Planning is well underway for one of the Royal Navy’s premier public events – the International Air Day at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset. As the Royal Navy’s only air show, it will now be known as the Royal Navy International Air Day and will take place on Saturday 13 July 2019.

The Royal Navy has been at the forefront of technological innovation in Maritime Aviation for over 100 years. This is destined to continue with the first landing, this autumn, of an F-35B Lightning II on HMS Queen Elizabeth – the world’s first aircraft carrier designed around operating a fifth-generation fighter jet. The subtle but significant name change reflects this but also the aspiration to build on the growing reputation of the airshow by attracting further participation by foreign naval air arms and maritime aircraft.

Commodore Nick Tindal, Commanding Officer, RNAS Yeovilton, states that:

“The Royal Navy International Air Day 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 our 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.”

RNAS Yeovilton, the spiritual home of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, will open their gates to up to 40,000 visitors to enjoy the magnificent five hour flying display, meet our Armed Forces personnel and see their equipment up close. There will also be a huge array of educational ground attractions from interactive Service displays to engineering fairs and state-of-the-art defence technology exhibitions. Families will also be able to enjoy trade stalls, arena displays, helicopter pleasure flights, simulators and fairground rides. Further information on tickets will be announced in due course.

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

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day has a sensational line-up ready for Saturday 7 July but we can now confirm details of two spectacular Role Demonstrations provided by the resident Commando Helicopter Force and the Wildcat Maritime Force.

There will be an explosive, pyrotechnic-filled role demo from the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. Headquartered at RNAS Yeovilton, CHF comprises of three squadrons – 845 NAS and 846 NAS, currently flying Merlin HC3/3As but transitioning to upgraded HC4s, and 847 NAS, equipped with the Wildcat AH1. These two helicopter types are at the forefront of amphibious and land-based Royal Marines operations worldwide and they’ll both be in action with troops on board at Air Day. Joining them are Hawk T1s from 736 NAS, based at RNAS Culdrose: a welcome return to Air Day’s flying programme for the Royal Navy’s ‘Maritime Aggressors’.

From the Wildcat Maritime Force (WMF), and unique to Air Day, will be a solo Wildcat HMA2 display packed full of spectacular flares. The Fleet Air Arm’s new multi-mission maritime helicopter, operated by the WMF’s two squadrons – 815 and 825 NAS, will be put through its paces in this exciting role demonstration. A pair of Wildcats will also take part in a flypast with the Royal Navy’s Sea King ASaC7 as it bows out of service and three Wildcats will be available to view up close on static display.

Prepare for a frontline battlefield experience like no other – cameras at the ready!

To book tickets and to see the full list of participating aircraft, visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

As wings and wheels always complement each other so well, we’ve made sure that there’s more to Air Day than just aircraft! Our extensive vehicle exhibition includes an array of ex-military vehicles, classic cars and high-performance supercars to view and even sit in.

Significantly, we are delighted to have the Sporting Bears join this year’s Air Day for the sixth year running. They will be displaying a selection of their members’ cars for all to see, including classics, sports and supercars like 2017’s unforgettable £2 million Pagani Huayra! The official HASBRO Optimus Prime truck and his good friend Bumblebee will join them once again.

The Sporting Bears are a club made up of volunteers from across the UK whose sole purpose is to raise funds and smiles for children’s charities. To date, they have raised over £2 million and support over 110 different charities. They are very proud that 100% of all funds raised or donated go directly to the charities.

Alongside the wings and wheels, 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, engineering fairs and service displays to trade stalls, arena displays, military bands and the chance to meet pilots and even sit in the cockpit! For the thrill seekers, there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy.

To book tickets and to see the full list of participating aircraft, visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Royal Air Force aircraft past and present will be out in force at RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 7 July but here’s a taste of its future: the state-of-the-art Boeing P-8A Poseidon courtesy of the US Navy Maritime Patrol Squadron VP-10, currently on its maiden European deployment, will be on static display.

Making its RNAS Yeovilton debut, the US Navy Poseidon is a cutting-edge, long-range multi-mission maritime platform. Carrying torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges, its roles include anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, plus search and rescue and, whilst in RAF service, the protection of the UK’s submarines and aircraft carriers.

