Tag: May

Last two airworthy Lancasters to fly at Wings & Wheels

Lancaster - credit: Doug Fisher

Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm a once in a life time air display with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster which will be flying at the Show on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August 2014.

Joining the only other airworthy Lancaster in the world, owned and operated by the RAF BBMF, CWHM will display at Dunsfold Aerodrome as part of a month long tour of the UK. As well as celebrating the exceptionally close British/Canadian relationship, the tour will also commemorate the sacrifice and dedication of Commonwealth Bomber crews and the professionalism of both nations’ air forces today.

The home of Wings & Wheels, Dunsfold Aerodrome, has strong historical ties with the Canadians. The Aerodrome began life on 11 May 1942 when the First Canadian Army – mainly the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Engineers – began construction of the emergency airfield. After just 20 weeks the site was officially handed over to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on 16 October 1942. During the War the Aerodrome was home to the RCAF 400, 414 and 430 Squadrons.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum President and CEO, Sqn Ldr (Ret.) David G. Rohrer C.D. who is a current Lancaster pilot, comments: “This Trans-Atlantic crossing and visit to the BBMF and England is a “Once in a Lanc Time” event as it will not happen again. A rare window of opportunity was identified to bring the last two flying Lancasters in the world together as a special salute to all the veterans of Bomber Command, many of whom are in their late 80s or older now. We are delighted to be displaying at Wings & Wheels and on an Aerodrome which has such strong links with the Royal Canadian Air Force.”

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Wings & Wheels is going to be one of only a handful of aerodromes across the UK where it will be possible to watch both Lancasters display and we are absolutely thrilled. We are very proud of the Aerodrome’s Canadian heritage and to be able to commemorate it in such an iconic and historic way is something we can’t wait to share with our visitors.”

As well as the Lancasters, visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Vulcan, BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane, Tucano, Apache and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 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 2 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.

(Lancaster photo credit: Doug Fisher)

Vintage Film Night at the Fleet Air Arm Museum

Vintage film - Airship

Friday 16th May, the second of a new series of film nights at the Fleet Air Arm Museum will screen a number of films from the archive.

The rare footage from WW1 and WW2 and the early 60s show the development of Royal Naval aviation from the earliest days of the Royal Naval Air Service, forerunner of the Fleet Air Arm, through to the 1990s.

Says Barbara Gilbert Senior Archivist “We all know about the trenches on the Western Front during the First World War but not many people realise that the Royal Naval Air Service had bases in the Aegean. From these airbases, they operated not only aeroplanes but airships. This vintage footage gives us a glimpse of what was involved.”

Other films to be screened will include, 1930s footage of the Fleet Air Arm showing off its carrier-borne squadrons of Fairey IIIFs and Blackburn Ripons from HMS Renown and HMS Furious.

A WW2 film following recruits as they join the Fleet Air Arm and a film of life on board the Floating Fortress that was HMS Victorious in the Mediterranean circa 1960 when her air group consisted of Supermarine Scimitars, De Havilland Sea Venoms and Westland Whirlwinds.

Tickets for the film night can be obtained on line at www.fleetairarm.com or from the door on the night. Tickets cost £5.00 for film night only or £12.50 to include supper in the museum’s Swordfish restaurant prior to the screening.

Airshow to aid RAF charity

The organiser of Folkestone Airshow 2014, Open Air Promotions Ltd, has named the RAF Benevolent Fund as official charity partner for the event.

Director Yvonne Holder said that the organisation did wonderful work supporting serving and former RAF personnel and their families and it was fitting that it benefited from an event in which so many iconic military aircraft would take part. “Our donation will be a share of the money received from the sale of souvenir programmes. Cover price will be £3.50, of which 50p will be given to the Fund”.

Paul Hewson, regional director of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said that the charity was ‘absolutely thrilled” to have been chosen as an official partner for what promised to be Folkestone’s biggest and best air show. “Few people realise the extent of the work we do. Every year, we spend more than £20 million on a wide range of support services and without the generous support of events like the Folkestone Air Show it simply would not be possible to provide them on the scale we do”.

Folkestone Airshow takes place on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. The flying programme on the first day will feature the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team.

www.folkstoneairshow.com

70th anniversary commemorative flypast from IWM Duxford

Today, Monday 27 May, the Eagle Squadron, with B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B and P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, carried out a commemorative flypast of American Second World War airfields to honour the American airmen who died whilst fighting for their country from British soil.

The Eagle Squadron’s historic Hawker Hurricane X, Supermarine Spitfire Mark I, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51 Mustang Princess Elizabeth flew alongside B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B in a poignant commemoration of the legendary fighter and bomber aircraft flown by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in England.

