UK Airshow News – Page 33

More Aviation Icons for the Old Buckenham Airshow – now even more family friendly

Dakota at Old Buckenham Airshow

Old Buckenham Airfield is delighted to confirm that its annual Airshow will add another icon of Aviation to Norfolk’s skies this summer on the 28th and 29th July. For the first time the Airshow will feature an airliner; in this instance arguably the most influential in history, the amazing Douglas DC3. At the same time, the Airshow, winner of the 2016 EDP Hoseasons “Family Event of the Year” is unveiling a new Family Centre at the Airshow, offering a range of family facilities rarely found at an outdoor event.

Very occasionally mankind gets something so right at the first attempt that it really can’t be improved upon. Aviation has one such example; after 81 years the Douglas DC3 is still in active commercial service every day, no small feat for an aircraft which many people regard as the basis of the airline industry.

Capable of landing on just about anything (including, with modifications, water and ice) the DC3 is one of only three airliners capable of landing at Old Buckenham, where it will do just that over the Airshow weekend, as well as flying a display each afternoon. Significantly, this year’s Airshow will be the first occasion in more than 70 years where a DC3 will land at Old Buckenham; the last arrived during WWII, carrying on a mission typical for the aircraft; evacuating wartime casualties from Normandy to nearby Wymondham Hospital.

The DC3 will take its rightful place amongst a host of other icons already confirmed, including the extraordinary B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B and Supermarine Spitfire Mk. 9, MH434; for many the most famous single engine aircraft in existence.

On the ground, the Airshow will build on its credentials as one of the regions favourite family events. The event’s new Family Centre will offer a range of facilities to help families have the best possible day out. The new Centre will feature Nappy Changing and Breast Feeding areas, among other services. This facility adds to a host of factors which were central to the Airshow being awarded the coveted EDPHoseasons Tourism Awards “Family Event of the Year” in 2016. The Airshow continues to offer free admission for the under 12’s, over an acre of funfair, gourmet food village and quality ice cream without rip off prices; all essential in ensuring that families have a great, yet affordable day out.

Matt Wilkins, Airshow Organiser, said “Every minute of every day for 81 years a DC3 has been airborne and working somewhere in the World, usually saving lives and always performing a mission that no other aircraft is capable of. We’re delighted that, after more than 70 years, Old Buckenham will once again play host to a true giant of the skies; which will be with us on the ground and in the air all weekend. Our main mission is to introduce future generations to the world of aviation and the Airshow’s latest innovations in the form of the Family Centre will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the weekend.

Tickets for the Old Buckenham Airshow are available online at oldbuckenhamairshow.com and are selling at a faster rate than in 2017, which set new records for advanced tickets sales; resulting in a sell-out crowd.

www.oldbuck.com

Historic Helicopters Added to Air Show Line-Up

Flying Bulls Sycamore

With the Air Show now less than six months away, today the organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show announced an assortment of ex-Royal Air Force helicopters which will be on display for the spectacular RAF Centenary Air Show on Sunday 10th June.

One of the highlights of the flying display for aviation enthusiasts will be the world’s only flying Bristol 171 Sycamore, making its first appearance at a UK flying display since it’s impressive restoration to airworthy condition by the Flying Bulls, based in Austria. The Sycamore was the first British designed helicopter to enter production and served with the Royal Air Force between 1953–1972 in a number of roles including VIP transportation.

Other ex-RAF helicopters appearing in the flying display will include the yellow Westland Whirlwind, performing a search and rescue display, and the Gazelle Squadron, who will perform a synchronised aerial ballet in their two Westland Gazelle helicopters. On the ground, a number of helicopters which were used by the Royal Air Force for Search and Rescue duties will be parked together as part of the unique RAF100 static exhibition including a Sea King, Wessex & Whirlwind.

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “Showcasing the world’s only airworthy examples of the Whirlwind & Sycamore helicopters is really exciting for us in this special RAF100 year and we’re very thankful to their operators for providing them for the RAF Cosford Air Show. Alongside our growing list of vintage aircraft scheduled to display, we have already received word from a number of overseas Air Forces who are hoping to send aircraft to join our RAF100 celebration too, so we’re expecting this year’s Air Show to be a truly spectacular occasion!”

Air Show Tickets are currently priced at £25.00 and are available from www.cosfordairshow.co.uk with accompanied under-16s admitted free of charge.

