As the list of exciting displays and attractions starts to build momentum, RAF Cosford Air Show will begin selling tickets from public outlets on Wednesday (March 6).

Ashley Claber-Aikman, from RAF Cosford Air Show (pictured left), handed over the tickets to Dianne James, manager of Midland Air Museum (Coventry), one of the many outlets that this week will begin selling tickets to the air show on Sunday, June 9.

The announcement follows confirmation that RAF Cosford has been nominated to feature within the 2013 display season for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. Last year more than 38,000 people attended the air show and organisers are anticipating another bumper turn-out at the West Midlands’ largest aviation event.

Event organisers have tried to make it as easy as possible for the public to purchase their tickets to the Midlands’ premier aviation event. As well as the Midlands Air Museum, tickets can be acquired from the RAF Museum at Cosford, Tourist Information Centres in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Solihull & Shrewsbury and selected branches of Midcounties Co-operative. Alternatively, people can choose to travel by rail and enjoy combined travel and admission when travelling with Arriva Trains Wales.

Air show tickets can also be purchased online at www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or by calling the 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083. Advance tickets are priced from £20, representing a 20 per cent discount on tickets bought on the day (£25). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to local and service charities.

The final flying participation has now been announced for The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September) and it is an amazing line-up!

Just confirmed is a flypast of United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles on both Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September.

On Sunday 9 September only, a pair of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the Royal Norwegian Air Force will fly alongside a pair of de Havilland Vampires from the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron.

This exciting combination has never been seen before in the UK. It brings together the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s first and most contemporary jet fighter aircraft.

Also from the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron is their newly-acquired Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, an American-built jet trainer aircraft, which will be flying on Saturday 8 September only.

The presence of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron at The Duxford Air Show commemorates the centenary of aviation in Norway, celebrated this year. It also acknowledges the long-standing historical connection between the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the Royal Air Force.

From New Zealand come two rare replica First World War aircraft, the Albatros DV.a, a German single-seat biplane that sustained aerial combat in the skies over France for longer than all of the more famous Fokker models combined; and the RE.8, a two-seater reconnaissance biplane.

Also representing the bold and brave innovation of the First World War era are replicas of the Fokker DR-1, the type of aircraft in which the Red Baron gained his last 19 victories, and a Nieuport 17, a French biplane fighter aircraft of the era.

The world-famous Red Arrows will perform on Sunday 9 September only, while the Aerostars will be performing stunning aerobatics on both days of The Duxford Air Show.

Flying on Saturday 8 September only is Avro Vulcan XH558, which previously flew at IWM Duxford in September 2008. Vulcan XH558 performs a majestic flying display in the 60th anniversary year of the Vulcan’s maiden flight and the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict, in which the Vulcan played a vital role.

XH558 was the first Vulcan B Mark 2 to be delivered to the RAF and the last Vulcan to leave RAF service after a sterling 33 years. It is now the oldest complete Vulcan in the world.

A pair of Tornado GR4s from15 (R) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth will make their debut appearance at IWM Duxford in the 30th anniversary year of the Tornado entering RAF service.

In scenes reminiscent of the Battle of Britain, five Spitfires, including a rare Mark I Spitfire, will fly in a tailchase formation with two Hispano Buchons, representing Messerschmitt Bf109 aircraft, and a Hawker Hurricane.

There’s more superb biplane action with the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish, the Antonov An-2, the largest single-engine biplane ever produced and still flying, and the de Havilland Dragon Rapide (flying on Sunday 9 September only).

Following its outstanding performance in striking Jubilee colours at The Jubilee Air Show, the Shorts Tucano fromthe Central Flying School Flight at RAF Linton-on-Ouse makes a welcome return at The Duxford Air Show on Saturday 8 September only.

Making only its second air show appearance is The Fighter Collection’s P-47 Thunderbolt Snafu which was a highlight of this year’s Flying Legends Air Show.

Even more exciting flying includes the BAe Hawk from208 (R) Squadron, RAF Valley; the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota; the Gnat Display TeamPair; B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B; Douglas C-47 Skytrain; Bucker Bu 131 Jungmann; Curtiss Hawk 75; Grumman F8F-2P Bearcat; Consolidated PBY Catalina (flying on Saturday 8 September only) and the North American T-28 Trojan.

This has to be one of the most exciting flying displays seen at IWM Duxford in recent years!

There are plenty of activities to enjoy across IWM Duxford and themuseumis open to explore throughout the day.

Living history groups will be bringing Second World War history to life, with RAF Ops 1939-45 recreating an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal position and giving visitors a glimpse of 1940s Bomber briefings in action.

