Tag: July

Summer surveillance on board the Nimrod R.1

RAFM Nimrod

Date: 11-31 July 2015

Time: 15 minute tours between 10am and 1pm

Cost: £5 per person

This summer visitors to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, will have the exciting opportunity to climb on board the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 and learn about its intelligence gathering role in the Royal Air Force.

Visitors will have exclusive access on board the aircraft for the first time since its arrival in 2012, in the new Nimrod Tours, available on selected dates throughout July. During the tours lasting around 15 minutes, aviation fans will learn about the history of the aircraft, hear about the crews on board and view some of its sophisticated surveillance equipment.

The Nimrod flew in both the Maritime patrol and electronic intelligence gathering role. Maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations and intelligence gathering have been key tasks for the Royal Air Force for much of its long history. When the Nimrod was finally retired from service in 2011, the type had operated with distinction for over 40 years in all these roles, and more.

Nimrod R.1 XV249 is one of only four R.1’s produced from a total Nimrod production run of 46 aircraft. The R.1 was an electronic-intelligence gathering variant, three of which originally entered service with the RAF in 1971. They carried up to 29 crew members and were involved in all major conflicts in the latter part of the 20th and early 21st centuries. When one of the original R.1 aircraft was lost following an accident in 1997, XV249 was selected as a replacement and, after conversion, served with No 51 Squadron from RAF Waddington. XV249 amassed over 18,000 flying hours during its service life and took part in operation Ellamy over Libya in 2011, thus remaining operational until its withdrawal from squadron service on 28 June 2011.

During its earlier career, the aircraft on display at the Museum was flown by the Museum’s Curator, ex RAF Pilot Al McLean. Al has played a pivotal role in developing the tours and has pulled upon his personal experiences flying Nimrods to tell some of the many stories experienced by crew members.

RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Al McLean, said:

“I flew on Nimrods for five years and have several memories of patrols in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and North Sea. Finding the first Soviet aircraft carrier on one of its early out-of-area deployments was quite interesting. Given the importance of the aircraft and its unrivalled contribution to the frontline, the RAF Museum is pleased to be opening up the doors to this aircraft allowing our visitors to learn more about its long and faithful career.”

Nimrod Tours are available on selected dates between 11 and 31 July 2015. Tickets cost £5.00 per person and tours last 15 minutes (max 6 people per tour). Time slots can be pre-booked now via the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. All children must be accompanied by an adult, tours are not recommended for children under the age of 5.

For further information about the Museum, please visit the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org or call 01902 376200. The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the Museum is FREE of charge.

Japan Makes Air Tattoo History

Kawasaki P-1

The Royal International Air Tattoo 2015 will witness a British airshow ‘first’ when the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) displays two examples of its Kawasaki P-1 four-jet maritime patrol aircraft – one in the static park and the other in the flying programme.

Not only will this be the UK debut of the P-1, but the type’s appearance at RIAT 2015 is set to mark the first time any Japanese military aircraft has ever taken part in a European flying display. It will also be the public debut on these shores of any JMSDF asset.

The P-1 is another demonstration of the advanced capabilities of Japan’s aviation industry. It was developed to replace the Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol platforms operated by the JMSDF, and a maiden flight of the XP-1 prototype was completed at Gifu Air Base in September 2007. Service entry of the production P-1 model commenced during 2013.

Given the size of Japan’s territorial waters and the number of islands under its jurisdiction, long-range maritime patrol in defence of the country’s interests is a very important role. The P-1 has a maximum range somewhere in the region of approximately 8,000kms or 4,300 nautical milesand is equipped with advanced Toshiba HPS-106 active electronically-scanned array maritime search radar for its primary mission. Weapons are carried on underwing and wing root-mounted hardpoints and in a capacious weapons bay, those employed by the P-1 including the AGM-84 Harpoon missile, AGM-65 Maverick missile, torpedoes, mines and depth charges.

