Royal International Air Tattoo – Page 20

AIR TATTOO ON FRIDAY? TAKE IT AS RED

Red Arrows 50 Display Seasons logo

People planning to attend next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo on July 12-13 are being invited to make an extra pit stop as part of the RAF’s official celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season.

Up to 10,000 special Pit Day tickets, priced £24, are being made available for Friday, July 11 offering exclusive access to the world famous aerobatic display team and their aircraft. The Red Arrows’ Pit Day will also enable visitors to watch aircraft arrivals and rehearsals in the morning and enjoy a four-hour flying display in the afternoon including the premier of a special Red Arrows’ formation flypast.

Other Pit Day benefits include access to Showground East Red Zone (10am to 6pm), the Red Arrows Village and Vintage Village, the BAE Systems’ Hawk and F-16 Anniversary Park plus close access to other international aerobatic teams and their aircraft – with more exciting themed activities to be announced.

The Red Arrows began life at RAF Fairford in 1964, performing their first display at Little Rissington in the Cotswolds a year later. Since then, they have performed more than 4,500 displays in 54 different countries.

Air Tattoo organisers are working closely with the Royal Air Force and other air armsto stage the UK’spremiereinternationally-flavoured aerial tribute to the world’s most famous aerobatic display team.

Spokesman Richard Arquati said: “If you love the Red Arrows then the Royal International Air Tattoo is the place to be next summer as we host the biggest birthday celebration for the team in the UK.”

As well as celebrating the Reds’ 50th display season, the Air Tattoo will be marking the 40th anniversary of two other aviation landmarks: the 40th anniversary of both the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the BAE Systems Hawk, the aircraft currently flown by the Red Arrows.

Tickets for next summer’s Air Tattoo go on sale from Wednesday (November 20) includingspecially-priced Super Earlybird admission tickets, Friday Red Arrows Pit Day ticketsplus a range of enclosure packages. Discounts of up to £10 per ticket are available until January 31, 2014. Visit www.airtattoo.com for details.

The Air Tattoo is the world’s largest military airshow and is held annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.

AIR TATTOO DVD OFFERS THRILLS AND MORE!

RIAT DVD

RE-LIVE all the thrills and excitement from one of this year’s greatest aviation events with the Royal International Air Tattoo’s official 2013 DVD featuring exclusive interviews, dramatic in-cockpit footage and a fascinating glimpse behind-the-scenes.

From fast jets and vintage warbirds to aerobatic display teams and role demos, the official Royal International Air Tattoo 2013 DVD is a must-buy for aviation fans of all ages.

Also included is footage of three memorable flypasts: the RAF Red Arrows alongside a giant British Airways’ Airbus A380; the Red Arrows with an Airbus Military A400M ‘Atlas’, plus a commemorative flypast by the BBMF Lancaster and an RAF Tornado GR4 from 617 Sqn, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the legendary Dambusters’ Raid.

Filmed in High Definition and featuring multiple camera angles, including on-board and on-wing footage, this year’s official DVD, produced by The Media Group, features the pick of the action from the world’s greatest airshow held at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

Around 130,000 people headed for RAF Fairford this summer and were entertained by more than 230 aircraft from 27 air arms representing 19 nations from as far afield as Brazil, Estonia and Jordan.

Among the many highlights were displays by the Polish Air Force MiG-29, Hungarian and Swedish Air Force Gripens, French Air Force Rafale, RAF Typhoon and the Italian Air Force C-27J Spartan. Warbird and vintage aircraft enthusiasts were rewarded with displays by Avro Vulcan XH558, Plane Sailing’s PBY-5A Catalina flying boat, Classic Air Force’s Gloster Meteor T7 and Red Bull’s B-25J Mitchell and Vought F4U-4 Corsair.

Special Under The Radar features turn the spotlight on Boeing Stearman pilot Tracey Curtis-Taylor, who is planning to recreate Mary Heath’s historic 1928 Cape Town to London flight and the teams behind Canberra XH134, Vulcan XH558 and RAF Live!

The DVD also includes interviews with a wide variety of participants, supporters and organisers including Air Tattoo co-founder Tim Prince, the Patrouille de France, the Red Arrows, the Flying Bulls and Air Tattoo Honorary Vice Patron Sir David Jason.

