UK Airshow News – Page 55

World Famous White Helmets Headline Wings & Wheels Stunt Zone

Royal Signals White Helmets

World famous, record-holding display team the Royal Signals White Helmets will headline the Wings & Wheels Stunt Zone this August Bank holiday at Dunsfold Aerodrome near Guildford in Surrey.

The team of 30 volunteer soldiers from the Corps will perform spectacular feats of balance, death defying crossover rides and outstanding acrobatics in thrilling arena displays on handbuilt British Millennium Triumph 750cc motorcycles.

The White Helmets demonstrate all the qualities needed in the modern Army – teamwork, courage, trust, strength and agility. This team has existed as a recognised organisation since the first public displays of joint precision horsemanship and motorcycle riding were given by instructors and students from the Signal Training Centre in Yorkshire in 1927.

Recognised by many as the best in the world the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team has been performing for over 80 years.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The wheels of the Show continues to get better each year and the Stunt Zone is the perfect setting for the White Helmets to showcase their skill. The White Helmets will be supported by other motoring displays throughout the day making it one Zone our visitors won’t want to miss.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane), Vulcan, Chinook, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster, B25 Mitchell and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

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.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £150 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 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb achieved in under 10 seconds

The Goodwood Festival of Speed air display took a new turn on Sunday, as the Midair Squadron Hawker Hunter XL577 set a flown time of 9.98 seconds across the notorious Goodwood Hillclimb in front of Goodwood House.As the first and only attempt of this kind, the Hunter, piloted by Squadron Leader Dave Piper (retired) reached a top speed 361 knots (415 mph), as he weaved his way to the top of the course.

The driven record is held by Nick Heidfeld in a time of 41.6 seconds set in 1999 in a McLaren MP4-13-Mercedes Benz with an average speed of 104 mph, meaning the Midair Squadron’s time shaved 32 seconds off Heidfeld’s time – admittedly in a jet!

Midair Squadron leader Mike Davis said: “It was an opportunity we couldn’t resist. After setting the world air speed record in 1953, the Hunter has continued to be acknowledged as one of the fastest and most agile fighter jets ever built. This new way of timing the Goodwood Hill Climb brings a whole new dimension to the Festival of Speed and we look forward to a challenge in 2015; regardless of any future outcome, this is a wonderful tribute to British engineering and the piloting skill of the Midair Squadron.”

www.goodwood.com

French Navy Join Air Day Celebrations

Rafale

Rafale multirole fighters from the French Navy will represent the sharp end of ‘Carrier Aviation’ at RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day on 26 July. Two Rafale Ms will be part of the event’s static display, joined by a Falcon 10 transport and communications aircraft in the French Navy’s only UK airshow appearance of this year so far confirmed.

Following the naming ceremony for the Royal Navy’s first Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, which takes place on 4 July, Air Day 2014 has taken ‘Carrier Aviation’ as this year’s theme. Celebrating the triumphs of airborne assets deployed at sea since aviation’s earliest days, Air Day will host a large gathering of carrier-launched aircraft types. They include the Dassault Rafale M which has been in French Navy service since 2000. Equipped with a hardened airframe and toughened undercarriage, it is fast, extremely agile and able to simultaneously carry out air supremacy, interdiction and reconnaissance missions. The Rafale M is a definitive modern-day naval multirole combat aircraft.

The Dassault Falcon 10MER is based on the 1970s-era Falcon 10 business jet. Operational taskings for this aircraft, seven of which joined the French Navy between 1973 and 1983, include training, electronic countermeasures, communications and transport.

Other foreign air arms’ involvement in Air Day 2014 includes Belgium’s, Denmark’s and Jordan’s national display teams, the Belgian Air Component F-16 Solo Display and the Swiss Air Force F/A-18C Hornet Solo Display.

Tickets for Air Day can be booked online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday at the discounted advance rates (until 21 July) or by calling 08445 781 781.

Apaches Explosive Display Confirmed at Wings & Wheels

Apache

The Apache Attack Helicopter Display Team will be exploding onto the aerodrome this August Bank Holiday when they join the Wings & Wheels line-up on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August at Dunsfold Aerodrome in, Guildford, Surrey.

Whilst treating visitors to heart stopping acrobatic manoeuvres, the team will also be demonstrating the might of the helicopter’s fire power. In a series of simulated air to ground missile attacks using the aptly named Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30mm chain gun, this display is not for the faint hearted as it culminates in fire balls and explosions!

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The skill of the pilots in demonstrating the agility of these helicopters is just one of the Show’s many highlights. The added excitement of explosions and fire to the Apache team’s display not only provides a fantastic insight into the work that the British Army do while out on operations but showcases the astonishing capabilities of the aircraft which are in service.”