The type’s engines are four IHI F7-10 turbofans – also made in Japan, and developed for the P-1 – of approx 13,000lb thrust each. A major innovation is the use of fly-by-light controls, this being the first operational aircraft in the world so fitted. On board for a typical sortie are three flight crew and eight mission system operators.

“The appearance at RIAT 2015 of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force with two P-1s looks set to be another milestone in the Air Tattoo’s history”, said the airshow’s Chief Executive Andy Armstrong. “The event has fostered close links with the Japanese military over recent years, as evidenced by two appearances of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Boeing KC-767 tanker/transports. Now, we look forward to welcoming the JMSDF for the first time, and to seeing its impressive P-1 in the air. I know this will be a major highlight of the whole 2015 season.”

www.airtattoo.com

All aboard the Wings & Wheels bus

Wings & Wheels

This August Bank holiday Wings & Wheels is teaming up with Compass Travel (Sussex) Ltd to launch a public bus route from Guildford Train Station to Dunsfold Aerodrome. For the first time visitors have the option of public transport to and from the Show four times a day with all profits from the service donated to Help for Heroes by Compass.

The bus will run on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August and the timetable is as follows:

· Dep Guildford Train Station: 0830 0930 1030 1130

· Dep Dunsfold Aerodrome: 1600 1700 1800 1900

The return fares for the service are £5 for adults, £3 for a child aged 5 – 15 years and £12 for a family ticket (up to 2 adults and 3 children).

Each bus carries 44 seated passengers and 27 standing. Seats will be available on a first come first serve basis over the event weekend.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Compass Travel to bring a new public transport option to Wings & Wheels. We hope that the new bus service will give those who have previously been unable to attend the option to join us.”

Managing Director of Compass Travel Chris Chatfield said, “We are very pleased to be providing this shuttle bus service to Wings & Wheels and at the same time supporting the Help for Heroes charity by donating all the fares revenue to them.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 11th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2015, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £150 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Air Day All Set For Take Off

Yeovilton Air Day

With only a few days to go, the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset is all set to open its gates to 35,000 visitors for its annual International Air Day. As one of the South West’s most notable single-day events, having been staged most years since 1947, it promises to be another entertaining, informative and unforgettable day out for families and enthusiasts alike.

On 18 June 1940, RNAS Yeovilton was commissioned as HMS Heron. Initially, the Air Station was a base for training naval aviators and fighter controllers. Since then, it has witnessed the significant evolution of fixed-wing carrier aviation from propellers to jets, supported frontline squadrons in major operations worldwide and is today the home of the Commando Helicopter Force and Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force.

RNAS Yeovilton’s 75th anniversary will be the main focus for this year’s event. Types representing naval aviation past, present and future will feature in the show’s static displays and in the action-packed five-hour flying display, alongside a host of other aircraft, vintage and modern, slow and fast, military and civilian. It will also be a show of ‘firsts’ and ‘lasts’ with some aircraft making their final appearance and others their debut at Air Day.

Air Day will also be supporting AgustaWestland’s 100th anniversary. The Yeovil-based company has the strongest of links to RNAS Yeovilton, via both its nearby location and its ongoing provision of helicopters (and, before them, aircraft) used by the resident squadrons.

With so much to see at Air Day 2015, in the air and on the ground, here is a list of highlights not to be missed:

• RNAS Yeovilton’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations – Memories of a bygone era will be relived with displays from historic naval aircraft types that resided at RNAS Yeovilton. These include the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish W5856 making its first public display since 2003; very rare examples of the Sea Hurricane and Seafire and the world’s sole airworthy Sea Vixen. The static display features two former fleet defence aircraft – the mighty Phantom FG1 and the game-changing Sea Harrier FA2.

• Vulcan XH558’s Last Air Day Appearance – In its final display season, the ‘Spirit of Great Britain’ will perform its own magnificent routine as well as take part in an exclusive special ‘V-Jet Formation’ flypast with the Sea Vixen and two Vampires. ‘Underwing’ guided tours, once it’s back on the ground, will also be available.

