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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.

16-17 July 2011

Tickets available in advance or on the gate

Flypast 2.35pm on Saturday 16th July (subject to weather and operational requirements)

Visitors at the Large Model Aircraft Rally, taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 16-17 July, will be treated to a flying display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster - scheduled for 2.35pm on the Saturday (subject to weather and operational requirements).

This famous air show in miniature is an absolute must see for any aviation enthusiast. Last year the show attracted in excess of 12,000 visitors over the weekend, with hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft taking to the skies during the two-day event.

The main theme of this year’s show will be the 75th Anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire. Taking place twice each day, there will be a mass Spitfire scramble consisting of 15 models - possibly the largest number of model Spitfires flying together ever seen at a model air show.

Last year saw a large scale model Vulcan and Victor flying together for the first time in formation. This year all three of Britain’s V-Bombers; Vulcan, Victor and Valiant will be flying together in model form, in an exclusive for Cosford.

During the course of the show there will be a display of aircraft from both World Wars including the largest ever formation of the Dawn Patrol WWI fighter team, approximately two waves of 20 aircraft each including air combats within the display. In addition to this, several WWII Fighter and Bomber display teams will be performing.

Chairman of the Large Model Association, Dave Johnson says:

“At present we already have over 150 aircraft booked in and we’re still counting, so it’s sure to be a real busy display as always. Many of the aircraft on display cannot be seen flying in full size form anymore, so a real pull for aircraft enthusiasts everywhere.”

Events and activities on the airfield include trade stands selling modelling and non-modelling related items, food stalls, and access to the RAF Museum and full size aircraft displays, plus there will be a fun fair to keep the youngsters entertained throughout the day.

Large Model Association organisers are hoping this year’s event will prove just as popular and are now offering the chance to beat the rush and buy tickets early on at a discounted rate. Advance tickets for the Large Model Aircraft Rally at the RAF Museum Cosford are priced at just £9 for adults, £5 for children and £7 for senior citizens with a family ticket of 2 adults and up to 2 children retailing at £20, saving £5 on the gate price. Gates open at 8.30am.

On site camping including entrance to the show is only £45.00 for the weekend when booked in advance. Contact Dave Bailey for more details on camping at dave.bailey08@tiscali.co.uk or call 07827 675665.

For further information on how to purchase advance tickets and for on the gate prices, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

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.”

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.

B-17 Preservation and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to present Sally B and Friends Day on Sunday 31 July 2011.

A celebration of B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, in her 66th year, this special event offers 1940s nostalgia, fantastic flying and the opportunity to hear from the pilots and ground crews who keep historic aircraft in pristine condition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Duxford’s historic airfield will revisit the evocative days of the Second World War, with living history groups representing different aspects of Britain at war. Rangers Re-enactors represent the ‘Friendly Invasion’ of the United States Forces into wartime Britain, while the Pitsford Home Guard present demonstrations and displays in appreciation of the real ‘Dad’s Army’, the Local Defence Volunteers who were the first point of defence against invasion on British soil.

Fabulous forties music is provided by Room 21, a 21-piece Big Band who will be performing instantly recognisable Swing and Big Band classics from the wartime period.

There will also be a display of wartime military vehicles.

Duxford’s Wing Co Joe’s Cafe will be bedecked with victory bunting and propaganda posters, with a special wartime menu on offer - ration books not required!

Why not get into the Blitz spirit and arrive dressed in your 1940s finery? We’d love to see visitors in wartime uniforms or forties frocks, really becoming part of this special celebratory day! While this event is not an air show, there will be moments of superb flying during the afternoon of Sally B and Friends Day.

Sally B will fly three set pieces to the atmospheric sounds of Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn. She will fly a solo display and then will be joined by her ‘little friends’ - the North American P-51 Mustang, which escorted Flying Fortresses on their outward bombing missions from the East Anglian airfields, and the iconic Supermarine Spitfire IXB, the quintessential British wartime fighter aircraft.