The Military Equipment Collectors will be recreating the role of the RAF ground crew who kept Spitfires constantly at scramble readiness throughout the Battle of Britain and beyond. They will be displaying an RAF Mobile Mechanic Unit with early Second World War field equipment.

Colonel Richard Grahamwill be hosting his popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 Spyplane that he flew. Colonel Graham’s talks will take place at 10amand noon on both Saturday and Sunday.

Children of all ages can enjoymaking and painting an Airfix model in AirSpace between 10.30am and 4pm and can then take their model masterpiece home as a souvenir of The Duxford Air Show.

Duxford Aviation Society’s The British Airliner Collection will be open to explore, including the iconic Concorde. Duxford Radio Society will be presenting radio equipment displays between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

On both days between 10amand 2pm, touch, hold and find out more about RAF Bomber Command historic objects in Air Space next to the iconic Lancaster. Learn about United States Army Air Force historic objects in the American Air Museum from 10am to 2pm.

There is still time to purchase your tickets in advance to save 10% and get a free child ticket, which is available with every adult or senior ticket purchased.

This offer is on advance ticket purchases only; it cannot be used on the day of the event.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk or by calling the Box Office on 01223 499 353. The Box Office is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

There is no booking fee but a postage and packing fee applies per transaction.

Advance tickets will be available until:

5pm on Friday 24 August for overseas postal delivery
5pm on Wednesday 29 August for UK postal delivery

Today’s announcements from the Cosford Air Show taking place on Sunday 17 June have something to please enthusiasts and families alike.The latest thrill for those with a love of special aircraft is the unique opportunity to see one of the Cosford based Jaguar aircraft taxiing along the runway during the morning.

Although these iconic aircraft are no longer in active RAF service they are still used for ground training and the organisers have promised a close up view of some of them. As well as the live taxi several of the aircraft, including some with unusual paint schemes, will be on display with their ground equipment in the static aircraft park.

For those who prefer something more sedate there will be some fascinating flying by the RAF Large Model Aircraft Association. Their beautiful scale models cover aircraft old and new and with the right camera lens could almost be the real thing. The display will last for an hour and is scheduled to take place immediately before the main flying display.

Other highlights of the show include the fabulous Red Arrows and two Tornados performing a role demonstration accompanied by a pyrotechnic display, as well as an appearance by a P-51 Mustang which saw service with the famous Tuskegee airmen in World War II. This year’s Air Show image is of two Gnats which will star in the display and form part of the celebration of 100 years of the Central Flying School. On the ground the special line up of Central Flying School aircraft starts with the Tiger Moth and features training aircraft through the ages.

Other ground entertainment includes military bands, Field Gun displays, interactive exhibits from the Royal Air Force and of course the famous Sunday market and Craft Fair.

Full information on the show including details of all participating aircraft can be found on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

The IWM Duxford Autumn Air Show (Sunday 16 October) celebrates the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the iconic Tiger Moth with a superb display by the Tiger Nine Team, which will see nine Tiger Moths in close formation in the skies above Duxford.The Tiger Nine formation team was created in the summer of 2005 in response to a request for a flypast of nine Tiger Moths at the 25th de Havilland Moth Club  Rally at Woburn Abbey.

Having risen to the challenge, the newly-formed team went on to perform its full display routine for the next season.

A challenging aircraft to fly in a formation display, the Tiger Moth requires a mature discipline and expert flying skill, particularly when operating a large group of Tiger Moths simultaneously.

There is something quintessentially British about a group of men from a diverse range of backgrounds, including airline pilots, ex-RAF pilots, a farmer, a sales executive, a company director, an anaesthetist and an RAF Wing Commander, coming together for the camaraderie and fun of flying such a special aircraft.

The Tiger Nine team is the only team in the world to have nine Tiger Moths in close formation. Its crowd pleasing, spectacularly entertaining display will be a significant highlight of the Autumn Air Show 2011.

The Tiger Moth

The de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, designed by Geoffrey de Havilland, was first flown on 26 October 1931 by de Havilland Chief Test Pilot Hubert Broad.

The RAF ordered 35 dual-control Tiger Moth Is which had the company designation DH-82. A subsequent order was placed for 50 aircraft powered by the de Havilland Gipsy Major I engine which was the DH-82A or, to the RAF, Tiger Moth II.

The Tiger Moth entered service at the RAF Central Flying School in February 1932. From the outset, it proved to be an ideal trainer, simple and cheap to own and maintain. The Tiger Moth required a sure and steady hand to fly it well, enabling instructors to easily weed out inept student pilots. Whilst generally docile and forgiving in the normal flight phases encountered during initial training, when used for aerobatic and formation training, the Tiger Moth required definite skill and concentration to perform well. A botched manoeuvre could easily cause the aircraft to stall or spin.