Canadians Boost Air Tattoo Participation

RIAT Canadian Globemaster

Official RAF Centenary celebrations taking place at the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer have been given an extra boost thanks to one of the UK’s closest Commonwealth and NATO allies.

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), which had already confirmed it was sending its hugely popular CF-18 Demo Team to the airshow at RAF Fairford on July 13-15, has announced that an additional three aircraft would be crossing the Atlantic to take part.

Illustrating the RCAF’s capabilities will be a CC-130 Hercules, a CC-177 Globemaster and a CP-140 Aurora, all of which will be on display in the airshow’s static park.
Based at Greenwood, Nova Scotia, the CP-140 Aurora from 14 Wing, has been used primarily for maritime patrol/anti-submarine warfare since it entered service with the RCAF in the early 1980s. Its endurance and 7,400km range make it ideal for a variety of missions including search and rescue and disaster relief. It also provides vital support to other government agencies in combating illegal immigration, illegal fishing, pollution and drug trafficking.

Arriving from Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario, the CC-177 Globemaster III transports troops, cargo and oversized combat equipment from coast to coast and around the world. Its ability to fly long distances and land at remote airfields makes it a premier transporter for military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Since 2015 it has supported disaster relief operations in Nepal, it has transported personnel and equipment to battle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and continues to support the global coalition against terrorism. Also arriving from Trenton will be a Lockheed Martin CC-130 Hercules, which is used for troop transport, tactical airlift and aircrew training.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “From the Battle of Britain to current missions in the Middle East, the Royal Canadian Air Force has operated side-by-side with the Royal Air Force. Sending four aircraft to the Air Tattoo to mark the RAF’s centenary re-affirms the strong and enduring bond that exists between them.”

The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust. For ticket details and a wide variety of enclosure options, visit www.airtattoo.com.

French Navy Confirmed for Yeovilton Air Day

French Navy Caiman

We are delighted to announce that the French Navy have confirmed their support for the Royal Naval Air Station International Air Day on Saturday 7 July. Headlining their contribution is the return of the fantastic Rafale pair role demonstration. So far, flown at no other UK airshow, it’s an award-winning, all-action routine that highlights the French Navy’s cutting-edge multirole carrier fighter aircraft to scintillating effect. Starting with a thunderous formation take-off, the display showcases both present day frontline naval tactics and the exceptional performance capabilities of the fast, powerful and agile Rafale M.

The French Navy is also contributing an exceptionally rare Atlantique 2 to the flying display. This charismatic maritime patrol aircraft has not performed in British skies for over 15 years, so will be a major highlight of Air Day’s five-plus hour display. The Atlantique 2’s capabilities include submarine escort, surveillance, intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare on missions lasting up to 18 hours. We look forward to welcoming the Atlantique and its crew from 23 Flottille!

In addition to the flying display aircraft the French Navy will have three aircraft on static display. The NH90 NFH Caiman is a state-of-the-art frigate-launched anti-submarine helicopter and the French Navy example will make its Air Day debut.

The French Navy Lynx represents an older generation of anti-submarine capability and the fleet remains operational for now although, after 40 years’ service, retirement looms. Finally, seldom seen on British shores, one of the naval air arm’s Falcon 50Ms will be making a rare appearance at Air Day. This widely-tasked maritime surveillance aircraft is equipped with specialised mission systems and its capabilities include search and rescue, fishing patrol operations and counter-narcotics missions.

The French Navy’s contribution is once again outstanding and will play a significant role in what is shaping up to be a great line up. Early Bird tickets, with no booking fees, are available until Wednesday 31 January from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Demo Team to Fly at Air Day

Royal Canadian Air Force Hornet

One of the world’s most dynamic and powerful solo fast jet displays becomes RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day’s first confirmed flying participant. The Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team is making its first UK appearance in ten years and its first Air Day visit in decades.

Canada’s display Hornet is just part of the substantial international line-up now taking shape as discussions with various nations progress. The twin-engined, twin-tailed Hornet is a potent modern day multirole fighter that Canada has operated since the early 1980s. At the sharpest end of the Royal Canadian Air Force, it is a key element of the US and Canada’s NORAD (North American Aerospace Defence Command) that celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2018 and we expect the display jet will wear a stunning paint scheme to acknowledge this milestone.

