A memorable three-day Royal International Air Tattoo 2019 concluded with the traditional Sunday night prizegiving, during which trophies were presented to several of the show’s top displays.

The Paul Bowen Trophy for the best solo jet display — named in honour of the late Paul Bowen, co-founder of the Air Tattoo — went to Lt Col Yurii Bulavka, pilot of the Sukhoi Su-27P1M from the 831st Guards Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force. “I will say only one thing”, commented Bulavka. “Thank you for your attention, wonderful Air Tattoo. See you next time!”

The Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team of 10 Aermacchi AT-339A jet trainers, regulars at the Air Tattoo, scooped the RAFCTE Trophy, awarded to the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant. Team leader Maj Stefano Vit said, “It is really a great honour for me and for all the team, because it’s a special trophy. The Air Tattoo is the biggest airshow in Europe, and winning this trophy is a big reward. It’s nice to leave an occasion like this.”

Following a triumphant event, including flypasts with the British Overseas Airways Corporation-schemed Boeing 747-436 of British Airways as part of the BA100 events and the French Air Force’s Patrouille de France team as a salute to the 50th anniversary of Concorde’s first flight, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, won the Steedman Display Sword for best display by a UK participant. Team manager Sqn Ldr Doug Smith commented, “This is absolutely fantastic. We adore coming to RIAT every year — it’s a tremendously well-run airshow — and to come away with the trophy for best display from the UK is stunning. To do the flypasts with the 747 in BOAC livery and the ‘double Concorde’ formation was really, really good.”

The evening’s double winner was Capt Arto Ukskoski, who flew the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet from Fighter Squadron 11 of the Finnish Air Force. He took home the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy for best individual flying demonstration and and the As The Crow Flies Trophy for best display as judged by the enthusiast members of Friends of RIAT. “I am quite surprised”, said Ukskoski, “because there are so many good aircraft and so many good pilots. It’s amazing, especially for the Finnish Air Force because we don’t do so many airshows internationally every year.”

One of the most regular performers at recent Air Tattoos, Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39C Gripen pilot Maj Peter Fallén from F 7 wing of the Swedish Air Force, received the King Hussein Memorial Sword for best overall flying demonstration. An emotional Fallén said, “This means so much to me. I’m almost in tears now, because RIAT has been a big part of my career as a display pilot. I’ve been flying here for six years, and it’s been the main event every year. I’m so grateful.”

The RIAT Chief Executive Trophy, presented by outgoing Air Tattoo CEO Andy Armstrong, went to the Spanish Navy’s EAV-8B Harrier II+ duo. Mr Armstrong referred particularly to the initiative shown by the squadron’s commanding officer following a brake fire suffered by one of the two aircraft on arrival, which led to repairs being affected and participation in the weekend displays.

Finally, the trophy for best livery was presented to the Eurofighter EF2000 operated by Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 71 ‘Richthofen’ of the German Air Force, stationed at Wittmund.

www.airtattoo.com

Now in its 12th year, the nationally award winning and internationally recognised Bournemouth Air Festival is set to host a diverse international air display programme this summer – in fact there will be more new displays then ever!

As well as vintage aircraft, two parachute teams, aerobatics displays, wingwalkers, night air pyrotechnics and fireworks – get ready for the noise as we welcome, alongside the RAF Typhoon, for the first time from Sweden the Saab Draken and Canadair T-33 Silver Star.

If one Air Festival first was not enough the Ultimate Warbird Flights will be showcasing their dog fighting skills over the Bournemouth skies in a collection of stunning aircraft – look out for a Hispano Buchon, Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire and Republic
P-47 Thunderbolt.

Regular favourites the brilliant Blades Aerobatic Display Team, Strikemaster, RAF Tucano, RAF Chinook, Royal Navy Wildcat, Tigers Parachute Display Team and, back by popular demand, Rich Goodwin’s stomach-turning Pitts Muscle Plane and the fantastic MiG15 will all be displaying during the four-day festival. Last seen in 2016 the full Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) line up, featuring the iconic Lancaster alongside Hurricane and Spitfire will be displaying on all four days.

