Tag: Royal International Air Tattoo

Skyhawk makes long awaited return to Air Tattoo

Skyhawk

AN aircraft that last made an appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo 40 years ago is set to make a welcome return later this month.

The rare A-4N Skyhawk will arrive from Germany and go on static display at the airshow on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16. The Skyhawk is a single engine attack aircraft that was developed for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It is a carrier-capable aircraft that has seen extensive wartime use, from Vietnam to the Falklands conflict.
Owned by Discovery Air Defence, the Canadian company began operating a fleet of seven Skyhawks from Wittmund in 2015 after winning a contract to provide an adversarial air support to help train Luftwaffe crews. The A-4s are contracted to provide services ranging from threat simulation, target towing to flight test support.

The aircraft taking part in the Air Tattoo originally flew with the Israeli Air Force and has since been modified with modern navigation equipment and glass cockpits, whilst retaining some of the key military capabilities like the A-4’s air-to-air refuelling systems.

The last time an A-4 visited the Air Tattoo was in 1977, when a small number of A-4Gs visited Greenham Common from 805 Squadron, Royal Australian Navy. The aircraft launched from HMAS Melbourne, which itself was attending the Silver Jubilee Fleet Review in Portsmouth.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “Confirmation that an A-4 Skyhawk is participating in the Air Tattoo is great news and will be welcomed, in particular, by all our enthusiasts. The type last appeared at an Air Tattoo 40 years ago when the event was staged at RAF Greenham Common and since then we’ve been trying hard to get one back.

“It’s a compact little fighter that in its heyday punched above its weight and played important roles in significant conflicts during the 60s, 70s and 80s. Its rarity alone makes it one of the stand-out aircraft taking part in this summer’s airshow.”

Saturday tickets for the Air Tattoo have sold out but there are a limited number available for Friday, July 14 and Sunday, July 16. To view prices and enclosure options, visit www.airtattoo.com. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. Free parking.

Old Meets New at Air Tattoo

Frenesi

The Royal International Air Tattoo’s celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the United States Air Force at RAF Fairford on July 14-16 will feature a special ‘then and now’ formation of American fighter aircraft, as a North American P-51D Mustang from the Second World War teams up with a present-day Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor.

This USAF Heritage Flight display will involve a P-51D visiting from the United States and flown by leading US warbird pilot Dan Friedkin. Provided by Comanche Fighters of Houston, Texas, the Mustang in question is named Frenesi and only emerged from a 12-year restoration earlier this year.

Built in 1944 as an F-6K reconnaissance variant, the aircraft was only on US Army Air Force strength for a short time before being deemed surplus to requirements during 1946. It spent a period in civilian hands prior to 30 years’ service, from 1954-84, with the Dominican Air Force.

Back in the US as a preserved warbird, the Mustang was active again by 1990, and painted as 357th Fighter Group aircraft Frenesi (named after a wartime song of that title, popularised by legendary US band leader and clarinettist Artie Shaw). It has been returned to those markings following its recent restoration for Comanche Fighters by Midwest Aero Restorations of Danville, Illinois.

The original Frenesi was the mount of Lt Col Thomas Hayes, who flew Curtiss P-40s and Bell P-400s in the Pacific theatre before being deployed to Britain with the 357th Fighter Group and stationed at Leiston, Suffolk. Hayes scored eight-and-a-half aerial victories in combat, two in the Pacific and the remainder over Europe. He chose the name Frenesi for his P-51D as the song was a favourite of his and his wife’s.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati welcomed news of the Heritage Flight’s participation, saying it was a great addition to the airshow’s USAF 70th celebrations. “To see two iconic military fighters, which operated 70 years apart, fly side by side will be a fitting anniversary tribute and will be a sight not to be missed.”

The USAF Heritage Flight programme was established 20 years ago to mark the air force’s 50th anniversary. Its displays bring together civilian-owned warbirds and modern military aircraft. RIAT 2017 will feature the sole Heritage Flight performance in Britain this year. The F-22 accompanying the Mustang will be flown by Maj Dan ‘Rock’ Dickinson of the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, following on from his spectacular solo demonstration of the state-of-the-art air dominance fighter.

www.airtattoo.com

More US aircraft join Air Tattoo salute

Osprey

Visitors to this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds will be able to view one of the biggest gatherings of US military aircraft at a UK airshow in recent years.

In addition to the USAF display team the Thunderbirds, a B-1 and B-52 bomber and a stateof-the-art F-22 fighter jet already revealed, the Americans have announced that many more exciting aircraft will be arriving at the air base as the airshow prepares to stage the biggest celebration of the US Air Force’s 70th anniversary anywhere in Europe.

