Royal International Air Tattoo – Page 17

Air Tattoo Reveals Trademark Showstopper!

Red Arrows Flypast with A380 RIAT 2013

Visitors to RAF Fairford next month will be treated to one of the Royal International Air Tattoo’s show-stopping joint flypasts that over the years have become the trademark of the world’s greatest military airshow.

Featuring the F-35B ‘Lightning’, two RAF Typhoons and the legendary aerobatics display team the Red Arrows, this uniquecombination, flying together, will provide one of the many highlights planned over the three-day event.

The pairing of the F-35B and Typhoon, which together represent the fast jet component of the UK’sfuture air defence capability, comes as the F-35B performs its first ever display outside of the US.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “Over the years the Air Tattoo has staged a number of memorable joint flypasts, many featuring the Red Arrows,most notablywith the US Air Force F-117A stealth fighter in 2003, the A380 in 2013 and with the iconic Vulcan XH558, on its final Air Tattoo appearance,in 2015.

“The forthcoming airshow will see us continue the tradition of presenting aerial spectacles that have rarely – or never – been seen before. I am sure everybody will be reaching for their cameras!”

Other Air Tattoo highlights next month include displays by the USAF F-22 Raptor, a Dutch Apache helicopter and the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Royal International Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, takes place at RAF Fairford on July 8-10.

www.airtattoo.com

Air Tattoo Tickets Flying Out The Door

Royal International Air Tattoo

Saturday tickets for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo are set to sell out by the end of April, predict airshow organisers.

Tickets for all the enclosures have already sold out for Saturday, July 8, and admission tickets are set to follow as the Air Tattoo’s Earlybird offer comes to an end on Bank Holiday Monday (May 2).

Highlights such as the first ever international display by the world’s most advanced jet – the F-35B Lightning II – and the Red Arrows are fuelling an unprecedented demand for tickets for the airshow, which takes place on July 8-10 at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

Air Tattoo Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “After last summer’s 150,000 sell-out, people don’t want to miss out this year. By securing Earlybird tickets by our May 2 deadline, they’ll not only be guaranteed a great day out, but they will be making a saving of £5 off the cost of a standard advance ticket.”

In addition to an eight-hour flying display, visitors will be able to view a wide range of aircraft in the Showground and enjoy a feast of fun-packed interactive activities for the whole family including the Techno Zone, Adrenalin Zone, Vintage Village and Autodrome.

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event are only available in advance. Specially-priced Earlybird tickets are available until May 2 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Croatia Joins Exclusive Air Tattoo Club

Wings of Storm

The UK display debut of aerobatic team KrilaOluje at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds this summer will see Croatia become the 56th nation to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo since it was established in 1971.

KrilaOlujefly six Swiss-built PC-9M turboprop aircraft and are renowned for performing attractive and imaginative display sequences including dynamic close-formation, opposition and solo elements. Its pilots and aircraft are drawn from the ranks of the 93rd Air Base at Zemunik near Zadar on the Adriatic coast.

Since its first public appearance in 2004, Croatia’s national aerobatic team, whose name translates as Wings of Storm, has displayed around the world but it has never before appeared in the UK.

The name KrilaOluje salutes a major Croatian military operation named ‘Oluje’ (Storm), which took place in August 1995 during the country’s war of independence from the former Yugoslavia. It was the climax of that campaign and a major event in the wider Balkan conflict of that era.

Another treat for visitors to RIAT 2016 comes in the form of the KrilaOluje support aircraft, a Mil Mi-171 transport helicopter, which will be on static display.

RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises’ Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Air Tattoo team is always extremely happy to add new countries to the long list of participating nations, and Croatia’s presence in 2016 is sure to be a highlight of the show. Not only will this be the display team’s first appearance in the UK but it will be the first time any Croatian aircraft has appeared here. For this reason alone, I am sure they will receive a particularly warm welcome when they touch down in July.”

www.airtattoo.org

Raptor Set to Bare Teeth At Air Tattoo

F22 Raptor - RIAT

One of the jewels in the crown of US military aviation will make a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo in July to demonstrate some of the unique capabilities of the world’s firstoperational fifth generation fighter.
The display by the US Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-22A ‘Raptor’will be among the highlights of the airshow, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 8-10.
It was at the Air Tattoo six years ago that the Raptor last showed off its impressiveagilityin the UK made possible by the stealthy F-22’s thrust-vectoring engines.