The ever-popular Night Air dusk flying will be the best ever will feature the beautiful Fireflies, Red Devils Parachute Team and Brendan O’Brien will be piloting Otto the Helicopter. Even the Typhoon will be performing it rip roaring dusk show, to add to the excitement.

Of course the Festival is not just about the airshow. On land, between Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier there’s a host of country show trading sites, activation areas and military villages.
There is a new location for the RAF Village on the East Overcliff with the popular Royal Navy dive tank. On the seafront find out more about life in the military from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army as they invade the beach and take over with tanks, vehicles and a host of ‘have a go equipment’.

As evening falls, along with dusk flying, the Night Air programme will feature Royal Marines, impressing crowds from their new location in the Lower Gardens, with their unarmed combat display (don’t try this at home!) and the HM Royal Marine Band Portsmouth performing the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony. There will also be live music, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening and fireworks (Friday & Saturday only).

Out at sea there once again will be a naval contingency providing a nautical backdrop in the bay and anchorage tours will be available.

David Bailey Chairman of the Tourism Industry’s Destination Management Board for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole commented; “This is an important festival not only for Bournemouth but for the rest of the conurbation. This year it is estimated to generate in excess of £20million to local economy, as part of an annual tourism spend of over £1.2 billion”.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director, BCP Council said; “We can’t wait for the festival – we have worked really hard on the line-up for 2019. Its international and loud, everything festival goers love and ask us for year after year! We’ve programmed four days of great, free entertainment for residents and visitors and we hope everyone has a great time!”

For those that can’t wait for the flying display line up the Air Festival brochure is available to pre order online from www.bournemouthair.co.uk, and the flying display line up, available with each brochure, can be accessed early July.

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 12th Air Festival, takes place 29th August – 1st September 2019.

The world’s largest civilian jet display team, the Breitling Jets, will be streaming across Eastbourne’s skies this August, thanks to new airshow sponsor Ginsters.

The world renowned French team will be bringing their magnifique headline act to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow for the very first time, performing every day from 15 – 18 August.

The team of L-39 Albatross jets, led by one of the world’s most experienced pilots, Jacques Bothelin, are known for their close formation precision flying, often at just 3 metres apart, all while flying at speeds of over 700km per hour.

Supported by the UK’s biggest selling pasty producer, the free seafront airshow will also feature a range of fast jets, historic favourites, freefall parachutists, wingwalkers and night time pyro-aerobatic displays.

To top off an exciting four days of displays, Ginsters will also be sponsoring a dazzling finale of fireworks to end the show, supported by Frontier Fireworks.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “We are super excited to welcome the Breitling Jets for the very first time and our thanks go to Ginsters for their huge support in sponsoring Airbourne this year. We look forward to welcoming Jacques and his team extraordinaire for a sensational display over the sunny skies of Eastbourne this summer.”

Leader of the Brietling Jets, Jacques Bothelin said “We very much look forward to meeting the crowds at Eastbourne in our first ever display on the Sunshine Coast and can promise a spectacular four days of flying from the Breitling Jets.”

Airbourne returns from 15 – 18 August with more flying displays to be announced. The four day seafront show also features a military exhibition, helicopter pleasure flights, children’s entertainment, Bandstand concerts, film screenings and much more. Entry is free.

To beat the crowds and for prime views, keen aviators can upgrade to first class hospitality with High Fliers @ The Aviator Club from £99 per person and Sunday’s Departure Lounge dining just £55 per person. Both offer exclusive dining and fully stocked bar in a private marquee and viewing area on the Western Lawns. Alternatively, reserved seats are available in the Exclusive Seating area all day from just £6 per adult (£4 per child).

www.eastbourneairshow.com

Harrier pilots from across the generations have reminisced about their experiences of flying the British-designed vertical landing aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Retired record-breaking RAF Harrier pilot Tom Lecky-Thomson, who flew an early-generation Harrier across the Atlantic for the 1969 Daily Mail’s Trans-Atlantic Air Race between London and New York, met with pilots from the Spanish Navy Harrier who participated in the air display over RAF Fairford.

Participating pilots in the Trans-Atlantic Race started from the Post Office Tower in London and finished at the top of the Empire State Building.

