Posts Tagged ‘RNAS Yeovilton Air Day’

ROYAL NAVY INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY 2021 CANCELLED

Friday, February 5th, 2021

Yeovilton Air Day Cancelled

With great regret, we must announce that the Royal Navy International Air Day (RNIAD) will not take place this year as scheduled at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, on Saturday 10 July.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic and currentgovernment policy on large outdoor gatherings, the risks associated with hosting a large-scale international event in July is too significant for all parties involved. It is therefore with great disappointment that the Royal Navy has had to make the difficult decision to cancel their flagship public event.

The annual airshow welcomes over 35,000 visitors from across the UK and aviation enthusiasts from around the world as well as many aircraft from allied nations to participate in the extensive flying and static displays. The Royal Navy and AHA Events Ltd would like to take this opportunity to thank them, along with sponsors, exhibitors, service providers, station personnel and the many other stakeholders, for their continued support to the RNIAD and hope to welcome them back in 2022.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

The Royal Navy International Air Day – Rewind!

Thursday, June 18th, 2020

Royal Navy International Air Day

Join the Royal Navy International Air Day on Saturday 11 July for a free action-packed live streaming featuring the best displays from Air Day this century!

2020 was set to be one of the best Air Days yet, so it was with great disappointment that the event was cancelled earlier this year. Fortunately, there is now no need to miss out. The organisers have collaborated with Planes TV to bring you an online Air Day for free! This will be an opportunity to see a large variety of incredible Air Day displays from the last 20 years, including performances from aircraft operated by the Royal Navy, past and present such as the Sea Hawk, Sea Harrier, Sea King and F-35 Lightning; foreign military fast jets such as French Navy Super Etendards and Polish Air Force MiG-29; and some rare and wonderful participants like the Vulcan bomber, South African Airways 747 and the huge Antonov An-124. As well as the display footage, there will be fascinating commentary from Royal Navy personnel, display pilots and operators. Get ready to turn up the volume and enjoy ‘Air Day – Rewind’ with the best acts of the last two decades and a few surprise displays from the mid-90’s all from the comfort of your own home.

If you would like to join the Royal Navy International Air Day for this thrilling live stream it will take place on Saturday 11 July 2020 from 11:00 to 17:00 and can be seen live on the Royal Navy International Air Day Facebook page and various other platforms. Look out for the display schedule which will be released in due course.

YouTube: www.youtube.com/yeoviltonairday
Website: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday (social media links at bottom of this page)

ROYAL NAVY INTERNATIONAL AIR DAY 2020 CANCELLED

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

Yeovilton Air Day 2020 Cancelled

Following many months of planning, we regret to inform you that the Royal Navy International Air Day 2020 has been cancelled. The show was due to take place at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, on Saturday 11 July.

This decision to cancel has been made as a prudent measure and in accordance with Government guidance on Covid-19. We are making sensible and proportionate adjustments to non-essential activity, these decisions are made on a case by case basis to minimise the impact of Covid-19. Our priority has always been to deliver a safe and enjoyable event for our patrons. In times of such unprecedented uncertainty, the Royal Navy, RNAS Yeovilton and AHA Events Ltd have had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Royal Navy International Air Day 2020.

All tickets purchased will be refunded – more details to follow in due course. In the meantime, we ask for your patience while we undertake this process due to current working conditions. Updates will be made via email and our social media channels.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal patrons, sponsors, exhibitors, participants, emergency services, contractors, station personnel and the many other stakeholders for their continued support in making Air Day the success it has become.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

RNIAD 2019 – The Final Countdown

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019

Yeovilton Air Day Crowds

(image by Kevin Wills)

The show will include over five hours of dazzling flying displays featuring fast jets, historic warbirds, helicopters, formation aerobatic display teams and role demonstrations enhanced by spectacular pyrotechnics and flares. Some of the world’s most capable pilots and their aircraft, both in the air and on the ground will be on display, providing an opportunity to see some magnificent equipment and meet personnel from the UK Armed Forces and Foreign Military allies in a family-friendly environment.