The airshow, which takes place on July 14-16, will also feature two CV-22B Ospreys, whose unique tiltrotors enable them to fly like a helicopter or like a fixed-wing aircraft. The aircraft, one of which will be in the flying programme and the other on display in the static park, has been used as a Special Forces transport aircraft thanks to its impressive speed and manoeuvrability.

Also confirmed for the static park will be two F-16C fighter jets from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany; an MC-130J Commando II tactical transport and tanker aircraft, based at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, used to support Special Operations; and a massive C-17A Globemaster transport aircraft which will travel all the way from Charleston, South Carolina.

Finally, the United States Navy will be showcasing the world’s most capable maritime patrol aircraft, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, on the ground at RAF Fairford. The aircraft is on order for the Royal Air Force, who will take delivery of their first example from 2019, based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The Air Tattoo enjoys a great relationship with the US military which stretches back almost four decades and over the years this has resulted in some very memorable tributes marking key milestones in the USAF’s history.

“Earlier this year the US military promised us their full support in marking their 70th anniversary and now we’re seeing them deliver. It’s fantastic. The range of American military aircraft on display at the Air Tattoo is going to be awesome – and there’s still time for more to be added!”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. To view prices and enclosure options, visit www.airtattoo.com. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. Free parking.

Air Tattoo welcomes US Air Force heavyweights

B52 RIAT

The US Air Force has confirmed that two of its largest and most formidable aircraft will be flying into RAF Fairford, its only European airfield for heavy bombers, to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer.

The aircraft, a B-52H Stratofortress and a B-1B Lancer will join other US Air Force aircraft including the F-22 Raptor and Thunderbirds display team as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force. Also taking part in the airshow will be an historic P-40 Kittyhawk and P-51D Mustang, both of which flew with the US Army Air Force prior to the establishment of the US Air Force in 1947.

A long range strategic bomber, the B-52 entered service with the US military in the 1950s and became a frequent sight in the Cotswolds’ skies during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Operation Allied Force in 1999 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991 when they operated out of RAF Fairford. The first operational B-1B flew with the US Air Force in 1986 and provided the air arm with a long range bomber that was both fast and manoeuvrable. It was last seen at the Air Tattoo in 2009. The B-52H will come from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana and the B-1B from Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota.

The Air Tattoo’s links with the US Air Force stretch back to 1972 when the Americans permitted the airshow to be staged at RAF Greenham Common, near Newbury. When the Air Tattoo had to find a new home in the 1980s, the US Air Force offered RAF Fairford and the first Air Tattoo was staged in the Cotswolds in 1985.

Reflecting this strong relationship, the Air Tattoo has staged a number of memorable celebrations marking key USAF anniversaries over the years and 2017 promises to be no different.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The US Air Force has played an important role in our history and has helped us become the greatest military airshow in the world. We’re both committed to ensuring that July’s anniversary celebrations continue to be both memorable and exciting for what will undoubtedly be another sellout airshow.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. The deadline for purchasing Earlybird admission tickets has been extended by 24 hours to midnight on Wednesday May 3. To view prices and enclosure options, visit www.airtattoo.com. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. Free parking.

The Clock’s Ticking For Earlybirds

As the Royal International Air Tattoo’s ‘Earlybird’ ticket offer draws to a close, airshow organisers are predicting that Saturday tickets for the summer event will sell out by next week.

Thousands of general admission tickets have already been snapped up for one of the UK’s most eagerly anticipated annual outdoor events which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16.

This year’s event will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF) with aircraft including the state-of-the-art F-22 Raptor and USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration team already confirmed to take part in the flying display.

All enclosure tickets for Saturday, July 15, have already sold out and general admission tickets for Saturday are set to follow suit as the Air Tattoo Earlybird discount ends at midnight on Tuesday, May 2. Those still looking to purchase tickets for the airshow can take advantage of last minute Earlybird offers, with a £5 discount on Friday tickets and an £8 discount on Saturday and Sunday tickets. Entry is free for all children under 16 who are accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “The airshow provides is a great day out for the whole family and with the added excitement of the USAF 70th anniversary celebrations this year, tickets are selling at record speed as people don’t want to miss out.”

Also taking part in the airshow’s extensive flying display will be a wide range of international military aircraft from nations including ltaly, the Czech Republic, Austria, Spain, Finland, Sweden and Slovenia who will be joining the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the legendary Red Arrows in demonstrating their capabilities.

In addition to the action in the air there will be a wide variety of entertainment and activities on offer throughout the showground, including the adrenalin-fuelled ‘Wall of Death’ in the Autodrome (as seen on Channel 4 with Guy Martin), the latest engineering technology in the Techno Zone as well as a nostalgic recreation of the 1940s in the Vintage Village.