B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B was the first aircraft to take off from IWM Duxford, followed by two-seater P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, carrying a very special passenger, United States Army Air Forces veteran Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson.

The Eagle Squadron then took off and moved into formation with B-17 Sally B and P-51 Mustang Miss Velma.

This year, IWM Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the United States Army Air Forces arriving at RAF Duxford. From its arrival at RAF Duxford in April 1943, the 78th Fighter Group flew P-47 Thunderbolts on bomber escort duty, switching to P-51 Mustangs in December 1944.

From IWM Duxford, the Eagle Squadron formation’s first destination was Bassingbourn Barracks, which was home to the USAAF 91st Bomb Group from August 1942 to June 1945. The 91st Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses, the most famous of which was the Memphis Belle.

On leaving Bassingbourn, the Eagle Squadron flew over Cambridge American Cemetery at Madingley, where a memorial ceremony was being held.

The formation then continued to RAF Mildenhall, home to the modern-day United States Air Force in Europe, and from there to Bodney airfield, which was home to the 352nd Fighter Group from May 1943 until V E Day.

From Bodney, the aircraft continued to RAF Snetterton Heath, which was used by the 8th Air Force 96th Bombardment Group from June 1943 until its deactivation in December 1945.

Then onwards to RAF Knettishall, which was built for the 8th Air Force during 1942-1943 with a specification to accommodate heavy bombers. It was home to the 388th Bombardment Group from June 1943 until V E Day.

The next destination was RAF Horham, which was handed over to the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing of the 3rd Bomb Division in 1942. Horham was mostly home to the 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy) which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses in bombing campaigns until V E Day.

From Horham, the Eagle Squadron overflew RAF Thorpe Abbots, which was originally built as a satellite station to RAF Horham.

The 100th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force arrived at Thorpe Abbots in June 1943. The Group earned the nickname The Bloody Hundredth due to heavy losses incurred during eight missions to Germany. A dozen or more aircraft were lost on a single mission.

The 100th Bombardment Group flew its last mission on 10 April 1945; its 306th combat mission.

The commemorative flight then continued to RAF Halesworth, which was home to the 56th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, and then to the 489th Bombardment Group (Heavy), flying B-24 Liberators.

From Halesworth, the Eagle Squadron made its way to RAF Leiston. This was an emotive experience for veteran Bud Anderson, as he flew his P-51 Mustang Old Crow with the 357th Fighter Group from this airfield. At this point, P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, carrying Bud Anderson, peeled away from the formation for a reminiscent return to RAF Leiston.

The Eagle Squadron’s final destination before returning to IWM Duxford was RAF Debden. This airfield was home to RAF Eagle Squadrons which were later formed into the 4th Fighter Group when the USAAF took over the airfield.

It was a poignant and historic commemoration to the American airmen who lost their lives fighting for freedom from British shores.

www.iwm.org.uk

Air Tattoo is Full of Eastern Promise

Eastern European airpower will take centre stage in the Cotswolds this summer when two of the world’s most potent fighter aircraft take to the skies for one of the UK’s biggest outdoor events – the Royal International Air Tattoo. 

Airshow organisers have just added a legendary Mikoyan MiG-29, from the Polish Air Force, and a SAAB JAS-39 Gripen from the Hungarian Air Force to the seven-and-a-half hour flying display programme, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21.

The Russian-built MiG-29 is a giant among modern-day combat jets, combining supreme power and agility with remarkable versatility. Developed in the mid-1970s, in response to a rapid stream of highly-capable new fighters emerging from the US and Europe, the MiG-29 made its first flight in 1977 and joined the then Soviet Air Force six years later. It has since been acquired by many other nations, several of them in Eastern Europe including Poland.

The MiG-29 can fly at approximately Mach 2.25, or almost 1,500 miles per hour, and it can operate at an altitude of over 59,000ft. The delta-winged JAS-39 Gripen is one of the world’s most advanced fighters having been designed to replace the SAAB 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force.

Both aircraft will line up against other fighters such as the Typhoon, Tornado and F-16 in the flying display which also features a wide range of large transporters, helicopters, historic warbirds such as the Vulcan and aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The Air Tattoo’s reputation has been built on attracting exciting aircraft from former Soviet Bloc countries. These countries, many of which are now our NATO allies,remain among the most eagerly anticipated and popular participants at our airshow.”

In July, the Air Tattoo will unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the visitor experience even more enjoyable. These include new Service Stations, featuring food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, merchandise outlets, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover. There will also be three new exciting themed areas called the Adrenalin Zone, Techno Zone and the Vintage Village.

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.All under-16s go free. Free parking.

Experience the Spring Air Show in American style

We’re now only days away from the Spring Air Show (Sunday 26 May), where we’ll be commemorating the 70th anniversary of the American air forces arriving at RAF Duxford in the Second World War.