There are some rare and exciting aircraft confirmed for the Air Day. The iconic Harrier ‘jump jet’ will once again grace the sky over RNAS Yeovilton giving young aviation fans the chance to see the legendary aircraft’s capabilities of hovering, turning on the spot, flying backwards and sideways for the very first time. The state-of-the-art multirole F-35B Lightning stealth fighter will bring a glimpse of future UK airpower to Air Day with two flypasts. The Red Arrows will perform one of their last UK displays of the year before they depart on their tour of North America and you can also witness a human flight demonstration by the gravity-defying ‘Jet Man’. Unique to Air Day is the dramatic pyrotechnic-filled Commando Assault demonstration by Royal Marine troops and the Commando Helicopter Force – an unmissable finale to the thrilling line-up.

Visit the land of the ‘heavies’ where a number of very impressive, large military transport aircraft will be on static display from different nations, including the USA, Qatar, Germany and Italy. Most of them will be open for tours so you will get to see how big they really are! Performing a flypast in their UK airshow debut will also be a very rare heavyweight addition – the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-130J-30 Hercules!

In the STEM Zone, children can take part in many free interactive activities providing opportunities to learn about the fascinating modern cutting-edge technology that is around us every day. Expect some ultimate family entertainment with a visit from the world-famous Titan the Robot and his comedic antics; take part in the Rocket Challenge, test your control skills on a Royal Navy mock-up flight deck plus so much more!

 This show has everything to keep the whole family entertained. There will be a vast range of showground attractions from the latest defence technology exhibitions and service displays to trade stalls, arena displays, military bands and the chance to meet the pilots and even sit in the cockpit! For the thrill seekers, there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy.

Further information and discounted advance tickets (Adult £28, Child U16 £5 and Child U5 Free) available at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday or over the phone on 0330 100 3656 until 12:00pm (midday) on Tuesday 9 July. Advance tickets with no £3 booking fee can be purchased over the counter at more than 50 Tourist Information Centres (TICs) across the region until 1700 on Friday 12 July (subject to availability). See our list of participating TICs at http://bit.ly/TicketAgents19.

Spanish Navy Harriers Return to Air Day!

Saturday, May 25th, 2019

Spanish Harrier at Yeovilton

(image by Jakub Zurek)

The sight and sound of the iconic Harrier ‘jump jet’ will once again grace the sky over RNAS Yeovilton on Saturday 13 July. The Spanish Navy Harriers are making their first Royal Navy International Air Day appearance in ten years but this time supporting our flying and static displays.

The EAV-8B Harrier II Plus from 9 Squadron, based at Rota Naval Base, will display some of the type’s legendary capabilities of, hovering, turning on the spot, flying backwards and sideways and landing vertically. A second Spanish Navy Harrier will be positioned in the fly/static park to give visitors a closer look.

For many years a Harrier was amongst the highlights of any UK airshows’ flying programme before the type was retired nearly a decade ago. Air Day will now provide a rare opportunity for our youngest aviation fans to see a Harrier display for the very first time. It will join the already confirmed F-35B Lightning in Air Day’s five hour flying display.

RNAS Yeovilton has a long association with the Harrier, having been the home base for the Royal Navy’s Sea Harrier squadrons for over 25 years, starting in 1979. It will be a welcome return for the Spanish Navy Harriers who last visited Air Day in 2009 for Fly Navy 100.

Complementing the flying display will be a vast range of ground attractions from the latest defence technology exhibitions, STEM fair and service displays to trade stalls, arena displays, military bands and the chance to meet the pilots and even sit in the cockpit!

Further information and discounted advance tickets (Adult £28, Child U16 £5 and Child U5 Free) available at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday.

Five Reasons to Visit The Royal Navy International Air Day 2019!

