UK Airshow News – Page 32

American Heavies Add Weight to Air Day

USAF Globemaster at Yeovilton Air Day

Royal Air Force aircraft past and present will be out in force at RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 7 July but here’s a taste of its future: the state-of-the-art Boeing P-8A Poseidon courtesy of the US Navy Maritime Patrol Squadron VP-10, currently on its maiden European deployment, will be on static display.

Making its RNAS Yeovilton debut, the US Navy Poseidon is a cutting-edge, long-range multi-mission maritime platform. Carrying torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and depth charges, its roles include anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, plus search and rescue and, whilst in RAF service, the protection of the UK’s submarines and aircraft carriers.

Also attending from the US Air Force is the huge Boeing C-17A Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston’s 315th Air Lift Wing. With its impressive combined 170,000-pound cargo capacity and short, makeshift runway use capability it can be tasked with tactical airlift, airdrops, troop transportation and medical evacuation. Its cargo hold will be opened-up to walk-through at Air Day – a fantastic opportunity to see this very impressive strategic transport aircraft up-close.

These two US military aircraft will be joining other heavyweights in the static park, most notably the massive KDC-10 Extender from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. To give an idea of the sheer size of this incredible aircraft, it can also carry 65 tons of cargo or a mixed 30 ton/165 passenger load! The KDC-10 can offload an astonishing 1,750 pounds of fuel a minute, ‘topping-up’ NATO combat aircraft to extend their operational reach.

Visitors will also be able to see the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-130J Hercules. An unusual UK airshow participant, it’s supporting the CF-18 Hornet Demo Team already confirmed for Air Day’s impressive flying display.

To book tickets and to see the full list of participating aircraft visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

French Air Force to present three display teams at the Duxford Air Festival for the first time

Rafale at Duxford Air Festival

For the second annual Duxford Air Festival, the French Air Force will bring three display teams to IWM Duxford for the very first time. They are the Patrouille de France aerobatic team (Sunday only), the French Air Force Dassault Rafale, a powerful and agile multi-role fighter aircraft used in combat over Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria; and the French Air Force Equipe de Voltige, a duo of Extra aircraft performing close formation, high precision aerobatic displays. In addition to the exhilarating flying displays, there will be activities for all the family at the Duxford Air Festival, including the Family Flight Challenge, featuring Richard Meredith-Hardy, the first person to fly over Mount Everest in a microlight.

Additional flying highlights in this year’s Duxford Air Festival include: The Royal Air Force Chinook display team (Saturday only); the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, the world’s only aerobatic formation wing-walking team; the Great War Display Team with flak, bombing and strafing effects; the Global Stars team of British aerobatic champions; the Tiger Nine formation team of nine 1930s Tiger Moth biplanes; the extraordinary post-Second World War Swiss Air Force C-3605 ‘Schlepp’; B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, the only flying B-17 in Europe; IWM’s rare Mark I Spitfire and a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, in authentic D-Day markings, which appeared in the seminal TV series Band of Brothers (see Notes to Editors for full flying display list).

Taking place across the museum, the Family Flight Challenge will feature a host of captivating activities. In the Trailblazers Zone, in the Battle of Britain exhibition, Channel 4’s Arthur Williams will be in conversation with some of the finest adventurers and trailblazers from the world of aviation. Arthur has presented and written a number of leading documentaries on military history, travel and aviation, as well as Paralympic Sport. Arthur will be in conversation with Brian Jones who, along with Bertrand Piccard, co-piloted the first successful uninterrupted circumnavigation of the world onboard the balloon Breitling Orbiter 3; Ademilola Odujinrin, the first British African pilot in history to fly solo around the world and Richard Meredith-Hardy, a British extreme microlight pilot, who was twice World Microlight Champion and is also the first person to fly over Mount Everest in a microlight.

In the American Air Museum, visitors can try their hand at building a large-scale model of a Boeing B-29 Superfortress. Visitors can also get up close to a Chipmunk aircraft and a Pitts aircraft, experience an interactive 1950s RAF mobile control tower and meet members of the Dawn Patrol living history group, who will be portraying aviators of the Great War period.

Entry to IWM Duxford is included in the ticket price for all air shows. Visitors can get up close to the aircraft that have revolutionised flight, including the futuristic Blackbird spyplane, which performed top secret operations for almost 30 years and the B-52 Stratofortress, which stretches the length of the American Air Museum. Iconic aircraft, including the Spitfire, Concorde and the contemporary Tornado, are on display across the museum.

