Airscene.co.uk

Date: 15-16 July 2017
Time: Gates open 8.30am
Cost: £8.00 in advance / £10.00 on the gate

The Large Model Aircraft Rally is returning to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford next month for a weekend of spectacular flying displays. Taking place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July, this air show in miniature is set to entertain thousands of aviation and modelling enthusiasts with two full days of flying and family fun.

Aircraft heading to the show have all been designed and built by members of the Large Model Association, who have dedicated years into making them a perfect replica of the real thing. Gates open at 8.30am and with a full day of flying displays including mid-air dog fights, plus a static aircraft line up, crowds are guaranteed to be wowed from 9am through to 5.30pm both days.

This year’s event will have a Cold War flying theme with model aircraft including a 20ft Vulcan bomber (courtesy of the shows organiser) taking to the skies. The Vulcan model will be joined by fellow Cold War aircraft including; a Victor, Lightning, Canberra and Javelin……all of which can be viewed in full size inside the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition. Plus, a Russian Bear and Mig 29 will also be joining the line-up. The event will also showcase bi-planes from the early days of aviation through to the modern jets of today, both on the ground and in the air!

The Large Model Aircraft Rally promises to be a great day out for modellers and families alike with more than 60 exhibitors signed up to showcase some of the latest model kits and aviation accessories. NEW to the event this year is a craft fair selling a range of items including jewellery and books.

Families are guaranteed to enjoy the fun-filled lined up which includes a children’s entertainment area packed with bouncy castles and inflatable slides. Plus, keeping visitors fuelled for the day, there will be a fantastic range of food and drink on offer including a beer tent and visitors will have access to the RAF Museum where they can view many of the aircraft flown during the show in full size. A free bus service will take visitors from the event to the Museum throughout the day, making getting around the site even easier.

Anyone wishing to attend the event can save money by purchasing tickets in advance at a discounted rate by visiting www.largemodelassociation.com. Advance tickets are also on sale at the RAF Museum Cosford, priced at just £8 per adult. Tickets purchased on the gate cost £10 per adult and children under the age of 16 are FREE.

Exclusively for the Large Model Aircraft Rally, visitors are able to camp on site, meaning you can make the most of the weekend’s flying and activities by being at the centre of all the action. On site camping, including entrance to the show both days is only £40.00 in advance (until 1 July) or £45.00 on the gate and any visitors interested in camping should email public-camping@largemodelassociation.com or call 07827 675665.

Since the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight first flew at the 2008 Air Festival more than 8.5 million people have been entertained by almost 140 hours of display time performed by more than 55 teams and aircraft. The skies of Bournemouth and coastal bay have also hosted and welcomed The First Sea Lord, flotillas of RN ships, beach assaults, record breaking display teams and pilots, European military aircraft and chart topping music acts…and this summer organisers have promised a bumper display programme.

Said Air Festival Director, Jon Weaver; “We have achieved so much over the years, the highs and lows, awards and challenges – we can’t wait for this summer’s 10th event and, with our plan for more planes and more hours, hope everyone enjoys what we have planned!”

To celebrate the 10th Air Festival organisers are staging three shows on Thursday in the afternoon, evening and at dusk with the Red Arrows, supported by Morgan Sindall, kick starting the second of these shows at 6pm. This will be followed by their displays at 3.30pm on Friday and 12noon on Saturday.

There will be more jets performing than last year with two twin jet display teams – introduced last year the Strike Master pair with the Vampire pair and also returning is the MiG.

The much-missed Chinook is returning for the weekend and for those who missed them last year, because of the windy weather, the Great War Display Team and B25 Mitchell return as well.

On Sunday there will be a special very vintage display day featuring the SallyB, Mustang P51 and The Navy Swordfish in addition to the vintage aircraft already announced.

The Navy’s ongoing commitment to the Festival will include a flotilla of ships, Royal Marines demonstrations, extensive military village area and a Thursday evening concert in the Lower Gardens Bandstand from Royal Marines Band, HM RM Band Collingwood. Commodore Jamie Miller said; “2017 will be another great year and give us the opportunity to showcase what we do best!”

