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 Royal Navy’s next generation carrier strike fighter, the F-35 Lightning II, will be represented at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 8 July with a full-scale model supplied by Lockheed Martin.

The Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine fighter aircraft designed for many missions with advanced, integrated sensors built into every aircraft. Missions that were traditionally performed by small numbers of specialized aircraft, such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and electronic attack missions can now be executed by a squadron of F-35s, bringing new capabilities to UK armed forces.

The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy plan to operate 138 F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft. British pilots and maintainers are already embedded within the U.S. Marine Corps and their fleet of F-35Bs as part of an Anglo-American training programme. The operational test and evaluation of the UK’s first F-35s is currently taking place at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Meanwhile in the UK, personnel from RNAS Culdrose, RAF Marham and HMS Queen Elizabeth are well underway with preparations to receive the new aircraft. It is hoped the first F-35Bs will embark on the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier for trials in the next few years.

“I am delighted that we will be able to show the public a full-scale model of the UK’s Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft at our International Air Day. This aircraft will fly off the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class carriers from 2018 as they safeguard the UK’s interests well into the future. A great opportunity to get a sense of the fixed wing aircraft that will soon be in service with the Fleet Air Arm” says Commander Terry Tyack, RNAS Yeovilton’s Commander Air.

Air Day will provide a great opportunity to see first-hand the size and stealthy characteristics and hear about the capabilities of the Royal Navy’s F-35B Lighting II. The full-scale model will take its place in the static display alongside other iconic fixed wing carrier aircraft such as the Phantom and Sea Harrier.

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

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 8 July plans to inspire the next generation of engineers with an extensive display of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related interactive exhibits. Leading the way will be a full-scale replica of Bloodhound, the vehicle attempting to travel at 1,000 mph for the World Land Speed Record later this year.

The Bloodhound Team is sharing this engineering adventure with a global audience and aims to inspire the next generation by bringing STEM to life in the most exciting way possible. The vehicle can cover a mile in 3.6 seconds, four and half football pitches in one second or 150 metres in the blink of an eye! Bloodhound will be powered by the same Rolls-Royce jet engine that can be found in an RAF Typhoon, an example of which will be taking part in the flying display.

Whilst Bloodhound will be part of the outdoor ground attractions there will also be a dedicated STEM hangar with activities provided by The Imagineering Foundation, The Royal Aeronautical Society and My Future My Choice. They will be presenting fun and exciting engineering and technology activities for youngsters, specially developed by regional and national organisations. There will be something for all ages and opportunities to learn about the fascinating modern cutting-edge technology that is around us every day – with plenty of opportunities to have fun!

On static display within the STEM hangar, in stark contrast to today’s technology and engineering achievements, will be the world’s only airworthy Bristol Scout. This wonderful WW1-era, rotary-engined, single-seat biplane became the first British aircraft to roll its wheels off a Royal Navy carrier’s deck in 1915. The Bristol Scout will help showcase Britain’s pioneering aviation heritage and the evolution to today’s fast jets that will take part in the flying display.

Discounted advance tickets are now also available over the counter at participating Tourist Information Centres. Further information and online booking available at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton will once again receive tremendous support from the French Navy at this year’s International Air Day on Saturday 8 July. Making its only UK flying display appearance of this year, the French naval power’s thunderous fast jet role demonstration will return to Air Day.

The pair of Rafale M carrier fighters, which won the Best Fixed Wing Display award last year, will join Air Day’s fast jet line up alongside the RAF Typhoon, Belgian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and Czech Air Force Gripen and ALCA L-159 pair.

Equipping three squadrons based at Landivisiau on the other side of the English Channel – the fast, agile and heavily-armed Rafale M can switch roles in real-time. Launching from the mighty Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, the Rafales are regularly on global frontline deployments.

The French Navy’s static contribution comprises an Atlantique Mk2 maritime patrol aircraft and a Westland Lynx HAS4 small ships’ helicopter; both are relatively rare visitors to these shores. Able to perform missions lasting up to 18 hours, the long-serving Atlantique Mk2 has a wealth of capabilities, being tasked with submarine escort, surveillance, intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare.

While all Royal Navy Lynx models are now retired, the French Navy still has in service 21 HAS2 and HAS4 variants. Fitted with radar, sonar, acoustic data transmission and FLIR (forward-looking infrared) systems – plus Mk46 or MU90 Impact torpedoes – France’s Lynx fleet is mainly tasked with anti-submarine warfare.

The flying display is truly shaping up to be an impressive one which is reflected by ticket sales to date. There are only a few places left available in some of the enclosure packages which organisers anticipate will be sold out in the coming weeks. Discounted advance tickets are now also available over the counter at participating Tourist Information Centres. Further information and online booking available at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

The Swiss Air Force’s superb Patrouille Suisse national display team has confirmed that it will participate in RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day’s flying display on Saturday 8 July. Making its first visit to RNAS Yeovilton in a decade, Patrouille Suisse’s mesmerising performance will undoubtedly be one of the memorable highlights at the Somerset airshow.