Tickets for all air shows must be booked in advance; no on the day tickets are available. A fantastic Early Bird offer is available until Sunday 13 May.

www.iwm.org.uk

Red Arrows to Headline Centenary Celebrations at RAF Cosford

Red Arrows at Cosford

On Sunday 10th June, RAF Cosford will host the most spectacular and interactive Air Show tribute to the Royal Air Force’s centenary, and today organisers released more details on aircraft scheduled to attend, including the spectacular RAF Red Arrows.

The event, with an expected attendance of 60,000 visitors, is proving more popular than ever due to the unique RAF100 commemorations planned. Organisers are urging those who wish to attend to purchase their tickets soon as they are already selling at an unprecedented rate. Almost all private enclosure and hospitality options are already sold out with only a few seats left.

Today it was confirmed that all of the Royal Air Force’s display assets would be performing in the action packed six-hour flying display, including the world famous Red Arrows display team with their nine Hawk jets. The RAF Falcons Parachute Display will be dropping in, carrying the RAF100 Baton, and modern aircraft such as the Typhoon, Chinook & Tutor would also be performing thrilling solo displays.

In the Royal Air Force’s centenary year the mission of the Air Show is to Commemorate the past achievements of the Royal Air Force, Celebrate the RAF of today and Inspire generations about opportunities in the future. As part of the commemorative element of the RAF Cosford Air Show, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be flying their Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster & Dakota to honour those who served in WWII. An assortment of other historic aircraft from throughout the Royal Air Force’s history will also be on display at the event, with more to be added over the coming weeks.

On the ground, entertainment will include a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the 100 years of the RAF story told through a static line up of 100 aircraft. Four themed villages and two Science Technology Engineering and Maths hangars will take that story even further with interactive displays and fascinating fun for all ages.

Station Commander RAF Cosford, Group Captain Tone Baker, said “We are delighted to be hosting our biggest and best ever Air Show this summer. 2018 is a special year as we mark RAF100 but also RAF Cosford itself celebrates its 80th birthday, and there is no better way for the public to get involved than coming along to the Air Show and see behind the scenes of an active Royal Air Force station.”

Air Show Tickets, priced at £29.00 per adult, are now sale in a number of outlets across the region including a variety of Tourist Information Centres and Theatres. They are also available directly from the Air Show website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Accompanied under-16s enter the Air Show for free, making the event an excellent family day out and great value for money.

Red Arrows Headline RAF100 Tribute at Air Day

Red Arrows by Paul Johnson

Smoke on! The world-class Red Arrows will lead the Royal Air Force’s centenary involvement at this year’s RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 7 July. The RAF has had the Red Arrows as its official aerobatic team for over half its lifespan. Flying their nine red-painted BAe Hawk T1 jet trainers, 2018’s Red Arrows are led by a new ‘Red 1’, Squadron Leader Martin Pert. The team’s all-action routine is sure to be an Air Day highlight once more, peaking with the Synchro Pair’s breath-taking crossing manoeuvres.

Joining the RAF convoy are a pair of Supermarine Spitfires, from the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at RAF Coningsby. A landmark RAF type, the immortal Spitfire is among the most famous of WW2 fighters. Also inbound is Dakota III ZA947: the flight’s example of US manufacturer Douglas’ ubiquitous twin-engine transport aircraft. In its No. 233 Squadron D-Day markings, the BBMF Dakota adds further RAF100 flavour to the show.

Bring the noise! The Typhoon FGR4 will be showcasing the sharp end of the RAF. A true multirole combat aircraft, the Typhoon’s taskings include UK QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) duties, air-to-air combat, air policing and peace support. Demonstrating the type’s outstanding performance capability will be Flight Lieutenant Jim Peterson, this year’s RAF Typhoon Display Team pilot.

The uniquely airworthy Bristol Sycamore will also be delivering some RAF100 zest to the show. Entering RAF service ahead of all other British-designed helicopters, the Sycamore was a real rotary pioneer. It was first flown in July 1947, barely two years after the end of WW2. Less than a dozen Sycamores now remain and this one, as the world’s only flyer, brings distinction and rarity to Air Day.

Further RAF100 related aircraft participation will be announced in due course. To book tickets and to see the full list of participating aircraft visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

IWM Duxford announces 2018 air show season with fabulous flying and commemoration of the RAF Centenary

Duxford

IWM Duxford will present a festival of flying for all the family in 2018, with children under 16 going free to IWM air shows.* Tickets are now on sale, with a fantastic Early Bird offer for all air shows.