RIAT 2016 will witness another display of this thunderous machine’s might, in the hands of Maj Daniel ‘FFits’ Dickinson. He comes from the F-22 Demo Team, provided by the 1st Fighter Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia.

In 1991, the F-22 was declared the winner of the US Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter contest to find the next generation of air superiority fighters with the first production-standard example taking to the air six years later. It entered service in December 2005.

A combination of stealthy characteristics, helping keep the F-22 invisible to hostile radars, and a vastly advanced sensor suite are intended to ensure that the aircraft can counter any air-to-air threats without being detected.

Not only is it a formidable air-to-air platform, but also a very effective air-to-ground asset with precision-guided weapons, as shown during the F-22’s combat debut over Syria in September 2014.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said airshow visitors should prepare themselves for a display routine that showcases powerful, precision aerial manoeuvres and the professional qualities of the people who fly, maintain and support these aircraft.

He said: “This summer’s Air Tattoo will be looking to the future and few aircraft can equal the leading edge capabilities demonstrated by the F-22. The aircraft’s appearance at RAF Fairford highlights the outstanding relationship that exists between the Air Tattoo and the US Air Force.”

www.airtattoo.com

Air Tattoo Unveils Art Of Flying

RIAT poster

Three of the anticipated stars at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford feature prominently in dramatic new artwork unveiled by the organisers today.

In the eye-catching image, the RAF’s new state-of-the-art stealth fighter – the F-35 – and the legendary Red Arrows are prominent, along with the RAF’s latest heavylift aircraft, the A400M.

The Air Tattoo poster was produced for the first time by CGI expert Wiek Luijken who has combined his expertise in computer generated images with his passion for aviation.

Air Tattoo Head of Marketing Helen Webb said she was delighted to add Wiek to the list of illustrious artists who have captured the thrills and excitement of the Air Tattoo since it was first staged in 1971.

She said: “We commission new artwork each year and many of these, by renowned aviation artists such as Wilf Hardy, Philip Castle and David Bent,have become iconic. I am sure Wiek’s poster will be equally popular.”

Wiek has been creating aviation art for big print, calendars, book and model box covers, game illustrations and magazine articles for more than 20 years. He works full-time as an Art Director in the games industry and uses aviation art as a creative outlet in his spare time. Wiek also has a passion for classic aircraft, with a special interest in British and Dutch historic military aviation.

Helen added: “We were aware of Wiek’s work and very much liked his style. He loves aviation and this passion comes over clearly in the images he produces. Furthermore, he’s created the artwork in a way that enables us to use it across many mediums – from tiny web banners through to giant roadside posters!”

Wiek said: “It’s such an honour to create artwork for an event such as the Air Tattoo, one of the world’s greatest airshows! At the same time, the challenge of stepping in the footsteps of legendary aviation artists such as Wilf Hardy was slightly terrifying. I have tried to pay homage to their style whilst adding my own twist.

“Creating the poster gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone as I am more used to featuring historic aircraft. Last year the A400M blew me away with a stunning display, giving the fast jets a run for their money. I couldn’t help but put in the Red Arrows as well, they never cease to amaze with a vibrant display of British colours and are always a highlight of the show. It has been an absolute blast creating this artwork!”

Last week it was announced that Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning would be making its international flying display debut at the Air Tattoo.

This summer’s Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 8-10. Earlybird tickets, starting at £34, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. Under 16s go free. Free parking.

Air Tattoo Prepares For F-35 Debut

F35 by Jamie Hunter

AVIATION history is set to be made in the UK this summer when, in a major airshow ‘first’, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, the Joint Strike Fighter, makes its much-anticipated international display debut.