Two de Havilland Dragon Rapides will display, representing the airliners of the golden age of air travel.

The SWIP Team of Peter Wells and Guy Westgate will perform stunning aerobatic routines in their graceful and agile Twister SA1100 aircraft.

A Douglas Dakota DC-3 and Beech 18 Expediter will perform a duo display, representing the United States transport aircraft of the Second World War. They will then join Sally B for a very special salute to the Sally B Supporters Club, without whom it would not be possible to keep Sally B flying.

Two T-28 Trojan aircraft, used by the US Navy for training purposes, will fly simultaneously, followed by aerobatic master Mark Jefferies in the Extra 330SC.

The grand flying finale will feature Sally B with the SWIP Team in their Twister SA1100 aircraft - a display that has never been previously performed!

Visitors can find out more about the passion and commitment needed to keep historic aircraft flying. Pilots and ground crew of the Sally B, together with representatives of many of the historic aircraft on display at the Sally B and Friends Day, will be available to chat to visitors about their individual roles in historic aviation.

There will be fun family activities on offer, with science and technology experiments in AirSpace and the opportunity to experience the 1940s Home Front with costumed characters and hands-on craft activities in Hangar 4: Battle of Britain.

There will also be tours of the American Air Museum, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about the United States Army Air Force Bombing Campaign during the Second World War.

Join us to celebrate Sally B’s 66th year, and her 36th display season - an incredible achievement for an iconic aircraft that delights air show crowds and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors all year round.

Sally B and Friends Day is included in standard admission to the Museum. Children aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.

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

Yesterday, film and TV actor Ray Winstone visited The Fighter Collection at Imperial War Museum Duxford to absorb the atmosphere prior to Flying Legends, one of the world’s largest warbird air shows, which will be held on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July. Flying Legends features classic Second World War-era propeller-driven aircraft in an amazing aerial display.

A keen historic aviation fan, and a particular fan of Second World War aircraft, Ray Winstone enjoyed a flight in a P-51 Mustang which was piloted by Steve Hinton, a Reno Air Race Champion. This was accompanied by two other P-51 Mustangs, one flown by Stevo Hinton (Steve Hinton’s son) who is the youngest ever Reno Air Race Champion.

With only days to go until Flying Legends on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July, The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that over 55 aircraft will be participating in this year’s warbird spectacular, with three Second World War Hispano HA_1112 MIL (Buchon), a debut by the Aer Lingus DH-84 Dragon Iolar, a rare air show appearance of three Skyraiders, The Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team, displaying as a two-ship with pilots Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley showcasing the aircraft that made America great, and The Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lightning reg. N25Y and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS. On the ground there will be fun activities and a 1940s atmosphere with dancing, music and living history groups.

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

The official radio station for the world’s biggest free seafront airshow is returning to the airwaves from 9-15 August bringing live updates and commentary from Eastbourne International Airshow.

Specsavers are sponsoring Radio Airbourne again this year when it returns next month on 87.7FM to entertain airshow fans in the lead up and during Eastbourne Airbourne 2010.

Broadcasting 24 hours a day, brand new for this year, companies are being offered the opportunity to advertise on air or sponsor travel and weather updates, and reach an audience of thousands of listeners.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are very excited that Radio Airbourne is returning to the Eastbourne airwaves for this year’s airshow, with lots for listeners to look forward to. From flying previews to exclusive pilot interviews, Radio Airbourne provides the ultimate guide to what’s going on in Eastbourne during its busiest week of the year and this is a great opportunity for advertisers to reach a mass audience. With Airbourne Radio Headsets also available and pre-tuned to 87.7FM, there is no excuse for visitors to miss out on listening to the official radio station.”

Advertising packages are available for Radio Airbourne 2010 starting at just £105 for four 30-second adverts each day from 9-15 August. Or companies can opt for a premium advertising package and sponsor the weather or travel updates for £500+VAT, guaranteeing a mention of their company name every hour from 8am - 6pm each day.