RAF assets alongside the Red Arrows will be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Chinook and RAF Village area. Red 1, Team Leader Dave Montenegro said; “Congratulations to everyone who has been involved with the Bournemouth Air Festival, it is one of our favourite venues to display at and we’re looking forward to being part of the celebrations in August!”

The Breitling Wingwalkers, Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team (making daily jumps from an incredible 6,000ft and freefalling at 120mph), SallyB, Xtreme and Blades Aerobatic Display Team, complete the display programme to date.

In the evening Night Air welcomes Royal Navy Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony and Royal Marines unarmed combat displays (Fri and Sat), dusk flying displays from the Red Devils, Otto and Twister Duo – finishing with fireworks on Friday and Saturday. Completing the sky-high evening entertainment don’t forget the Red Arrows display at 6pm on Thursday.

The ever-popular Night Air music entertainment will be announced early July.

With brilliant day and night time entertainment on land, out at sea and in the air the 2017 10th Air Festival is certainly set to be the event of the summer!

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

A truly special event marking the 70th anniversary of the Air Station’s and the Fleet Air Arm’s preparations for carrier operations is planned for this year’s Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 8 July 2017. Five hours of incredible flying displays and extensive static displays will feature an array of fast jets, helicopters, historic warbirds that flew at the original Air Day in 1947 and an exclusive line up of international participants from ten nations.

70 years ago, the Swordfish and Sea Fury were quite a sight in the Somerset skies as they amazed the crowds at Yeovilton and fittingly these rare naval heritage aircraft will take centre stage once again. Their modern-day counterparts will also be providing a spectacular sight demonstrating the contribution made by naval aviation to Protect Our Nation’s Interests.

Airshow favourites from the RAF include the Red Arrows, Typhoon, and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to showcase the Best of Britain. While our military guests from across Europe will put on roaring displays, with the highlights being the French Navy Rafale pair, Belgian and Danish Air Force F-16s, Czech Air Force Gripen and a rare and dazzling appearance by the Swiss Air Force national display team – The Patrouille Suisse. Other allied nations will provide static displays offering visitors an opportunity to meet the aircrew and view the aircraft up close, with the US Air Force’s mammoth C-17 Globemaster a real favourite with children.

Throughout the day, families will have the chance to enjoy plenty of ground entertainment. There’s discounted entry to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, hands on engineering fun for kids, interactive military displays, performances from military bands, classic and military vehicle exhibitions, funfair, simulators, helicopter pleasure flights, trade stalls and much, much more! Whether you’re a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned airshow veteran, be prepared for a wonderful day out!

Discounted advance tickets are available online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or over the counter at participating Tourist Information Centres.

The RAF Cosford Air Show, held on Sunday, has been deemed a tremendous success with over 50,000 people streaming through the gates of RAF Cosford. The six-hour flying display, which included a diverse spectrum of aircraft ranging from the Red Arrows, 1930s warbirds and modern jet-fighters, has received rave reviews from both families and aviation enthusiasts alike. The Traffic Management has also been praised with traffic queues of less than a mile at peak times, and all members of the public having left the site by 7pm.

Clive Elliott, Air Show Director, said “This year’s event has been highly commended by both members of the public and the Royal Air Force leadership team. The personnel from RAF Cosford are a testament to the RAF and have put in a tremendous amount of work over the past 12 months to put on such a fantastic show.”

The Hartree Memorial Trophy, awarded for the best flying display at the RAF Cosford Air Show, was given to the Swiss PC-7 Team for their immaculately flown formation display. Another display which provided international flair at the event was the A-200 Tornado, from the Italian Air Force, which was recognised with an award for its stunning paint scheme. The United States Air Force also sent a B-1B Lancer & B-52H Stratofortress which both flew past during the event, making extremely rare public appearances.

The RAF Cosford Air Show 2018, which will be held on June 10th next year, is the region’s official RAF100 celebration and will pay tribute to the past, present and future of the Royal Air Force. It is set to be another spectacular event, more details of which will be published in October.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

The McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 is an iconic aircraft that formed a major part of the Royal Air Force’s combat aircraft strength for 23 years. We are now offering visitors the opportunity to sit in this fascinating piece of Cold War technology.