Having taken a helicopter from the Post Office Tower, Tom then flew across the Atlantic non-stop after performed Harrier’s party trick, a vertical take-off from a railway yard near St Pancras station. With the support of aerial refuelling aircraft, he touched down on a pier on New York’s East River just under six hours later, before making his way by motorcycle to the Empire State Building.

Tom said: “I am so proud to have been a part of the team that had made that flight. The Harrier was a wonderful aircraft to fly, even better than a helicopter when in the hover.”

His Spanish counterparts were amazed when Tom explained he had just 70 hours of flight-time in the Harrier under his belt when he performed the amazing feat.

Meanwhile one of the pilots flying the Spanish Harriers, Navy Commander “Moro” flew his last ever Harrier sortie at the Air Tattoo, before he takes on a new post in Colombia.

After taking to the skies over Fairford on Sunday, his aircraft was greeted by a water arch provided by the show’s firefighters.

“Moro”, who has flown 2,200 hours in the Harrier during his career, commented: “I am very happy to have my last flight here, not many pilots get to have their last flight at an airshow.

“Flying the Harrier at the Air Tattoo is like being a rock star on a stage, there is so much support from the crowd.”

www.airtattoo.com

Organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo® have described as “out of this world” the feast of flying served up to bumper crowds over the three-day event at RAF Fairford.

The airshow, whose theme for 2019 was Air & Space: Inspiring the Next Generation Air Force, attracted 170,000 visitors including British astronaut Maj Tim Peake. Maj Peake dedicated most of his visit engaging with young people in the critically acclaimed Techno Zone®. He said: “It was satisfying to see the wonderful impact that the Techno Zone® is having in promoting STEM and inspiring youngsters.”

In total, 245 aircraft from 39 air arms representing 25 nations took part in the event, including the RAF Red Arrows, whose performance on Sunday marked their final UK public display this year before they depart on their Western Hawk 19 tour of North America.

Over the three days of the airshow, spectacular aerial set pieces were staged including a unique joint flypast by the RAF Red Arrows and a specially-painted British Airways Boeing 747 jumbo jet to mark the airline’s centenary. NATO’s 70th anniversary was marked by a commemorative flypast by aircraft from a number of member nations including F-16s from Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Norway. They were joined by three RAF Typhoons, F-15s from the US Air Force, a German Typhoon and a French KC-135.

Other set pieces staged during the three days included a joint flypast by the Red Arrows and French aerobatic display team the Patrouille France, plus a rare joint formation by an Airbus A400M and civilian aerobatic team The Blades.

Flying display highlights included the Romanian Mikoyan MiG-21, an icon from the Cold War that hasn’t flown at the Air Tattoo since 2001 and the Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-27, which performed an imposing and agile display. There was also a debut by the hugely popular Spanish Navy Harrier duo.

On the ground, visitors were able to see up close rarely seen aircraft including a giant Qatari C-17, the imposing USAF B-52 and rare F-4 Phantoms from the Turkish Air Force.

There was an Air Tattoo debut for the Embraer Super Tucano and a world debut for the Northrop Grumman Firebird, an optionally manned surveillance aircraft. The public were also able to view for the first time all seven training aircraft used by the UK’s military under the Military Flying Training System operated by Ascent Flying Training consortium.

British and Swedish government ministers used the show to herald a new agreement to work together on a future fighter aircraft, the Tempest, further cementing the show’s growing role as a showcase for aerospace and technology.

Among the many senior military guests were Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee; General David Goldfein, US Air Force Chief of Staff, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force. Senior industry guests included Sir Roger Carr, Chairman of BAE Systems and Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence & Space.

Also at the airshow were HRH Prince Michael of Kent, the Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for International Trade; Minister for Defence Procurement Mr Stuart Andrew, Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist and Minister of State for the Armed Forces, the Rt Hon Mark Lancaster.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The past three days have been out of this world. We’ve seen an incredible display of aircraft from around the globe both in the air and on the ground as well as some memorable, unique joint flypasts.