Station Manager Ian Harling is back behind the desk taking control of this year’s Radio Airbourne with guest hosts popping in each day to take over the airwaves, with Eastbourne Specsavers using the station to encourage airshow visitors to take vision tests and hearing screenings. 

A Specsavers spokesperson said “Specsavers Eastbourne has been the proud sponsor of Radio Airbourne for a number of years. As one of Eastbourne’s main events in the calendar year, Specsavers is thrilled to demonstrate its support to such an exciting and dynamic show and contribute in part to the community spirit.”

Radio Airbourne returns this year from Monday 9 August through to the final day of Eastbourne’s airshow on Sunday 15 August and promises live commentary, pilot interviews, flying previews, traffic and weather updates and a great variety of music.  

As well as listening live, visitors can also keep up to date with Radio Airbourne by following the crew on twitter at http://twitter.com/RadioAirbourne and followers are encouraged to join in the conversation and use the #radioairbourne hashtag to let the team know what they think. Airbourne enthusiasts can also keep up to date by searching for ‘Radio Airbourne’ on Facebook to join the fan group, or they can ring the studio on 01323 722704 Mon - Weds pm or 01323 738606 from Wednesday evening - Sunday.

With official Airbourne Radio Headsets available to visitors for £4, or a special offer price of £3 when bought with a souvenir programme, airshow fans can enjoy Radio Airbourne live as they wander the seafront and enjoy the flying displays.  

For more information on Radio Airbourne or to enquire about advertising contact Eastbourne Borough Council’s Events team on 01323 415442.

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford was last night crowned Winners of the ‘Small Employer of the Year Award 2010′ at The National Apprenticeship Awards 2010, an Oscar style awards ceremony in London.

Currently five apprentices are employed in the Museum’s Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. MBCC Manager Mr Tim Wallis and Training Manager, Mick Shepherd, were presented the award by Mr Peter Butler of BT, who sponsored the Small Employer of the Year category.

Mick Shepherd, Training Manager says:

“We are all absolutely delighted to have received this award. It is a wonderful accolade for the Royal Air Force Museum and particularly to the staff of the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre, who have all shown great patience and understanding while passing on their skills and knowledge to our young apprentices.

It also reassures our Trustees that the massive investment they made, and the faith they placed, in the Apprenticeship Scheme has been completely worthwhile and underpins their ongoing commitment to the programme.” 

This time of year marks an important period for the apprentice programme as the annual exchange with students from America under the partnership established with and supported by, the museum’s American Foundation takes place. Next week will see two of Cosford’s apprentices Nathan Pugh and Martin Purcell-Shaw along with Deputy MBCC Manager, Darren Priday travel to America for a three week exchange programme.

The success of this ever-widening international scheme emphasises the growth and value attached to the MBCC’s forward thinking apprentice initiative and wider conservation training programme. The Conservation Centre currently has a team of five apprentices; soon to be seven as two new apprentices join the Museum later this year. In 2011, the MBCC will also manage Conservation courses for Aviation Engineering communities globally.

The Apprenticeships Awards 2010 is managed by City & Guilds within the structure of the Government National Apprentice Scheme.

The Conservation Centre will be open to the public from 15-20 November 2010 for visitors to gain behind-the-scenes access to aircraft conservation work and have a rare opportunity to view current projects including the latest arrival, the Wellington. Open from 10.15am - 1.00pm. 

The Museum is open daily from 10am - 6pm (last admission 5pm), admission is FREE.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Visitors can join the final five-week countdown to the world’s biggest free seafront airshow by sending in their favourite Airbourne snaps for the chance to see their photo flying around the world on a special edition postcard to be launched at the event this summer.

Airbourne has welcomed some of the globe’s fastest and most dynamic jets and aircraft over the past 18 years that have always got spectators snap happy during the four day event in August.

After the success of last year’s Airbourne Photo Competition that attracted dozens of entries, event organisers Eastbourne Borough Council once again want to see visitors’ favourite photographs with a selection of the best entries to be posted on Facebook and Twitter.  