Helen added: “Tickets for the Air Tattoo sell out year-on-year and I’m confident we’ll see the same result this year. By getting in quick and purchasing your tickets before the end of the Earlybird offer you can not only guarantee yourself a place at the world’s greatest airshow but also secure a great price.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is held annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust. The Trust funds a wide range of projects and initiatives that Promote the Royal Air Force, Support its people and Encourage in youngsters an interest in aviation.

The Earlybird discount means that up until midnight on May 2, people can purchase Friday tickets at the reduced price of £34, and £47 for Saturday and Sunday. To find out more about the Air Tattoo, and to book tickets please visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

RAF puts its full force behind Air Tattoo

RIAT Lancaster

Reflecting its close relationship with the Royal Air Force, the Royal International Air Tattoo has confirmed that this summer’s flying display will feature some of the Service’s most iconic aircraft, including the world-famous Red Arrows.

The world’s premier aerobatics display team will once again colour the skies over Fairford with red, white and blue on all three days of the Air Tattoo. The nine BAE Systems Hawk T1/T1A jets, which comprise the renowned Red Arrows, will perform their trademark combination of close formations and precision flying under the leadership of Sqn Ldr David Montenegro.

Also joining the flying display line-up will be the RAF’s leading multi-role combat aircraft, the Typhoon FGR.4. Capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, from policing and peace support, through to high intensity conflict, the Typhoon shows the enormity of present-day UK air power. Displayed by Flt Lt Ryan Lawton of 29(R) Sqn at RAF Coningsby, the incredible agility and power of the Typhoon is set to thrill spectators.

Taking a step back in time, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will display two of its most famous and successful WW2 aircraft – the Lancaster and Spitfire – as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. A regular and hugely popular inclusion in recent Air Tattoos, the heavy bomber and fighter aircraft will evoke memories of Britain’s aviation history.
This summer’s Air Tattoo (14-16 July) will pay special tribute to the US Air Force on its 70th anniversary, having a distinct American theme with a special performance from one of the world’s most popular display teams, The Thunderbirds.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is staged annually at RAF Fairford in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Earlybird admission tickets are available until midnight on May 2, starting at £34. All under-16s go free. To buy tickets, or for more information about aircraft participating at this year’s show, please visit www.airtattoo.com

F-22 joins Air Tattoo’s USAF 70th Salute

USAF F22a Raptor

One of the world’s most advanced fighter jets will be making a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force.

Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor is the latest aircraft to be confirmed for this summer’s Air Tattoo, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16.

Air Tattoo visitors will be able to witness the stealthy, fifth-generation fighter’s incredible agility which is achieved thanks largely to its thrust-vectoring engines. The aircraft will join the hugely popular demonstration team the Thunderbirds as part of a special US tribute marking the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF).

The Raptor entered service with the USAF in December 2005 but it was not until 2010 that the aircraft performed its first UK flying demo – at the Air Tattoo.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said visitors to the airshow this summer should be prepared for an impressive and powerful display from the state-of-the-art fighter.

He said: “Very few aircraft can match the cutting edge capabilities demonstrated by the F-22 so we’re really pleased to be able to welcome it back this year. We were the first airshow in the UK to showcase the Raptor and were lucky enough to secure it again in 2016. Its display at both airshows proved hugely popular and I’m confident its display will surpass expectations yet again.

“Without the support of the US Air Force, the Air Tattoo would not be the huge success it is and one way we can demonstrate our gratitude is to stage a fitting salute to mark the air arm’s significant anniversary.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world’s biggest military airshow, held annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust. For more about the Air Tattoo, or to buy tickets for the event, please visit www.airtattoo.com

Air Tattoo’s ‘super’ offer is just the ticket

RIAT

People planning to attend one of the UK’s most exciting family days out have until the end of January to take advantage of a ‘super’ offer.

Specially priced Super Earlybird tickets to the world-famous Royal International Air Tattoo are available until January 31, offering savings of up to 25 per cent on the price of a standard admission ticket.

This summer’s airshow, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 14-16, will feature exciting aircraft from around the world including the hugely popular Thunderbirds demonstration team from the US. The team, whose last appearance in the UK was in 2009, will be returning to mark the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force (USAF).

Prior to February, Super Earlybird Friday tickets are priced £29, offering a saving of £10 off the standard admission price whilst Saturday and Sunday Super Earlybird tickets are priced £42, representing a saving of £13. Entry is free for all children under 16 who are accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “The airshow provides an exciting day out for the whole family, with attractions suitable for all ages. Aside from the riveting air displays, youngsters can get to grips with the latest engineering technology in the Techno Zone, while parents take a walk down memory lane in the Vintage Village.

“This year we also have a new adrenaline-fuelled feature coming to the Autodrome called the ‘Wall of Death’, which we’re really excited about. People may recognise it from a Channel 4 programme featuring Guy Martin earlier this year which saw him brake the World Record for the fastest speed travelled around the ‘Wall of Death’ on a motorbike.”

