Posts Tagged ‘Royal’

RAF TO FLY EPIC EIIR TRIBUTE AT AIR TATTOO

Monday, May 21st, 2012

The dramatic flypast of RAF Hawks that flew over Windsor Castle at the weekend as part of the Armed Forces’ tribute to HM The Queen will provide the centrepiece of the Royal International Air Tattoo’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer.

Visitors to the airshow on July 7-8 will be able to see a repeat of the EIIR flypast, comprising 27 BAE Systems’ Hawk fast jets from RAF Valley in Anglesey and RAF Leeming in Yorkshire.

Other Diamond Jubilee attractions will include specially-painted aircraft, a display of current and historic aircraft with ‘Royal’ connections and a Diamond Jubilee Lawn featuring a wide variety of themed attractions with a street party atmosphere.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said the Air Tattoo would provide the perfect complement to this summer’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He said: “Mass flypasts are only rarely staged because of the incredible amount of practice and planning involved. To have the opportunity to feature the EIIR element of the Armed Forces’ official tribute to the Queen at Fairford is not only a great honour but it will also provide a wonderful spectacle for our visitors.”
Also at the Air Tattoo will be a number of legendary aircraft also celebrating their 60th anniversaries, including the Vulcan bomber, the US Air Force B-52 and the Vampire T11.

This summer’s Air Tattoo will feature aircraft from around the world, including South Korea, Russia, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. The eight-hour flying programme includes the European debut of the United Arab Emirates’ Al Fursan display team, the Red Arrows and the unique MV-22 Osprey.

The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Tickets, priced from £39, are available from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

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Korean Eagles Prepare for Historic Display

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

History will be made at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer when the South Korean Black Eagles become the first fixed wing aerobatics display team from Asia to perform in Europe.The team, comprising eight T-50 ‘Golden Eagle’ supersonic light-trainer aircraft, will make their debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo on July 7-8.

Their visit is the culmination of more than 20 years’ planning by the airshow organisers, who first contacted the Republic of Korea’s London embassy in the mid-1980s.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Each year we would visit the embassy to build relations and explain the background to our event. Finally, in 2002, we had a breakthrough when the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) sent some of their pilots and senior military representatives to experience the airshow first hand – and they have been back most years ever since. It is a great honour for us to host their visit – and we’re pleased for the UK aircraft enthusiast community who will, I’m sure, be relishing the thought of seeing such rare visitors.”

In order to get the aircraft – 10 in total, including two spares – they will have to be dismantled in Asia and flown the 5,000 mile journey in a fleet of large transport aircraft before being reassembled in the UK.

The T-50 was developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in response to the increased demands on future trainer aircraft to keep up with higher-performance military fighters such as the Typhoon, the F-22 and the Joint Strike Fighter.

Classic Aircraft magazine editor Ben Dunnell said: “It’s no coincidence that the T-50’s manufacturer KAI should be so keen to put this very capable advanced jet trainer on display at the airshow, given the number of potential deals for such aircraft in discussion amongst the world’s air arms, many of whose chiefs now attend the Air Tattoo. With key competitors such as the BAE Systems Hawk and the Russian Yakovlev Yak-130 also due to participate, RIAT 2012 will be an important stage for jet trainer manufacturers.”

The Republic of Korea’s Defence Attaché in the UK, Captain Chong-Ho Choi, said he was delighted his country’s air force pilots could demonstrate their flying capabilities in Europe for the first time. He said: “The Black Eagles are extremely proud to be representing the Republic of Korea Air Force. Their aim will be to perform the best flying display possible not only for the People of the Republic of Korea but also for the rest of the world. It is privilege to be taking part in this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo and I hope everyone will enjoy our magnificent display.”

Red Arrows team leader, Squadron Leader Jim Turner, said: “On behalf of the Royal Air Force and the Red Arrows, I am delighted to welcome the South Korean Display Team, the Black Eagles both to the United Kingdom and the Royal International Air Tattoo. The opportunity to engage with other highly respected professional display teams is always an exciting opportunity and one we look forward to.”

 www.airtattoo.com

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Rare Jet set to be Tsar of the Show

Wednesday, April 4th, 2012

A state-of-the-art combat jet used to train Russian Air Force fighter pilots will give a rarely-seen demonstration of its light attack capabilities at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

The display will be the first time anyone outside of Russia has seen a display by the Yak-130 ‘Mitten’ in its light attack configuration with a full complement of weapons.

The Yak-130, which will come from the Irkut Corporation based in Moscow, is a two-seat, subsonic jet trainer/light attack aircraft. It entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2010. The aircraft can replicate the characteristics of the latest generation fighters and carries a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry.