Percival Leggett trained on Tiger Moths during the Second World War in Cambridgeshire:

“The Tiger Moth is easy to fly. No vicious tendencies at all. It’s very responsive to the controls.

Most people, I think, found landing rather tricky, because…it is quite a small aeroplane, with a very small  undercarriage. It is very close to the ground. And coming in to land one finds it difficult to decide just at  what point you should draw back the stick to land the aircraft. Most people tend to start easing off too high, with the result that either the aircraft stalls or they miss the airfield altogether.

But that apart it’s a good aeroplane – very reliable. We did have one engine failure from one of the pupils but he managed to force land it in a field. It’s a good aeroplane, and still flying today!”

By the start of the Second World War, the RAF had 500 Tiger Moths in service. During a British production run of over 7000 Tiger Moths, a total of 4005 Tiger Moth IIs were built during the war specifically for the RAF.

The Tiger Moth became the foremost primary trainer throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere and remained in service with the RAF until it was replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1952.

Post-war, large numbers of surplus Tiger Moths were made available for sale to flying clubs and private individuals. Inexpensive to operate, the aircraft took on new civilian roles including aerial advertising, air ambulance, aerobatic performer, crop duster and glider tug.

www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows

A year after its launch, Air Tattoo Event Services (ATES) will be showcasing its successes at The Showman’s Show in Newbury later this month. The air events arm of the Royal  Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises will take the  opportunity to highlight the range of events it has organised around the country during the past 12 months.

These include being awarded three-year contract to organise an annual airshow for the National Museum of Scotland, at East Fortune; a Spitfire flypast for a corporate training day at Ashorne Hill in Warwickshire; it provided a static Spitfire for Armed Forces Day in Littlehampton and also a Jet Provost display near Wolverhampton.

ATES Flying Display Director Norman Webster said: “This has been a great year for ATES. Since its launch it has provided a wide range of aircraft to a variety of events. The great success of the East Fortune Airshow this summer has probably been the highlight. Despite the current economic climate ATES is attracting interest around the UK from private clients to local councils looking to feature aircraft either on the ground or in the air as part of events they are organising. We have received excellent feedback from all of our clients and we look forward to working with them again in the future.”

Feedback received from organisers at Ashorne Hill said that booking a Spitfire flypast as a surprise ending to their annual conference was a “masterstroke” and “a truly amazing end to the day”. The organisers said: “The Spitfire pilot performed the most amazing aerobatic display to gasps and screams of delight as he twisted and turned. I can say that this was one of the most exciting events I’ve been involved with.”

A spokesman for Littlehampton Town Council, commenting on its Armed Forces Day event, said: “The Spitfire team provided by ATES was very professional and enthusiastic which helped make our event extra special. The response from visitors has been extremely positive. They really enjoyed getting up close to such a brilliant and immaculate aircraft.”

ATES offers a service providing aircraft and logistical support for a flying display, airshow, flypast or static exhibit. For further information please contact Air Ops Deputy Director Robert Windsor on 01285 713300 ext 5497 or Norman Webster on ext 5329. Email enquiries should be sent to norm.webster@rafcte.com. For further detail, visit www.airtattoo.com

Thousands of visitors flocked to The Duxford Air Show this weekend (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire.

In a thrilling flying programme, highlights included the only UK appearance by the F-15-E Strike Eagle in 2011, which produced a rip-roaring display which amazed the crowds. The popular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight presented a display with the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, while a Hispano HA-1112 Bouchon and Hawker Hurricane recreated the dog fights of the Battle of Britain.

The Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 pair displayed at Duxford for the first time, as did the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Aerial excitement was provided by aerobatic masters The Aerostars and the SWIP Twister Duo. Other highlights included the RAF Westland Sea King performing an Air Sea Rescue demonstration, an energetic display by the Apache helicopter and an elegant display by B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B. The grand flying finale was the poignant sight of seven Spitfires in the skies over Duxford, showcasing the technological development of the Spitfire aircraft. An appreciative silence fell throughout the audience when this finale display took place.

The Second World War was brought to life by living history groups who provided an authentic 1940s atmosphere. Ops 1939-45 recreated an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal point and reconstructed a Second World War Bomber briefing with which visitors participated. The Military Equipment Collectors recreated the role of RAF ground crew, while the March Re-enactors recreated a Home Guard checkpoint.

Colonel Richard Graham hosted his ever-popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 spyplane that he flew. There were many fun family activities across the museum, including the Parachute Regiment’s Airborne Forces Jump Tower.

