Tag: June

The RAF and Losing Air Superiority in the Far East

Trenchard Lecture

The loss of air superiority in the Far East during the Second World War will be the focus of a lecture at the University of Wolverhampton.

The event is part of the RAF Museum’s Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies series, organised in partnershipwith the RAF Museum Cosford.

Dr Peter Preston-Hough, from the University of Wolverhampton, will be delivering the next in the series of lectures on Thursday, 25 June 2015.

The lecture, titled “The Royal Air Force and Losing Air Superiority in the Far East” will take place at the University’s city campus in MC001 from 6pm-7.30pm.

It will focus on how air superiority was lost and will provide new insights into why the Far East was left unprotected against Japanese air attack in December 1941.

Dr Preston-Hough, of the University’s Department of War Studies said: “We’re delighted to be part of this prestigious series of lectures, which promises to provide an interesting insight into the fascinating area of history.

“The University has a strong relationship with the RAF Museum and we look forward to working closely with them on the lectures.

“This particular lecture will focus on why command of the air in Malaya and Burma was lost to the Japanese between December 1941 and May 1942.

“Furthermore, it will examine the inter-relationship between aircraft, aircrew, early warning facilities and superior Japanese aircraft and aircrew as the key reason for this situation.”

Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian from the RAF Museum, said: “This lecture series marks an important step in the development of the RAF Museum’s academic aspirations.

“The series seeks to explore historical and contemporary issues related to the employment of air power.

“The series also seeks to bridge the gap between academic and public history by providing a forum for recognised experts to share and disseminate their research to a wider audience.

“We are pleased to be holding the series in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton which has a world renowned reputation in the field of War Studies.”

This lecture, organised in conjunction with the RAF’s Centre for Air Power Studies, explores the importance of aerial based reconnaissance and intelligence gathering and its effect on war in all its facets.

It is part of the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies which is a programme of lectures organised by the Royal Air Force Museum in conjunction with the University and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

This lecture is free of charge but people do need to pre-book a free ticket, as seats are limited. For more information visit www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/whats-going-on/events/the-royal-air-force-and-losing-air-superiority/

Those wishing to attend the lecture will need to complete an online booking form which can be found at: www.royalairforcemuseum.digitickets.co.uk/events/3967?catID=3462

Cockpit-Fest 2015 Late Update

TSR2 cockpit

With less than a week to go the staff and volunteers at Newark Air Museum have received a last minute boost in relation to the 2015 Cockpit-Fest event, which takes place on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2015.

The museum trustees are delighted to confirm that the TSR2 cockpit, which is currently on loan at the museum from the Brooklands Museum at Weybridge in Surrey, will now be on display at Cockpit-Fest.

The cockpit, which was originally displayed at the TSR2 anniversary event in autumn 2014 will be uncovered and will be available for external viewing on both Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June.

This will be a unique opportunity for visitors to see the TSR2 cockpit at Cockpit-Fest and we hope that you will take advantage of it being on display.

In Damien Burke’s excellent TSR2 book, the cockpit is described as follows: “Test forebody T5 …” and that it was “….Rescued from the Farnborough dump in 1992.”

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Savage Skills Anti Gravity Show joins Wings & Wheels line-up

Wings & Wheels Savage Skills

Wings & Wheels are introducing a *NEW* second Stunt Zone to the Wheels Zone on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August. Visitors can expect some thrilling and unique entertainment throughout the day from the sensational ‘Savage Skills’ who are headlining the Zone with their Anti Gravity Show four times a day.

With eight World and over 25 British Championship titles between them, the team will be putting on breathtaking displays of balance and agility as the riders manoeuvre their bikes and bodies over custom built ramps and obstacles, demonstrating the skills they have acquired thanks to years of national and international competitive practice.

Savage Skills pride themselves on being the most accomplished and disciplined stunt show team in the UK, and it’s no wonder after they have featured on numerous television programmes, worked alongside some of the world’s most respected celebrities and promoted products for a number of multi million pound companies, such as; Saab, Halfords, Nissan, Tiff Nedell, BBC, Extreme Sports Channel, Adventure sports channel, and the London Cycle Show.

Ben Savage 26, the founder of Savage Skills, has been a stunt trials rider for over 16 years performing in front of thousands of spectators making him a legendary entertainer. He has previously taken part in the British World Championships finishing 3rd, and has spent two weeks in Europe where he took part in the BikeTrial International Union (BIU).

Emily Hooton, Wheels Zone Co-ordinator comments: “We can’t wait to see our visitor’s reaction to the visually stimulating and energetic Savage Skills who will be performing in our second Stunt Zone. It’s really exciting to have two stunt arenas at Wings & Wheels this year, both of which will be packed with adrenaline pumping activities that our visitors won’t want to miss.”