The participation of the Yak-130 in July’s display cements the Air Tattoo’s reputation for showcasing aircraft from Russia, which began in 1992 when a Su-27P ‘Flanker’ 595 and Tu-134 appeared at Boscombe Down followed, in 1993, by two Mig-29s and the Tu-95MS ‘Bear’ at RAF Fairford.

The first of 55 Yak-130s ordered by the Russian Defence Ministry entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2010. RuAF Commander-in-Chief Col Gen Alexander Zelin announced in March that a new aerobatics team flying Yak-130s would be created by 2015.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “To have such a rare Russian aircraft display is quite a coup and simply adds to what is already shaping up to be quite a spectacular display. We know how much aircraft enthusiasts enjoy seeing Russian aircraft – and Russian-built aircraft – at Fairford and we work hard to achieve this. This year’s Air Tattoo already has an abundance of aviation riches but now it seems the whole world wants to be at Fairford this July!”

This year’s Air Tattoo will see organisers join with the RAF to stage special aerial tributes celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. For further details, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.


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RAF AIRPOWER ON SHOW AT AIR TATTOO

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

Two of the world’s most potent fast jets are among a stellar line-up of RAF aircraft joining celebrations marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

As well as displays by the RAF’s frontline fighting force, the Typhoon and the Tornado, visitors to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 7-8 will be able to see a range of training aircraft including the Tutor, Tucano and King Air as well as historic RAF warbirds such as the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.

Also taking part will be the legendary RAF Red Arrows, originally formed at RAF Fairford in 1965 who will be performing with seven rather than the usual nine Hawk jets in 2012.

There will be another special homecoming for the RAF’s solo Hawk display pilot Flt Lt Phil Bird who will be performing in his home town of Fairford. He said: “Becoming a fast jet pilot in the RAF was a life-long dream and the idea of displaying in front of the crowds at my home airshow is something I am incredibly excited about.”

It is also likely that the A400M, the new heavy transport aircraft that will supercede the C-130 Hercules in RAF service, will be put through its paces by its Airbus Military test pilot at the airshow.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said the level of RAF participation reflected the important role the Air Tattoo plays in enabling the Service to demonstrate to the public the capability of its aircraft and the professionalism of its men and women. He added: “We’re really looking forward to working with the Royal Air Force to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with an exciting aerial tribute that will live long in the memory.”

Other Air Tattoo highlights this year include displays by the Vulcan bomber, a US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey and the European debut of the Al Fursan aerobatics display team from the United Arab Emirates. Special Air Tattoo ‘Earlybird’ tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

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Rare Osprey to Swoop at Air Tattoo

Monday, March 12th, 2012

A unique-looking aircraft that is both a helicopter and an aeroplane will make a very rare appearance in the UK when it takes part in the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford this summer.

Having stolen the show at the Air Tattoo 2006 where it marked its UK flying display debut, the US Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey – the world’s first tilt-rotor aircraft – will be making a welcome return to Fairford on July 7-8.

A cross between a helicopter and a fixed-wing aeroplane, the Osprey’s rotor blades can tilt mid-air enabling it to take off vertically and then reconfigure to fly like an aeroplane. Not only does this allow it to reach speeds twice as fast as a helicopter but it also enables it to carry heavier payloads and fly at higher altitudes.

In 2007, the aircraft was deployed operationally for the first time, supporting routine cargo and troop movements in Iraq. Two years later, the aircraft performed its first offensive combat mission, Operation Cobra’s Anger, transporting US Marines and Afghan troops into Helmand Province to disrupt the Taliban’s communications and supply lines. In 2010, Ospreys performed their first humanitarian mission, operating in Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response following an earthquake in the country.

The US Marine Corps plans to send two MV-22Bs, one for the flying display and the other for the static park.

An Air Tattoo spokesman said few other modern aircraft have been so revolutionary in terms of their design and operational capability. He added: “In musical terms, adding the Osprey to the flying display is a bit like Glastonbury adding Jay-Z to the bill – it’s sassy, has lots of good moves and looks downright cool.”

This year’s Air Tattoo will see organisers join with the RAF to stage special aerial tributes celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Special Air Tattoo ‘Earlybird’ tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking.

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Knights Promise Historic Air Tattoo Visit

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Aviation history will be made this summer when a newly-formed Middle Eastern aerobatics display team makes its European debut at a UK airshow.

Al Fursan – The Knights – from the United Arab Emirates Air Force will display at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 7-8.

