Royal International Air Tattoo – Page 19

Air Tattoo Welcomes Delta Force

RIAT Delta Force

This summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo will feature one of the most spectacular fast jet displays on the European circuit.

The French Air Force’s Ramex Delta team of two Dassault Mirage 2000N strike aircraft is set to provide a dramatic and noisy role demonstration at the Air Tattoo, which takes place at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, on July 17-19.

The Mirage 2000N is the nuclear strike variant of the type and visitors to the airshow will be able to see this outstanding combat aircraft perform various tactical manoeuvres along the lines of those used in combat.
Last demonstrated in a solo display at the Air Tattoo in 2006, the delta-winged Mirage 2000 entered French Air Force service in fighter form during 1982. It remains a highly manoeuvrable and effective combat aircraft, and has seen extensive operational use in its different variants, not least over Iraq, the Balkans, Afghanistan and Libya.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome new display acts to the show. I know many visitors to RIAT 2015 will be looking forward immensely to seeing Ramex Delta in action.”
Also confirmed for this summer’s Air Tattoo is a mass flypast of historic aircraft to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a display by the world’s only airworthy Vulcan bomber and, of course, the legendary Red Arrows.

Other aircraft confirmed for the flying display include the UK debut of Team Zeus from the Hellenic Air Force, a Czech Air Force SAAB JAS-39C Gripen and a Royal Netherlands Air Force Apache helicopter.

On the Showground, attractions include theme areas such as the Adrenalin Zone, ideal for thrill-seekers of all ages; the Techno Zone, which brings engineering to life with demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to engage young minds; the evocative Vintage Village andnew for 2015, theAutodromefeaturing a wide range of rare and exciting cars and motorbikes.

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Special Earlybird tickets priced from £31 are available until May 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Battle Of Britain Warbirds Gather At RIAT

Blenheim by Jarrod Cotter

A mass flypast of warbirds will form the centrepiece of official commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

Featuring around 20 vintage aircraft, including some of the most exceptional historic aircraft flying in the UK today, the tribute forms part the Air Tattoo’s broader theme Securing the Skies – Past, Present & Future.

Confirmed at present as taking part are: a Bristol Blenheim, five Hawker Hurricanes, 12 Supermarine Spitfires (including a naval Seafire) and a Hispano Buchón to depict the Messerschmitt Bf 109. A number of other aircraft are still to be confirmed.

The Blenheim, operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford, is the world’s sole airworthy example of this significant World War Two type. It returned to flight last November after repairs and reconfiguration lasting 11 years, the aircraft now appearing as a short-nosed Blenheim IF fighter variant. Blenheims made the first RAF bombing raid against Germany during World War Two, and in 1940 were active extensively in both the fighter and bomber roles. The example attending the Air Tattoo on July 17-19 pays tribute to the notable heroism of Blenheim crews who flew the type on so many fronts.

Among the other aircraft involved will be four that were actually operational during 1940. Peter Vacher’s Hurricane I flew 49 sorties and shot down five enemy aircraft during its time on No 605 Squadron; the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire IIa was with No 266 Squadron; Aircraft Restoration Company-operated Spitfire Ia P9374 force-landed on a northern French beach while flying with No 92 Squadron in May 1940; and, also from the ARC stable, Spitfire Ia N3200 – then of No 19 Squadron – did likewise just a few days later while covering the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk.

Accompanying these will be a range of other Hurricanes and Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and civilian operators, several of them combat veterans from later in the war.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The sight of so many historic Battle of Britain-era aircraft in formation is sure to be a highlight of this year’s Air Tattoo, and a memorable contribution to this year’s commemorations. Our thanks go to all the operators who have agreed to take part in what we intend to be a fitting, as well as a spectacular, salute.”

www.airtattoo.com

RAF Displays Added To Air Tattoo Line-Up

RAF Typhoon Fairford

A two-ship role demo featuring BAE Systems’ Hawk T2s, a Spitfire/Typhoon ‘synchro’ display and the Red Arrows are among the list of RAF aircraft that will be on display in the air and on the ground at this summer’s Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 17-19.

Following on from its 50th display season celebrations at the Air Tattoo last year, the Red Arrows will be displaying throughout the three-day event sporting a patriotic new design on their tail fins.

A newer model of Hawk will be featured in a routine making its public airshow debut at the Air Tattoo. This is the Hawk T2, BAE Systems’ latest version of the enduring design. No IV (Reserve) Squadron, stationed at RAF Valley on Anglesey, is putting together a new two-aircraft ‘role demo’ to showcase the type’s capabilities on the airshow circuit for the first time. The Hawks will demonstrate something of the training performed at Valley, being flown by two instructors on the unit, Flt Lts Ben Polwin and Toby Keeley. RIAT 2015 will be the role demo’s inaugural appearance in front of a public air display crowd.

Representing the ‘cutting edge’ of the RAF’s front line at the Air Tattoo, very appropriately given the event’s operational theme of Securing the Skies – Past Present Future, will be the solo Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 display from No 29 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Coningsby. This year’s pilot is Flt Lt Jonny Dowen. Representing the old and the new of UK air defence, a Typhoon will also team up with a Spitfire from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for an evocative and spectacular ‘synchro pair’ routine, this part of the service’s contribution to the Battle of Britain 75th anniversary commemorations taking place this year. Aside from the two Hurricanes and four Spitfires already confirmed as coming to RIAT 2015, the BBMF is also sending its majestic Avro Lancaster bomber.

In addition to those aircraft taking part in the flying displays, the RAF is also committing a number of assets to the RIAT 2015 static park. Especially notable among these are a Sea King rescue helicopter from ‘A’ Flight of No 22 Squadron, probably making its final Air Tattoo appearance before retirement, and a Tornado GR4 operated by No XV (Reserve) Squadron, a unit celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015 with a specially-painted aircraft.

Other RAF support for the show is still in discussion.

Visitors will also be able to find out more about the RAF in the RAF Village, where there is the opportunity to experience first-hand what happens when the RAF responds to a humanitarian crisis. From pilot to chef, you’ll discover the vital role each unit plays to fulfill the mission. A wide variety of units will be represented there, including the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Special Earlybird tickets priced from £31 are available until May 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Zeus Set For Air Tattoo Debut

Hellenic Air Force

The first ever UK appearance of one of Europe’s most exciting solo jet demonstrations has been confirmed for this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The display by the Hellenic Air Force’s F-16 demo team, named Zeus, is set to provide one of the highlights of the flying display at the airshow on July 17-19.

Zeus has only previously performed outside its homeland at displays in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. The team, which is named after the father of the Olympian gods in ancient Greek mythology, aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force – an air arm that has been modernised substantially in recent years – as well as fostering links between the Greek public and its air force, and encourage recruiting.

The Zeus demonstration will be flown at RIAT 2015 by Captain SotiriosStralis and is the latest addition to the roster of excellent F-16 solo displays around the world, many of which have featured at previous Air Tattoos. The Zeus display is unique in featuring the Block 52+ version, complete with Conformal Fuels Tanks fitted to the upper surfaces of the aircraft, presenting a different view of Lockheed Martin’s outstanding F-16C Fighting Falcon.

The first Zeus demo team was formed by the HAF under the guidance of the US Air Force, giving its debut performance at Tanagra Air Base in November 2010. The display is being provided by 115 Combat Wing based at Souda, which has under its command two squadrons of Block 52+ F-16s – some of the most advanced multi-role fighters within NATO.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “We are honoured to be able to present Zeus to a British audience for the first time. The F-16 has always been an outstanding display aircraft, and I am sure Capt Sotirios will demonstrate its attributes to the full at RIAT 2015. Our thanks go to the Hellenic Air Force for agreeing to participate.”

www.airtattoo.com

BA Flies Business Class To Air Tattoo

BA A318

Britain’s national airline will make a rare airshow contribution at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

A British AirwaysAirbus A318, one of the rarest aircraft in its fleet, will go on static display at the airshow on July 17-19.

The A318serves a route aimed at the business community between London City Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. It is unique among aircraft types in the British Airways fleet in operating with an all-business class interior comprising 32 seats, each convertible into a fully flat bed.

British Airways flies just two A318s, this being the smallest member of the hugely successful Airbus A320 family of aircraft. In order to be certified for operations at London City, the A318 was subject to a stringent steep approach test programme, the airport requiring specific operational procedures. This the Airbus passed with flying colours, the first example being delivered to British Airways in September 2009.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “For many years, British Airways has kindly supported the Air Tattoo, most memorably sending Concorde and, more recently, the giant A380. I am very pleased that our national airline is able to spare an A318 for a rare appearance at a British airshow.”

The BA A318 joins Vulcan bomber XH558, a C-130J Hercules from Qatar and a Super Puma from the Swiss Air Force as confirmed participants at this summer’s airshow. The Swiss are also sending their PC-7 aerobatic display team.

Mr Arquati added: “Though it’s still early days, the Air Tattoo is already shaping up to be one of the UK’s most exciting outdoor events this summer. Anyone planning to attend has until January 31 to take advantage of our special Super Earlybird ticket offer.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. Tickets for the event on July 17-19 are only available in advance. Special Super Earlybird tickets priced from £26 are available until January 31 from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

Qatar Makes UK Airshow Debut

Qatar C-130J RIAT

Qatar will make its UK airshow debut this summer when it takes part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

The Qatar Emiri Air Force will send for the show’s static display a C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft, one of four such aircraft delivered to the small but strategically and economically-important Arab state by manufacturer Lockheed Martin in 2011-12. Qatar thus became the first Middle Eastern customer for the C-130J model.

Based at Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, the country’s capital, the C-130J-30s -the stretched version of the so-called Super Hercules – and four Boeing C-17A Globemaster IIIs have provided Qatar with a much-improved air transport capability, for use on both military airlift and humanitarian taskings.

The Qatari aircraft joins the legendary Vulcan bomber and Swiss Air Force aircraft on the list of early confirmed participants for this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 17-19 and brings to 55, the number of nations that have taken part in the airshowsince it was first staged in 1971.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “Our thanks go to the Qatar Emiri Air Force for agreeing to participate in this year’s Air Tattoo. I’m particularly pleased that new nations continue to be added to the long list of those that have supported the event over the years. We look forward to welcoming the C-130 and its crew to Fairford in July.”

Air Tattoo To Welcome Aviation Icon

Vulcan Bomber

ONE of the world’s most iconic aircraft will touch down at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds this summer to take part in the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Vulcan XH558 is the only flying example of this large Cold War bomber having been restored to flying condition in 2007 following a public fundraising campaign by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST).

Since then, displays by the aircraft, demonstrating both its grace and immense power, have been among the most eagerly-anticipated on the UK airshow circuit.

Based at Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster, XH558 is the first aircraft to be confirmed for the airshow which takes place on July 17-19.

Named The Spirit of Great Britain, Vulcan XH558 will fly into RAF Fairford on Friday, July 17for a special ‘Pit Experience Day’ offering people close access to the aircraft and the opportunity to meet members of the Vulcan to the Sky team and the dedicated band of volunteers who help keep the aircraft airborne.

The aircraft will perform two flying displays during its visit, one on Saturday July 18 and the other on Sunday July 19. Weekend visitors will also be given the opportunity to visit her on the ground in return for a small donation toVTST.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Vulcan is arguably the most popular historic aircraft flying today and I am delighted that we’re able to welcome her back to the Air Tattoo this summer.

“What better way to launch our 2015 theme Securing the Skies – Past, Present and Future than with an aircraft that performed a crucial role in the UK’s strategic nuclear strike force during the Cold War, on standby 24 hours a day with crews ready to launch the aircraft with two minutes’ notice.

“I am confident the Vulcan will be the first of many exciting aircraft from around the world to confirm their participation over the coming months – but what a start!”

VTST Chief Executive Dr Robert Plemingsaid: “We are really delighted to return XH558 to such a prestigious event on the aviation calendar.”

Re-Live All Of The Air Tattoo Thrills

RIAT dvd

Forget Santa’s Sleigh, when it comes to providing an aerial spectacle to savour this Christmas, look no further than the official 2014 Royal International Air Tattoo Souvenir DVD.

Featuring all the thrills and excitement from the world’s greatest airshow, it’s the perfect gift for anyone with a passion for aviation.

Filmed in High Definition and featuring multiple camera angles, including on-board footage, the official DVD captures the very best of the flying display including the rarely-seen Polish Air Force Su-22M4 pair, the Turkish Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, the RAF Chinook and the RAF Typhoon plus the ever-popular Alenia C-27J Spartan from the Italian Air Force.

A sell-out crowd of 140,000 visited RAF Fairford over three days in Julyto join celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season. The souvenir DVD, which is also available on Blu-ray or as a digital download, captures behind-the-scenes preparations, interviews with team members and display footage as well as coverage of the Reds’ unique flypast with the leaders of four other international aerobatic display teams.

More than 220 aircraft, representing 32 air arms from 26 countries took part in this year’s airshow, which is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. In a special ‘extras’ section on the DVD, there is the opportunity to see many of those aircraft that appeared on static display either arriving or departing RAF Fairford. They include the debut airshow appearance of the Textron AirLand Scorpion, the final Air Tattoo appearance by two Hellenic Air Force LTV A-7E/TA-7C Corsair IIs and a rarely seen Japanese Boeing KC-767J.

And with narration by one of the UK’s most respected airshow commentators, Ben Dunnell, the official RIAT 2014 DVD shines an entertaining and informativespotlight on modern military aviation.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “Air Tattoo DVDs are renowned for featuring great in-cockpit footage and this year is no different. We went all out to get access to as many aircraft as we could and the result is fantastic. Viewers will be able to enjoy many of the displays from the pilots’ perspective – which can sometimes make you feel quite dizzy!”

The official Air Tattoo 2014Souvenir DVD is available on DVD (priced £19.95); Blu-ray (£24.95) and, for the first time via digital download (£14.95). To order your copy, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.

Super Offer For Air Tattoo Earlybirds

Air Tatto 2015 promo art

A special commemorative flypast marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be among the highlights of next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The details were announced as specially-priced tickets for the three-day airshow, which takes place on July 17-19, went on sale for a limited period.