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 to wander around.

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.

Tickets start from £22 for adults, £50 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £7 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are 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 Help for Heroes and Brooklands Museum Trust.

US Aircraft in Air Tattoo Show of Strength

RIAT Osprey

The United States Air Force is has announced it will be sending an array of aircraft to next month’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

It will send aircraft from both of its British bases, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, as well as some on deployment from further afield.

Appearing for the first time in a UK flying display will be a Bell Boeing CV-22B Osprey, now operated from Mildenhall by the 7th Special Operations Squadron, part of the 352nd Special Operations Wing. Previous demonstrations of the tilt-rotor machine at the Air Tattoo have involved US Marine Corps MV-22B models. A second CV-22B is due to be exhibited in the static park.

Another new special operations aircraft from Mildenhall making its debut on static display is an MC-130J Commando II version of the Hercules transport, from the 7th Special Operations Squadron. Stationed at the same base are the KC-135R Stratotanker air-to-air refuelling aircraft of the 351st Air Refueling Squadron, one of which will also attend the airshow on July 17-19.

The 493rd Fighter Squadron from nearby Lakenheath, known as the ‘Grim Reapers’, is due to send a pair of F-15C Eagle fighters to the show. These will be joined in the static line-up by two examples of a type once very familiar in British skies, the A-10 Thunderbolt II ‘tank-buster’. While no A-10s are now permanently based in Europe, the two A-10Cs taking part next month will be provided by a unit permanently stationed in the continental United States but on deployment to Europe.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Air Tattoo has always enjoyed an excellent relationship with the US military. The support the US Air Force gives us in allowing our show to be staged at RAF Fairford, a USAF stand-by base, is invaluable and gratefully appreciated. I am very pleased that visitors to the Air Tattoo will have the opportunity to view this superb range of USAF aircraft next month.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Tickets priced from £36 are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Wings & Wheels Stunt Zone will be smokin this August!

Wings & Wheels drifting

Prepare yourselves for some high energy action packed performances in this years Stunt Zone at Wings & Wheels on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August. Adrenaline pumping pro drifting displays will be brought to you by Scrape’N’Skid and Team 1340 who’ll be collaborating to headline the main arena.

The teams will perform spectacular feats of speed throughout the weekend demonstrating dramatic showmanship with smoke and squeals from every corner of the arena. Visitors can expect to see drifting basics all the way through to advance tandem drifting.

The drifting display teams boast four extreme technical drivers and some of the fastest time attack machines in the country. Dean Newport-Hall, 28 representing Scrape’N’Skid has been drifting for over three years honing his skills at Santa Pod Raceway DWYB (drift what ya brung). He has competed in many Barrel Sprint events, finishing 2nd at DriftCup, and 4th at the Gymkhana Grid European finals in Madrid.

Arron Stevens, 25 representing Scrape’N’Skid has been driving rear wheel drive Japanese cars since he was 17. He is best known for his super smooth calm style, and made his competition debut at the end of the Drift Cup series in 2014, wining the round.

Andy Stroud, 28 representing Team 1340 started drifting in 2007 at the Santa Pod Raceway DWYB days, cutting his teeth and learning the basics he went on to compete in top level UK drifting in the British Drift Championship. Expect to see Andy in the Drift Outlaws series Japanese powered ford sierra.

Adam Elder, 27 representing Team 1340 in the Drift Outlaws series Nissan S14 has been drifting for a number of years, and is known for his regularity on the podium at the Fueltopia Barrel Sprint. In 2014 he finished 2nd after a close cut final run at the Gymkhana Grid European finals in Madrid.

The teams wouldn’t be at Wings & Wheels without their supporters and special thanks going to Nispro Performance Ltd, Attitude Autos, Lock and Key, Bourne End Garage, STA Automatic Transmissions and Signum Signs.

Emily Hooton, Wheels Zone Co-ordinator comments: “We are really excited to welcome two drifting teams to Wings & Wheels this year. Drifting is a really popular Stunt Zone attraction and is the perfect setting for Scrape’N’Skid and Team 1340 to showcase their skills. The drifting teams will be supported by other displays throughout the weekend making it one Zone our visitors won’t want to miss.”

www.wingsandwheels.net

Global Air Power Icons At Air Day

USAF A10 Thunderbolt

World-leading combat aircraft from four nations will showcase the sharp end of NATO air power at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day on 11 July. Both the flying and static displays will feature frontline assets which, combined with other attending types, will make this year’s Air Day a thoroughly international affair.

One of Air Day’s most significant international contributions comes from the French Navy, showcasing their carrier based fast jet aircraft. Never before seen in this country, its four-ship role demo, comprising pairs of Super Etendard strike fighters and Rafale M multirole fighters, will be an intense and thrilling spectacle for the show’s anticipated 35,000-plus visitors. Due for retirement in 2016, the Super Etendard will likely have its last UK showing. Its replacement, the supremely agile Rafale, was among the three key European jet fighter projects developed during the 1980s and 1990s. An example of another, the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 multirole fighter, will spear through the sky in its special colour scheme applied to mark the Battle of Britain’s 75th anniversary.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter is of a previous generation but, through various upgrades, remains at the leading edge of modern-day air power. The Royal Norwegian Air Force was among the F-16’s original European operators and two of the air arm’s F-16s will make a rare UK appearance in Air Day’s static display.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II close air-support aircraft is of the same era but remains a similarly potent part of NATO’s inventory. The United States Air Force, which now rarely participates in overseas airshows, is sending two A-10s for the static display, along with a supporting C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft.

A full list of participants, further information and discounted advance tickets are available from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

Cockpit-Fest at Newark Air Museum Coming Soon

Newark Air Museum

Preparations for this year’s Cockpit-Fest are well underway at Newark Air Museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire. Newark Air Museum is a registered charity located on part of the former site of RAF Winthorpe; its two day Cockpit-Fest event attracts exhibitors from across the UK and Europe, to sample what one former-aviation magazine editor calls “grass roots aircraft preservation”.

At this year’s event nearly 100 years of aviation will be represented. This is thanks to a fantastic new cockpit build project that is being displayed for the first time. The project that has got everyone talking is an accurate fabrication of a famous British biplane fighter from World War I, a Sopwith Camel, which is being displayed complete with a period-instrument panel.

This Sopwith Camel cockpit project joins more than twenty (20) other cockpits from across the history of aviation and includes other notable items such as the evocative Spitfire P9451 cockpit project; a de Havilland Hornet cockpit; and a Harrier AV8B cockpit.

From its humble beginnings, when a few like-minded enthusiasts first displayed one or two aircraft cockpit sections at the museum; Cockpit-Fest now regularly attracts, many more visiting cockpits and associated displays. Cockpit-Fest allows the owners the chance to display their prized exhibits to their fellow enthusiast and the general public.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June; and has an international aspect to it, with visitors from Denmark and Belgium already booked in as visitors. We also have a Belgian seller booked in at the Aeroboot aviation and avionics sale that runs alongside Cockpit-Fest. Here enthusiasts and the public can search out those aviation artefacts, books and models.

The event is supported by a range of organisations and individuals; with the visitors being encouraged to have a say in deciding, which is the best cockpit by voting on their favourite display and from these results, prizes are awarded.

Cockpit-Fest also attracts other visiting displays like the Raptor Foundation with its owls; local history / archaeological groups; military re-enactors; book launches; and even more aviation related displays such as clothing and historical artefacts. As an added bonus this year’s event has a flypast by a Hurricane fighter on the Sunday.

Full details about the events can be found on the Museum Events page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org.

The Evolution Of Naval Airpower Represented At Air Day

Rn Wildcat

From fabric and wires to fly-by-wire, almost 100 years of Carrier Aviation will be represented at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day on Saturday 26 July. With the Royal Navy’s next generation aircraft carrier being named on 4 July and edging closer into service, types as diverse as the WW1-era Sopwith Triplane, the cutting-edge Dassault Rafale and the Wildcat HM2 will highlight naval airpower, past, present and future, at the show.

100 years on from WW1’s start, in company with the Great War Display Team’s other replicas, the Sopwith Triplane will take Air Day’s visitors back to where Carrier Aviation really began. Come WW2’s advent, sleek and speedy monoplane fighters had largely replaced the biplane generation but, with its heroic attacks on the German battleship Bismarck and the Italian fleet at Taranto Harbour, the Fairey Swordfish proved an exception. Part of the locally-based Royal Navy Historic Flight’s fleet, the Swordfish will participate in the show, joined by the Flight’s Hawker Sea Fury and a Supermarine Seafire – just one of the D-Day anniversary themed aircraft involved this year.

Post WW2 jet fighter technology thrust the Royal Navy into a new era of capability, power and purpose. The world’s only airworthy de Havilland Sea Vixen fleet air defence fighter; the biggest and heaviest British designed aircraft to have operated from aircraft carriers will be a flying display highlight. Static examples of the mighty Phantom and the game changing Sea Harrier bring the Royal Navy’s fixed-wing Carrier Aviation story to its last updated point.