We will be launching ‘The Phantom Experience’ on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 24 June. Each session booked caters for one individual and lasts approximately 10 minutes. Our wonderful volunteers will guide you into the cockpit and explain how the aircraft would have been operated. Tickets are £8 and available on the day.

On the 24 June you will also be able to hear the stories behind the aircraft and those of the Service men and women who worked with it. There will be Phantom objects on display and a Spook Selfie Station where you can take your photo dressed as a Top Jet Pilot.

From 1 July, the experience will run every Saturday, 11am – 3pm. Tickets will be £8 (with a 50p booking fee) and only available to purchase online through our website.
Our Phantom has a remarkable history; it took part in a commemorative Transatlantic Flight and was painted in special colours. These colours celebrated 60 years since Alcock and Brown completed the first transatlantic flight in 1919.  After the celebrations, the Phantom was painted in the colours of the 56 Squadron. It was brought to the RAF Museum London in 1992 after accruing over 5000 hours of flight time. It is now displayed with a full load of deactivated Sidewinder and Skyflash missiles, fuel drop tanks and a centreline Gatling cannon located the heart of the Historic Hangars.

If you’re intrigued by this supersonic piece of cold war engineering then book your chance to experience it up close now!

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/events/the-phantom-experience/

With the days until the Air Show at RAF Cosford seemingly flying by Air Show organisers are encouraging everyone to buy their tickets so they don’t miss out. On Sunday 11th June, the skies above Shropshire will be filled with the sights and sounds of aircraft from the hum of the Spitfire to the roar of the Typhoon.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Hangar has once again been sponsored by the RAF Charitable Trust and is set to be one of the highlights of the ground displays. Jam packed full of immersive experiences there’ll be the chance to jump out of a plane, have a go at flying a fast jet or take part in an Air Race. Justine Morton, RAF Charitable Trust Director said ‘We are delighted to be sponsoring the STEM Hangar at the RAF Cosford Air Show, it showcases the diverse range of opportunities available within the fields and encourages all ages to get hands on and take part.’

Other ground displays include the Space Hangar which will be demonstrating the advancement in Space Technology and how the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of the development. The Vintage Village will be a chance for visitors to take a trip back to the 1960s while the Battlefield Support Village will give them a chance to see what a Forward Operating Base looks like.

The flying display is shaping up to be one of the best in the country with visiting nations including Italy and Switzerland sending a variety of aircraft including the PC-7 9 ship display team who will perform their stunning aerobatic displays to wow the crowds. Along with the international participants the Royal Air Force are showcasing the awe-inspiring displays from the Red Arrows, Chinook and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

With the Air Show rapidly approaching, organisers are reminding visitors that they are not able to purchase admission tickets at the gate. Air Show Tickets, priced £25.00, are currently available from the Air Show website and selected retail outlets including the RAF Museum and local Tourist Information Centres. Accompanied under-16s enter the Air Show for free, making the event a superb family day out. The RAF Cosford Air Show is an advanced ticket only event, for more details see www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

Academics, military enthusiasts and interested members of the public are being invited to attend two FREE forthcoming lectures this month focusing on two very different RAF subjects. The lectures form part of the 2017 series of lectures from the Royal Air Force Museum’s Research Programme and will explore the expansion of the Royal Indian Air Force during the Second World War and the RAF strategic thinking during the latter Cold War years.

‘The Expansion of the Royal Indian Air Force in World War II, 1939-46’
Date: 8 June 2017
Time: 6.30pm
Cost: FREE
Location: University of Wolverhampton, MC001, Millennium City Building, Wolverhampton Campus

The first of two lectures is being held on Thursday 8 June at the University of Wolverhampton and is a continuation of the joint partnership between the University’s Department of War Studies and the Royal Air Force Museum. This evening lecture commencing at 6.30pm will examine how the establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1933 was a consequence of the colonial Government of India’s policy of handing Indians token military control to forestall popular calls for greater Indian control of the Indian armed forces. The lecture entitled ‘The Expansion of the Royal Indian Air Force in World War II, 1939-46’ will be presented by Aashique Iqbal, a DPhil candidate in History at the University of Oxford.