Super Earlybird admission tickets, priced at £26 for the Friday and £36 for Saturday and Sunday are available until January 31, 2015. The prices represent a saving of more than 20 per cent off the cost of a standard admission ticket.

Next summer’s airshow will focus on aircraft from around the world whose primary role is to protect their nations’ skies whether in support of combat missions, intelligence gathering, providing an airlift capability or delivering humanitarian aid.

Themed ‘Securing The Skies – Past, Present, Future’, the airshow will look to feature legendary aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane, that proved so effective during World War Two; operational aircraft such as the RAF Tornado, currently in action over Iraq; and the RAF Typhoon, which remain on 24-hour standby in the UK and were scrambled recently to intercept Russian bombers.

The Air Tattoo also hopes that the futuristic Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which was due to take part in the 2014 airshow, will make its much heralded European display debut at RAF Fairford next summer.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong saidthat with so much instability in the world, it was the ideal time to turn the spotlight on the important role air power has played and continues to play in making Britain and our allies around the world, safer.

He added: “Already, the response from international air arms has been extremely positive and we’ll be looking to build on last summer’s hugely successful event. With ticket prices starting at £26 and all under-16s enjoying free admission, the Air Tattoo continues to offer extraordinary value for money.”

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. All under-16s go free. Free parking.

SELL-OUT SHOW FOR REDS 50th SEASON

Royal International Air Tattoo

A SELL-OUT crowd of 140,000 turned up at RAF Fairford over three days to join celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season at the Royal International Air Tattoo.They were rewarded with breath-taking aerobatic displays from fast jets, transport aircraft, helicopters and classic warbirds. The aviation fans’ favourite was the rare appearance of two classic Cold War ground-attack strike aircraft, the Sukhoi Su-22s from Poland, while the visitors were also treated to the last UK appearance of the A-7 Corsair from the Hellenic Air Force.

Seven aerobatic display teams flew in to join the Red Arrows’ celebrations thrilling the crowds with their precision flying. On Friday (July 11), team leaders from the Patrouille de France, Frecce Tricolori, Patrouille Suisse and the Breitling Jet Team performed a special anniversary formation flypast with the Red Arrows.

Red One, Squadron Leader Jim Turner, said: “We love all the European display teams and are most grateful to all those that have helped us celebrate this weekend.”

In total 240 aircraft from 31 air arms representing 25 countries took part in the Air Tattoo.

Senior military guests included: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford and US Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mark Welsh III; plus air chiefs from 48 other countries including Turkey, Singapore, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Japan and Montenegro.

Industry guests at the Air Tattoo included Mrs Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin; Mr Hakan Buskhe, President of Saab Global and Mr Simon Laffin, Chairman of the Flybe Group. Celebrities Alan Carr, Robson Green, Carol Vorderman, Adam Henson, Sir David Jason and Bruce Dickinson also attended the three-day show.

Royalty was also represented at the airshow with HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan enjoying the airshow.
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince, who retires immediately after the airshow, said: “It’s great that such a bumper crowd was able to enjoy what we had to offer over the three days. The weather was good, the flying was fantastic and once again the Red Arrows lived up to their star billing. My thanks go to all those who visited the airshow, the many aircrew who participated and everyone who contributed to the successful staging of this event. Under my successor Andy Armstrong, I am confident the Air Tattoo will continue to be a wonderful celebration of international aviation and an event of which UK plc can be rightly proud.”

The Air Tattoo medical teams reported no major incidents and a relatively quiet time for those on duty. Senior Medical Officer Sqn Ldr Darren Ellison said: “We dealt with 250 patients with no major problems, just a range of minor illnesses from heat-related issues to blisters and abrasions.”

Senior Fire Officer Barry Scott said: “We’ve enjoyed a very quiet show. The main excitement was being on stand-by for the Apache role demo when we thought the pyrotechnics might set the grass on fire, but we weren’t needed, and that’s the way we like it.”

First-time visitors to the show were a Colony of Beaver Scouts from 1st Purton & Lydiard Scout group. Parent Emma Hudson-Ellis, from Swindon, said: “We’ve been here since 7.30am and have had a fantastic day. The flying displays are absolutely brilliant, especially the Red Arrows, who we always love to see, and we’ve still got quite a lot to see on the ground before we go home.”

Mark Smeaton from Nailsworth in Gloucestershire, had brought his family on their first visit to the Air Tattoo. He said: “The quality of the flying is just amazing, especially the formation displays. The whole show seems very well organised, and everything’s covered. Our five-year-old was more than slightly traumatised by the noise of the Eurofighter, but two members of the Air Tattoo CREW instantly leapt to our rescue, supplying earplugs and generally saving the day. We were impressed, and we’d definitely come again!”