“With the Air Tattoo taking place on the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, we’ve also had the opportunity to inspire our thousands of young visitors who’ve been discovering some of the exciting ways space will play a part in their future.

“I’d like to thank our title sponsor BAE Systems for their continued and valued support.”

www.airtattoo.com

Today, British astronaut Major Tim Peake fulfilled a boyhood dream, flying with the legendary Red Arrows at the Royal International Air Tattoo. Tim joined Red One, Squadron Leader Martin Pert, for the team’s rehearsal flight before they take part in the world’s greatest airshow over the next three days (19-21) in the skies above RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

Talking about his flight with the Red Arrows, Major Tim Peake said: “It was truly incredible, I felt like I was living the dream. I have watched them since I was a young lad and I feel like this has been a boyhood dream fulfilment. It was a privilege to fly with these guys today. I love airshows and it is brilliant to be here.”

www.airtattoo.com

Today women with the necessary skills can join any branch of the Royal Navy. A little over 100 years ago, the Women’s Royal Naval Service motto was ‘Never at Sea’ yet in fact women were actively working on board serving ships and supporting naval operations long before 1917.

A new exhibition, opening today at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, reveals the remarkable stories of naval women. ‘Pioneers to Professionals’ traces the role of women in the Royal Navy from the mid-17th century through to the present day, highlighting the dramatic changes that have taken place over more than 250 years.

Leading by example, these pioneering women comprehensively demonstrated their capabilities and so laid the foundations for the eventual integration of the WRNS into the Royal Navy in 1993. Today females in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines make up 9.3% of the force in the UK Regular Forces and Future Reserves. Furthermore, the percentage of officers who are female in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, in the UK Regular Forces, stands at 10.6%. In July 2016, the government announced the lifting of restrictions on women serving in ground close combat roles, removing the last remaining barriers to full integration.

Women’s contribution to the Royal Navy has been overlooked in the past. It is a common misconception that until the introduction of the uniformed women’s service, the navy was an exclusively male domain. However, from the 17th century early pioneers disguised themselves as men or accompanied their husbands to sea on warships and this continued into the early 19th century.

The formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service in 1917 was an important milestone for the history of women and the Royal Navy. It allowed women to work in an official capacity in shore-based roles thus releasing men for shipboard service. Artefacts and photographs from the early years of the WRNS on display in this exhibition include a WRNS Director’s Log Book, images of those pioneer Wrens and drawings from the time.

During World War 2, the reformed WRNS took on an even wider variety of vital roles than their World War 1 forerunners. They were Aircraft and Radio Mechanics with the Fleet Air Arm, code-breakers at Bletchley Park and Despatch Riders ferrying important messages. Some received gallantry awards for their courage and fortitude. The exhibition profiles just a few of their contributions including an evocative tableau of a Despatch Rider in the midst of an air raid and a display showing Wrens assisting with the training of Fighter Direction Control Officers using an adapted ice cream seller’s tricycle.

Post-World War 2, women continued to expand the part they played in the Royal Navy and today are able to play an active role across all naval operations. Many have risen through the ranks to senior positions and in some cases have received gallantry awards for their actions.

‘Pioneers to Professionals’ underlines the key place of women in the Royal Navy story and what they have achieved over the past 250 years. The exhibition’s final collage of images depicts the huge variety of roles undertaken by women in the modern navy, roles that their early predecessors would never have imagined possible.

Curator Susan Dearing said “Women have been contributing to the work of the Royal Navy for over 250 years but their story has tended to remain in the background and their accomplishments largely unrecognised. But those who so successfully took up the challenge of working in the Royal Navy made possible the fact that women today enjoy the same service opportunities as their male colleagues. This exhibition provides a great opportunity to bring their inspiring story to the forefront.”

Entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum costs from £13.50 per adult and £10 per child, with family tickets available from £39.50 for 2 adults and up to 3 children. Book online at www.fleetairarm.com

This week, Brooklands Museum in Surrey unveils its new logo to the public as it begins launching its refreshed brand identity across the business.