Tickets booked for either the Duxford Air Festival or the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show before 23.59 on Thursday 8 February will automatically be entered into a prize draw to have a chance of winning a once-in-a-lifetime Spitfire flight with IWM Duxford’s pleasure flight partner Classic Wings.

Tickets for all air shows must be booked in advance; no on the day tickets are available.

IWM Duxford’s 2018 air show season commences with the Duxford Air Festival (May Bank Holiday weekend Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May) offering a thrill-packed weekend. The Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July) is a feast of nostalgia while the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show (Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September) is an official partner for the Royal Air Force centenary, celebrating its famous aircraft, past and present.

The Duxford Air Festival will be a feast of action-packed flying full of speed, noise, power and thrills. Confirmed aircraft include the Tiger Nine formation team of nine 1930s Tiger Moth biplanes and the AeroSuperBatics WingWalkers, the world’s only aerobatic formation wing-walking team.

Across the museum, visitors can enjoy a wide range of events and activities. The Family Flight Challenge shows that it takes more than a pilot to make an aircraft fly: from scientists and engineers to designers and mechanics. You might find yourself leaping into the air, slipping-on goggles, meeting our real inventors and adventurers or working in a team to make something fly. In our ‘Meet the Authors’ marquee writers will discuss their current books and take questions from the audience.

The Flying Legends Air Show is organised and produced by The Fighter Collection. This world-famous air show combines flying displays of remarkable historic aircraft with engaging nostalgic activities to create an authentic 1940s atmosphere at IWM Duxford’s wartime airfield.

Rare aircraft travel across the globe to take part in the Flying Legends Air Show, performing exceptional aerial spectacles. At Flying Legends 2018 the Flying Bulls will present a five-ship formation for the first time in the UK, featuring two Alpha Jets, a B-25J Mitchell, Goodyear Corsair and P-38 Lightning. The world-renowned balbo, a massed-formation flying display, provides a remarkable finale to the air show.

In 2018, there will be two vintage villages at the Flying Legends Air Show, offering a wide range of nostalgic entertainment.

The Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show brings to life Duxford’s finest hour as an important Second World War fighter station defending Great Britain from aerial attack in 1940. The roar of Spitfires and Hurricanes over Duxford’s historic airfield make this a hugely engaging historic experience and a great British day out for 2018.

The Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show is an official partner of RAF 100, commemorating the centenary ofthe formation of the Royal Air Force. The flying display will showcase not only the famous historic aircraft of the RAF but will also present its modern capabilities with contemporary aircraft in service today.

Entry to the award-winning IWM Duxford is included in the ticket price for all air shows. Visitors can get up close to the aircraft that have revolutionised flight, including the futuristic Blackbird spyplane, which performed top secret operations for almost 30 years and the B-52 Stratofortress, which stretches the length of the American Air Museum. Iconic aircraft, including the Spitfire, Concorde and the contemporary Eurofighter Typhoon, are on display across the museum.

www.iwm.org.uk

Beasts From the East: Polish Jet Added to Air Show Line-Up

Polish Fulcrum

The RAF Cosford Air Show announced the exciting news that a rare MiG-29 Fulcrum will be performing in the flying display on Sunday 10th June. This is one of many international flying displays expected at the event to celebrate the Royal Air Force’s centenary.

The MiG-29 Fulcrum is a twin-engine jet fighter, designed by the Soviet Union, that has been in service with the Polish Air Force since 1989. The type, originally designed as an air superiority fighter, is now a truly multirole platform. Poland is NATO’s largest operator of the MiG-29 and it has carried out a number of key NATO commitments in recent years such as Baltic Air Policing.

The participation of the Polish Air Force at this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show is particularly poignant with the Royal Air Force celebrating their 100th anniversary year. The display allows a joint commemoration of the large number of Polish pilots who gave their lives in the Battle of Britain and celebration of their contribution to the security of our skies in the Second World War. A special flypast to honour the Polish Pilots who flew in the RAF during WWII is planned for Sunday 10th June.

Air Show Operations Manager, Peter Reoch, said, “We’re excited and honoured to be welcoming the Polish Air Force to the RAF Cosford Air Show this year as part of our RAF100 celebrations. I’m sure their display of the iconic Fulcrum will be a highlight of the six-hour flying display.”

The Polish Navy will also be represented at the Air Show, with an An-28 Bryza, used for Maritime patrol and reconnaissance, which will be on static display.