This year the Air Tattoo will have an American theme as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of one of the largest air forces in the world, the US Air Force. The Thunderbirds’ performance will form part of the airshow’s official tribute to the occasion and will be the team’s only UK appearance in 2017.

Helen added: “People expect bigger and more exciting air displays from the show year after year, and 2017 will be no exception. Visitors can experience first-class entertainment, both in the air and on the ground, and we are confident that, yet again, the Air Tattoo will be a sell-out success.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo is the world’s biggest military airshow, held annually at RAF Fairford in aid of the RAF Charitable Trust. The Trust funds a wide range of projects and initiatives that Promote the Royal Air Force, Support its people and Encourage in youngsters an interest in aviation.

Super early-bird tickets are priced at a reduced rate of £29 on Friday and £42 on Saturday and Sunday for a limited time only. All accompanied under-16s are admitted free of charge. To buy your tickets or to find out more about the Air Tattoo, please visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

Thunderbirds are go at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017

Thunderbirds at RIAT

PLANS to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force at next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo were given a huge boost this week following the announcement that one of the world’s most popular display teams will make a rare trip across the Atlantic to take part.

The Thunderbirds’ performance at the Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 14-16, will be the team’s only UK appearance next year and will be part of the airshow’s official tribute to mark the US Air Force’s 70th anniversary. As well as seeing a range of operational and historic US Air Force aircraft in the air and on the ground, Air Tattoo visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the key role the air arm plays in a range of international coalitions and partnerships.

Formed in 1953, the team is renowned as much for its choreographed pre-flight ground routine – performed with pinpoint accuracy – as it is for its stunning aerial displays.

Flying six F-16 Fighting Falcons, elite pilots from the US Air Force will perform a mix of formation flying and solo routines that highlight the maximum capabilities of the USAF’s frontline, multi-role fighter jet. The team, which is based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, has only appeared at the Air Tattoo once before – in 2007.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said the announcement of the Thunderbirds’ participation demonstrated the incredibly strong bond that exists with the US Air Force.

He said: “The history – and success – of the Air Tattoo is inextricably linked to the US Air Force, on whose base the event takes place each year. I am pleased that we’ll have the opportunity next summer to mark their 70th anniversary.”

Special reduced-price Air Tattoo ‘Super Earlybird’ tickets are available until January 31, priced from £29. Under-16s go free. For details, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456.

Air Tattoo DVD Ready For Take Off

RIAT 2016 DVD

Relive the thrills, buzz and excitement of the 2016 Royal International Air Tattoo with the airshow’s officialsouvenir DVD and special Collector’s Editiondue to hit the shelves soon.

Expertly shot in high definition and ultra-high 4K resolution by aviation film specialistsPlanesTV, the Air Tattoo DVD includes in-cockpit footage, behind-the-scenes features and pilot interviews alongside coverage of the extensive flying display, arrivals and departures.

All the highlights from the world’s biggest military airshow have been captured including the show-stopping international display debut of the F-35B, whose manoeuvrability and hovering capabilities were demonstrated for the first time to a UK audience by RAF test pilot Squadron Leader Hugh Nichols. The aircraft also appears in an iconic joint flypast with the Red Arrows and two RAF Typhoons, which provided a dramatic demonstration of UK airpower to the Air Tattoo’s sell-out crowd.

The final ever display by French Air Force display team Ramex Delta also features as does the Croatian Air Force’s aerobatic display team KrilaOluje (Wings of Storm), who became the first participants from the country to appear at the airshow.

Viewers will be able to experience a pilot’s eye view thanks to extensivecockpit footage captured during thrilling aerial displays by aircraft such as the RAF Typhoon, Strikemaster, Solo Turk, the Polish MiG-29 as well asF-16s from Belgium, Greece and Poland.

In addition to the main programme, there’s a further two hours of special features including an extended look at the F-35, the Air Cadets’ 75th Anniversary celebrations and in-cockpit features with running pilot commentary.

Also featured on the DVD is the first official engagement for two-year-old Prince George, who attended the airshow with his parents, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The visit saw the Royal trio meet the Red Arrows and sit in a Squirrel helicopter, the same aircraft the Duke trained on whilst based at RAF Shawbury.

Sold in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the official Royal International Air Tattoo 2016Official Souvenir DVD is priced £20 (Blu-ray, £25). The two-disc Collector’s Edition DVD, featuring anadditional two hours of special features including extended in-cockpit action, and full coverage of arrivals and departures, is priced £30 (Blu-ray, £35).

A must-buy for aviation fans of all ages, the official Air Tattoo 2016 official souvenir discscan be pre-ordered from www.airtattoo.com.