Equipped with six Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs, painted in the Swiss national colours of red and white, including a large painted flag on the aircraft’s underside, the team’s National pride is both evident and prominent. Regarded as one of the best display teams in Europe, the Patrouille Suisse performs with great precision and panache. Its routine is based on smooth formation manoeuvres, interspersed with dramatic solo and duo passes and includes the outstanding ‘Tunnel’ – one of the most exciting manoeuvres flown by any national team.

The Patrouille Suisse was created in 1964, in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Swiss Air Force. Initially equipped with the beloved Hawker Hunter, which it flew for over 30 years, it converted to the Tiger IIs in 1995. Its continued operation of front line combat aircraft throughout its existence marks it as unique on the European Airshow circuit, in contrast to the training Hawks of the Red Arrows for example.

Further display team, fast jet and historic aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

The annual Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton International Air Day in Somerset will take place on Saturday 8 July. Planning is well under way for this popular ‘Fly Navy’ airshow which will showcase the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, its current capabilities and historic accomplishments.

2017 is set to be an exciting year for RNAS Yeovilton and the Fleet Air Arm as the first Royal Navy aircraft is set to touch down on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth, as she sets sail to begin sea trials. Operational evaluation and testing of the F-35B Lightning multirole fighter continues apace whilst aircraft maintainers and handlers are busily getting accustomed to the new type. The Wildcat helicopter takes over as the wings of front-line destroyers and frigates and the Commando Helicopter Force squadrons,now reunited at RNAS Yeovilton, take part in various exercises in readiness to deploy at a moment’s notice.

The Air Station’s gates will be open to 40,000 visitors, just as they were 70 years ago in 1947 at the first ever airshow at RNAS Yeovilton, providing the perfect opportunity to see our equipment and meet our personnel first hand.

Over five hours of amazing flying displays and an extensive static display will feature historic naval aircraft and their modern day counterparts in spectacular role demonstrations to acknowledge the Fleet Air Arm’s role in Protecting Our Nation’s Interests.UK and foreign military formation and solo display teams have also been invited to participate at the airshow.

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

Alongside the magnificent flying display there will also be a huge array of ground attractions, from engineering fairs to the latest defence technology exhibitions, Service displays, trade stalls and arena displays. For the thrill seekers there will be simulators, fairground rides and helicopter pleasure flights to enjoy.

Air Day tickets are available to order from 12pm Tuesday 1^st November at a discounted ‘Earlybird’ rate with no booking fees for a limited period. These are priced lower than the usual advance tickets which will go on general sale in the New Year.

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day 2016 takes to the skies on Saturday 2 July. Now fast approaching its seventieth anniversary (the first event was staged in 1947), Air Day is one of the Royal Navy’s premier annual events and among the South West’s key single-day shows, attracting up to 40,000 spectators. An action-packed day featuring five hours of spectacular flying displays, extensive ground displays and a galaxy of other attractions is in store for all who attend.

Air Day 2016’s theme is Naval Aviation – Past, Present & Future. We will remember a landmark Royal Navy engagement of 75 years ago when Swordfish biplanes famously helped sink a key German Navy battleship. We say farewell to the maritime Lynx, paying tribute to the Fleet Air Arm’s outgoing small ships helicopter, which will be retired in March 2017, and looking to the future, we celebrate the new generation of Wildcat and Merlin helicopters.

10 Unmissable Air Day Highlights

• Navy Wings – A rich assortment of past naval aircraft including the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish biplane torpedo bomber in its 820 NAS Bismarck attack scheme, the pounding Seafire and Corsair WW2 fighters, both in British Pacific Fleet schemes, and the world’s only flying Sea Vixen fleet air defence fighter of the 1960s. Ground exhibits include the Sea Fury – one of the fastest piston-engine fighters ever built, the mighty Phantom 1970s fleet air defence fighter and two Sea Harriers.
• International Display Teams – Three world-class international display teams, with Air Day newcomer the Polish Air Force’s Orlik Aerobatic Team joining longstanding crowd favourites the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.
• Lynx Farewell – One very last chance to see these legendary maritime helicopters in action over home ground at Air Day. Our Lynx Farewell events include a special formation flypast and a spectacular Maritime Role Demo.
• STEM – The Royal Aeronautical Society’s wind tunnel, the Imagineering Foundation’s interactive exhibits and other features making up our STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) fair designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.
• B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’ – Europe’s only flying example of the famed US WW2 bomber, making its first Air Day appearance in over 15 years.
• Commando Assault Finale – World-renowned, Air Day’s Commando Assault finale features helicopters, troops and pyrotechnics galore! This edition will be the first in which the Commando Helicopter’s Force’s very impressive new Merlin iHC3 troop transport helicopters take centre stage.
• Arena & Music Displays – Highlights include the hotly-contested HMS Heron Field Gun Competition and performances from The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines in the arena. Whilst in Hangar 8 the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir and HMS Heron’s Volunteer Band will be on hand to entertain you.
• Roaring Fast Jets – Cutting-edge multirole fighters, with a sensational solo display from the RAF’s Typhoon FGR4 and the French Navy’s scintillating Rafale M role demonstration pair, again making its only UK airshow appearance of the year.
• The ‘Heavies’ – Dominating the static park will be a line-up of huge overseas military aircraft including an E-3A Sentry, C-17 Globemaster and C-160D Transall. Most of them will be opened up to the general public.
• Family Attractions – For car enthusiasts our extensive vehicle exhibition includes an array of ex-military vehicles, classic cars and high-performance supercars to view and even sit in. Meet Transformers, Star Wars and Superhero characters who will be roaming around the showground, interacting with our younger visitors. For the more adventurous there are simulators, pleasure flights and thrill-seeking fairground rides including a 90ft sky swing!  