Also featured is a tanking demo flypast by an Italian Air Force KC767 and two typhoons plus a special Eurocopter UK emergency services demo illustrating the role helicopters play in bringing specialist equipment and people rapidly to a scene.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “This superb DVD not only captures all the action and excitement from this summer’s Air Tattoo but it also gives viewers a pilot’s-eye perspective of many of the incredible displays. There’s also the chance to meet pilots, organisers, volunteers and supporters who bring together this unique aviation event each year.”

Sold in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the official RIAT 2013 DVD is priced £16.95 and can be ordered online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 297 1940. A two-disc Collector’s Edition, featuring extended highlights as well as arrivals and departures, is also available, priced £24.95. Both are also available on Blu-Ray.

Air Tattoo Shines In The Sun

RIAT 2013 Frecce Tricolori

THE SHOW with something for everyone: that was the verdict after crowds at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds enjoyed a feast of flying and static displays, plus a range of new and exciting entertainment on the ground.

Following a hot build-up to the show, around 130,000 visitors enjoyed cooler conditions, and were rewarded with breath-taking aerobatic displays from a variety of aircraft, including fast jets, aerial refuellers, transport aircraft, helicopters plus classic warbirds. Two nations made their Air Tattoo debuts in the flying display, the Finnish Army NH90 helicopter and the Estonian Air Force L39 Albatros.

And there were two classic Air Tattoo set-pieces portraying the ‘Best of British’ when the RAF Red Arrows flew with the British Airways Airbus A380 yesterday (Saturday) and the Airbus Military A400M Atlas today (Sunday).

Around 230 aircraft from 19 countries were on display at the event, whilst 30 overseas Air Chiefs and 49 senior UK military representatives attended.

Celebrity guests included Carol Vorderman, Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden. Dignitaries included HRH The Duke of Kent, HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton. The new Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, was also present, along with Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Defence, and Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology.

Organisers were delighted to report that the mini-heatwave brought out the crowds, with the show sold-out on Saturday and Sunday.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “We have been blessed with excellent weather, and this Air Tattoo has been buzzing with happy people. Our aircraft participants from home and abroad have shared with us the magic and excellence of aviation; and together with our own Royal Air Force, the Air Tattoo team and its numerous supporters have been proud to stage RIAT 2013, in its 42nd year, in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.”

Show Producer Nigel Samuels said: “The new initiatives to upgrade the overall show experience have been a huge success, with the introduction of three Service Stations and new themed areas. The Vintage Village and the Adrenalin and Techno Zones have exceeded our wildest expectations and customers appear delighted with our Air Tattoo CREW volunteers.”

The Air Tattoo medical teams reported a very quiet time, with Chief Medical Officer Sqn Ldr Darren Ellison reporting that some 180 visitors were treated for minor injuries over the weekend. He said: “We were prepared for heat-related conditions but our contingency plans weren’t needed and those who did require treatment had only minor problems – five people were transferred to hospital but the rest were treated at the Air Tattoo Medical Centre and then discharged home.”

Senior Fire Officer Barry Scott said his team was exceptionally quiet, both during the preparation stage and throughout the airshow. He said: “Our concern was the tinder-dry state of the grass, but fortunately we’ve had no problems.”

And Traffic Manager Malcolm Bowdler said: “The country roads around Fairford inevitably lead to some delays, but this year the early opening of the car parks at 6am each day helped free up approach routes, Saturday’s exit phase went well and we’re not anticipating any problems today.”

From the pilots’ perspective, Capt Bill Ramsey, who flew the Avro Vulcan XH558 on Saturday, said: “Displaying at the Air Tattoo still ticks all the boxes for a display pilot. The show is so big and I really enjoyed it. The feedback we got afterwards was fantastic.”

First-time Air Tattoo visitor Chris Welsh, 56, from Cam, Gloucestershire, said: “It’s been a fantastic day out. The focus is on aircraft but it’s clear that a lot of effort has gone into making the airshow a great day out for all ages. I’ll definitely come again and I’ll recommend it to others.”

Her son Alex Mair, 32, from Hackney in London, said: “It’s been wonderful – when I walked through the gates it was like being a 15-year-old again, with my bedroom covered in aircraft posters. The displays were great – I didn’t realise you could do doughnuts in a plane – and I hope to be back.”