Visitors are encouraged to buy their Air Show tickets soon, at the discounted price of £25.00 per person, which are available from the Air Show website. From Tuesday 17th April tickets will be priced £29.00.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Shuttleworth Spitfire Fires into Life

AR501

The Shuttleworth Collection’s Spitfire AR501 soared successfully into the skies for its maiden flight, following a full restoration project, at 15.47 on Tuesday 20 March 2018, in the hands of experienced warbird pilot Stu Goldspink. The pilot reported that the aircraft is handling beautifully and all systems functioning correctly with just a couple of minor adjustments required. A second, longer, test flight was carried out the next morning confirming the aircraft is behaving well. The flight test programme will continue over the next few weeks.

This Spitfire is an original aircraft that saw active service in the Second World War and is wearing the livery of No 310 (Czech) Squadron, where it served in operations in 1942-1943. Sporting its original ‘clipped’ wing tips that gave Spitfires a better roll rate rather than the standard elliptical tips most are familiar with.

The painstaking restoration which took over 10years to complete by the Collection’s full-time engineering team and skilled volunteers, involved completely dismantling the airframe into its smallest components to inspect and refurbish all the parts. The project included the complete overhaul of the 1,440hp Rolls Royce Merlin V12 engine, also carried out ‘in house’, and a new propeller and spinner.

Chief Engineer Jean-Michel Munn said, “This is a very original aircraft, and one that served in combat during the Second World War. It’s a privilege for The Collection to be able to return it to airworthy status and have it back flying for visitors to experience the sight and sound of this iconic type.”

AR501 is intending to display for the first time since restoration at The Collection’s Season Premiere & RAF 100 airshow on Sunday 6 May Stu Goldspink will be giving the pilot chat with the aircraft at 11.00 before the air display begins at 14.00. Veterans over 85 have free entry to this show. For more details see www.shuttleworth.org/premiere

The Shuttleworth Collection is based at Old Warden aerodrome is just off the A1 at Biggleswade, postcode SG18 9EP.

AR501 can also be seen onscreen (static) in the RAF at 100 with Ewan and Colin McGregor on BBC One, screening Sunday 25 March at 20.30!

A Legendary Warbird, An aerobatic icon, a scale model and Norfolk’s Best Ice Cream

Extra Duo by G Force Aerobatics

A P-51 Mustang fighter from WWII will once again grace the skies over Old Buckenham this summer and it’ll be joined by the most innovative modern display act; where a carbon fibre aircraft is chased around the sky by a 41% scale model. Both display acts will appear twice over the weekend of the 28 & 29 July 2018 at the Old Buckenham Airshow.

WWII icons are no stranger to Old Buckenham; adding to an enviable list which already includes a Flying Fortress, the most famous Spitfire in existence and a Douglas DC3, the weekend will also feature the P-51 Mustang, arguably the only fighter aircraft to be held in the same regard as the Spitfire. The P-51 which will display on both Airshow days is called ‘the Shark’ due to the highly distinctive shark’s mouth design on the nose of the aircraft, part of an extremely rare RAF marking scheme.

Contemporary aviation is also well represented thanks to the return, by overwhelming demand, of Chris Burkett and Mike Williams. Chris, an aerobatic master, will fly his cutting edge carbon fibre Extra aircraft through one of the most demanding sequences of aerobatic manoeuvres imaginable. This alone is a remarkable sight, made all the more extraordinary by the fact that he’ll be chased around the sky by Mike piloting a 41% remote controlled scale model of the ‘real’ aircraft. Voted as the ‘Airshow moment of the year’ when first performed, both days will see the duo complete a truly unmissable airborne feat, guaranteed to be the talk of the Airshow crowd once again.

In another first, the Airshow will allow a few lucky budding aviators to start their flying career; aboard another WWII icon. We’ll be joined by a T6 Texan, known better in the UK as the Harvard; a WWII fighter trainer. Those lucky enough to climb aboard will not be going for a ride; they’ll actually be taking part in a first flyingn lesson, where they’ll take control of the iconic aircraft, all under the steady hand and guidance of a highly experienced warbird pilot and instructor.

Finally, the Airshow is improving its family friendly credentials even more. In 2015 we successfully took on the Ice Cream Van Cartel by offering quality Ice Cream at a wallet friendly price. This has proved a huge success over the last two years and we’re delighted to announce that we’re working with Dann’s Ice Cream to offer the very best quality ice cream, all made on their Norfolk farm using milk from a pedigree herd. Despite offering a truly luxury ice cream; the prices will still remain as affordable as ever and maintain our victory over rip-off prices.