The F/A-18C Hornet, extensively used by the US Navy for carrier operations but presented by the Swiss Air Force at Air Day, will put on a powerful display of speed and agility. The French Navy’s very welcome involvement brings two state of the art Rafale M multirole combat aircraft for static display in their only UK airshow appearance in 2014 so far confirmed. As ever, based assets will participate en masse with the Lynx Maritime Demo and the traditional show-closing Commando Assault showcasing present day Royal Navy operational tactics. Finally, the Royal Navy Black Cats’ newly-revised display sequence, with its Wildcat HM2 element, will offer a taste of Carrier Aviation yet to come.

Tickets for Air Day can be booked online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday at the discounted advance rates (until 21 July) or by calling 08445 781 781.

Bournemouth Air Festival Takes Flight

Midair Canberra

The 2014 Bournemouth Air Festival, supported by Mouchel and City Fibre, has confirmed the line up of this summer’s magnificent aircraft – from historic flying machines, jets and display teams to sparkling dusk displays and parachute teams, there’s something for everyone. This year organisers have developed Night Air, sponsored by Corona, and are welcoming a number of new aircraft to the Festival including the much anticipated Canadian Lancaster, displaying at the weekend with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Mid Air Squadron Canberra XH134.
In 1951 the Canberra joined the RAF as the first jet powered bomber. Believed to be the world’s longest serving bomber, the aircraft retired from active duty in 2006, now fully restored it is the only air-worthy Canberra of its type in the world.

Owner Mike Davis commented; Owner Mike Davis commented; “The Midair Squadron is an expertly managed passion and we’re really looking forward to bringing an aura of classic elegance to the skies of Bournemouth!”
Headlining the aviation action are the Red Arrows – representing the incredible speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force they will be displaying on all 4-days, Thursday at 1515, Friday 1500, Saturday 1635 and Sunday 1210. The RAF will also be displaying the Eurofighter Typhoon (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and Tutor and Tucano training aircraft. The much anticipated weekend display will undoubtedly be when the world’s last two airworthy Lancaster bombers take centre stage the breathtaking Canadian Lancaster with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – in a meeting unlikely to happen ever again this is a must see for everyone.

There will be a host of Armed Forces helicopters taking to the skies with performances from The Royal Navy Merlin and for the first time a Lynx and Wildcat pairing; watch out for the Army Lynx and RAF Chinook, both flying every day.

Bournemouth favourite the Miss Demeanour soars to the Festival on Friday and Saturday and back to impress with magnificent grace Friday, Saturday and Sunday is the Flying Fortress SallyB. The recently announced Avro Vulcan displays Saturday.

This year the fantastic daytime air display program is complemented by a longer dusk display starting at 7.15pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. New for this year’s Night Air line-up are the Blades performing a sunset display Friday and Saturday night (and Sunday daytime). Sponsored by the Miramar Hotel O’Briens Flying Circus and the Twister Duo will set the skies alight and The Red Devils Parachute Team, sponsored by the Patrons 100 Club, finishes the evening line up.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director added; “This year’s line-up is really ambitious, it’s got Festival favourites, Force and civilian teams, fast jets, loud aircraft, display teams and a sprinkle of dusk pyrotechnics. That’s not forgetting everything that’s happening on the ground, at sea and in the evening!”
For more information visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

World Famous White Helmets Headline Wings & Wheels Stunt Zone

Royal Signals White Helmets

World famous, record-holding display team the Royal Signals White Helmets will headline the Wings & Wheels Stunt Zone this August Bank holiday at Dunsfold Aerodrome near Guildford in Surrey.

The team of 30 volunteer soldiers from the Corps will perform spectacular feats of balance, death defying crossover rides and outstanding acrobatics in thrilling arena displays on handbuilt British Millennium Triumph 750cc motorcycles.

The White Helmets demonstrate all the qualities needed in the modern Army – teamwork, courage, trust, strength and agility. This team has existed as a recognised organisation since the first public displays of joint precision horsemanship and motorcycle riding were given by instructors and students from the Signal Training Centre in Yorkshire in 1927.

Recognised by many as the best in the world the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team has been performing for over 80 years.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The wheels of the Show continues to get better each year and the Stunt Zone is the perfect setting for the White Helmets to showcase their skill. The White Helmets will be supported by other motoring displays throughout the day making it one Zone our visitors won’t want to miss.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane), Vulcan, Chinook, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster, B25 Mitchell 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.

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.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are 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 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.