Delphine Ryan, 37, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, said: “It’s my first time here and I think there’s an incredible atmosphere: I’m really interested in the military aircraft and fighter jets.”

www.airtattoo.com

Airborne Angels Enact Air Tattoo Drama

Whether it’s the police, ambulance or fire and rescue, the speed and effectiveness of the UK’s airborne emergency servicesin responding to an incident can often be the difference between life and death.

Thanks to Eurocopter UK Ltd, their capability and professionalism will be demonstrated in vivid fashion when a dramatic rescue is enacted at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds on July 20-21.

From search, surveillance and crime detection to casualty evacuation and air ambulance airlift, the rotary wing aircraft element of the UK’s frontline response unitsare on 24-hour standby to provide vital support wherever it is needed.

In a recreation of an emergency scenario, the National Police Air Service, London Fire Brigade and Devon Air Ambulance,operating three Eurocopter helicopters, will demonstrate their capabilities to Air Tattoo spectators.

As the drama unfolds, a Police EC135 helicopter will overfly the scene to aid co-ordination whilst an EC145 with a fire service team on board will attend the incident along with an EC135 air ambulance.

The demonstration is part of the Air Tattoo’s Sky Guardian theme which will turn the spotlight on civil and military aircraft operators who play an important role safeguarding life, land and liberty around the globe.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “The demo will be a rare opportunity for the public to witness the airborne emergency services’ skill and bravery, often working in situations none of us would want to find ourselves in.

“We are grateful to Eurocopter, whose EC135 helicopter is the aircraft of choice for the UK Emergency Services, for offering us the opportunity to salute the role of these unsung heroes.”

Among the other highlights in the airshow’s seven-and-a-half hour flying programme will be displays by the Vulcan bomber, fast jets including the Typhoon, Gripen and Rafale; six aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows; the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight plus a number of unique joint flypasts.

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.

Tim Prince To Hand Over Air Tattoo Controls In 2014

After 42 years at the helm of the Royal International Air Tattoo, Chief Executive Tim Prince announced today (June 24) that the 2014 airshow will be his last.

As one of the airshow’s founding fathers, Mr Prince has helped build the event into what is widely considered to be the greatest airshow in the world.

He said he couldn’t go on forever and that it was time to stand down and entrust the Air Tattoo’s future to a fresh pair of hands.

Mr Prince said: “For the past 42 years, the Air Tattoo has been my life and I’ve loved every minute of it. During this time I have been fortunate enough to have met some incredible and inspirational people and have made many wonderful friends. It’s now time to pass on the baton.”

The Air Tattoo was first organised by a group of aircraft loving air traffickers at North Weald airfield in 1971.Driven by their passion for aviation, the Air Tattoo grew over the following three decades until, in 2003, Guinness World Records recognised it as the largest military airshow in the world.

The Air Tattoo continues to feature rare aircraft from countries that have never participated in British airshows before. In 2012, Japan, South Korea and Colombia were the latest names added to the list of 54 nations that have been represented at the airshow since the beginning.

Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) Alan Smith described Tim as a “fantastic” leader of the organisation who is greatly admired by the thousands of volunteers,employees,sponsors and customers who have always beenvery happy to follow his lead.

Mr Smith said: “The Trustees,the Directors and myself are hugely grateful to Tim for agreeing to remain with the company for the next 14 months (and two more Air Tattoos) to help both appoint and introduce his successor.

“Tim’s most important legacy will be that, along with Paul Bowen,he created the greatest airshow in the world and subsequently ensured,with the support of many others, its long term presence in the annual aviation calendar. As a result, thousands of people have benefitted from the millions of charity pounds raised.”

Details of the Chief Executive vacancy will be published after this summer’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. However, the RAFCTE Board of Directors wish to encourage prospective applicants, on their own initiative, to visit the airshow next month if they have not attended the event in recent years.

www.airtattoo.com

School Celebrates A Happy Birthday

Empire Test Pilots School RIAT

TEST pilots from the world-famous Empire Test Pilots’ School at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire touched down at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Tuesday, helping at the launch of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford, and the EPTS will be marking its 70th anniversary at the event. Pilots past and present flew in aboard an ETPS A109 helicopter to talk about how the school continues to play a role in shaping aviation history.

