UK Airshow News – Page 43

Polish Air Force Team Orlik Set To Sparkle At Air Day

Team Orlik

Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016 are delighted to announce that the Polish Air Force will be sending Team Orlik, one of their national aerobatic teams, to take part in Air Day’s flying display on Saturday 2 July. This will be their first visit to the South West region since they were formed in 1998.

Making its Air Day debut, Team Orlik is part of the Polish Air Force’s 42nd Base Aviation School at Radom and one of two Polish Air Force display teams.It flies with seven Polish-origin PZL-130 Orlik trainers and performs a veryslick and punchy formation aerobatics sequence. Smoke-enhanced, its routine highlights this turboprop-powered aircraft’s nimbleness and speed and includes some really spectacular manoeuvres. Joining the RAF Red Arrows and Royal Jordanian Falcons, they will be the third national display team taking part at Air Day.

The team’s support aircraft is a CASA C-295 twin-turboprop transporter: one of the larger types featured in this year’s static display. The Polish Navy are also expected to attend with an M-28 Bryzamaritime patrol aircraft.

Further aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

Breitling Wingwalkers Return for 2016

Breitling Wingwalkers

DAREDEVIL wingwalkers will be performing in the skies above Swansea Bay this summer.

We’ve confirmed that the world famous Breitling Wingwalkers have been added to the line-up for the free Wales National Airshow taking place on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3.

The Breitling Wingwalkers team uses 1940s Boeing Stearman biplanes that roar through the sky at speeds of up to 150mph. While the planes are in flight, the wingwalkers perform handstands and climb around the aircraft against the wind pressure while waving to the crowd below.

The team has performed all over the world, in countries including China, India, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The line-up for this summer’s airshow is now really starting to take shape. The Breitling Wingwalkers are extremely popular with fans of aerobatics, so their addition to July’s airshow in Swansea is a further boost for what’s already going to be an event to remember.

“The Wales National Airshow gives local people top quality, free entertainment in their home city, while also attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, helping boost our shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

“This event is a one of the main highlights of our Enjoy Swansea Bay programme of events and activities that’s got something for everyone this summer and beyond.”

www.walesnationalairshow.com

Step Back In Time At This Years RAF Cosford Air Show

Glamaphones RAF Cosford Airshow

Visitors to this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show will have the opportunity to be transported back in time to the 1950s in the University of Wolverhampton Vintage Village.

Following the huge success of last year’s Victory Village, this year’s Village will complement one of the main show themes of speed to showcase life in Britain during the formative years of jet engine design.

Excellent examples of vintage aircraft and vehicles will be on display together with social & military history exhibitions. The University of Wolverhampton (UWR) Race Team will be showcasing its Morgan Plus 4 Babydoll racing car which is based on a 1950s design – showing how engineering has evolved over the past half a century.

Marilyn Summers, Air Show Commercial Manager said “We are really excited to welcome the University of Wolverhampton back both as sponsor of the Vintage Village and as a major exhibitor. The 1950s is credited as the decade when the teenager was invented and this year’s village will give our visitors the chance to learn about the history of the time in a really fun atmosphere.”

Once again the live stage will host an exciting line-up throughout the day. Compered by Colin Bourdiec returning as George Formby and including the return of the fantastic Glamophones. In between live performances a 1950s radio station will be broadcasting popular tunes of the time.
For those looking for a spot of retail therapy there will be a host of vintage trade stalls to browse and a great mix of authentic catering options from Lily’s Vintage Tea Room to a milk shake bar.

With just over two weeks to go until this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show organisers are encouraging the public to buy their tickets soon to avoid disappointment. For the second year running tickets are advanced sale only and will not be available to purchase at the show. For those wishing to give the day that special touch there are a range of hospitality options available for all budgets and ages.

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are available to purchase from selected Mid Counties Coops, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon, Midlands Air Museum in Coventry and on our website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Tickets cost £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Lynx’s Air Day Farewell Finale

RN Black Cats by Peter Reoch

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2016 will be the public’s last opportunity to see the Westland built Lynx maritime attack helicopters in action at their home event. The show’s Lynx Farewell salute includes two special flying items: an emotive formation flypast and one last Maritime Role Demo. Joining them in Air Day’s five hour flying display will be small ships’ helicopters past and present, depicting three generations of rotary capability at sea.

Equipping 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) – part of the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force (LWMF) – the Lynx HMA8 is the sole ‘legacy’ Lynx model now left in Fleet Air Arm service.Introduced in the mid-1990s, it will be retired in March 2017. A poignant diamond four formation will open Air Day’s flying programme, as we pay tribute to this hard-working and much-deployed type. Later on, up to four Lynx aircraft will perform a final Role Demonstration. Involving fast-moving helicopters, troops and pyrotechnics, this will be an unmissable spectacle.

Operated by 825 NAS, the Wildcat HMA2 is the Lynx HMA8’s replacement. Based at RNAS Yeovilton, the squadron’s award-winning Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team has been taking the state-of-the-art new multi-mission helicopter out onto the airshow circuit since 2014. Always popular, the Black Cats’ very precise routine will again be an Air Day highlight.

Before the Lynx, anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare was the spritely Westland Wasp’s speciality. Royal Navy Wasps participated in 1982’s Falklands Conflict – a deployment that one privately-operated example’s markings now reflect. The 829 NAS-schemed Wasp HAS1 will give a lively solo display in the hands of owner Terry Martin.

Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday until 27 June.

Air Show Hospitality Makes Perfect Present For Fathers Day

The RAF Cosford Air Show 2016, taking place on Sunday 19th June falls on Father’s Day, giving families everywhere the perfect way to spend the day. With a range of hospitality options available for all budgets the RAF Cosford Air Show is set to be an entertaining day for all.

The Frank Whittle Enclosure includes unbeatable views of the flying display from a dedicated and personal crowd line enclosure. Including your entry ticket, VIP parking, guaranteed seating along with a buffet lunch and afternoon tea the Whittle Enclosure is the perfect gift for Dads everywhere!

Marilyn Summers, Commercial Manager said, ‘With this year’s show being held on Father’s Day, it’s the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get together in one of our hospitality chalets where everything is organised for you so all you need to do is concentrate on spoiling Dad!’

Highlights of the flying display already confirmed include eternal favourites such as the RAF Red Arrows, inspiring historic aircraft including Spitfires, Hurricanes and Mustangs, thrilling jets such as the Sea Vixen, MiG-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon and an assortment of helicopter displays including the display debut of The Gazelle Squadron.

On the ground there’s plenty to see and do for the whole family; including four hangars full of exciting exhibitions from the UK armed forces and wider aerospace industry, the Vintage Village, static aircraft displays and of course funfair!

General Admission tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are available to purchase from selected Mid Counties Coops, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon, Midlands Air Museum in Coventry and on our website www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Tickets are £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Classic Jet Showcase at RAF Cosford Air Show

RAF Cosford MiG15

Organisers of the RAF CosfordAir Show today outlined plans for their theme showcasing the evolution of the jet engine, which will dominate the flying displays on Sunday 19th June.

The latest aircraft to be added to the flying display is a Folland Gnat, which was used by the RAF during the 1960s and 1970s for flying training and also for air displays by the world famous Red Arrows. The Gnat Display Team will be joined at the show by the Sea Vixen, a unique carrier-borne fighter of which only one example remains flying worldwide. Another jet appearing at the show is the Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-15UTi, a type never seen before at RAF Cosford. The MiG-15 is a cold war soviet fighter which is now operated by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron to showcase the cold war ‘enemy’ of NATO. The MiG-15 is believed to have been one of the most widely produced jet aircraft ever made; in excess of 12,000 were manufactured.Of course, the Royal Air Force’s main combat jet, the Eurofighter Typhoon, will also be displaying as part of the jet engine theme to showcase the power and agility of the modern combat jets of today.

Peter Reoch, part of the Air Show Operations Team, said “Classic jets are always a crowd favourite, and we’re excited to have such a diverse array of them taking part in the flying display this year. With these exciting additions we’re reminding people that tickets for the air show will not be available to buy on the gate so they need to buy them soon to avoiding missing out!”

The Speed theme continues on the ground with rare experimental aircraft being rolled out from the RAF Museum to join the static aircraft exhibitions including the Bristol 188, Avro 707 and Fairey Delta II, which held the world airspeed record for a short time in 1956. There will also be an aircraft hangar dedicated to speed displays, including an exhibition of jet engines and displays detailing the life of Sir Frank Whittle, the British inventor of the jet engine.

Tickets for the RAF Cosford Air Show are available to purchase from selected Mid Counties Coops, the RAF Museum at RAF Cosford and Hendon, Midlands Air Museum in Coventry and on our website
www.cosfordairshow.co.uk. Tickets are £25.00 per adult with accompanied children under 16 entering free.

Important safety information in advance of The American Air Show this weekend

Ahead of The American Air Show, IWM Duxford has released some important safety information:

· IWM Duxford takes great care to ensure its air shows are as safe as possible for everyone involved.

· It is not safe to occupy the fields immediately south of the runway during the air show. If you do so you are putting yourself and the display pilots in harm’s way.

· In the event of an incident it is imperative that the emergency services have clear, unhindered access to the tracks across this land.

· There is no public access to these fields at any time.

Jointly issued by IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the owners of this land

www.iwm.org.uk

French Navy Fast Jet Duo Set To Thrill Air Day Visitors

Yeovilton Air Day Rafale

French Navy fast jets will once again perform a spectacular role demonstration in Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day 2016’s flying display. Expected to be one of the star attractions, a pair ofRafaleM multirole fighters will demonstrate operational tactics during a fast-paced and thunderous routine that is sure to thrill Air Day’s anticipated 40,000-strong crowd on Saturday 2 July.

Once again, the French Navy’s appearance at a UK airshow flying display is exclusive to RNAS Yeovilton Air Day, demonstrating the close relationship between both navies.