Featuring seven Alenia Aermacchi MB-339A Italian trainer aircraft, the team first performed at the Dubai Airshow in November to mark the UAE’s 40th anniversary. The fighter pilots were trained in formation flying by the Italian Air Force display team the Frecce Tricolori, who also fly the same aircraft.

Alan Peaford, Editor-in-Chief, Arabian Aerospace magazine said: “The Al Fursan team surprised everybody at the Dubai Airshow in November when it made its first appearance with an incredible performance. The team’s international debut at Bahrain stole the show.

“Coming to the UK for the Air Tattoo is a major step up for the team and really puts the UAE pilots in front of a world audience. I believe they will surprise people with their skills and professionalism. We have seen what the UAE has done to change world perception in football, golf and horseracing – I think they might be about to do the same in the world of display flying.”

The Al Fursan aircraft are painted predominantly in black and gold to represent the desert’s golden sands and the black oil which lies beneath it. Smoke generators produce red, green, white and black smoke to represent the colours of the national flag.

Al Fursan team leader Lt Col Nasser Ahmad said: “The Al Fursan pilots and their Director, Brigadier staff pilot Khaled Omar, are privileged to represent their country at the world’s largest military airshow. For us, the Air Tattoo offers an important opportunity to exchange ideas, build relations and share our experience with other military display teams. It will be an honour to perform our aerobatic display in the UK in July which we dedicate to our new British and European friends. Equally, the Al Fursan team will be very proud to paint the lovely British sky with the colours of the UAE flag.”

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, head of the RAF, said he was pleased to welcome his Arab partners. He said: “I am delighted that Al Fursan has agreed to perform at this summer’s Air Tattoo. This will be the team’s first display in Europe and I can think of no better place for the team to demonstrate their flying prowess than at one of the world’s largest military airshows.”

Al Fursan will join a number of other international aerobatic display teams at this summer’s Air Tattoo, including the Patrouille Suisse.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “During the past 46 years, the Red Arrows team has performed more than 4,300 displays, projecting both the professionalism and capability of the Royal Air Force around the globe.

That such a fledgling display team as Al Fursan, representing a comparatively young nation, should have the enthusiasm and confidence to make its European flying debut on such a significant stage speaks volumes. We are honoured to have been chosen by the UAE Air Force as the European airshow at which to demonstrate its military pilots’ close formation aerobatic skills.”

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Countries that have already confirmed they will be sending aircraft to the airshow include Brazil, Hungary, France, the US, Switzerland, Poland and Latvia.

Special Air Tattoo Earlybird tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking. www.airtattoo.com

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Aviation Jewel Set for Diamond Display

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Sixty years since it first took to the skies, the most iconic aircraft of the Cold War era will be at this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo for a double celebration as the airshow marks the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Named The Spirit of Great Britain, the delta-winged Vulcan XH558 is the only remaining airworthy Vulcan bomber. Not only will it take part in the flying display on July 7-8 but it will take centre stage in the airshow’s Cold War Zone, enabling people to see it close up on the ground.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Anyone who hasn’t seen the Vulcan display really ought to while they have the chance. Those who have seen it, return again and again to experience its power, grace and beauty. It conjures up similar emotions to those felt by people who saw Concorde display. There’s a palpable sense of awe in the crowd.

Dubbed ‘the people’s aircraft’, Vulcan XH558 is funded largely by public donations. Not only is she the last flying Vulcan but she is also the only remaining airworthy example of the RAF’s famous Cold War V-Force, the UK’s strategic nuclear strike force which comprised Victors, Valiants and Vulcans.

The Vulcan, which first flew on August 30, 1952, has a special relationship with the Royal Family as the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and Prince Michael of Kent have all piloted the aircraft.

Organisers of this summer’s Air Tattoo are working alongside the Royal Air Force to stage a number of special aerial tributes to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Countries that have already confirmed they will be sending aircraft to the airshow include Brazil, Hungary, France, the US, Switzerland, Poland and Latvia.

Special Air Tattoo Earlybird tickets, priced £34, are available until the end of March from airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All accompanied under-16s go free. Free parking. www.airtattoo.com

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Air Tattoo Debutant Takes Pole Position

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

A rare Russian-built helicopter never before seen in the UK is among the first aircraft to confirm participation in next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford.

The Polish Navy will be sending one of its Mi-14 ‘Haze’ helicopters, which are used in Anti-Submarine Warfare and Search and Rescue, to the Air Tattoo on July 7-8 along with a maritime and reconnaissance variant of the Soviet-made Antonov An-28.