Flight Test Engineer Tutor Dave Widgington said: “This year will be our biggest presence yet at the Air Tattoo, and it’s a great opportunity to spread the word about what we do while celebrating our 70th anniversary. The aircraft we’re bringing to the show will include an RJ-100, a four-engined mini airliner, and we’re unique amongst the world’s training shows in operating one of these.”

Sarah Padley, from ETPS Sales and Marketing, added: “Our 70th year is something to celebrate, especially tieing in with the recent announcement that one of our graduates, Maj Tim Peake, will be going to the International Space Station as a European Space Agency astronaut. We hope members of the public will come to see us at the Air Tattoo and finds out what test pilots do, as they are the people that test every aircraft, from the airliner that takes you away on holiday to the fighters that protect our country.”

The school was established at Boscombe Down in 1943 and has trained military test pilots,
astronauts and flight test engineers to lead and deliver complex, collaborative experimental trials on all types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford when, alongside seven-and-a-half hours of display flying each day, the emphasis will be on entertainment for all the family plus an enhanced visitor experience.

Three new zones – the Techno Zone, the Adrenalin Zone and the Vintage Village – will offer attractions and activities; Service Stations will provide everything the customer wants, including shelter, catering, information, merchandise, free Wi-Fi, toilets, seating and cash points; and our Air Tattoo CREW will be on hand to provide information and ensure visitors have a great time.

Held in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, the Air Tattoo has raised over £2 million for the charity since it was formed in 2005: the money is used to give grants to promote the RAF, support its people past and present, and to encourage air-mindedness in young people.

http://www.airtattoo.com/

Supersonic Suzi Launches Air Tattoo

Suzi Perry

FORMULA One presenter Suzi Perry went supersonic on Tuesday, blasting her way into the launch heralding this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in one of the most awesome aircraft in the RAF’s current line-up.

Suzi made the trip from RAF Coningsby in a two-seater Typhoon T3, piloted by Wg Cdr Richard Wells, Officer Commanding 11 Sqn. And after a vertical ‘performance take-off’ and a 90-minute flight during which the aircraft went supersonic – travelling faster than the speed of sound – she touched down in a state of euphoria, helping create a ‘fast and furious’ atmosphere that reflects all the excitement and thrills planned for RIAT 2013.

She enthused: “I can’t remember a bigger adrenalin rush! I’ve flown with the RAF before but this journey was the ultimate. And to go supersonic – I just can’t get my head around watching all the instruments show how fast we were travelling, and it’ll probably take days for it to sink in.”

A flight in an RAF Typhoon is something experienced by very few civilians and Suzi was well aware of the privilege she’d just enjoyed. She added: “I’m delighted to be at the launch of the event as the Air Tattoo really is the world’s greatest airshow, and the work of the RAF Charitable Trust is vital. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the airshow, an event that’s summed up by the Typhoon – fast, furious and fabulous!”

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “It was wonderful to meet Suzi and hear her support what we do. Her presence and her enthusiasm was a great accolade for the volunteer team which makes our great airshow what it is.”

www.airtattoo.com

Air Tattoo is Full of Eastern Promise

Eastern European airpower will take centre stage in the Cotswolds this summer when two of the world’s most potent fighter aircraft take to the skies for one of the UK’s biggest outdoor events – the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Airshow organisers have just added a legendary Mikoyan MiG-29, from the Polish Air Force, and a SAAB JAS-39 Gripen from the Hungarian Air Force to the seven-and-a-half hour flying display programme, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21.

The Russian-built MiG-29 is a giant among modern-day combat jets, combining supreme power and agility with remarkable versatility. Developed in the mid-1970s, in response to a rapid stream of highly-capable new fighters emerging from the US and Europe, the MiG-29 made its first flight in 1977 and joined the then Soviet Air Force six years later. It has since been acquired by many other nations, several of them in Eastern Europe including Poland.

The MiG-29 can fly at approximately Mach 2.25, or almost 1,500 miles per hour, and it can operate at an altitude of over 59,000ft. The delta-winged JAS-39 Gripen is one of the world’s most advanced fighters having been designed to replace the SAAB 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force.