• The Revolutionary AgustaWestland AW609 – The world’s first civilian tiltrotor aircraft will give its first public display at a UK military Airshow. The state-of-the-art AW609 spearheads AgustaWestland’s 100th anniversary commemoration. A special section of Air Day’s static display will feature many of its most famous and successful designs to commemorate the firm’s centenary.

• Commando Sea King’s Last Assault – This year’s Commando Assault demonstration will be one of firsts and lasts, with the Commando Helicopter Force’s outgoing Sea King HC4s performing alongside its replacement Merlin HC3s. At least 14 aircraft are expected to take part including a pair of Apache AH1s.

• The French Navy’s Role Demonstration – Involving two examples each of its Rafale M and Super Etendard carrier-launched fighters, an intensely powerful setpiece is in prospect for this UK debut. Months away from retirement, the Super Etendards are making their last appearance at an airshow in this country.

• Fastest Ever Field Gun Crew – A full programme of Arena & Hangar Displays will feature HMS Heron’s Brickwood Trophy winning 2015 Field Gun Champions. In winning the title they also beat the record for the fastest time by a Field Gun Crew. The world famous Band of HM Royal Marines will also be performing in the Arena.

• World-class International Display Teams – A triple line-up featuring the RAF Red Arrows plus past Air Day award-winners the Royal Jordanian Falcons and the Spanish Air Force’s Patrulla Águila who are also celebrating their 30th anniversary year.

• The Norwegian Air Force Historical Flight’s MiG-15 – A UK airshow flying display debut for this classic Cold War fighter of Korean War fame. A jet engine aircraft type that was famously shot down by a piston engine Royal Navy Sea Fury during the conflict. Both aircraft types will also be on static display side by side.

• Wings & Wheels – Alongside the large array of static aircraft on display Air Day’s ever popular vehicle exhibition will feature a range of classic cars, ‘supercars’, military vehicles and motorbikes. Key exhibits include Bumblebee and KITT – the four-wheeled stars of Transformers and Knight Rider.

• US Air Force Returns – Two A-10 Thunderbolt close air support combat aircraft and a huge C-17 Globemaster transporter are set to be the most popular participants on static display. See these modern day airpower icons up-close as the USAF participates in Air Day for the first time in eight years.

• Europe’s Largest Collection of Naval Aircraft – Air Day visitors can take advantage of half-price entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum. Take a unique look at the Royal Navy’s proud aviation heritage and experience life on an aircraft carrier. All show visitors can redeem this offer on the day or up until 31 December 2015.

Ticket information can be found at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticketline on 0330 100 3656.

Important safety information about the Flying Legends Air Show

Ahead of the Flying Legends Air Show, IWM Duxford has released some important safety information that it wishes to share with local residents:

IWM Duxford takes great care to ensure its air shows are as safe as possible for everyone involved.It is not safe to occupy the fields immediately south of the runway during the air show. If you do so you are putting yourself and the display pilots in harm’s way.

In support of this, Grange Road will be closed on 11 and 12 July 2015.

In the event of an incident it is imperative that the emergency services have clear, unhindered access to the tracks across this land.

There is no public access to these fields at any time.

Jointly issued by IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the landowners.

www.iwm.org.uk

Red Arrows Air Festival show times announced

Get ready for take off – the award-winning Bournemouth Air Festival takes place next month and organisers are delighted to confirm this year’s Red Arrows times.

Make sure you’re here for incredible performances from the world famous display team Thursday 20th, Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, at the following times:

Thursday 20 August: 2.15pm
Friday 21 August: 3pm
Saturday 22 August: 1.45pm
Sunday 23 August: 3pm

Air Festival Director, Jon Weaver, said: “It’s fantastic the Royal Air Force has again allocated us 4-days of superb Red Arrow displays. We are officially the UKs best national Tourism Event and to have such great continued support from the military, sponsors, visitors and festival goers all contributes to our continued success.”

With more aircraft and display teams to be announced, as well as Wave105 Night Air music line-up it’s set to be another not to be missed Air Festival!