In this lecture, Aashique will explore how the outbreak of the Second World War led to the reversal of earlier policies and saw the tenfold expansion of the IAF. Though the Indian Air Force would go on to perform well in the war, earning the prefix ‘Royal’ in 1945, the suddenness of wartime expansion had severe consequences. Plagued by a shortage of equipment and personnel the RIAF struggled to expand. Though equipment shortages were eventually overcome by Allied wartime production, personnel shortages remained a problem throughout the war. The RIAF responded to these in a variety of ways including drawing on foreign personnel, lowering recruitment requirements, increasing pay and embarking on the largest recruitment propaganda programme launched by any wing of the Indian military during the Second World War.

The rushed expansion of the RIAF would have two key consequences. First, it would result in the RIAF strikes of 1946. Coming on the heels of the RAF strikes, the Indian National Army trials and the Royal Indian Navy mutiny, the strikes had a destabilising effect on British military control in the subcontinent. More critically it revealed the divide between Indian officers and ranks that had emerged during the war. Further, the process of ‘Indianisation’ or the replacement of foreign personnel with Indians remained incomplete as it became increasingly difficult for the RIAF to tap India’s limited pool of educated labour. This would have significant consequences, not the least of which was independent India’s reliance on British personnel to command the RIAF long after the achievement of formal independence.

‘RAF Strategic Thinking and Doctrinal Vacuum, 1970-1989’
Date: 16 June 2017
Time: 12.30pm
Cost: FREE
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, National Cold War Exhibition Lecture Theatre

On Friday 16 June, Dr Viktoriya Fedorchak, a graduate of the University of Hull (PhD) will be presenting the second 2017 Cold War lunchtime lecture, being held in the lecture theatre at the RAF Museum Cosford at 12.30pm. Entitled ‘RAF Strategic Thinking and Doctrinal Vacuum, 1970-1989’ Dr Viktoriya Fedorchak will look at the development of RAF air power thinking in the late Cold War period.

The Royal Air Force has a long history of using doctrine in its practice. The first RAF doctrine Confidential Document (CD) 22: Operations Manual, Royal Air Force was published in July 1922. This document introduced the concept of strategic bombing and key principles of cooperation with the Army and the Navy. The Air Power (AP) 1300 series followed. The first edition of AP1300 was published in July 1928, followed by a further three editions (1940, 1950, and 1957). However, after 1957, AP1300 was reissued a few times without any substantial changes, thus paving the way to stagnation of strategic thinking and doctrinal vacuum.

Within this lecture, Dr Viktoriya Fedorchak will examine how until 1971, the service was not only without a conceptual framework but also lacked creative and strategic thinking on air power. For the service to get a second life, it required stimulation of intellectual thinking on air power. The starting point was 1977 when the position of the Director of Defence Studies (DDefS) for the RAF was established by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Neil Cameron. The role of this post was ‘to be responsible for reviving and maintaining an interest in the study of present and future uses of air power in its various military applications.’

The first DDefS was then Group Captain Tony Mason. The primary aim of this talk is to look at the reasons why strategic thinking declined in the 1960s, and why the RAF had to establish the position of the DDefS. A connection is made between strategic thinking, the significance of a conceptual component for organisational development and the future of the service. In this talk, institutional scepticism of formalised conceptual framework in the studied time frame is also addressed.

Dr Ross Mahoney, RAF Museum Aviation Historian said:
“In June, as part of the RAF Museum’s Research Programme, we have two fascinating talks looking at different aspects of the RAF’s history. Aashique Iqbal’s talk on the Royal Indian Air Force offers an examination of a much forgotten organisation in British imperial history while Viktoriya Fedorchak’s lecture will highlight some of the challenges faced by the RAF in the late-Cold War period concerning how it thought about the employment of air power. Both talks will be insightful and through our Research Programme, the RAF Museum is pleased to give a platform for emerging and early career scholars to disseminate their research to a wider public audience.”

As spaces are limited to both lectures, organisers advise visitors to book their FREE tickets in advance via the Museum’s website to avoid disappointment www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Additional information about both lectures and the Museum’s Research Programme is also available online.

Visitors to the RAF Museum have the opportunity to see the RAF uniform worn by actor Tom Hardy in the film Dunkirk.

“Dunkirk” is the new epic action thriller from filmmaker Christopher Nolan (“Interstellar,” “Inception,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy) release on 21st July 2017.

The film opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in.