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day looks forward to feeling the Hornet’s mighty sting once more on Saturday 7 July!

Early bird tickets with no booking fees are now on sale for a limited period only at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

First Warbirds Join RAF100 Celebrations at RAF Cosford Air Show

Spitfire

As we fast approach Christmas, organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show have recently announced details on three aircraft due to display at next year’s event on Sunday 10th June.

Visitors to the Air Show, which celebrates the Royal Air Force’s centenary, will be treated to a flying display from a rare Supermarine Spitfire PRXI. This version of the Spitfire was a photo-reconnaissance aircraft, designed to operate at high altitudes and high speeds, painted blue rather than the traditional camouflage pattern. The particular aircraft which will be on display on Sunday 10th June will be Spitfire PL965, which was operated from RAF Cosford for a short-period during WWII, so the aircraft will be ‘returning home’ next June.

As well as thrilling six-hour flying display, there will be a unique static exhibition of 100 aircraft, showcasing the history of the Royal Air Force and aircraft development over the last century. It was announced today that a unique example of the Hawker Hurricane IIb – known as a ‘Hurribomber’ – will be exhibited in this line-up equipped with replica bombs and accompanied by period re-enactors. The ‘Hurribombers’, bravely carried the fight to the European mainland in late 1941 and early 1942, armed with a pair 500lb bombs, together with an up-rated armament of twelve Browning .303 inch machine guns. Another aircraft added to the static line-up today was a Douglas C-47 Dakota, forming part of a tribute to the Berlin Airlift. The Berlin Airlift remains the largest ever humanitarian airlift in history, during which British military and civilian aircraft flew more than 540,000 tons of cargo into the city.

Air Show Deputy Director, Marilyn Summers, said, “Today’s announcement hopefully gives a flavour of what people can expect to see on Sunday 10th June 2018 as we host the most spectacular and interactive tribute to the Royal Air Force’s centenary. Air Show tickets make a great Christmas present for your loved one, and are available to purchase online and print at home so they’re also ideal as a last minute stocking filler!”

Air Show tickets will again only be available in advance, and are priced £25.00 per adult, with accompanied under-16s attending the Air Show for free, presenting excellent value for money, tickets are available from www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

Air Day Picks up Somerset Tourism Award

Yeovilton Air Day picks up Tourism Award

The RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day was recognised for its achievements with a Silver award in the Tourism Event of the Year category at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards ceremony held at the Somerset County Cricket Club.

After 6 months of assessing evidence and judging by a panel of experts the winners were announced by Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol and presented with their awards by ex-England cricketer Marcus Trescothick MBE. On behalf of the Air Day, Commander Terry Tyack (Commander Air, RNAS Yeovilton) and Audrey Huelin (AHA Events) received the award in front of a capacity audience of the best tourism businesses from across the region.

“It is tremendous that Air Day has been recognised such a local thriving tourism industry. The success of the event is a combination of significant effort from a series of teams including AHA, the military, civil service and civilian contractors; it is an absolute pleasure to receive the award on their behalf,” said Commander Tyack.

Audrey Huelin added, “Our Air Day is truly living up to its international status. Our Early bird tickets for next year’s Air Day, which takes place on Saturday 7th July, recently went on sale and within one hour we received ticket orders from Brazil and Japan!”.

Successful businesses in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2018 and then possibly on to the National Visit England Awards later in 2018.

Early bird tickets for next summer’s Air Day are now on sale with no booking fees, for a limited period only, at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Air Day Debut for Lithuanian Air Force

Lithuanian L-39

RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day is delighted to announce the participation of two aircraft types from debuting nation Lithuania. The Baltic state’s air force will send an Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainer and a Mil Mi-8T utility helicopter for static display. Rarely seen at Western European events, they get Air Day’s international line-up off to the very best of starts.

The L-39 Albatros was a real success for Czech firm Aero Vodochody. During a 25-year production run, 2,900 were built and supplied to almost 50 militaries. Lithuania, plus around a dozen other nations, took delivery of the L-39ZA armed trainer/light attack variant. Its duties include surveying and defending Lithuanian airspace.

The remarkable Mil Mi-8 (NATO codenamed ‘Hip’) is the world’s most produced-helicopter: a staggering 17,000-plus examples of the Soviet-origin design having been manufactured. Lithuania only employs three Mi-8Ts (‘Hip-Cs’) in the troop transport and search and rescue roles.