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

*Please note times are subject to change.

Back to Business As Usual on Eastbourne Seafront

Eastbourne pier after fire

Eastbourne is back to business as usual as the seafront re-opened this lunchtime following yesterday’s fire on the pier.

With all but 200m of beaches, promenades and the road now fully re-open, visitors and residents are back on Eastbourne beach enjoying the sunshine today, with Bandstand concerts, special events and plans for this year’s airshow continuing in full swing.

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt commented “We are grateful to the emergency services for their superb response in tackling the fire yesterday and today in the clean-up operation, enabling us to reopen the seafront so quickly.

Despite such a difficult time, I am pleased to say most businesses along the seafront are now re-open and that visitors haven’t been deterred at all today.”

All events along the seafront are continuing as normal with daily Bandstand concerts, including the Swingshift Big Band tonight and last year’s most popular Bandstand concert – the One Direction tribute show, which takes place tomorrow.

This weekend, visitors can also look forward to guided seafront walking tours, a Vintage Bus Running Day, Take That Tribute Show and the opening of a fun children’s military training ground at the seafront Redoubt Fortress, with assault course, monkey bars and bayonet training.

However the resort’s biggest highlight, Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, kicks off in just two weeks from 14 – 17 August and organisers are continuing with all plans, which utilise much of the length of the seafront.

The free, four day airshow is set to welcome the Red Arrows every day, celebrating their 50 year anniversary, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook, Canberra cold war jet and the UK’s first Lancaster bomber formation in 50 years. The historic display which pays tribute to those who fought in Bomber Command, will feature the last two airworthy Lancaster aircraft in the world, one of which begins its long transatlantic journey from Canada this Monday.

Cllr David Tutt added “The attractions and flying displays at Airbourne are completely unaffected by yesterday’s events and we are continuing with full plans for our live music stage on the beach and our end of show fireworks party, which celebrates 50 years of the Red Arrows.

Viewing areas along the beaches and promenades will be open as usual, so we don’t anticipate space will be compromised.”

Approx 200m of promenade and beaches around the pier will remain closed for several days while essential safety works take place, however it is anticipated these will re-open soon.

Beaches within the lifeguarded safe bathing area west of the Bandstand are also safe to swim.

As a temporary precaution for a few days, swimmers are being advised not to swim to the East of the Bandstand, in case of debris.

For more information visit www.visiteastbourne.com/airbourne

Midair Squadron to display at RNAS Culdrose Air Day alongside Hunter WV372

The world’s only airworthy Canberra PR9 (XH134), along with her display partner Hunter XL577, will be joined by Hunter WV372 in a unique display at the RNAS Culdrose Air Day tomorrow, Thursday 31st July 2014.

Marking a new phase in the development of the Midair Squadron, this display will give the Cornwall crowds a taste of what is to come in the much-anticipated three ship display of the Midair Squadron.

Midair Squadron owner, Mike Davis, comments: “To fly the Midair Squadron alongside WV372 is a brilliant insight into the highly awaited and inimitable display formation on the air show circuit. Our second Hunter, XL600, continues to go through a thorough maintenance programme, and due to the unprecedented booking schedule for the Squadron’s Canberra and Hunter, it has taken slightly longer than initially projected. The sight of all three liveried Midair Squadron aircraft will be a spectacular sight and XL600 will be flown in formation shortly.”

The next scheduled display of the Midair Squadron will be next week at Festival of Flight, in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, where the Canberra and her counterparts will also overfly the Ulster Aviation Society’s collection, featuring XH134’s sister, at Long Kesh.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/where-we-are/air-stations/rnas-culdrose/air-day-2013

The First Sea Lord to attend Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth Air Festival has confirmed it will be hosting The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff , Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC at next month’s event. The professional head of the Royal Navy, Sir George will be here Friday 29th August visiting, amongst others, the flotilla of ships in the bay, meeting members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and seeing the Reserves and Cadets at work throughout the festival site. 