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are very excited to be running the Airbourne Photo Competition again in 2010, and with just five weeks to go until this summer’s spectacular event, we really hope this will up the momentum and get everybody in the mood for this year’s Eastbourne International Airshow. I see thousands of people snapping away with their cameras every year at Airbourne so I’m sure there are some brilliant pictures out there and I can’t wait to see them come zooming in!”

Taking place on Eastbourne’s glorious sunny seafront providing magnificent views of aircraft flying in above the town, over the sea and from behind the white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head, Airbourne provides a picture perfect setting for endless photography.

Last year’s winning snap taken by Scott Morley captured the iconic Red Arrows flying past Eastbourne Pier and this year event organisers are looking for another breathtaking image to be turned into a postcard and launched at the airshow when it returns from 12-15 August.

New for this year, a selection of the best entries will be posted on Airbourne’s page on Facebook and Twitter and airshow fans will be able to post their comments before the final decision is made and the winning entry is picked.

As well as receiving copies of their winning postcard, the winning photographer will also receive Premium Friends of Airbourne Membership and a helicopter trip giving them great aerial views for even more photography during this year’s airshow.

Digital photographs must be a minimum 1MB in size and submitted via e-mail to competitions@eastbourne.gov.uk or can be posted on CD to Airbourne Photo Competition, Tourism Promotions, 68 Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UH.

The competition closes on 31 July 2010. For more information and a full set of competition rules visit www.visiteastbourne.com or www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 01323 415556.

A new Live Chat feature has now been added to the Airscene toolbar.

Toolbar users need only to click on the chat icon (to the left of the news feed) and the room will open. Once logged in - edit your user name and details and begin chatting to other Airscene members.

Your user ID and details are always remembered (apparently) so no need to remember ID’s and passwords - just log in and see who is chatting at the press of a button.

I would like to thank those who made link suggestions for the toolbar - I have now added Twitter and Flickr. I will of course review any other suggestions which are put forward.

The Mayor of Eastbourne is leading the countdown to the world’s biggest free seafront airshow by taking to the skies with a wingwalk aboard the Breitling Boeing Stearman Biplanes.The Mayor of Eastbourne Councillor Carolyn Heaps will take to the sky later this week to raise vital funds for her chosen charities and to launch the final five-week countdown to Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow.

The Mayor will follow in the footsteps of fully trained Breitling wingwalkers and defy gravity as she treads the aeroplane wings hundreds of feet into the air, giving a taster of just one of the flying displays that visitors can look forward to at Airbourne 2010 when it returns from 12-15 August.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “‘I am really excited about doing this sponsored wingwalk for my chosen charities - Eastbourne and Wealden YMCA and Care for the Carers/Young Carers - which support the young people of Eastbourne.

“I am always amazed by the fantastic wingwalking displays we see at Airbourne every year and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to mark the official countdown and give my charity fund a boost with a wingwalk of my own! I hope that the generous Eastbourne residents and Airbourne fans will dig deep to ensure that my wingwalking feat is a great success, and that my charity fund for 2010/11 gets off to a flying start.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor the Mayor’s wingwalk with all donations going towards the Mayor’s nominated charities for the year, Eastbourne YMCA and Eastbourne Young Carers, can send donations to The Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UG. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Mayor of Eastbourne’s Charity’.  

This Thursday 8 July, the Mayor will take off from Lydd Airport with the Breitling Wingwalkers ready to take on a feat in aid of her chosen charities.

The Breitling Wingwalkers lead a thrilling line up of flying displays at Airbourne 2010 including, the Red Arrows, Blades, Eurofighter Typhoon, F16, Tigers Parachutists, Hawk and more.

Visitors have a packed programme on its way this summer with just as much action on the ground too including the popular Essex Dog Display, impressive motorbike stunts inside a giant steel ball from the Globeriders, and new evening displays on Friday and Saturday with Come Fly With Me and Battle of Britain 70 (BoB 70).  

For more information on Airbourne 2010 visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.