The Apache team performs manoeuvres in the helicopter, including high hovers, twists, pedal turns, wingovers and flypasts. Drawn from a pool of suitably qualified and experienced, operationally ready, Apache aircrew and ground crew, the team is not on permanent assignment like other display teams and uses aircraft drawn from the operational Apache Squadrons.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane), Vulcan, Chinook, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Vulcan In Full Effect At Bournemouth

It’s the news everyone has been waiting to hear – Air Festival organisers have confirmed the Avro Vulcan XH558 will be bringing its awesome roar to Bournemouth this August.

Thanks to a collective effort by Merley House, Vulcan to Bournemouth and Vulcan enthusiast Stephen Young Lord of Westbury and Waxham, the only airworthy example of the classic Cold War bomber has been funded for a single appearance on Saturday 30th August.

Maggie Keet, Bournemouth Vulcan to the Sky Trust said: ‘Seeing the magnificent Vulcan fly is a unique experience. As a representative of Vulcan to Bournemouth I’m so pleased it can now be enjoyed by spectators at the Bournemouth Air Festival once again.’

Councillor Lawrence Williams, Tourism Portfolio Holder, commented: ‘We’re extremely grateful to all those who helped to raise the funds to showcase the spectacular Vulcan XH558 at this year’s Air Festival. It’s an exceptional aircraft and I know many people, like me, will be looking forward to seeing it gracefully glide through Bournemouth’s skies.’

The iconic Vulcan has been a much-loved regular aircraft at the Air Festival since its first appearance in 2009, amazing the hundreds of thousands of people along the packed event arena with its size, roar and sheer presence.

Dr Robert Pleming, Chief Executive of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust said; “We are absolutely delighted that the Vulcan is returning once again to the beautiful venue of Bournemouth, particularly so because it is one of the premier seaside resorts in the UK, in addition to being one of our favourite display venues and an excellent backdrop for an appearance by this iconic aircraft. In the past we have experienced some technical difficulties which have sadly precluded us appearing in the Festival so we are really looking forward to having the opportunity to thrill and inspire the huge crowds that will undoubtedly come along to this superb event.”

For more information visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Airshow – magnificent – but will there be another like it?

ALTHOUGH last weekend’s Folkestone Airshow attracted record crowds, organiser Open Air Promotions Ltd says that the event did not reach its revenue target and the future of the show is being evaluated ‘very carefully’.

“We promised that Folkestone Airshow 2014 would be the biggest and best yet – and everyone agrees that we delivered two days of aerial spectacle and ground events magnificently”, says project director Yvonne Holder. “But, sadly, income did not match the high costs of staging this quality event and at the same provide – as was planned – a sound financial platform for future shows.

“As a consequence, we are considering very carefully whether a show on this year’s scale and based on sponsorships, donations and public generosity is viable.It may be some time before decisions can be made.

“But let not this take anything away from the fact that the show attracted and gave pleasure to scores of thousands of visitors and residents. The many, many messages of thanks we are receiving is evidence of that. We reckon that attendance was in the region 190,000, with consequent benefits for shops, restaurants, bars, accommodation and entertainment providers.

“We thank everyone who helped to make it such a wonderful weekend – people behind the scenes as well as those who spectators saw in action. Even the weather played fair”.

http://www.folkestoneairshow.com

Belgian Display Approved And Ready To Go

The organisers of RAF Cosford Air show have confirmed that the Belgian Red Devils display team have this afternoon got the stamp of approval from the show’s Flying Control Committee. The Red Devils fly four SF.260M training aircraft and bring the number of display teams at this years’ show to four.

The aircraft have an exciting red paint scheme featuring the Belgian flag on the aircraft underside and their tight aerobatic display is particularly well suited to Cosford. This will be one of only two UK performances by the team this year. Air Show spokesman Group Captain Mark Manwaring who is Chairman of the show’s Flying Control Committee said “This is a fantastic display with some very exciting manoeuvres. As this is their first UK display this season it fell to us to ensure it adheres to the strict rules applied to UK air display.”

Other aircraft appearing at the show as part of the 5 ½ hour flying display include the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Blades. The ground attractions include an arena featuring the Field Gun teams and the RAF Combined Pipes and Drums as well as a craft hangar and a wide display of other attractions.

Tickets to the show are no longer available online or via the phone line, but can be purchased at the advance ticket price of £20 per adult from the RAF Museum in Cosford, the Midland Air Museum in Coventry, Tourist Information Centres across the Midlands, selected branches of Midcounties Co-operative and Arriva Trains Wales for combined travel and admission. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate at £25 per adult (subject to availability). There’s FREE car parking and FREE admission for all under-16s accompanied by an adult.

http://www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

D-Day Tribute At Air Day

BBMF Dakota by Paul Johnson

Aircraft linked to the D-Day 70 commemoration, both old and new, will take part in this year’s RNAS Yeovilton Air Day flying and static displays on Saturday 26 July. While 6 June is the actual anniversary date, Air Day’s timely inclusions will help extend the tributes well into the summer as the nation reflects back on the Normandy landings of 70 years ago.