Visitors to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford will be the first outside the US to see the stealthy, supersonic aircraft’s state-of-the-art capabilities when it displays on all three days of the airshow(July 8-10).

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:”The F-35s are the most advanced fast jets in the world. Whether operating from land or from one of our two new aircraft carriers – the UK’s largest ever – they will ensure we have a cutting edge and formidable fighting force.

“The plan for F-35 aircraft to take part in air shows here in the UK this summer is a significant milestone – for our RAF and Royal Navy personnel training hard to fly the F-35; for British industry who are contributing an impressive 15 per cent of every aircraft; and for the British public who will have their first opportunity to see this remarkable aircraft in action.”

Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced that he planned to speed up the purchase of 24 of the multi-role combat aircraft, a decisionthat will see two front-line squadrons operating from the UK’stwo new aircraft carriers by 2023.

Air Tattoo organisers anticipate that examples of the F-35B, the short take-off/vertical landing version, will demonstrate the Harrier-like ‘hover’ capability required for operation from austere land bases andaircraft carriers.

Its appearance at RAF Fairford in July will be the latest in a long list of legendary military aircraft that have made their UK debut at the Air Tattoo. These have included the F-14 Tomcat in 1976, the MiG-23 in 1991, the Typhoon in 1995, the V-22 Osprey in 2006 and the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Kawasaki P1 in 2015.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “No doubt, the sight of F-35s in the sky will be quite common for future generations but thissummer, all those who attend our airshow will enjoy a first glimpse of that future. Over the years, the Air Tattoohas featured the UK and European debuts of some of the world’s most iconic aircraft but few will have been as important to the UK’s future defence capability as the F-35. I am sure many people will want to join us to witness this piece of aviation history being made.”

US Marine Corps (USMC) Deputy Commander for Aviation, Lt. Gen. Davis said: “The US Marine Corps is looking forward to demonstrating the capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II in the skies over the United Kingdom this July.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event are only available in advance. Specially-priced Super Earlybird tickets for this summer’s Air Tattoo, on July 8-10, are available until January 31 from www.airtattoo.com. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Air Tattoo Thrills Captured On DVD

RIAT 2015 DVD cover

Everyone enjoying the BBC2 documentary series ‘Britain’s Ultimate Pilots: Inside the RAF’ can savour even more aerial thrills following the release of the Royal International Air Tattoo’s official 2015 DVD featuring the world’s top aviators in action.

The Air Tattoo DVD is expertly shot with high definition and 4K cameras by aviation film specialists PlanesTV and includes extensive in-cockpit footage, behind-the-scenes features, arrivals and departures and pilot interviews.

All the excitement of the world’s greatest airshow has been captured – including an evocative massed flypast of vintage warbirds to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain – and featuring a moving, private salute by ‘The Few’.

There’s extensive footage of Vulcan XH558’s dramatic – and memorable – final Air Tattoo appearance with on-board cameras adding to the dramatic coverage of its display and joint flypast with the RAF Red Arrows.

Other highlights featured on the DVD include the first ever European display by a Japanese military aircraft – the Kawasaki P1 and the UK display debuts of the Hellenic Air Force Demo Team Zeusand the French Air Force Ramex Delta.

Viewers will be able to experience the pilot’s eye view during many of the thrilling aerial displays including the Royal Netherlands Air Force Apache; the Czech Air Force Mil Mi-35 Hind; the Finnish F/A-18C Hornet and the Airbus A400M.

All the stars from ‘Britain’s Ultimate Pilots: Inside the RAF’are also featured – the high-octane RAF Typhoon role demo, the versatile and manoeuvrable RAF Chinook, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and, of course, the RAF Red Arrows.

Sold in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the official Royal International Air Tattoo 2015 DVDa must-buy for aviation fans of all ages and is available on DVD (£20) or Blu-Ray (£25) formats. A digital download version, featuring the main display programme of the RIAT 2015 DVD only, will be available from November 9 priced £15. For details visit www.planestv.com/riat2015

To order, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.

