Heavy Movers Line Up For Air Day
Tuesday, June 14th, 2016Large transport aircraft from three different air arms will dominate the static display at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016. The United States Air Force’s vast C-17 Globemaster III, a German Air Force C-160D Transall and a Polish Air Force CASA C-295M, have all confirmed their attendance and will be open to the public to view.
Among the biggest types in NATO’s inventory, the Boeing C-17 is a strategic airlifter able to fit some 100 paratroopers inside its cargo hold. Air Day’s example hails from the USAF’s 315th Airlift Wing based in South Carolina. The Globemaster was opened up for public inspection at last year’s show – a move that proved incredibly popular. The aircraft deservedly won Air Day 2015’s best static display award and the aircrew were full of praise for the enthusiasm shown by Air Day visitors. Consequently, they made it their mission to return to Air Day this year.
The German Air Force’s C-160D Transall tactical transport aircraft are now nearing their career’s end, making UK airshow appearances from them an increasingly rare prospect. An example will be on static display alongside a German Air Force Tornado IDS swing-wing strike aircraft.
The CASA C-295M represents a more modern breed of transporter and Poland, operating 16 examples, has more C-295Ms in service than any other European nation. The one attending Air Day is the support aircraft for the Polish Air Force’s outstanding Orlik Aerobatic Team which is making its show debut.
Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.