Both aircraft will line up against other fighters such as the Typhoon, Tornado and F-16 in the flying display which also features a wide range of large transporters, helicopters, historic warbirds such as the Vulcan and aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The Air Tattoo’s reputation has been built on attracting exciting aircraft from former Soviet Bloc countries. These countries, many of which are now our NATO allies,remain among the most eagerly anticipated and popular participants at our airshow.”

In July, the Air Tattoo will unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the visitor experience even more enjoyable. These include new Service Stations, featuring food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, merchandise outlets, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover. There will also be three new exciting themed areas called the Adrenalin Zone, Techno Zone and the Vintage Village.

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.All under-16s go free. Free parking.

Air Tattoo To Salute Dambusters

The 70th anniversary of one of the Second World War’s most audacious bombing missions will be commemorated by a special flypast at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

The announcement comes on the same day (May 16) in 1943that the RAF’s elite 617 Sqn took off from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshireand headed for Germany’s Ruhr dams for what was to become known as the legendary Dambusters Raid.

The attack was made memorable for using specially developed ‘bouncing bombs’, invented by aircraft designer Barnes Wallis. These were dropped from Lancaster bombers at low altitude and skipped along the surface of the water into the dams.

Whilst the mission to flood the heavily industrialised area of the Ruhr and destroy the dams’ hydro-electric power capability is now considered to have been only a partial success, the bravery and audacity of those involved assured its place in military aviation history.

Today (Thursday, May 16), to mark the anniversary, the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) Lancaster and two Tornado GR4s from 617 Sqnwill fly over Derwent Reservoirin Derbyshire and Eyebrook Reservoir in the East Midlands, both of which were used for low level flying practice by the original Dambusters crews.

At this summer’s Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 20-21, the BBMF Lancaster, one of only two in the world that are still airworthy, will once again fly alongside a specially painted,modern day Tornado GR4 from the legendary 617 ‘Dambusters’ Squadron.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “The Dambusters Raid was an incredible feat not only in terms of what it was aiming to achieve but also in the way in which it was looking to achieve it.

“The courage and skill of all those involved served as an inspiration to a nation ravaged by war and this courage and skill lives on in the men and women of today’s 617 Squadron who help provide vital protection to allied ground forces in Afghanistan.”

A second specially painted Tornado GR4 will be on display in the Air Tattoo’s static aircraft park offering visitors the opportunity to see it close up.

Air Tattoo Salutes Test Pilot School

The 70th anniversary of a world famous flying school that has trained some of the greatest test pilots in aviation history will be celebrated at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds.

QinetiQ and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will be marking the 70th anniversary of the Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) by showcasing some of its unique aircraft at this year’s Air Tattoo on July 20-21. On display will be an Avro RJ100, a new multi-engine airliner; an Agusta 109 helicopter, an Alpha Jet, and a unique fly-by-wire, variable stability ASTRA Hawk.

The School, at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, was established in 1943 after it was recognised that many pilots were losing their lives whilst testing the many new aircraft that were being introduced during World War Two.Since then, the school has trained military test pilots, astronauts and flight test engineers to lead and deliver complex, collaborative experimental trials on all types of fixed and rotary wing civil and military aircraft.

Former trainees include legendary test pilots Neville Duke, who set a world air speed record of 727.63mph in a Hawker Hunter reached at low level over Tangmere, Sussex in 1953 and Peter TwissOBE, who in 1956 flew the experimental Fairey Delta 2 along the Sussex coast and achieved a world air speed record of 1,132mph.

CdrMark Macleod RN, Commanding Officer at ETPS, said: “Having our aircraft on static display at the Air Tattoo, for the public to see close up, along with the chance to meet test pilots and engineers who have graduated from the School over the past 70 years and been involved in testing many of the aircraft on display at the Air Tattoo, is an excellent way to showcase the School’s expertise and longevity.”

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said that over the years, the cream of the Empire Test Pilots’ School had performed some of the most memorable flying displays seen at the airshow. He said: “By training some of the greatest test pilots in history, ETPS has played a crucial role in the development of aviation through the ages. We feel honoured to have been chosen to play a part in the School’s 70th anniversary celebrations.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All under-16s go free. Free parking.