Commencing at 2pm, the flying programme presents a wide range of historic American aircraft, including the first-ever display by the Eagle Squadron, which will open the flying display.

We’ve just had confirmation that the Eagle Squadron will also fly in formation with the Red Arrows, giving a spectacular finale to the Spring Air Show. This momentous occasion is a break in tradition for the Red Arrows and honours the historic Anglo-American relationship that has endured at IWM Duxford since the latter stages of the First World War.

The magnificent sight of the Eagle Squadron’s historic Hawker Hurricane X , Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51C Mustang Princess Elizabeth alongside the modern Hawk jet aircraft of the Red Arrows will be a unique air show moment never to be forgotten!

There’s plenty of American atmosphere to soak up too as you explore the museum during the morning of the Spring Air Show.

There will be cheerleading displays throughout the morning on the hangar base in front of Wing Co Joe’s Café.

Andrews Sisters-style singing group The Three Belles will perform nostalgic 1940s songs on the hangar base at 11am and 12.15pm.

Colonel Richard Graham makes a welcome return to IWM Duxford, hosting his popular talks around the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum. His talks will take place at 10.30am and noon. Colonel Graham will also be signing copies of his new book SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird.

Also in the American Air Museum will be a display from Madingley American Cemetery, Britain’s only Second World War American cemetery. Find out more about the American servicemen who lost their lives fighting on British shores.

Second World War United States Army Air Forces veteran Bud Anderson will be signing books and chatting to visitors in the Tower Shop between 11am and noon.

The Rangers Re-enactments living history group portrays the 2nd Ranger Battalion with the uniforms and equipment that they would have used on Omaha Beach on D-Day. They will have an evocative living history display next to the Control Tower.

Last, but not least, the stunning photographic exhibition Somewhere in England: Portraits of the Americans in Britain 1942 to 1945 can be seen in the Mezzanine gallery in AirSpace.

These striking images, many of which have not been seen by the public before, show the range and diversity of the roles undertaken by the men of the United States Army Air Forces and the women of the Women’s Army Corps and the Red Cross – it wasn’t just pilots and ground crew that kept the aircraft flying.

We tell the individual stories of these men and women, their wartime experiences in Great Britain and how their own personal war ended.

The photographs also capture rare off-duty moments and show how the American airmen became part of the community in which they were based.

In addition to the American atmosphere that can be enjoyed across the museum, there will also be children’s rides, the opportunity to explore retro 1950s and 1960s commercial airliners in true Pan Am style, tank riding and lots of enticing shopping opportunities.

Join us this Sunday for the Spring Air Show as we remember the time when the Stars and Stripes flew at RAF Duxford.

 www.iwm.org.uk

Flying display honours National Service Veterans

2nd June 2013

Lancaster display 1:00pm (weather permitting)

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster will be taking to the skies over Shropshire in honour of the thousands of National Service RAF veterans. This iconic aircraft will perform for visitors and guests at the National Service (RAF) Association parade, taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Sunday 2nd June.

Starting at 11:00am, this event is expected to see hundreds of ex National Service men and women participate in the parade, led by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. Following a short 100m march the parade will form up next to the Museum’s Hangar 1 where Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton will be the reviewing officer, accompanied by Group Captain Sansom, Station Commander at RAF Cosford. All veterans who served in the Armed Forces are welcome to participate, providing them with the opportunity to reunite with lost friends and colleagues.

Following the parade, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, will be officially presenting Arctic Star medals and the Bomber Command Clasp to eligible veterans. These prestigious accolades are awarded to members of the British Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy who were involved in action in the Arctic Circle or Bomber Command during World War II. Both awards are retrospective, coming almost seventy years after the end of the war. Veterans from all three services who have been awarded either honour are invited to put their names forward in order to have their medals officially presented to them on the day by the Chief of the Air Staff.

Around 600 veterans are anticipated to take part and hundreds more visitors are expected to turn out to watch. Following the ceremony, visitors and guests will be treated to a flying display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster scheduled for 1.00pm (weather permitting). Plus, National Veterans Organisations and training camp associations will be represented in Hangar 1. On completion of the formal events, guests will have access to the RAF Museum site where they can catch up with old friends and view the exhibits.

The Museum gates will open at 9am on Sunday 2nd June, although the Museum itself will open at 10am. Entry to the Museum and participation in the parade is FREE. Any veterans wishing to put their names forward for the presentation should contact the event organiser Pat Honey on 01782 516887.

For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

Fun Fair and Festivities Inspire Family Fun at RAF Cosford

This year RAF Cosford celebrates its 75th Anniversary and the annual Air Show aims to provide one of the greatest family orientated summer days out in the West Midlands with non-stop entertainment for all ages, with opportunities to enjoy everything from a fun fair to unique ground displays this Sunday 9th June.

