince, Air Tattoo Chief Executive and a founder member of the airshow, along with aviation journalist and photographer Peter R March.

Recalling the Spitfire’s first Air Tattoo appearance (it will also be displaying at this year’s event), when it was piloted by former Red Arrows leader and legendary aerobatics display pilot Ray Hanna, Tim Prince said: “I can still recall the cold sweat I felt when Ray made his first approach: he was so low the tips of his propeller seemed to be touching the ground. But Ray went on to perform fantastically in MH434 and he helped cement the Air Tattoo’s reputation for staging spectacular aerial displays.”

Tim added: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome our guests, and this has really set the scene for an outstanding 40th anniversary Royal International Air Tattoo. The United States Air Force is firmly behind us, as shown by the participation of the MC-130P Combat Shadow from RAF Mildenhall, along with Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and civilian aircraft, and we look forward to them joining us again, with thousands of members of the public, for our anniversary Air Tattoo on July 16 and 17.”

Renowned aviation journalist Peter March from Bristol also attended the first ever Air Tattoo at North Weald. He said: “It’s been a marvellous experience being a member of such an outstanding team of aviation enthusiasts. I’ve been involved for 40 years, and I hope to continue producing the programme and taking photos as long as I’m able.”

First to touch down at the launch was the MC-130P Combat Shadow from RAF Mildenhall, representing and reinforcing the Air Tattoo’s long-standing links with the United States Air Force. It was quickly joined by a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron, Culdrose, sporting a grey striped livery and representing the Tiger 50 theme of this year’s Air Tattoo, which marks the 50th anniversary of the NATO Tiger Association.

Next in was a Tornado GR4 from XV Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, which flew the 500-plus miles from North East Scotland (in a mere 40 minutes) and put on a fly-past for the assembled media. The fast jet display was followed by a fly-past by the historic Spitfire MH434, linking past and present as one of the aircraft which displayed at the first-ever Air Tattoo in 1971.

Two EV-97 Eurostars, funded by the RAF Charitable Trust and providing Air Experience Flights for RAF trainees then joined the runway display, with the final arrival being a Boeing Stearman biplane from the Breitling Wingwalkers base at nearby Rendcomb, complete with wingwalker Danielle Hughes who performed her daring display on top of the bright orange biplane.

• This year’s Air Tattoo takes place from July 16 to 17 at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, when more than 155,000 visitors are expected to view around 250 aircraft from across the world.

• The event is staged in support of its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which provides financial support to a wide variety of RAF-related projects and initiatives within the RAF family. Since 2005 the Trust has gifted over £1.56 million to a wide range of projects and initiatives.

http://www.airtattoo.com/

US Promise Air Tattoo Show of Force

United States military aircraft will be out in force at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 16-17, traditionally displays the largest range of US aircraft in the UK and this year will see around 18 fast jets, transport and specialist aircraft as well as helicopters touching down at the Cotswolds airfield.

Among those taking part are two F-16 multi-role fighters and two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs from 52 Fighter Wing at RAF Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany; a giant C-5B Galaxy from the 312th Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California and a B-52H bomber from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Base, North Dakota.

Also participating in this summer’s airshow will be three US Air Force Special Operations aircraft: an MC-130E Combat Talon from Elgin Air Force Base in Florida and an MC-130H Combat Talon II and MC 130P Combat Shadow based at RAF Mildenhall. All three aircraft have the capability to deliver troops and supplies into hostile territory as well as carrying our low-level refuelling missions.

Other USAF aircraft taking part include an RC-135 from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron, based in Nebraska and two F-15s and an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. The primary mission of the HH-60G is to recover personnel from war zones. The US Marine Corps will be represented by a KC-130T refuelling aircraft from Fort Worth in Texas.

The US Navy will be sending a P-3C Orion from the Maritime Patrol Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and a Mercury E-6B command and control aircraft for static display. The FRS provides flying training to naval aviators and naval flight officers prior to them joining the fleet whilst the Oklahoma-based Mercury E-6B, provides command and control communications. Both are for static display.

Air Tattoo Deputy Director of Air Ops Rob Windsor said he was delighted that once again the US military felt able to support the Air Tattoo.

He said: “The US Air Force, US Marine Corps and US Navy rarely display in the UK in such numbers and thanks to them the Air Tattoo has become known as the place in Europe to come each year to see many of their assets. We are hugely grateful.”

Tickets are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

RAF Yearbook Offers Inside View

The RAF’s rapid initial response to the recent Libyan Crisis and its continuing role in Operation Ellamy is uncovered in the 2011 Royal Air Force Yearbook.

The RAF’sofficial yearbook also offers an insider’s view of operations at Camp Bastion along with special reports and photos from the frontline at Kandahar airfield in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province.

Featuring articles by some of aviation’s most respected writers, the RAF Yearbook gives a fascinating insight into behind-the-scenes RAF operations, deployments as well as the new technology that is set to take the Service into the future. From the state-of-the-art remotely-piloted Taranis aircraft to the RAF’s new airlifter, the A400M, readers will be able to learn all about the Royal Air Force’s increased capability in the 21st century and beyond.

As well as looking forward, the RAF Yearbook 2011 celebrates important milestones such as the Spitfire’s 75th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of both the Air Cadets and the RAF Search and Rescue Force with a series of fascinating, in-depth articles.

With the RAF Yearbook 2011 comes a free eight-page pull-out colour supplement telling the story of the RAF’s involvement in the UK’s most exciting military airshow – the Royal International Air Tattoo – during the past 40 years and how the airshow has contributed to UK Defence Diplomacy since 1971.
The official RAF Yearbook 2011 is now on sale at WH Smith, Tesco and all good newsagents, priced £4.99. It can also be purchased at www.airtattooshop.com

The yearbook, which is published by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, helps raise money for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. For details about the charity, visit www.rafct.com