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019

Lightning at Yeovilton

The Royal Navy International Air Day will take place on Saturday 13 July at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, to showcase the Fleet Air Arm’s current and future capabilities and historic accomplishments spanning over 100 years. As one of the South West’s largest one day events, it’s increasingly popular with both families and aviation enthusiasts looking for a great day out. There are many reasons to visit the show, here are the top five:

1. Lightning forecast! The cutting-edge F-35B Lightning will make its Royal Navy International Air Day debut. Making an airborne-only appearance, the state-of-the-art multirole stealth fighter will bring a glimpse of future UK airpower to Air Day with two flypasts – one slow and one fast. A full-sized F-35B model with cockpit access will also be on static display for a close-up look at the UK’s new fifth generation fighter.

2. The world famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will be performing one of their very last UK displays before they depart on their tour of North America in late July. Don’t miss their impeccable blend of formation and opposition manoeuvres before they go!

3. The world’s only flying Westland Wessex HU5 is coming home to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton to open the flying display at Air Day on its airshow debut! This fifty-plus-year-old former troop transport, search and rescue helicopter and Falklands veteran has been extensively restored since retiring in 1988.

4. The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Zone will be open, providing a fantastic opportunity for children to take part in many free interactive activities using modern cutting-edge technology that is around us every day. Expect some ultimate family entertainment with a visit from the world-famous Titan the Robot!

5. The Commando Helicopter Force Role Demo is Air Day’s traditional set piece finale, featuring multiple fast jets and helicopters with fast-roping Royal Marine Commandos attacking an enemy force and saving the day! Expect plenty of explosive action culminating in the jaw-dropping Wall of Fire, to give Air Day the most epic of endings.

The show will also host a vast range of showground attractions from the latest defence technology exhibitions service displays to trade stalls, arena displays, military bands, meet the pilots and so much more. Look out for more exciting announcements to follow!

For a full list of participating aircraft and discounted advance tickets (Adult £28, Child U16 £5 and Child U5 Free) available at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday.

F-35B Lightning Confirmed for Royal Navy International Air Day Flying Debut!

Wednesday, May 1st, 2019

F-35 at RN Air Day

Lightning forecast! The cutting-edge F-35B Lightning will make its Royal Navy International Air Day debut on Saturday 13 July at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset. Making an airborne-only appearance, the state-of-the-art multirole stealth fighter will bring a glimpse of future UK airpower to Air Day with two flypasts – one slow and one fast. A full-sized F-35B model with cockpit access will also be on static display for a close-up look at the UK’s new fifth generation fighter.

F-35s currently equip the RAF’s legendary 617 Squadron – The Dambusters – at RAF Marham, where both RAF and RN pilots fly them. This autumn British F-35s will embark in HMS Queen Elizabeth for the very first time marking a new era of fixed wing naval aviation for the RN as they work up to becoming a fully-operational, global carrier strike capability by late 2020.

The F-35B will be joined by some very rare and exciting displays, including the world’s only flying Westland Wessex HU5 which will be opening the show. The Red Arrows will perform one of their last UK displays this year before their tour of North America. Unique to Air Day is the dramatic pyrotechnic-filled Commando Assault demonstration by Royal Marine troops and the Commando Helicopter Force – an unmissable finale to the thrilling line-up.

These displays will be part of the action-packed five hour flying display whilst on the ground there will be a vast range of attractions from the latest defence technology exhibitions, STEM fair and service displays to trade stalls, arena displays, military bands and the chance to meet the pilots and even sit in the cockpit!

Further information and discounted advance tickets (Adult £28, Child U16 £5 and Child U5 Free) available at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday.

Historic Navy Wessex Debut to Open Air Day!

Sunday, March 17th, 2019

Wessex HU5 by Kevin Wills

image by Kevin Wills

The world’s only flying Westland Wessex HU5 is coming home to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton to open the flying display at the Royal Navy International Air Day on Saturday 13 July on its airshow debut! This fifty-plus-year-old former troop transport, search and rescue helicopter and Falklands veteran has only been flying again since February 2019. It will make an exciting new addition to the UK airshow scene after its first display at Air Day.

The Wessex, manufactured by Westland at Yeovil (now Leonardo Helicopters), was the Fleet Air Arm’s first purpose-built anti-submarine helicopter. The initial Wessex HAS1 (Helicopter Anti-Submarine) entered service in 1961, followed by the HU5 Commando variant two years later.