Discounted Advance Tickets are now only available from participating Tourist Information Centres until 5pm Friday 1 July. Tickets are also available On the Day priced at £27 for Adults and £14 for Children under 16. Children under 5 are free of charge. Full details, including visitor information can be found at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticket Office on 0330 100 3656.

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016 are delighted to announce that the Polish Air Force will be sending Team Orlik, one of their national aerobatic teams, to take part in Air Day’s flying display on Saturday 2 July. This will be their first visit to the South West region since they were formed in 1998.

Making its Air Day debut, Team Orlik is part of the Polish Air Force’s 42nd Base Aviation School at Radom and one of two Polish Air Force display teams.It flies with seven Polish-origin PZL-130 Orlik trainers and performs a veryslick and punchy formation aerobatics sequence. Smoke-enhanced, its routine highlights this turboprop-powered aircraft’s nimbleness and speed and includes some really spectacular manoeuvres. Joining the RAF Red Arrows and Royal Jordanian Falcons, they will be the third national display team taking part at Air Day.

The team’s support aircraft is a CASA C-295 twin-turboprop transporter: one of the larger types featured in this year’s static display. The Polish Navy are also expected to attend with an M-28 Bryzamaritime patrol aircraft.

Further aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016 will be the public’s last opportunity to see the Westland built Lynx maritime attack helicopters in action at their home event. The show’s Lynx Farewell salute includes two special flying items: an emotive formation flypast and one last Maritime Role Demo. Joining them in Air Day’s five hour flying display will be small ships’ helicopters past and present, depicting three generations of rotary capability at sea.

Equipping 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) – part of the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force (LWMF) – the Lynx HMA8 is the sole ‘legacy’ Lynx model now left in Fleet Air Arm service.Introduced in the mid-1990s, it will be retired in March 2017. A poignant diamond four formation will open Air Day’s flying programme, as we pay tribute to this hard-working and much-deployed type. Later on, up to four Lynx aircraft will perform a final Role Demonstration. Involving fast-moving helicopters, troops and pyrotechnics, this will be an unmissable spectacle.

Operated by 825 NAS, the Wildcat HMA2 is the Lynx HMA8’s replacement. Based at RNAS Yeovilton, the squadron’s award-winning Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team has been taking the state-of-the-art new multi-mission helicopter out onto the airshow circuit since 2014. Always popular, the Black Cats’ very precise routine will again be an Air Day highlight.

Before the Lynx, anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare was the spritely Westland Wasp’s speciality. Royal Navy Wasps participated in 1982’s Falklands Conflict – a deployment that one privately-operated example’s markings now reflect. The 829 NAS-schemed Wasp HAS1 will give a lively solo display in the hands of owner Terry Martin.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.

French Navy fast jets will once again perform a spectacular role demonstration in Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016’s flying display. Expected to be one of the star attractions, a pair ofRafaleM multirole fighters will demonstrate operational tactics during a fast-paced and thunderous routine that is sure to thrill Air Day’s anticipated 40,000-strong crowd on Saturday 2 July.

Once again, the French Navy’s appearance at a UK airshow flying display is exclusive to RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, demonstrating the close relationship between both navies.

The Rafale M is an outstandingly agile, Mach 1.8 (1,900 km/h) capable combat aircraft that equips two French Navy squadrons. In service since 2001, it has seen much frontline service including operations in Afghanistan and Libya. Air Day’s expected Rafale M duo will be supported by aan additional Rafale M as a spare and a Falcon 10MER transport and communications aircraft, appearingin the static display.

Air Day’s static display will also feature contributions from other NATO partner nations. They include a Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter and Falcon 20E VIP transport aircraft, a first-footing Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare helicopter and, from Germany, a Tornado strike aircraft and C-160 Transall tactical transporter.

Further display team, fast jet and historic aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.