The film’s ensemble cast includes Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy and Barry Keoghan, with Kenneth Branagh (“My Week with Marilyn,” “Hamlet,” “Henry V”), Cillian Murphy (“Inception,” “The Dark Knight” Trilogy), Mark Rylance (“Bridge of Spies,” “Wolf Hall”) and Tom Hardy (“The Revenant,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Inception”).

The uniform as worn by Tom Hardy is on display by the Museum’s Mk I Spitfire.

www.rafmuseum.org

Date: 24 June 2017
Time: 1.15pm
Cost: FREE (Register at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford)
Flypast: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster 2.30pm (weather permitting)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again celebrate the contributions made by Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, by hosting an orchestra concert and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster flypast on Saturday 24 June for Armed Forces Day.

The highly decorated Glebe Symphonic Winds Orchestra will be performing for veterans, serving personnel and visitors alike, in a concert lasting 45 minutes. This intimate musical performance will include classical pieces with everything from ‘The White Russian’ by Rob Wiffin, ‘Tchaikovsky Masque’ by Kenneth Hesketh, to ‘The Crown of Roses’ by Piotr Ilyitch and many more.

The concert will take place in the Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition Auditorium with seating for up to 200 guests. Attendance to the concert is free of charge and as places are limited, anyone interested in attending is asked to pre-register now via the Museum’s website in order to guarantee their place.

The annual Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to our heroes past and present, including current serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets. In addition to performances from one of the UK’s leading orchestras, organisers have lined-up a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster at 2.30pm (weather permitting). This icon of the Second World War will be flying overhead at Cosford and is sure to be popular with visitors young and old.

Abi Betteridge, RAF Museum Cosford Public Events Manager said:
“We are delighted to see that lots of our regular Armed Forces Day visitors have already booked their place for this year’s event and we look forward to hosting them for another special day later this month. We are lucky to have the support of three local cadet squadrons this year who will be on hand to welcome visitors on arrival. With the orchestra concert, Lancaster flypast and craft activities for families, we are sure everyone will have a good time.”

Families can also take part in a free craft activity whereby youngsters can colour in and make their own Armed Forces Day flags ready to show their support as the Lancaster fly’s overhead on the afternoon. All materials will be provided and children get to take their flags home as a memento of their day.

The Museum’s on-site caterers Kudos will be offering all serving personnel and veterans a 20% discount off the lunch menu, on production of ID, which visitors can enjoy in the Refuel Restaurant overlooking the Museum grounds. Concert ticket holders will also receive a 10% discount voucher for the RAF Museum Shop, redeemable on the day.

To guarantee your place at the concert, book your ticket now via the Museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Tickets on the day will be subject to availability. Guests are asked to arrive 10 minutes before the performance starts in order to be seated.

Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum first opened its doors on Monday 8 June 1992 as a visitor attraction detailing the fascinating history of RAF Cranwell to the present day. Following the incredible success of a small airfield trail and the district’s strong links with aviation, it seemed a natural step to create a visitor centre to tell the story of RAF Cranwell; the home of the first military air academy in the world!

Since then the centre has gone from strength to strength and is now a fully Accredited Museum with a passionate team of staff and volunteers. Over the years the centre has grown to include new interactives, a flight simulator and has recently introduced a changing programme of fascinating exhibitions.

Heritage Assistant Angela Riley has worked at the museum for 7 years and says you learn something new every day. ‘I have worked at CAHM for a while now and I think that I can say that every day is an education. I meet so many friendly, interesting and knowledgeable people that it makes my job an absolute joy.’

Volunteers have been vitally important to the running of the museum and over the years it has seen some incredible support. Eric Horner has volunteered at the museum for a number of years and enjoys every aspect of his role: ‘I have volunteered at CAHM for some years now, and am constantly surprised by the range of visitors we receive, from knowledgeable aviation enthusiasts to children who enjoy the interactives. I continue to learn so much from all our visitors while I show them around the site.’

Come along and join in with the celebrations on Saturday 10 June and enjoy a slice of birthday cake and a celebratory toast!

For more information please contact Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum on 01529 488490 or email cranwellaviation@n-kesteven.gov.uk. For more information about the museum visit www.cranwellaviation.co.uk.