Both Hungary and Latvia have also confirmed they will be sending Russian-built aircraft, the former sending an Antonov An-26 transport aeroplane and the latter an Mi-8 helicopter. This performs a search-and-rescue role as well as transporting troops and supporting Special Forces. Other aircraft from Brazil and France have also been confirmed for the Air Tattoo.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Russian-built aircraft are very popular among UK enthusiasts because of their rarity on these shores. To have one making its UK debut is a real coup and one the enthusiasts will look forward to seeing.

“With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics taking place in the UK next year, I think there’s a feeling that this is the place to be in 2012. Although it is still early for most international air arms to confirm their participation we are already hearing whispers from Asia that might see some extremely rare and exotic aircraft heading for Fairford next summer. It’s very exciting.”

Next summer’s Air Tattoo, which is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, will see the airshow join forces with the RAF to stage a special Diamond Jubilee celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen.

A limited number of special Super Earlybird tickets, priced £29, are available until January 4 by visiting www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All Air Tattoo tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.


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AIR TATTOO UNVEILS F-ACE OF AIRSHOW

Friday, December 9th, 2011

A FICTIONAL fast jet pilot named ‘Ace Mandala’ has been unveiled as the face of next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, organisers have announced.

Ace will feature prominently on billboards, in advertising and on poster sites around the UK in the run-up to next summer’s airshow on July 7-8.

Ace is the creation of renowned artist David Bent, who was inspired following a trip to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in 2007 at the invitation of the Red Arrows. The Red Arrows first saw David’s work on display at the Air Tattoo and shortly after his visit to Cyprus, the artist was invited to become the Reds’ artist in residence.

It was whilst photographing one of the display pilots in his Hawk jet that the idea for Ace came. David said: “Although Ace made his first appearance on the 2011 posters we hadn’t given him a name or an identity. I believe he symbolises all the skilled, adventurous and brave airmen who fly. We decided we’d develop him as a character so that he could become the face of the Air Tattoo. Ultimately, I hope Ace will be to the Air Tattoo what The Stig is to Top Gear.”

Air Tattoo Marketing Deputy Director Helen Webb said when she first saw David’s artwork she was immediately struck by his vivid use of colours and his ability to convey all the excitement aviation has to offer. She said: “We felt that if David could apply the same eye-catching techniques to creating a poster image for the Air Tattoo then it could have a big impact. In the past, members of the Red Arrows have said their journey to becoming a world-class pilot was first inspired by a visit to the Air Tattoo. By bringing ‘Ace Mandala’ to life, we hope to convey the sort of excitement and thrills that can spark the imagination of a future fast jet pilot.”

Next summer’s Air Tattoo on July 7-8 will see the airshow join forces with the Royal Air Force to stage a special Diamond Jubilee celebration in honour of Her Majesty The Queen. A limited number of special Super Earlybird tickets, priced £29, are available by visiting www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 107 1940. All tickets must be purchased in advance. All accompanied under-16s go free.

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RE-LIVE THRILLS OF GREATEST SHOW ABOVE EARTH

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

From the Vulcan to the Red Arrows, the Lancaster to the Typhoon, all the action from this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo flying display have been captured on an exciting new DVD released this week.

The official Air Tattoo 2011 DVD features displays by many of the world’s greatest aircraft as they perform on one of aviation’s greatest stages. Highlights include the USAF A-10, the, the Frecce Tricolori, Team Viper and the RAF’s Tornado GR4 Role Demo.

There is also the opportunity to see just why Maj Murat Keles, pilot of the Turkish Air Force F-16; Capt Michael Brocard, the French Air Force Rafale display pilot; and the crew of the Italian C-27J Spartan, took top honours at this summer’s Air Tattoo’s flying display awards. Stunning in-cockpit footage offers the viewer a pilot’s-eye-view of many of the displays as aircraft twist and turn above RAF Fairford to the delight of thousands of spectators.

Altogether, 219 aircraft, representing 27 air arms and 17 nations took part in RIAT 2011 and among those featured on the DVD are some of the ‘stars’ on static display including the rarely-seen Ukrainian Su-27 ‘Flanker’ and the debut appearance of the RAF’s future strategic tanker aircraft – the A330 ‘Voyager’.

With narration by one of the UK’s most respected aviation journalists and Air Tattoo commentator, Ben Dunnell, the official RIAT 2011 DVD provides an informed, entertaining and occasionally moving insight into the modern military mindset.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince said: “Even for the seasoned enthusiast, it can be hard to take in all the action the Air Tattoo has to offer. Our official DVD is an opportunity to fully appreciate the sheer power, agility and operational capabilities of many of the world’s greatest aircraft – both past and present.”

Sold in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, the official RIAT 2011 DVD is priced £16.95 and can be ordered online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0800 297 1940.

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