Matt Wilkins – Airshow Event Organiser “ We’re rapidly running out of WWII icons to display at this year’s Airshow. The addition of P51 Mustang ensures that we’ve got the two most inspirational fighters of the war joining the legendary Sally B, B17 Flying Fortress and a DC3; a lineup beyond the wildest dreams of most Airshows. The Extra and the Model’s return ensures that everyone can be astonished and find out that the hype is well and truly justified. Add to that our new found ability to offer Norfolk’s best Ice Cream courtesy of Dann’s and this is shaping up to be the best Airshow yet”

www.oldbuck.com

Thunder Inbound! More Fast Jets Added To Air Day Line Up

Helenic F16 'Zeus' by Paul Fiddian

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day’s latest addition is a show first. Making its Air Day debut, we’re hugely excited to announce the Hellenic Air Force F-16 Demo Team ‘Zeus’ will participate in the flying display on Saturday 7 July.

Flying the state-of-the-art F-16C Block 52+, the team is named after the ancient Greek sky and thunder god. Established in late 2009, the demo team has made just two previous UK visits. Its stunningly-painted F-16 performs a striking solo display, flown this year by Major Loukas Theocharopoulos.

Further contributions come from the Czech Air Force with their JAS 39C Gripen solo display. Its display at last year’s Air Day was rewarded with the ‘Best Fixed Wing Display’ award (joint winners with the French Navy Rafale pair). At the controls will be Captain Ivo Kardoš, whose electric routine underlines this very dynamic aircraft’s superb manoeuverability. First flown in 1988 – 30 years ago – the Saab Gripen is a dashing lightweight multirole fighter that equips the Czech Air Force’s 211th Tactical Squadron, based at ?áslav.

Alongside the Gripen, the Czech Air Force will also provide its solo Aero L-159 ALCA (Advanced Light Combat Aircraft). Unique on the European airshow scene – the type equips no other NATO air arm – the ALCA’s energetic display combines agility, speed and grace to outstanding effect. A highly successful jet trainer – the multirole-capable L-159 from the 212th Tactical Squadron is tasked with advanced training, ground troop support, air combat and reconnaissance.

The Greek and Czech aircraft join already-confirmed Austrian, Canadian, French and Lithuanian assets, at an increasingly-international Air Day, with more additions yet to be confirmed. Discounted advance tickets can be booked at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Rare WWII Fighters Added To Air Show Line-Up

RAF Cosford Spitfire - photo by Darren Harbar

Iconic Second War World fighter aircraft, including Spitfires & Hurricanes, are the latest aircraft added to amazing list of attractions for this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show.

Visitors to the event on Sunday 10th June, which celebrates 100 years since the formation of the Royal Air Force, will bear witness to incredible aerial displays from an unparalleled assortment of historic aircraft. Today organisers announced that a rare ‘Mark 1a’ version of the Supermarine Spitfire would be performing in the flying display, a first for the RAF Cosford Air Show.

This particular Spitfire, known by its registration N3200, fought during the Battle of France in 1940. It was tasked to provide air support for the evacuation of Dunkirk, protecting the British forces below. During combat with German fighters, N3200 was hit by a German aircraft and forced to land on the beach at Sangatte, and the pilot taken as a prisoner of war. The Spitfire remained on the beach, slowly buried in the sand, and remained there until 1986. The airframe was returned to the UK in 2000 and after a lengthy restoration flew again in 2014. Spitfire N3200 recently starred in Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film ‘Dunkirk’ thus repeating the true history of this aircraft.

The Spitfire will perform an evocative display in the skies above Shropshire, as part of the thrilling six-hour flying display planned for the show. Air Show Director, Clive Elliott, said, “To celebrate RAF100 we’ve got a huge assortment of ex-RAF warbirds coming to the Air Show, of which Spitfire N3200 is the latest exciting attraction. This selection of aircraft, in the air and on the ground, has never been seen together before, and will never be seen again, making the RAF Cosford Air Show 2018 an unmissable and unique event!“

As well as the flying displays, an assortment of vintage aircraft will be flying in to RAF Cosford to bolster the RAF100 static exhibition at the Air Show. Today it was confirmed that a genuine Battle of Britain veteran Hawker Hurricane would be present, surrounded by WWII re-enactors and period vehicles, to recreate a historic scene from a Battle of Britain fighter airfield. Other vintage aircraft recently added to the ground displays include WWII training aircraft such as the Tiger Moth & Harvard.