Tag: Royal International Air Tattoo

A highly successful Royal International Air Tattoo 2016 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire ended with the crowning of the airshow’s ‘Top Guns’ at the traditional Sunday night hangar party.

The ceremony was introduced by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. HRHPrince Feisal of Jordan presented the first of the evening’s trophies, the King Hussein Memorial Sword, in memory of the late HM King Hussein, patron of the International Air Tattoo from 1983-89. Awarded for the best overall flying demonstration, it was presented to the Croatian Air Force aerobatic team, the KrilaOluje (Wings of Storm). This was the first appearance of the KrilaOluje, flying six Pilatus PC-9M turboprop trainers, and of the Croatian Air Force at a British display. The award was bestowed for, in the words of the citation, “Precision aerobatics in challenging conditions incorporating novel manoeuvres”. Team leader Lt Col DamirBariši? said: “We are very happy to be among all these friends, all these people who share the same passion for ‘old-school’ flying in these days when everything is becoming unmanned and automatic. Of course it’s a big honour to receive such an award, especially on the first occasion we’ve been here.”

The Paul Bowen Trophy, presented in memory of the Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the best jet demonstration, went to Capitaine Jean-Guillaume Martinez for his French Air Force Rafale C display. The judges said that ‘Marty’, in his first season as the Rafale display pilot, had put on “consistently accurate, powerful and superbly executed solo jet demonstrations”. Handing over the award was Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff designate. “I’m really happy”, said ‘Marty’. “I really thank my team for the job they’ve done — it’s wonderful.”

The best individual flying display was adjudged to be that given by Capt Peter Fallén of the Swedish Air Force in the JAS 39C Gripen. He was presented with the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy by RAFCTE chairman and RAFCT Trustee Alan Smith for “a faultless, flowing and dynamic flying display”. “I’m so happy”, said Peter. “I didn’t expect it, because you try to do your best all the time.”

The recipient of the RAFCTE Trophy, presented for the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant, was the French Air Force Ramex Delta team comprising two Mirage 2000N nuclear strike aircraft. The citation said that they put on “a superbly co-ordinated and choreographed pairs tactical demonstration”. This was an emotional occasion for Ramex Delta, as RIAT was their final ever display — the team is being disbanded. One of the pilots, ‘Pierrot’, said afterwards: “We are very proud, because it was very special to attend this year’s RIAT. This was our last airshow ever, and it was a great deal of pleasure for us to fly today. For us — the pilots, the team, the squadron — it’s a special honour because this year is the 100th anniversary of our squadron, the ‘La Fayette’ squadron. It’s a good ending to the incredible experience that was Ramex Delta.”

The night was a double success for Ramex Delta, as the Mirage 2000N they displayed in, whichfeatured a special colour scheme to mark the ‘La Fayette’ squadron centenary, won the award for best livery as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT). It was presented by Tim Griffiths, Key Account Manager for Jeppesen.

Turning to the ‘home team’, the Steedman Display Sword is 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. The winner was BAE Systems test pilot Nat Makepeace for his routine in a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, displayed with a full underwing weapons load to represent the upcoming Phase 3 Enhancement configuration for the type. In the judges’ view, this was “a powerful demonstration of the capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon in representative operational swing-role fit.” In Nat’s absence, the trophy was collected by Sir Kevin.

The As The Crow Flies trophy for the best overall flying demonstration as judged by members of FRIATwas presented by RAFCTE Non Exec Director Jim Glover and presented to Major Dan ‘Rock’ Dickinson from the US Air Force Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. 2016 was the first time for six years that the F-22A had displayed at the Air Tattoo, and once again the thrust-vectoring air superiority fighter proved a stunning performer. In ‘Rock’s’ words, “First of all, we’re honoured to be here. There are so many professionals here, and to share the stage amongst all the great pilots and crews, not to mention all the people who put on this awesome airshow. It’s humbling, but at the same time we’re super-excited.”