The twin-engine Douglas C-47 Skytrain/Dakota transport aircraft was deeply involved in D-Day, towing assault gliders and dropping paratroopers into the theatre of action. It is perhaps the aircraft type most associated with D-Day and an example will take part in the flying display courtesy of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Dakota III will be making its first appearance at the show wearing No 233 Squadron RAF colours, complete with the famous black and white D-Day stripes adopted by Allied aircraft to distinguish them from those used by enemy forces.

The Skytrain was hugely successful in its transport role; a distinction applicable in the modern age to the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules. An RAF Hercules will be on the ground at Air Day providing an impressive sight in the static display amongst Royal Navy types past and present, international visitors and other stars. Another RAF contribution is a flypast by a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 from No 29(R) Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby. This aircraft is expected to be a specially-marked example, complete with D-Day stripes. The scheme mirrors that worn by a WW2-era Hawker Typhoon in June 1944.

Tickets for Air Day can be booked online at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday at the discounted advance rates or by calling 08445 781 781.

Additional Information

• Advance Ticket Prices: Adult £20, Child (5-15 yrs inc) £6, Child (Under 5) Free
• On the Day Ticket Prices: Adult £25, Child (5-15 yrs inc) £12, Child (Under 5) Free.

*image by Paul Johnson

Carol Vorderman Returns To Cosford Air Show

Carol Vorderman at Cosford

For the second year running TV presenter Carol Vorderman will be visiting the RAF Cosford Air Show to help promote the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) exhibition which will be one of over 100 trade and exhibition attractions at the Show this year.

RAF Cosford is home to state-of the-art training schools for RAF Engineers and Technicians with a variety of specialities and many of them will have their own displays showcasing the skills and offering hands-on opportunities to visitors. Alongside this will be a dedicated area where other organisations such as local academic establishments, STEM Ambassadors and engineering companies will offer a wide variety of exhibits designed to capture the imaginations of young people thinking about future careers or qualifications.

Carol will spend some time in the area during the morning talking to the public and helping promote STEM to visitors. She says “I’m really pleased to be coming back to the RAF Cosford Air Show, it’s a great day out and I’m particularly looking forward to trying some of the interactive activities in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths exhibition”.

The action-packed flying display featuring many Air Show favourites such as the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Vulcan starts at midday. This year RAF Cosford welcomes the Belgian Red Devils Aerobatic Display Team to the Air Show for the first time. In addition two RAF transport aircraft, the Voyager and C17 will be making an appearance. The RAF Cosford Air Show provides a family day out for every age group. The showground, which opens at 8.30am, includes a funfair, an assortment of inflatable rides coupled with laser shooting and an assault course for the more active, whilst there is a huge opportunity for shopping in the traders’ village and craft fair. Finally, The RAF Museum exhibits provide a visual record of flight throughout the proud history of the Royal Air Force.

www.cosfordairshow.co.uk

Folkestone’s air spectacular is ready for take-off

UP to 200,000 people are expected to watch Folkestone’s biggest-ever airshow next weekend (June 7 and 8). After almost a year of meticulous planning, preparations are complete for two days of thrilling air displays, ground events and family fun entertainment.

Organised by specialist outdoor events management company Open Air Promotions Ltd, the event – Kent’s only 2014 free-to-watch airshow – is expected to attract spectators from across south east England and the London area as well as from across the Channel.

Folkestone Airshow project manager Yvonne Holder said that the event would provide sky-watchers with two days of thrills and excitement. “More than twenty types of military and other aircrafthave been booked to take part. The sensational RAF Red Arrows aerobatics team and iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will head the line-up on Saturday.The impressive Sunday flying programme will includeperformances by stunt and other aircraft popular on the international air show circuit. Freefall parachutists are due to drop in on both days and there will be a dramatic demonstration of a sea rescue.

“There’ll be plenty going on at ground level, too – on the Leas and in the harbour area -from 10am on both days. Attractions will include exhibitions and displays in the Armed Forces Village, flight simulators, fun zones, food, drink and shopping areas, vintage car rallyas well as livemusic and entertainment on two stages.

“And that’s not all. The opening day will end with a spectacular live concert – thehugely popular rock revival Abba Bjorn Again plusinternationally-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Chris Andre- and grand firework finale on Folkestone seafront”.

Open Air Promotions has made special arrangements to help visitorsenjoy their visit to Folkestone. Teams of meet-and-greet marshals will be on duty at Folkestone Central railway station, the town centre bus station, car parks and seafront information points. Public address systems will keep spectators on the Leas and in the harbour area informed about what’s on, where and when.

Park-and-ride services will be available from Folkestone Racecourse and Radnor Park.

“Traffic on all routes is bound to be heavy on both days and we strongly urge car-drivers to book a space in advance via our website – www.folkestoneairshow.com“, said Ms Holder.

For latest information and to book tickets for the Abba Bjorn Again concert and for car parks call 01303 246925, visit the Fly Folkestone office at 67 The Old High Street, Folkestone, or log on to www.folkestoneairshow.com