In addition to providing a superb flying display, the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team were also mingling with and chatting to visitors.

Duxford Radio Society had displays of Second World War radio equipment where visitors could get hands-on and have a go at receiving and transmitting messages.

The Military History Hands On History Zone offered the chance to meet costumed interpreters acting the roles of wartime characters, and to hold and handle historic objects.

A fantastic weekend’s flying and fun activities on the ground ensured that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire was celebrated in unforgettable style!

The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, at the home of this iconic aircraft.A spectacular flying display includes the only UK appearance in 2011 of the United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a thrilling aircraft to watch in action and a true highlight of the flying programme.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this legendary fighter with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will display its Avro Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane while a Hispano HA-1112 Bouchon and Hawker Hurricane will recreate the dog fights of the Battle of Britain in the skies over this historic fighter base.

Never-seen-before displays at Duxford include the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 Pair and the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Aerial excitement will be provided by aerobatic masters The Aerostars, the largest civilian formation aerobatic team in the world. The SWIP Twister Duo performs graceful aerobatics in the Silence Twister which, with its elliptical wings, strongly resembles the Supermarine Spitfire. The SWIP Twister Duo is aerobatic experts Peter Wells and Guy Westgate.

The Piper Cub Truck Top Landing is a spectacle not to be missed! As a large truck drives down the runway, pilot Brendan O’Brien lines up a Piper Cub and lands it on the roof – a feat of skill and precision that amazes audiences.

The RedHawks Duo formation display team performs elegant glider displays to music, a gentle and graceful contrast to the more powerful aircraft displays.

Other highlights include the French Air Force Dassault/ Dornier Alpha Jet (Saturday only), Augusta Westland Apache AH Mk I, RAF Westland Sea King, Royal Navy Historic Flight Fairey Swordfish, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Curtiss P-40F Warhawk, Curtiss P-40B Warhawk, Hawk 75, North American Fennec T-28 (x2) and the Hawker Nimrod (x2).

On static display will be the Polish Air Force M-28 and Historic Aircraft Collection’s newly restored Hawker Fury Mk I, the only one of its kind in the world.

Fun is not just to be had in the air as there are plenty  of activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the day.

The Second World War will be brought to life by various re-enactment groups, who will be meeting and chatting to visitors across the Museum. Ops 1939-45 will be recreating an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal position and giving visitors a glimpse of 1940s Bomber briefings in action.

The Military Equipment Collectors will be recreating the role of the RAF ground crew who kept Spitfires constantly at scramble readiness throughout the Battle of Britain and beyond. They will be displaying an RAF Mobile Mechanic Unit with early Second World War field equipment.

The March Re-enactors will be recreating a Home Guard checkpoint, so have your identity cards at the ready!

Colonel Richard Graham will be hosting his ever-popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 Spyplane that he flew. In Land Warfare, visitors can meet and chat to veterans of the Burma Star campaign, who will be talking about their personal experiences of warfare.

There are lots of fun things for all the family to do together. At the Airfix Make and Paint Zone, visitors can make their own model aircraft, paint it in a range of colours and take it home as a souvenir of a fabulous air show day.

On the Hangar Base, there is Second World War paintballing, 1940s outfits for children to try on and mini-tank rides. The RAF Recruitment Team will also be on the Hangar Base, inviting visitors to climb aboard the replica Tornado model. For any daredevil visitors, the Parachute Regiment will be offering jumps from the Airborne Forces Jump Tower.

The Military History Hands on History Zone in Hanger 4: Battle of Britain offers the chance to meet a costumed interpreter acting the role of a wartime character and to hold and handle historic objects.

There is also the chance to learn more about historic objects in the American Air Museum.

Duxford Radio Society has displays of Second WorldWar radio equipment where visitors can get hands-on and have a go at transmitting and receiving messages.

Visitors can enhance their day by enjoying a tank ride, a flight in a classic 1930s aeroplane or a children’s fun ride.

With the Museum open as usual, this fun-packed day out will ensure that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire is celebrated in unforgettable style!

The IWM Duxford Air Show App 2011

Following the launch of the IWM Duxford Air Shows App at the Spring Air Show and some enthusiastic feedback from users, we have refined the Air Shows App for use at The Duxford Air Show.

The App will now run faster and more seamlessly, providing real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at The Duxford Air Show, as the aircraft display.

Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App also includes an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the 2011 air shows and where in the Museum you can find out more about them.

The App is currently FREE to download. It will be available for download prior to The Duxford Air Show and on the day itself – IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading.

This dynamic guide to The Duxford Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around.

For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows