UK Airshow News – Page 41

Hurricane to delight crowds at Wings & Wheels this August Bank Holiday

Hurricane Dunsfold

Wings & Wheels are delighted to announce that the Hurricane MkIIB from the Hangar 11 Collection will once again return to entertain visitors on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August 2016.

Under the expert flying skills of pilot Peter Teichman, the wartime classic and firm family favourite will be displaying some of the manoeuvres that were pivotal to the success of the Battle of Britain. Famously paired with the Spitfire, the Hurricane is credited with 55% of all enemy kills during the Second World War, and provided a technological leap from bi-plane to warbird.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “Wings & Wheels is proud to be showcasing the Hurricane once again as we pay homage to the history of the aerodrome. The Hangar 11 Hurricane is a firm favourite at Wings & Wheels and we are looking forward to the iconic aircrafts display as part of our five hour airshow.”

The legendary Hawker Hurricane was born of the famous Hawker design stable and was the creation of the great Sydney Camm. It was his response to the RAF’s urgent requirement for a low wing monoplane fighter to balance the threat from Nazi Germany and its re-armament during the mid-1930s.

Currently, there are only 12 Hurricanes in airworthy condition throughout the world; this is in spite of a total production of some 14,231 aircraft in the period from 1937 to 1944. Surviving Hurricanes in flyable condition are therefore amongst the rarest of all warbirds. The Hanger 11 Collection’s Hurricane, originally built in 1942, has been restored to stock Mk IIB fighter-bomber status and is the only flying example of the famous ‘Hurri-bombers’.

The Hangar 11 Collection is one of the most active Warbird operators in Europe having displayed in 10 European countries over the last three years alone and averaging over 80 public displays per season.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Brietling Wingwalkers and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

The 12^th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 27^th & Sunday 28^th August 2016, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information, visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Wings & Wheels will be going off with a Bang this Bank Holiday weekend

Dunsfold Tank Rides

Wings & Wheels is excited to announce the addition of a 1943 T-34 Tank to this year’s Military Zone line up. Not only will the soviet built tank be on display with re-enactment group Defenders of the Motherland, but visitors to the show will get to experience the unprecedented firepower of the tank when the gun is fired on both days signaling the start of the military vehicle procession at 10:00.

Brought to the show on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August and fired by Bill Kear Plant And Agricultural Contractors Ltd, The T-34 remains a legend which has had a lasting effect on the field of tank design. It is not only the most produced tank of World War II with 84,000 built but it is also one of the longest serving tanks ever built.

This year, not only will visitors experience the thunderous gun shots from the T-34, but tanks4aride will be bringing along a number of tanks including their T-55 for visitors to experience the rare opportunity to take a ride in a real working tank. A successor to the T-34, the Soviet built T-55 was involved in many of the late 20th and early 21st century conflicts and eventually became the most produced tank of all time. The ex-Slovakian army reserve tank visiting Wings & Wheels was built in 1977, it weighs 39 tonnes and goes up to 30mph. The tanks will also be battling and firing at 14:00 each day.

Nancy Edwards, Event Manager comments: “We have worked hard on every aspect of the show this year and the Military Zone just continues to get better every year. The T34 Tank is an exciting addition to the Zone that will really get the show started. The tank rides were incredibly popular last year and we can’t wait to welcome them back to the show.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Wings & Wheels Welcomes Hispano Buchon to the Airshow

Hispano Buchon

Another flying first at Wings & Wheels is The Historic Flying Ltd’s Hispano HA-1112 MIL Buchon. Assembled and painted as Messerschmitt ‘Yellow 10’ as seen in the Battle of Britain film, G-BWUE will be flying in the five hour air display on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August.

Essentially a Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined Messerschmitt Bf109, this aircraft was one of 27 purchased at auction from the Spanish Air Force by Spitfire Productions for use in the making of the 1968 film “Battle of Britain”. Wing tips were squared off, tail struts added and dummy machine guns fitted to the wings to more visually represent the Messerschmitt BF109E of the Battle of Britain period. Upon completion of filming, the aircraft were returned to their owners or, in the case of the Buchons, put up for disposal.

By now registered as G-AWHK, The Historic Flying Ltd’s Buchon was one of eleven taken by Texan pilot and aircraft collector Wilson C “Connie” Edwards as payment for flying services during the filming. It was shipped to his ranch in Texas where it flew briefly as N9938 before being placed on static display in 1971 with the Confederate Air Force in Detroit.

Acquired by the Old Flying Machine Company, it arrived at Duxford in May 1996, re-registered as G-BWUE and sold on to The Real Aircraft Company at Breighton in Yorkshire, who initiated a full rebuild to airworthy condition. The aircraft was marked up as Hauptmann Werner Schroer’s Bf 109G-2/trop ‘Red 1’, which he flew whilst serving on the Greek island of Rhodes in early 1943.

Purchased by Spitfire Ltd. in November 2006, G-BWUE moved back to Duxford to be maintained by the Aircraft Restoration Company. The aircraft appears regularly at airshows in the UK and was also used during the filming of ‘Valkyrie’ starring Tom Cruise.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We love bringing new displays to Wings & Wheels and are thrilled The Historic Flying Ltd’s Hispano HA-1112 MIL Buchon is joining the air show line-up. The displays in the air and on the ground are packed full with exciting entertainment for our visitors and we can’t wait to see the Buchon in the air.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Vampires taking flight at Wings & Wheels

Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron Vampire

For the first time at Wings & Wheels the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will be bringing two de Havilland Vampires as part of the five-hour air display on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August.

The first de Havilland Vampire FB.52 on display is the export version of the Mk 6 of which 101 were built and 36 exported to Norway. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

The second de Havilland Vampire T.55 was the export version of the DH 115 trainer in RAF service known at the T.11. 216, six of which were exported to Norway and in use from 1952 to 1955. The aircraft is now in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-M, a two – seater serving with 336 squadron.

The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron was founded in 2008 and is based at Rygge Air Base Norway. Their first aircraft was the D.H. Vampire, PX-M which was acquired in 2005.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are thrilled to announce the inclusion of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s two de Havilland Vampires. They are an impressive fast jet pairs display that we’ve not seen at the Aerodrome before and will definitely add a thrill to our five hour air display.”

The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British fighter jet developed during the Second World War. It was designed to harness the newly developed jet engine and entered service with the RAF in 1945. It was the first fighter jet to be powered by a single jet engine.

The RAF used the Vampire as a front line fighter until 1953, when it assumed the role of pilot training. The de Havilland Vampire jet achieved a series of aviation firsts, including being the first British plane to exceed 500mph as well as the first jet fighter to cross the Atlantic. It was retired in 1966 and replaced by the Hawker Hunter and Gloster Javelin.

Around 3,300 Vampires were manufactured. The Royal Navy’s first jet fighter was the Sea Vampire, a variant of the plane operated from the Navy’s aircraft carriers. As such, the Vampire was the first plane to be landed on a moving aircraft carrier.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Historic Reunion of Dutch 320 Squadron at Wings & Wheels

B25 squadron with Eisenhower

Wings & Wheels is honoured to be holding a reunion with the last remaining veteran crew members of the Dutch 320 squadron on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August.

Organised by Sander van der Hall of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight and Mr Morven Voorspuy, over 100 family and friends of the veterans will be attending with the youngest veteran 90 years and the oldest 97 years old.

The veterans attending include 97-year-old André Hissink (bomber aimer) who flew 66 missions, 94-year-old Edward Hoenson (bomber aimer) who flew 89 mission and 92-year-old Eduard Jacob and 90-year-old Camille Stritzko who were both in ground service and averaged 15 flights each.

On the eve of D-Day, April 18, 1944, General Eisenhower visited the Dutch naval squadron at Dunsfold. During the inspection troops he had a personal interview with the then 21-year-old Mr Jacob who said of the meeting, “I was nervous the great commander talked to me!”

The 320 squadron flew from Dunsfold Aerodrome from February 1944 until October 1944. In total 156 members died and 57 members didn’t come back. The 320 squadron were awarded the MWO four times and the Bravery Award The Airman’s Cross 176 times.

The Dutch B-25 Mitchell will be flying at the airshow in its WW2 colours and saluting the men who were part of 320 squadron. The Veterans and their families will not only be able to watch the magnificent aircraft in the air but will also be invited for a special tour to view the aircraft and meet the pilots at 11:30. An official welcome will begin at 13:00 in the Dutch marquee.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are incredibly honoured to be hosting the visit of the remaining Dutch 320 squadron. The history of the aerodrome is never far from our thoughts and to be able to welcome these veterans to the Show and have the B-25 Mitchell flying as part of the display is a wonderful tribute to them and their comrades.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Bournemouth International Air Festival Finishes with a Flourish!

Bournemouth Air Festival

Following a weekend of mixed weather conditions, the ninth Bournemouth Air Festivalcame to a spectacular close on Sunday witha show-stopping finale from a trio ofRAF aircraft–the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Typhoon. Taking place over four days from 18 – 21 August, festival-goers enjoyedhighlights including the Swiss Super Puma Display Team, Red Arrows on all four days, demonstrations from the armed forces on the ground and at sea, Otto the Helicopter and Bournemouth’s first ever Typhoon dusk display.

With the opening and closing dayshailed as the busiest ever for the internationally renowned festival, total visitor numbers were estimatedat702,300 over the course of the weekend. In spite of inclement weather, Friday still saw a packed programme of air displays in the afternoon and a busy evening of Night Air entertainment. Although worsening conditions forced the cancellation of earlier daytime displays on Saturday, the valiant pilots rewarded dedicated Air Festival fans with a special early evening display that included the Red Arrows and Royal Navy Black Cats, Hawks and Merlin before clouds and rain closed in to halt the scheduled ‘Sunsets on the Beach’ live music event. By Sunday, the festival was well and truly back on track and once more record crowds turned out for an impressive climax to the weekend.

This year’s festival featured more than 15 display teams and 40 aircraft supported by more than 55 ground crew. Among a variety of RAF assets, including the Black Cats and Typhoon, theever-popular Red Arrows – sponsored by Morgan Sindall – appeared on all four days and attracted unprecedented numbers of admirers at the pilots’ meet and greet.

Alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight sponsored by Spitfire Lager, the B-25N Mitchell sponsored by the Highcliff Marriott and Sally B sponsored by BH Live flew in tribute to the historic aircraft of bygone days.

Aerobatics came courtesy of The Blades sponsored by the Daily Echo, Gerald Cooper in his Xtreme Air XA41 sponsored by the Hotel Miramar,StrikemasterMk82A sponsored by the Littledown Centre and the daring Breitling Wingwalkers. Returning for another year, the Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team, sponsored by Bournemouth Airport, jumped from eye-watering heights onto the sand in front of adoring crowds.

A relatively new and extremely popular addition to the festival programme, this year’sNight Air dusk displays – sponsored by the Air Festival Patrons Club – starred the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team, Otto the helicopter, Aerosparx, the Red Devils Parachute Regiment Freefall Team and, for the first time, the Typhoon – lighting up the night skies with its impressive after burn. Fireworks on Friday and Saturday evening provided the perfect end to the evening displays. The patrons also support the 2016 Forces nominated charities – the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, ABF – The Soldiers Charity and the Jon Egging Trust.

As well as the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight operating the B-25N Mitchell, this year’s international guests included Swiss Air Force Super Puma sponsored by The Cumberland.Captain MatthieuGhiringhellisaid:”On behalf of the Swiss Air Force and Super Puma Display Team, a big thank you to everyone who has helped to make our first display at Bournemouth Air Festival so fantastic – from the Festival Makers and Events Team to everyone who has come to watch us. It has been a brilliant show – we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we hope to be back next year.”

Once again, the Air Festival was honoured to welcome back the armed forces – now a major contributor to the event. As well as a variety of stalls in their beachfront village area, the Royal Navy brought a spectacular flotilla of ships to Bournemouth Bay. The Royal Marine reservists conducted another series of crowd-pleasing amphibious assaults on the beaches and the Band of HM RM Collingwood performed a musical spectacular on the Wave 105 live stage at Boscombe Beach.This year also saw a new mini tattoo on the clifftop featuring the beat retreat sunset ceremony, Queen’s Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment) and unarmed combat demonstrations from the Royal Marine reservists.

Commodore Jamie Miller said: “It has been a delight and a privilege for the naval service to once again support the UK’s premier Air Festival here in Bournemouth. It has been a hugely successful event and a perfect showcase for the Royal Navy. BZ BAF!!”

The success of the Air Festival’s ninth consecutive year reinforces its status as Europe’s largest public aviation event and its unique reputation as the UK’s biggest free family air show.

Councillor Lawrence Williams, portfolio holder for tourism, said: “Naturally, I love the Air Festival and this year’s exhibition from aviation artist, David Bent, at the Russell-Cotes added another dimension for me and many other art lovers. After Saturday’s hiccup with the weather, I am delighted that Sunday’s display programme was able to take place against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s trademark blue skies. We owe much of the success of this year’s festival to the Royal Navy and armed forces for their commitment and resilience in the face of adversity.”

Mark Smith, Director of Tourism for Bournemouth, said: “The weather presented a particular challenge this year but the event still goes from strength to strength with records broken on both the Thursday and Sunday. We managed to beat the weather with flying displays on every day thanks to the enthusiasm and expertise of our experienced flying director and his team, all of the magnificent pilots and crew, as well as event and safety staff including our partners in the emergency services. We are grateful to the public for their patience, cooperation and keenness over the course of the weekend and we are proud to have closed Bournemouth’s ninth Air Festival with such an impressiveprogramme of displays.”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

The Blades are Back!

The Blades

The Blades are back at this year’s Wings & Wheels with their thrilling high speed aerobatics. A leading display team of former Red Arrow pilots, The Blades are renowned for their cutting-edge display and breath-taking manoeuvres.

Displaying on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August, The Blades will perform over 30 exhilarating manoeuvres containing a variety of mind-blowing aerobatic stunts flown just feet apart. With combined speeds of 400mph, extreme gravity defying solo ‘gyroscopic’ acrobatics, synchronised rolls, twists, double-tumbles and knife edge spins, this is a display not to be missed.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, comments: “The Blades are a firm favourite with visitors to Wings & Wheels and we are delighted to be welcoming them back to Dunsfold.”

Since The Team began in 2006, The Blades have flown over 600 displays throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle-East and with over 30,000 flying hours and more than 3,900 displays between them, The Blades are amongst the most experienced display pilots in the country.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Brietling Wingwalkers and B-25 Mitchell bomber. Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Ground Control for the Reds Duo at Wings and Wheels

Mini Red Arrows Dunsfold

Wowing audiences around the world with their quarter-scale BA Hawk replicas, the Reds Duo remote controlled display team are returning to Wings & Wheels on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th August 2016.

By far the most popular remote controlled display team on the circuit, father and son duo Steve and Matt Bishop are returning to Wings & Wheels with their 1/4 scale Red Arrows Hawk models. Built by themselves at Bishop Aviation from a German kit, each model is powered by a Jetcat P200 Jet Turbine, weighs 24 kg, has a wing span of 100 inches and is controlled by radio controls with 15 servos in each.

The models are copies of the real Red Arrows and they even use the famous red white and blue smoke during their display.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The control that Steve and Matt exhibit with their model Hawks is phenomenal. They are one of the best radio controlled formation flying teams in the world and we are excited to be welcoming them back to Wings & Wheels.”

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Tackling the guerrillas of Oman is focus of museum lecture

Date: 19 August 2016

Time: 12.30pm

Cost: FREE

For more than two decades a series of counterinsurgency operations were fought in the Sultanate of Oman on the South-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The military action taken against the activities of guerrillas in these regions will be the focus of the next Cold War Lunchtime Lecture held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford later this month. The lecture entitled ‘The RAF and Counterinsurgency Warfare in Oman during the Cold War’ will be presented by Dr Ross Mahoney, Aviation Historian at the RAF Museum on Friday 19 August at 12.30pm.

This forthcoming lecture is the third in the new series of lectures launched earlier this year, which each cover a different topic related to the Cold War. During this next lecture, Ross will discuss two major counterinsurgency campaigns fought in the Sultanate of Oman from the early 1950s through to the mid-1970s and how air power played a vital role in defeating the revolutionaries. Up for discussion will be the campaign fought against an uprising in the Jebel Akhdar during the 1950s and the campaign conducted in the Dhofar region against insurgents supported by Yemen which ran for just over a decade.

The role of air power during this period ranged from strike operations, such as the role played by BAC Strikemasters at the Battle of Mirbat in 1972, through to the support of ‘hearts and minds’ operations using helicopters and light aircraft. Based on research undertaken for the RAF Museum’s exhibition on the relationship between the Royal Air Force and Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at its London site, this lecture will explore the origins of these campaigns, the role of air power in supporting their conduct and the formation of the Sultan of Oman’s Air Force. Finally, the lecture will consider the development of relations between the RAF and RAFO, after the end of the Dhofar War through to the present day.

RAF Museum Aviation Historian, Ross Mahoney said:

“It gives me great pleasure to be delivering one of the Museum’s Cold War lunchtime lectures at Cosford. The lectures, which form part of our research programme, are a significant activity for the Museum. Additionally, the opportunity to lecture on research undertaken for one of our exhibitions is important as it allows us to examine further the RAF’s role in this region of the world and the impact the Service has had on the development of air forces around the globe.”

The Cold War lunchtime lectures form part of the RAF Museum’s Research Programme for 2016. ‘The RAF and Counterinsurgency Warfare in Oman during the Cold War’, is the third of four lectures taking place at Cosford this year. The programme also consists of the Trenchard Lectures in Air Power Studies and the First World War in the Air Lunchtime Lectures, which are held at the University of Wolverhampton, the Royal Aeronautical Society in London and the RAF Museum in London respectively.

This FREE lecture will be held in the RAF Museum’s National Cold War Exhibition lecture theatre at 12.30pm on Friday 19 August. As spaces are limited, organisers advise visitors to book their tickets in advance via the museum’s website to avoid disappointment.

For further information about the museum’s research programme or to book your FREE ticket to the lecture, please visit the museum website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. The museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the museum is FREE of charge.

Air Tattoo Honours Top Guns

RIAT Chief Executive Award

A highly successful Royal International Air Tattoo 2016 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire ended with the crowning of the airshow’s ‘Top Guns’ at the traditional Sunday night hangar party.

The ceremony was introduced by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. HRHPrince Feisal of Jordan presented the first of the evening’s trophies, the King Hussein Memorial Sword, in memory of the late HM King Hussein, patron of the International Air Tattoo from 1983-89. Awarded for the best overall flying demonstration, it was presented to the Croatian Air Force aerobatic team, the KrilaOluje (Wings of Storm). This was the first appearance of the KrilaOluje, flying six Pilatus PC-9M turboprop trainers, and of the Croatian Air Force at a British display. The award was bestowed for, in the words of the citation, “Precision aerobatics in challenging conditions incorporating novel manoeuvres”. Team leader Lt Col DamirBariši? said: “We are very happy to be among all these friends, all these people who share the same passion for ‘old-school’ flying in these days when everything is becoming unmanned and automatic. Of course it’s a big honour to receive such an award, especially on the first occasion we’ve been here.”

The Paul Bowen Trophy, presented in memory of the Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the best jet demonstration, went to Capitaine Jean-Guillaume Martinez for his French Air Force Rafale C display. The judges said that ‘Marty’, in his first season as the Rafale display pilot, had put on “consistently accurate, powerful and superbly executed solo jet demonstrations”. Handing over the award was Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chief of the Defence Staff designate. “I’m really happy”, said ‘Marty’. “I really thank my team for the job they’ve done — it’s wonderful.”

The best individual flying display was adjudged to be that given by Capt Peter Fallén of the Swedish Air Force in the JAS 39C Gripen. He was presented with the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy by RAFCTE chairman and RAFCT Trustee Alan Smith for “a faultless, flowing and dynamic flying display”. “I’m so happy”, said Peter. “I didn’t expect it, because you try to do your best all the time.”

The recipient of the RAFCTE Trophy, presented for the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant, was the French Air Force Ramex Delta team comprising two Mirage 2000N nuclear strike aircraft. The citation said that they put on “a superbly co-ordinated and choreographed pairs tactical demonstration”. This was an emotional occasion for Ramex Delta, as RIAT was their final ever display — the team is being disbanded. One of the pilots, ‘Pierrot’, said afterwards: “We are very proud, because it was very special to attend this year’s RIAT. This was our last airshow ever, and it was a great deal of pleasure for us to fly today. For us — the pilots, the team, the squadron — it’s a special honour because this year is the 100th anniversary of our squadron, the ‘La Fayette’ squadron. It’s a good ending to the incredible experience that was Ramex Delta.”

The night was a double success for Ramex Delta, as the Mirage 2000N they displayed in, whichfeatured a special colour scheme to mark the ‘La Fayette’ squadron centenary, won the award for best livery as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT). It was presented by Tim Griffiths, Key Account Manager for Jeppesen.

Turning to the ‘home team’, the Steedman Display Sword is presented by the Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, chairman of the International Air Tattoo (1981-1988) for the best flying demonstration by a UK participant. The winner was BAE Systems test pilot Nat Makepeace for his routine in a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, displayed with a full underwing weapons load to represent the upcoming Phase 3 Enhancement configuration for the type. In the judges’ view, this was “a powerful demonstration of the capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon in representative operational swing-role fit.” In Nat’s absence, the trophy was collected by Sir Kevin.

The As The Crow Flies trophy for the best overall flying demonstration as judged by members of FRIATwas presented by RAFCTE Non Exec Director Jim Glover and presented to Major Dan ‘Rock’ Dickinson from the US Air Force Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team. 2016 was the first time for six years that the F-22A had displayed at the Air Tattoo, and once again the thrust-vectoring air superiority fighter proved a stunning performer. In ‘Rock’s’ words, “First of all, we’re honoured to be here. There are so many professionals here, and to share the stage amongst all the great pilots and crews, not to mention all the people who put on this awesome airshow. It’s humbling, but at the same time we’re super-excited.”

A special presentation by Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong, his own RIAT CEO Award for an outstanding contribution to the show, went to all involved in the debut Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II deployment to Britain. This star attraction at RIAT 2016 involved F-35A models from the US Air Force and F-35Bs from the US Marine Corps and the United Kingdom, and was the subject of a great deal of planning by a host of individuals and organisations on both sides of the Atlantic. Andy Armstrong said: “It was an amazing display. They brought six jets, and it was an extraordinary amount of effort to bring them. We were so pleased to have them here.”