Also attending from the US Air Force is the huge Boeing C-17A Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston’s 315th Air Lift Wing. With its impressive combined 170,000-pound cargo capacity and short, makeshift runway use capability it can be tasked with tactical airlift, airdrops, troop transportation and medical evacuation. Its cargo hold will be opened-up to walk-through at Air Day – a fantastic opportunity to see this very impressive strategic transport aircraft up-close.

These two US military aircraft will be joining other heavyweights in the static park, most notably the massive KDC-10 Extender from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. To give an idea of the sheer size of this incredible aircraft, it can also carry 65 tons of cargo or a mixed 30 ton/165 passenger load! The KDC-10 can offload an astonishing 1,750 pounds of fuel a minute, ‘topping-up’ NATO combat aircraft to extend their operational reach.

Visitors will also be able to see the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-130J Hercules. An unusual UK airshow participant, it’s supporting the CF-18 Hornet Demo Team already confirmed for Air Day’s impressive flying display.

To book tickets and to see the full list of participating aircraft visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Smoke on! The world-class Red Arrows will lead the Royal Air Force’s centenary involvement at this year’s RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 7 July. The RAF has had the Red Arrows as its official aerobatic team for over half its lifespan. Flying their nine red-painted BAe Hawk T1 jet trainers, 2018’s Red Arrows are led by a new ‘Red 1’, Squadron Leader Martin Pert. The team’s all-action routine is sure to be an Air Day highlight once more, peaking with the Synchro Pair’s breath-taking crossing manoeuvres.

Joining the RAF convoy are a pair of Supermarine Spitfires, from the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at RAF Coningsby. A landmark RAF type, the immortal Spitfire is among the most famous of WW2 fighters. Also inbound is Dakota III ZA947: the flight’s example of US manufacturer Douglas’ ubiquitous twin-engine transport aircraft. In its No. 233 Squadron D-Day markings, the BBMF Dakota adds further RAF100 flavour to the show.

Bring the noise! The Typhoon FGR4 will be showcasing the sharp end of the RAF. A true multirole combat aircraft, the Typhoon’s taskings include UK QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) duties, air-to-air combat, air policing and peace support. Demonstrating the type’s outstanding performance capability will be Flight Lieutenant Jim Peterson, this year’s RAF Typhoon Display Team pilot.

The uniquely airworthy Bristol Sycamore will also be delivering some RAF100 zest to the show. Entering RAF service ahead of all other British-designed helicopters, the Sycamore was a real rotary pioneer. It was first flown in July 1947, barely two years after the end of WW2. Less than a dozen Sycamores now remain and this one, as the world’s only flyer, brings distinction and rarity to Air Day.

Further RAF100 related aircraft participation will be announced in due course. To book tickets and to see the full list of participating aircraft visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day’s latest addition is a show first. Making its Air Day debut, we’re hugely excited to announce the Hellenic Air Force F-16 Demo Team ‘Zeus’ will participate in the flying display on Saturday 7 July.

Flying the state-of-the-art F-16C Block 52+, the team is named after the ancient Greek sky and thunder god. Established in late 2009, the demo team has made just two previous UK visits. Its stunningly-painted F-16 performs a striking solo display, flown this year by Major Loukas Theocharopoulos.

Further contributions come from the Czech Air Force with their JAS 39C Gripen solo display. Its display at last year’s Air Day was rewarded with the ‘Best Fixed Wing Display’ award (joint winners with the French Navy Rafale pair). At the controls will be Captain Ivo Kardoš, whose electric routine underlines this very dynamic aircraft’s superb manoeuverability. First flown in 1988 – 30 years ago – the Saab Gripen is a dashing lightweight multirole fighter that equips the Czech Air Force’s 211th Tactical Squadron, based at ?áslav.

Alongside the Gripen, the Czech Air Force will also provide its solo Aero L-159 ALCA (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft). Unique on the European airshow scene – the type equips no other NATO air arm – the ALCA’s energetic display combines agility, speed and grace to outstanding effect. A highly successful jet trainer – the multirole-capable L-159 from the 212th Tactical Squadron is tasked with advanced training, ground troop support, air combat and reconnaissance.

The Greek and Czech aircraft join already-confirmed Austrian, Canadian, French and Lithuanian assets, at an increasingly-international Air Day, with more additions yet to be confirmed. Discounted advance tickets can be booked at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

We are delighted to announce that the French Navy have confirmed their support for the Royal Naval Air Station International Air Day on Saturday 7 July. Headlining their contribution is the return of the fantastic Rafale pair role demonstration. So far, flown at no other UK airshow, it’s an award-winning, all-action routine that highlights the French Navy’s cutting-edge multirole carrier fighter aircraft to scintillating effect. Starting with a thunderous formation take-off, the display showcases both present day frontline naval tactics and the exceptional performance capabilities of the fast, powerful and agile Rafale M.

The French Navy is also contributing an exceptionally rare Atlantique 2 to the flying display. This charismatic maritime patrol aircraft has not performed in British skies for over 15 years, so will be a major highlight of Air Day’s five-plus hour display. The Atlantique 2’s capabilities include submarine escort, surveillance, intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare on missions lasting up to 18 hours. We look forward to welcoming the Atlantique and its crew from 23 Flottille!

In addition to the flying display aircraft the French Navy will have three aircraft on static display. The NH90 NFH Caiman is a state-of-the-art frigate-launched anti-submarine helicopter and the French Navy example will make its Air Day debut.

The French Navy Lynx represents an older generation of anti-submarine capability and the fleet remains operational for now although, after 40 years’ service, retirement looms. Finally, seldom seen on British shores, one of the naval air arm’s Falcon 50Ms will be making a rare appearance at Air Day. This widely-tasked maritime surveillance aircraft is equipped with specialised mission systems and its capabilities include search and rescue, fishing patrol operations and counter-narcotics missions.

The French Navy’s contribution is once again outstanding and will play a significant role in what is shaping up to be a great line up. Early Bird tickets, with no booking fees, are available until Wednesday 31 January from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

One of the world’s most dynamic and powerful solo fast jet displays becomes RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day’s first confirmed flying participant. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team is making its first UK appearance in ten years and its first Air Day visit in decades.

Canada’s display Hornet is just part of the substantial international line-up now taking shape as discussions with various nations progress. The twin-engined, twin-tailed Hornet is a potent modern day multirole fighter that Canada has operated since the early 1980s. At the sharpest end of the Royal Canadian Air Force, it is a key element of the US and Canada’s NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) that celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2018 and we expect the display jet will wear a stunning paint scheme to acknowledge this milestone.

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day looks forward to feeling the Hornet’s mighty sting once more on Saturday 7 July!

Early bird tickets with no booking fees are now on sale for a limited period only at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

The RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day was recognised for its achievements with a Silver award in the Tourism Event of the Year category at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards ceremony held at the Somerset County Cricket Club.

After 6 months of assessing evidence and judging by a panel of experts the winners were announced by Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol and presented with their awards by ex-England cricketer Marcus Trescothick MBE. On behalf of the Air Day, Commander Terry Tyack (Commander Air, RNAS Yeovilton) and Audrey Huelin (AHA Events) received the award in front of a capacity audience of the best tourism businesses from across the region.

“It is tremendous that Air Day has been recognised such a local thriving tourism industry. The success of the event is a combination of significant effort from a series of teams including AHA, the military, civil service and civilian contractors; it is an absolute pleasure to receive the award on their behalf,” said Commander Tyack.

Audrey Huelin added, “Our Air Day is truly living up to its international status. Our Early bird tickets for next year’s Air Day, which takes place on Saturday 7th July, recently went on sale and within one hour we received ticket orders from Brazil and Japan!”.

Successful businesses in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2018 and then possibly on to the National Visit England Awards later in 2018.

Early bird tickets for next summer’s Air Day are now on sale with no booking fees, for a limited period only, at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day is delighted to announce the participation of two aircraft types from debuting nation Lithuania. The Baltic state’s air force will send an Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer and a Mil Mi-8T utility helicopter for static display. Rarely seen at Western European events, they get Air Day’s international line-up off to the very best of starts.

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’) 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-8Ts (‘Hip-Cs’) in the troop transport and search and rescue roles.

As the Lithuanian Air Force continues with their modernisation programme these assets are a very welcome addition to the Royal Navy’s air show at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on Saturday 7 July. Early bird tickets with no booking fees are now on sale for a limited period only at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.