The Air Show organisers, who in 2013 are in their second year of arranging the event, are building on that reputation by providing some excellent opportunities to make what already promises to be a great day out even better!

Children under 16’s enter the event for FREE when accompanied by an adult and, for the first year ever, there will be exclusive family meal deals at a number of catering outlets spread out over the site. Consisting of two adult meals and two children’s meals, including food and hot or cold drinks, the meal deal outlets will be well signposted to ensure that you can make the most of these special offers. Individual children’s meals, including food and a drink, will also be on offer from as little as £5.

This year’s event boasts one of the best flying displays that RAF Cosford has ever welcomed to the Air Show and this is supplemented on the ground by a wide array of static aircraft displays. These include a number of open-cockpit displays so little ones and adults alike can have the opportunity to sit in a jet once capable of flying faster than 1,000mph! Ground displays will also involve a host of competitions and games for children to enjoy including a penalty shootout and the chance to make your own model aircraft.

The airfield will also accommodate a fun fair that promises to get your blood pumping, with rides on offer including all your favourites from dodgems and galloper horses to tea cup rides and a wide selection of stalls and games.

For those in need of some retail therapy, a craft fair will be available in one of the hangars for you to check out a huge choice of both local and national hand-made products. There are also many exhibitors and stalls outside on the show ground itself selling everything from aircraft models and clothing to experience days out and perfumes. The RAF Air Cadets will also have a large exhibition, including a climbing wall as part of their own interactive displays, with various Air Cadet Squadrons on hand to have a chat about the opportunities available to you and your little ones.

The popular arena demonstrations will return for 2013, this year sponsored by Free Radio. ‘The Free Radio Arena’ will play host to some exciting spectacles such as a Field Gun Run and performances from the Royal Air Force College Band. You may even get the opportunity to meet and get a photo with Free Radio’s own HumFree the Hamster too!

Air Show spokesman Flying Officer Sam Jewell says “A vast majority of our visitors are those looking for a wonderful family day out and so we put great deal of effort into making sure that we cater to all ages and interests with our activities on the ground. This year we’ve managed to organise so much entertainment around the airfield that, coupled with a flying display lasting over 6½ hours, will provide a truly thrilling experience.”

Over those 6½ hours, the whole family will have the opportunity to marvel at some phenomenal flying displays. With over 25 on offer, don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacular RAF Red Arrows, Vulcan XH558, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and many more!

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

Visitors looking to make the most of their day at RAF Cosford and reduce any possible travel delays are encouraged to exploit a special Air Show train timetable which provides extra services throughout the day. For those further afield, see our website for coach companies operating excursions near you www.cosfordairshow.co.uk/coachtravel.html.

Bloodhound Missile Acquisition

After several failed attempts the Newark Air Museum has finally been able to secure a long-term acquisition target in the shape of a Bloodhound surface-to-air missile.

This recently acquired missile was transported to the museum’s site on the former RAF Winthorpe airfield in Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire on Tuesday 21st May, 2013.

After refurbishment the Bloodhound missile will be displayed alongside the museum’s Type 86 Radar Cabin, which recently underwent an external repaint. This is a complete cabin that was acquired several years ago from the Royal Radar and Signals Establishment and is believed to have carried the codename ‘Indigo Corkscrew’.

The museum also displays a Thunderbird surface-to-air missile, which was acquired several years ago.

Some key items are missing from the new acquisition and the museum is hopeful of sourcing these items in the coming months.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Chinook to Showcase New Manoeuvres at Wings & Wheels

Not seen at the airshow since 2008, Wings & Wheels is delighted to confirm the Chinook helicopter will be gracing the skies above Dunsfold Aerodrome once again on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August.

The Chinook, now synonymous with combat operations in Afghanistan, will have its power and manoeuvrability demonstrated by members of the display team which is made up of personnel from 18 and 27 Squadrons from RAF Odiham.

The captain for 2013 is Flight Lieutenant Paul Farmer. As his second season as the Display Pilot it has given the team a chance to introduce some new impressive manoeuvres that have never been included in the Chinook Display before. This year’s Co-Pilot is Flight Lieutenant Gareth Allen, the Display Manager Flight Lieutenant Kyle Thomas and the Rear Crew are Sergeants Andy Caldwell and Steve Jones.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The skill with which the Chinook is displayed is not to be missed. The giant aircraft is surprisingly agile and versatile and it’s an absolute pleasure to watch in action. We are so pleased to have the team back and added to the phenomenal 2013 Wings & Wheels line-up.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Wildcat Helicopter, Typhoon, Vulcan, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 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 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:00.

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 £65 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 with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.