Able to carry sixteen combat-ready troops into battle, Wessex HU5s served all RNAS Yeovilton’s Commando Helicopter Squadrons in the early-mid 1970s. Key deployments included the 1982 Falklands Conflict, during which Wessex transported and inserted British Special Forces personnel and ferried in fuel, equipment and weapons.

100 Wessex HU5s were built including XT761, which rolled off the production line in 1966. It went on to equip 845 NAS, 848 NAS and latterly 771 NAS, whose bright red and blue Search and Rescue colours it wears today. In private ownership, XT761 now belongs to Historic Helicopters’ fleet of airworthy types and return-to-flight projects, based at nearby Chard. It is also part of the Navy Wings associate collection, alongside other classic naval aircraft and helicopter designs.

Set to give the five-plus-hour flying programme a nostalgic and colourful start, the sole airworthy Wessex HU5 is just one aspect of Air Day 2019’s planned vintage content.

Discounted advance tickets can be booked at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday.

The Royal Navy International Air Day Welcomes Lithuanian Air Force UK Debut

Tuesday, November 27th, 2018

Spartan by Kevin Wills

Christmas has come early at the Royal Navy International Air Day HQ with news of the first confirmed participants! The Lithuanian Air Force will make its UK flying display debut with an L-39C Albatros jet trainer at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on Saturday 13 July. The eastern European air arm is also reprising its popular 2018 static display contribution with examples of the C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft and Mi-8UTV Hip troop transport/search and rescue helicopter.

The L-39 Albatros was a real success for Czech firm Aero Vodochody. During a 25-year production run, 2,900 were built and supplied to almost 50 militaries. Lithuania, plus around a dozen other nations, took delivery of the L-39ZA armed trainer/light attack variant. Its duties include surveying and defending Lithuanian airspace.

The remarkable Mil Mi-8 (NATO codenamed ‘Hip’), winner of the Best Rotary Wing Static Display at Air Day 2018, is the world’s most produced-helicopter: a staggering 17,000-plus examples of the Soviet-origin design having been manufactured. Lithuania only employs three Mi-8s in the troop transport and search and rescue roles.

The C-27J Spartan is a versatile and highly deployable type that can operate from 2000-foot-long airstrips and has a very useful payload capacity of 11,500 kg. One of only three examples operated by this air arm, the Spartan was open to visitors at the 2018 show and proved to be extremely popular.

These very rare contributions get the Royal Navy International Air Day 2019 participation announcements off to the very best of starts and we are sincerely grateful for the support shown by the Lithuanian Air Force. Early bird tickets with no booking fees are now on sale for a limited period only at http://www.store.yeoviltonairday.co.uk/.

Tickets go on sale for the Royal Navy International Air Day!

Sunday, November 4th, 2018

Yeovilton Air Day

Tickets to the Royal Navy International Air Day, which takes place at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset on Saturday 13 July, are now on sale. The increasingly popular military airshow will celebrate modern and historical Air Power in its many forms not least its central role for Maritime Capability and for the capabilities of our sister services, the Army and Royal Air Force.

It is also an opportunity to welcome NATO, European and other close Allies and Partners from across the globe underlining the importance of international cooperation and the international nature of Royal Navy and UK military operations.

In 2018, the airshow welcomed participation from Qatar and Lithuania for the very first time and it is hoped that more nations will make their Air Day debut in 2019. Over 70 invitations have been sent out and the initial response has been very positive.

Special offer discounted adult tickets are now on sale priced £25 representing a saving of almost 30% on the cost of an ‘On The Day’ ticket. The booking fee has also been waived on all transactions during this special offer period. Those wishing to purchase hospitality or viewing enclosure packages will benefit from an early choice of seat selections or enhanced seating positions. This also applies to the newly introduced Wessex Viewing Enclosure. This value for money outdoor enclosure is perfectly suited to families and visitors that do not want the trouble of bringing their own seating to the show and want their own reserved garden space.

For full details on various enclosure options or to book tickets visit www.store.yeoviltonairday.co.uk.