Commodore Jamie Miller, Naval Regional Commander, said; “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming our leader, The First Sea Lord, to the biggest community engagement event in the Royal Navy’s calendar. We are incredibly pleased to be showcasing our work here – the interactive village areas, beach assault demonstrations, music programmes and work of both the Cadets and Reservists – and lots of ships and aircraft too. This really will be cementing the partnerships and relationships we have made over the years and for years to come. And we do like Bournemouth lots too!”

It will be first time Sir George has experienced the incredible Air Festival – added Councillor Lawrence Williams, Tourism Portfolio Holder; “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate how the event itself and people of Bournemouth work with and support the Armed Forces. The Royal Navy has played an integral part in making the Air Festival the success it is today and we’re extremely grateful. Year-on-year the event continues to grow with more ships, people and assets. And to have Sir George here to experience this first hand is a real accomplishment for us all!”

The Air Festival introduced a charity wristband in 2011 and has supported forces charities for the last three years. The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) has been the Navy nominated charity since 2011 and on Friday night the Hotel Miramar will be hosting the official Navy Blue Party in the presence of Sir George Zambellas. Tickets cost £40 per head, for more details call the Hotel Miramar 01202 556581.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

AIR DAY ALL SET FOR TAKE OFF

Vulcan Bomber at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

Final preparations are taking place to welcome over 30,000 visitors to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton’s annual International Air Day on Saturday 26 July. Few events can rival the intensity, drama and spectacle on offer at the award winning show, one of the Southwest’s largest one day events. It promises to be an action-packed day out for all the family with thrilling flying displays and plenty to see and do on the ground.

RNAS Yeovilton’s Air Day will be celebrating Carrier Aviation following the recent naming of the Royal Navy’s largest ever aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Visitors will experience over five hours of amzing flying displays which will include naval aircraft through the ages from rare historic warbirds like the Swordfish, Sea Fury and Skyraider to classic jets such as the mighty Sea Vixen and Hunter. The resident squadrons will perform spectacular role demonstrations such as the famous Commando Assault Finale, full of pyrotechnics. The ground displays will showcase modern Royal Navy assets and equipment with interactive displays showing the qualities, skills and professionalism of Royal Navy personnel working as a team to provide Front Line support to Protect Our Nation’s Interests.

Undoubtedly, the stars of the show for many will be roaring displays by the Swiss Air Force F/A-18 Hornet and the award winning Belgian Air Force F-16 representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology. Further participants include a trio of foreign military aerobatic teams from Belgium, Jordan and Denmark. Amongst the helicopter displays the Royal Navy Black Cats Display Team will incorporate the Wildcat into their routine and the unbelievably agile RAF Chinook will return to amaze all. The RAF will also be represented by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane. The Dakota’s debut Air Day appearance will be particularly poignant with it being the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. One of the nation’s favourite aircraft, the iconic Vulcan bomber XH558, will also be firing up her four mighty engines for another majestic performance over the Somerset skies. Another notable classic jet will be the world’s only airworthy example of the Canberra which will be a display not to be missed!

Although the aircraft and their amazing displays take most of the limelight at Air Day there is plenty to entertain the family on the ground. The Sporting Bears Motor Club has arranged a special static display for Air Day consisting of 40 rare and expensive cars. There will be arena displays from HMS Heron Volunteer Band and the fiercely contested Field Gun Competition between HMS Heron and HMS Seahawk (RNAS Culdrose). In the hangars, the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir will be performing and you will also find engineering fairs presented by My Future My Choice and Imagineering. These two organisations aim to inspire the next generation in a fun, hands-on, interactive way towards a career in engineering. A Forward Operating Base will be set-up by the Commando Helicopter Force with plenty of equipment and demonstrations to demonstrate how the Force supports the Royal Marines in theatre. There will also be trade stalls, funfair, simulators and pleasure flights if you manage to take your eyes off the sky.

Advance tickets are still available from local Tourist Information Centres until 25 July. Visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or call the Ticketline on 08445 781 781 for more details.

*Photo by Jason Bryant