The Rafale M is an outstandingly agile, Mach 1.8 (1,900 km/h) capable combat aircraft that equips two French Navy squadrons. In service since 2001, it has seen much frontline service including operations in Afghanistan and Libya. Air Day’s expected Rafale M duo will be supported by aan additional Rafale M as a spare and a Falcon 10MER transport and communications aircraft, appearingin the static display.

Air Day’s static display will also feature contributions from other NATO partner nations. They include a Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighter and Falcon 20E VIP transport aircraft, a first-footing Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare helicopter and, from Germany, a Tornado strike aircraft and C-160 Transall tactical transporter.

Further display team, fast jet and historic aircraft participation news will be announced in due course. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday.

B-17 and Great War Team Leads an All-Star Century of Flying at Eastbourne Airshow

B-17 by Dan O'Hagan

Eastbourne Airshow is set to celebrate over a century of flying with the long anticipated return of the Flying Fortress and a large scale WW1 air display, both at this year’s free show from 11 – 14 August.

After a 15 year wait, Europe’s only flying B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B, will make a welcome return for historic fans, while the Great War Display Team brings its first ever 10-ship display of WW1 aircraft to Eastbourne seafront.

The historic line-up joins the already popular RAF Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, King Air and the sky scraping Typhoon.

Fans can look forward to even more teams plotting their flight path direct to Eastbourne, including the Blenheim Bomber and firm family favourite, the heavy duty Chinook.

The addition of the Great War Display team will see Eastbourne’s first ever WW1 display on this scale, demonstrating 10 iconic aircraft in one sequenced display, from the early prototype Sopwith Triplane to a Fokker Dr1.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “Many new types of aircraft joined military service during the Great War in 1916 so this is the perfect time 100 years on, to commemorate the part they played in WW1, along with their pioneering influence on the aircraft and pilots of today.”

The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Jet Provost duo, Mustang, Spitfire and The Tigers Parachute Display Team all make a welcome return, while Team Raven bring a new display to Eastbourne featuring a mix of RV-4 and RV-8 aircraft.

Flying the international flag, the B-25 Mitchell Bomber makes its first ever appearance from the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight, along with an Airbourne debut from the Belgian Bronco and the return of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron Vampire and MiG 15.

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow returns from 11 – 14 August with ground displays, military exhibition and pleasure flights, entry is free.

Sunday evening sees the fireworks return back to the traditional end of show finale, with a pyrotechnic twilight display from the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team and music acts for the Airbourne Live stage announced soon.

For prime views or as a special treat, upgrade to first class hospitality in the Aviator Club or Cirrus Rooms from £70 per person, with exclusive dining and drinks on the lawns. Or reserve a spot in the exclusive seating area all day from just £10 per adult (£6 per child).

Opportunities are also available for businesses to support the show and receive exposure to hundreds of thousands attending, with sponsorship and partnership packages available.

To book hospitality, seating, exhibition space or sponsorship, visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Air Day Tickets on sale

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Air Day at Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose. The event, which will be held on Thursday 28th July 2016, has become a firm favourite in the Cornish calendar, and enables the general public to experience life on board of one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. It is one of only three military air shows in the country.

Everyday life for Royal Navy Pilots could include hunting for enemy submarines in state-of-the art helicopters, simulating threats to ships in fast jets, transporting troops of Royal Marines Commandos or rescuing casualties from stricken vessels. Air Day enables budding fighter pilots and those who once dreamt of flying, to learn about this exciting ‘world of Culdrose’ and see what happens behind the security gates.

The organisers of this year’s event are working hard to make it a day to remember. As jets, helicopters and military aircraft zoom across the skies, visitors will be able to meet aircrew who have served on frontline squadrons all over the world, pilots who have just earned their ‘wings’ and those who use cutting edge technology to train future Naval Aviators.

The team at Culdrose has already lined up a variety of aerobatic teams and aircraft to woo the crowds with their dazzling displays and highly skilled manoeuvres. But as well as an exciting, action-packed flying display, there will also be lots of things to see, touch and try on the ground. Amongst other activities, visitors will be able to climb onboard aircraft, find out what it’s like to sit at the controls of a 15 tonne helicopter surrounded by the latest technology, take a pleasure flight, be winched high into the air or jump into the driving seat of a military fire engine. All of Culdrose’s Naval Air Squadrons and units will also be out on display, ready to talk about what they do and helping the public to try out specially devised activities and challenges.
Advance tickets at a reduced price (£15 for adults, £5 for children and £40 for families (2 adults and 3 children) are now on sale online (www.ticketzone.co.uk) and by phone (08444 99 99 55). Visitors can also purchase tickets at various Tourist Information Centres in Cornwall and the Gweek Seal Sanctuary.

Culdrose Air Day is great value for money and will be a thoroughly enjoyable day out for the whole family. Under 5’s are free and once inside, most attractions are free. For the first time, visitors can buy tickets to special enclosures one the crowd line this year. Visit www.culdroseairday.com from more information.