Air Tattoo Confident Of Future Success

Air Tattoo 2016 inspiring innovation

Following the sell-out success of last summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, organisers say the 2016 airshow will be looking to the future – with the focus set firmly on the pilots, aircraft and technology of tomorrow.

Details of the theme The Next Generation: Inspiring Innovationwere announced as specially-priced tickets for the three-day airshow, which takes place on July 8-10, went on sale this week for a limited period.

Super Earlybird admission tickets, priced at £29 for the Friday and £39for Saturday and Sunday will beavailable until January 31, 2016. The prices represent a saving of more than 20 per cent off the cost of a standard admission ticket. All under-16s are admitted free of charge.

Visitors can expect to see cutting-edge aircraft technology on display both in the air and on the showground featuring fast jets, multi-engine transporters, helicopters and surveillance platforms as well as the world’s greatest international aerobatic display teams.

In seeking to provide inspiration to the next generationand in keeping with its commitment to youth, Air Tattoo organisers are planning to stage official celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Air Cadet Organisation. They will also be building on the success of the airshow’scritically-acclaimed Techno Zone and will offer even more children the opportunity to participate in the hugely popular Schools Engineering Challenge.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said the airshow was the perfect place to present a vision of the future of aviation as well as the technology that underpins it.

He said: “Our eight-hour flying programme, large static aircraft park and interactive showground zones provide a dynamic and entertaining environment that consistently engages and challenges young minds.Where better to fire the imagination of the next generation of engineers, scientists and aviators?”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. To purchase Super Earlybird admission tickets and to view enclosure options, visit www.airtattoo.com. Free parking.

RIAT 2015 Hangar Party Awards

RIAT Awards

THE Battle of Britain featured at Sunday night’s awards ceremony at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with two of the coveted prizes going to air displays commemorating our Second World War heritage.With the Air Tattoo staging a commemorative flypast and salute to ‘The Few’, it was fitting that the 75th anniversary of the conflict should be remembered at the Sunday Night Hangar Party, the traditional finale to the event.

The ceremony was introduced by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and President of RIAT, who said: “This has been one of our greatest shows ever. There’s been a tremendous response from the public, and fantastic displays which have wowed the crowds: thank you to all who contributed.”

The presentations kicked off with an impromptu award by Andy Armstrong, Chief Executive of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises and Director of RIAT, who presented his own RIAT CEO Award – six bottles of champagne – to the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment Tornados from the RAF, and the German and Italian Air Forces.

The Paul Bowen Trophy – presented in memory of the Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration – went to the Finnish F-18 flown by Capt Ville Uggeldahl. The trophy was presented by Andy Armstrong.

Capt Uggeldahl said: “We have not performed at the Air Tattoo since 2009, so to take this award home is absolutely a great honour. We were up against some impressive performers this year, so this is a great surprise.”

The Sir Douglas Bader Trophy – presented for the Best Individual Flying Display – went to the German Bolkow Bo105 helicopter. Alan Smith, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, presented the trophy to Capt Torsten Mobius who said: “I’m very surprised. It’s the first time I’ve been to Fairford and to win this trophy is just great.”

Wg Cdr Jonathan Nixon, chairman of the Flying Control Committee, presented The Cannestra Trophy for the Best Flying Demonstration by an overseas participant. The trophy went to the Slovenian Pilatus PC9 trainer, flown by display pilot 1st Lt Andrej Fiorell. He said: “I am very proud to have won this award. When you consider all the fighter jets displayed by other countries it’s wonderful to take this award home to Slovenia.”

The Steedman Display Sword – presented by The Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, Chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988), for the Best Flying Demonstration by a UK participant – was awarded to the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon and Spitfire Synchro Pair.

Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson presented the sword to Typhoon pilot Flt Lt Ben Westoby-Brooks, who said: “I’m honoured to receive such an award. We wanted to do something special this year to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and I’m so glad that we’ve had such a great reaction from all who’ve seen the display, and that we’ve been able to tell the story of ‘The Few’ who gave their all in the summer of 1940. We’re doing it for them and for their memory.”

Spitfire pilot Flt Lt Antony Parkinson MBE was unable to attend the ceremony, and was represented by Flt Lt Nige Parker of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The As the Crow Flies Trophy, awarded for the best overall flying demonstration as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo, was presented by Jim Glover, Non-Executive Director of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises. The award went to the Vulcan To The Skies Trust, a fitting tribute to Vulcan XH558 in its final display season.

Vulcan pilot Martin Withers said: “I’m proud to receive this on behalf of the whole team. What’s happened with the Vulcan over the years has been a tremendous experience, and we really appreciate this recognition of the effort that’s gone into it. We’re delighted to receive this for XH558’s last display at RIAT, and we will treasure it.”

The Best Livery award, for the aircraft with the best special paint scheme, went to the Hellenic Air Force Zeus Demo Team. Andy Armstrong presented the award to demo pilot Maj Sotiris Stralis who said: “It has been a pleasure for the Hellenic Air Force display team ‘Zeus’ to participate for the first time at RIAT 2015, and a true honour to be awarded the best painted aircraft trophy. See you next year!”

Finally, the top award, the King Hussein Memorial Sword – presented in memory of the late HM King Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the International Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the Best Overall Flying Demonstration – went to the Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary Flypast, led by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The sword was presented by Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, Major General Mansour Al Jobour.

The flypast involved private owners as well as pilots from the military, and they were all recognized. Brian Smith of the Old Flying Machine Company was flying one of the oldest Spitfires in the flypast – MH434. He said: “It is the first time, that civilian and military warbirds were meshed together to perform, and everybody pulled together to produce a magnificent spectacle.”

www.airtattoo.com

Japan Makes Air Tattoo History

Kawasaki P-1

The Royal International Air Tattoo 2015 will witness a British airshow ‘first’ when the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) displays two examples of its Kawasaki P-1 four-jet maritime patrol aircraft – one in the static park and the other in the flying programme.

Not only will this be the UK debut of the P-1, but the type’s appearance at RIAT 2015 is set to mark the first time any Japanese military aircraft has ever taken part in a European flying display. It will also be the public debut on these shores of any JMSDF asset.

The P-1 is another demonstration of the advanced capabilities of Japan’s aviation industry. It was developed to replace the Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol platforms operated by the JMSDF, and a maiden flight of the XP-1 prototype was completed at Gifu Air Base in September 2007. Service entry of the production P-1 model commenced during 2013.

Given the size of Japan’s territorial waters and the number of islands under its jurisdiction, long-range maritime patrol in defence of the country’s interests is a very important role. The P-1 has a maximum range somewhere in the region of approximately 8,000kms or 4,300 nautical milesand is equipped with advanced Toshiba HPS-106 active electronically-scanned array maritime search radar for its primary mission. Weapons are carried on underwing and wing root-mounted hardpoints and in a capacious weapons bay, those employed by the P-1 including the AGM-84 Harpoon missile, AGM-65 Maverick missile, torpedoes, mines and depth charges.

The type’s engines are four IHI F7-10 turbofans – also made in Japan, and developed for the P-1 – of approx 13,000lb thrust each. A major innovation is the use of fly-by-light controls, this being the first operational aircraft in the world so fitted. On board for a typical sortie are three flight crew and eight mission system operators.

“The appearance at RIAT 2015 of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force with two P-1s looks set to be another milestone in the Air Tattoo’s history”, said the airshow’s Chief Executive Andy Armstrong. “The event has fostered close links with the Japanese military over recent years, as evidenced by two appearances of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Boeing KC-767 tanker/transports. Now, we look forward to welcoming the JMSDF for the first time, and to seeing its impressive P-1 in the air. I know this will be a major highlight of the whole 2015 season.”