A special presentation by Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong, his own RIAT CEO Award for an outstanding contribution to the show, went to all involved in the debut Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II deployment to Britain. This star attraction at RIAT 2016 involved F-35A models from the US Air Force and F-35Bs from the US Marine Corps and the United Kingdom, and was the subject of a great deal of planning by a host of individuals and organisations on both sides of the Atlantic. Andy Armstrong said: “It was an amazing display. They brought six jets, and it was an extraordinary amount of effort to bring them. We were so pleased to have them here.”

www.airtattoo.com

History was made both in the air and on the ground at this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

The airshow, which took .

A post on the Royal Family’sofficial Facebook page, said: “The Air Tattoo is a fantastic family-orientatedplace over three days (July 8-10), attracted a sell-out crowd of 153,000 people who enjoyed demonstrations by some of the world’s leading pilots.

Friday’s flying programme featured the first ever international display by Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning II, the world’s most advanced fighter jet and on the same day, the airshow hosted a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who attended with Prince George on his first ever public engagement event, and The Duke and Duchess knew that George would enjoy seeing the aircraft up close. Their Royal Highnesses took a closer look at an RAF Squirrel helicopter, which The Duke trained upon at RAF Shawbury in 2009, met Air Cadets and teams involved in the spectacular displays at the show, and even tried out an RAF Red Arrows Hawk for size.”

Other Royals attending the airshow were HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan.

More than 230 aircraft, from 37 air arms in 24 countries participated in the Air Tattoo which took place in warm, largely sunny weather. Among the manyhighlights were displays by the F-22 ‘Raptor’, a Polish MiG-29, an RAF Typhoon and Chinook, a French Rafale and the Turkish Air Force F-16 ‘Solo Turk’.

Flypasts included a unique formation of the Red Arrows, an F-35B and two RAF Typhoons giving a glimpse of the future of the UK’s defence capability. There were also some notable firsts and lasts, with the Croatian Air Force displaying for the first time in the UK with their display team Wings of Storm and the last ever display by the French Air Force ‘Ramex Delta’ Mirage 2000D duo.

Croatia became the 56^th nation to take part in the Air Tattoo since it was first staged in 1971.

Among the highlights on the ground was a march past by 750 air cadets to mark the Air Cadet Organisation’s 75^th anniversary. Taking the salute were the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Commandant Air Cadets Air Cdre Dawn McCafferty and Honorary Air Cadet Gp Capt Carol Vorderman.

There were 36 international military chiefs in attendance includingAir Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff;Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, the RAF Chief of the Air Staff (Designate); and new Chief of the US Air Force, General David Goldfein. Senior industry guests included the Chairman of BAE Systems, Sir Roger Carr; Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson and Airbus CEO Mr Allan McArtor.The UK’s Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt and the Minister for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne were also attended.

RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises’ Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “This year will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest ever Air Tattoos. That such a significant aircraft as the Lockheed Martin F-35B should make its international display debut at the Air Tattoo is testament to the incredible faith the military and the world’s leading aerospace companies have in our event.

“Our 2,000-plus volunteers and small team of permanent staff deserve a huge pat on the back for delivering such an outstanding event. The icing on the cake was the visit on Friday by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George.

“My thanks go to all our sponsors, in particular BAE Systems and all the participating air arms including the US Air Force, who allow us to stage the event at RAF Fairford and the Royal Air Force for all its support.

Once again, the Air Tattoo has performed an important defence diplomacy role not only in showcasing some of the world’s most exciting aircraft but also by offering the RAF a platform on which to demonstrate its current – and future – capabilities.

“I am particularly pleased that over the three-day airshow our parent charity, the RAF Charitable Trust was able to demonstrate the many ways it has touched people’s lives by providing support for RAF personnel and encouraging and inspiring young people.”

The show received a big thumbs’ up from the many visitors who attended.

Hannah Booth, from Birmingham said: “We’re having a great day! There’s a brilliant atmosphere here and so many amazing aircraft to see. I couldn’t believe how much is here and how big it is,” whilst Tom Newdock, from Cardiff said: “It was phenomenal to see the F-35 and, as always, a fantastic job by the Air Tattoo organisers. I can’t wait for next year!”

www.airtattoo.com