As the Lithuanian Air Force continues with their modernisation programme these assets are a very welcome addition to the Royal Navy’s air show at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on Saturday 7 July. Early bird tickets with no booking fees are now on sale for a limited period only at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Phantom Arrival at RAF Cosford

RAF Cosford Black Phantom

Following last week’s launch of the RAF Cosford Air Show 2018, a cold-war era F-4 Phantom aircraft, known as ‘Black Mike’, was delivered by road to the airfield, in preparation for the Air Show on Sunday 10th June 2018.

The F-4 Phantom II was operated by the Royal Air Force between 1969 and 1992, principally as an air defence fighter. Although the jet was an American design, produced by McDonnell Douglas, the UK’s Phantoms were a special batch built separately and containing a significant amount of British technology including the addition of Rolls-Royce Spey engines. Of all the UK’s Phantoms, the airframe which arrived today at RAF Cosford is perhaps one of the most iconic, known as ‘Black Mike’ due to its unique paint scheme applied by 111(F) Squadron in the late 1980s.

The airframe, now owned by GJD Services Ltd, has been the centre of a campaign by aviation enthusiasts, who plan to restore her to exhibition standard. David Butterfield, from the British Phantom Aviation Group, said, “The British Phantom Aviation Group (BPAG) are extremely proud and honoured to participate with Phantom XV582 ‘Black Mike’ at the RAF Cosford Air Show 2018. Our hardworking, dedicated team of volunteers have shown outstanding knowledge, skills and aptitude to make the move from RAF Leuchars happen. We look forward to working with RAF Cosford over the coming months and we are certain that the aircraft will be a great attraction as part of the RAF100 static displays.”

Air Show Operations Manager, Mr Peter Reoch, said, “The Royal Air Force’s Phantoms played a critical role in defending the UK’s airspace during the height of the Cold War. Therefore, having an example of the type was essential as part of our RAF100 static exhibition at the Air Show on Sunday 10th June 2018. It will be the first of many aircraft which will be transported by road to RAF Cosford over the coming months specifically for display at the Air Show.”

Tickets for the Air Show, which is promising to be a spectacular and interactive tribute to the Royal Air Force’s centenary, are already on sale via the event’s website. Tickets will again only be available in advance, and are priced £25.00 per adult, with accompanied under-16s attending the Air Show for free, presenting excellent value for money.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

RAF Cosford Air Show Tickets now on Sale

Cosford Aerial Photo

The organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show have announced plans for next year’s Air Show, on Sunday 10th June 2018, which they promised would be “the most spectacular and interactive Air Show tribute to the Royal Air Force’s centenary.”

The Royal Air Force was formed in 1918, and is proud of its rich history and achievements. From battle-winning performances high above the skies of Britain in the nation’s hour of need to more recent activities that include tackling terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, securing and protecting the skies above the UK and disaster relief around the World, there is much to celebrate at next year’s Air Show on Sunday 10th June.

One of the most exciting attractions planned for the Air Show is a showcase of 100 aircraft in a chronological exhibition showcasing the development of aeronautical design and capability over the past century. The first participant of which was announced today, the Boulton Paul Defiant I was a two-seat turret fighter, operated as a night fighter in the 1940-42 by the Royal Air Force during WWII. The airframe, which will be on display at the Air Show, is part of the RAF Museum collection, and is the single surviving complete example of the type worldwide. This airframe also has a local connection; it was built at Boulton Paul’s factory in Pendeford, Wolverhampton, in 1938. This is the first of many RAF Museum aircraft coming out from their hangars to join the special RAF100 exhibition on the airfield.

Air Show Director, Mr Clive Elliott, said, “Planning for the 2018 Air Show has been going on for a long time, the Royal Air Force’s centenary is such an important event to celebrate. We have grand plans to make the RAF Cosford Air Show a once in a lifetime event to Commemorate the RAF’s achievements, Celebrate the RAF of today and Inspire the public about the RAF’s future. “

Tickets for the Air Show have gone on sale, with organisers holding the price at £25.00 despite increasing costs, with the emphasis being put on providing great value for money for visitors, something reinforced for families as accompanied under-16s can attend the Air Show for free.