Brooklands Museum is the largest museum in Surrey, occupying 32 acres on the site of the world’s first motor racing circuit. It showcases the achievements of the pioneering men and women in motorsport and aviation since its creation in 1907. The famous Race Track and the huge aviation manufacturing factories made it a household name for much of the twentieth century. Since opening as a public Museum in 1991 it has continued to grow its collection of aircraft, racing bikes and cars as well as opening the award-winning* Brooklands Aircraft Factory. Visitors can also walk through the world’s largest privately-owned ex-London Bus collection, climb aboard the number 237 and take a seat to reminisce about the golden age of bus travel.

The new Brooklands visual style centres around a striking gold colour with and uses a series of nostalgic illustrations. Throughout July and August the museum will appear on trains and platforms across the South Western network and on double decker buses covering surrounding routes. The poster campaign focuses on a single piece of history unique to Brooklands and relates it to the present day. In one shot a Hawker Hurricane is face-to-face with a toddler in a model pedal plane who dreams of becoming a flying legend one day. In another, an archive shot of one of the leading female racing drivers from the 1930s is shown next to the statement: Breaking records and making history.

The museum’s refreshed look has been spearheaded by the Marketing Director Samantha Hart who joined the team in January 2019.

“Brooklands Museum is such an incredibly special place and we felt that we needed to give it a modern image that is instantly recognisable and attractive to new visitors. We’ve spent a lot of time consulting with our volunteers, members and audiences to harness what Brooklands means to them and what we have to offer, and this will shine through in our summer visitor campaigns. Brooklands Museum is not just a transport museum; every day we walk in the footsteps of the legends and pioneers who changed the world of motorsport and aviation; so many firsts and record-breaking achievements actually happened here. We’re extremely excited about re-engaging past visitors and welcoming new guests to Brooklands Museum this year.”

The Museum is home to the legendary Concorde where you can re-live the age of supersonic flight and experience the exciting era of modern travel. This stunning aircraft stands proudly alongside the Sultan of Oman’s luxurious, private airliner and other fine examples of Brooklands Aircraft and engineering.

One of the most unique elements of this historic destination is that many of the day-to-day and specialised areas of keeping the museum alive is accomplished by a team of over 800 dedicated, skilled volunteers; one of the largest volunteer teams in the country. This could be anything from aircraft restoration, building maintenance, stewarding, archiving and welcoming and guiding visitors and groups. Spend the day exploring the interactive collections and discover what it was like to be a racing driver or pilot over 100 years ago.

Brooklands Museum guarantees a great day out for people of all ages and interests. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you pass through the motoring village where the original sheds, filled with historic racing cars and motorcycles, set an authentic tone enhanced by the smell of engine oil and music from the heyday of motor racing at the Brooklands Race Track. You can also hear the stories of aviation legends who pushed boundaries and overcame the impossible to change the way we travel today. During the winter season, don’t miss the chance to go behind the scenes on a Torchlight Tour, exploring Brooklands after dark in search of some of those ghostly legends.

Brooklands Museum is open daily from 10am and admission charges, directions, news and events can all be found by visiting www.brooklandsmuseum.com

On 4th July 2019 the Sywell Aviation Museum was awarded The Peoples’ Choice Award for Best Museum at the Northants Heritage Awards held at Holdenby House, Northants. The award was voted for by members of the public and the Museum fought off stiff competition from much larger municipal museums and stately homes secure the most public votes. Many thanks to all those who voted!

Photo – Mike Goodman and David Knight receiving the award

www.sywellaviationmuseum.org.uk

On Monday July 1 2019, Mario Addison – NFL star of the Carolina Panthers – visited the RAF London Museum to find out more about the brave American men and women who fought alongside the Royal Air Force in the Second World War.

Mario’s guided tour was a chance to commemorate and celebrate the inspiring stories of the RAF and the enduring relationship between the US and UK, ahead of his own visit to RAF Lakenheath on July 4th, US Independence Day, where he will be meeting today’s British-based American servicemen and their families.

Mario is visiting London as the NFL celebrates its own centenary in 2019, and further engraining the sport’s own close US-UK ties with London’s newly-launched NFL Academy. Mario will also be returning to London with the Carolina Panthers in October as part of four NFL fixtures taking place in London.

www.rafmuseum.org