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2023-09-05

RIAT 2023 Triumphs over Rainy Challenges

The 2023 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) marked its thrilling events, defying difficult weather conditions. Since its 1973 debut at RAF Greenham Common, RIAT has drawn over 200,000 global spectators. The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by their children, joined the event, undeterred by rain and clouds. With 253 aircraft from 25 nations and 48 attending Air Chiefs, RIAT’s legacy shone through.

The event featured compelling air-to-air refuelling flypasts, aligned with this year’s theme, Skytanker 23. Noteworthy was the participation of the Royal Air Force’s Voyager.

Showcasing diverse talents, display teams like the iconic Red Arrows and solo jet acts, including the Spanish Harrier, French Rafale, and UK debut of the Messerschmitt 262, enthralled attendees.

The Italian Air Force Centenary was honoured with striking aerial displays and a gathering of 20+ Italian aircraft on the ground.

Major Announcements

Amidst the gray skies of RIAT 2023, significant announcements took the spotlight.

Babcock International Group and Zero Petroleum joined forces to propel the development of 100 per cent synthetic drop-in liquid fuels, harnessed from air and water.

This partnership envisions carbon-neutral fuels powering diverse platforms without engine modifications. Synthetic fuels, boasting equal energy output to fossil fuels, deploy carbon dioxide and water as source materials.

Zero’s partnership with the Royal Air Force achieved a Guinness World Records title for the first aircraft fuelled by synthetic alternatives.

Boeing’s strategic partnership with the UK government revealed plans for an £80 million aerospace facility in Sheffield.

Named Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS), this Boeing-led project pioneers advanced manufacturing techniques, anticipated to bolster efficiency and job creation. Initially, the project will generate around 50 jobs in South Yorkshire, with long-term potential to create 3,000 UK jobs and £2 billion in export opportunities.

Significant Signings

RIAT witnessed significant signings. Heads of the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and United States Air Force (USAF) signed a ‘joint vision statement’ for enhancing Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, symbolising collaborative upgrades.

AM Robert Chipman (RAAF), ACM Air Richard Knighton (RAF), and Gen CQ Brown (USAF) penned this trilateral document. RAAF operates E-7s since 2009; RAF modifies 737s into Wedgetail aircraft with Boeing partner STS; USAF ordered two E-7s, fostering global cooperation.

The Royal Aeronautical Society played a key role. President Kerissa Khan MRAeS launched Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy. Addressing UK’s Net Zero 50 goal, it targets decarbonisation and operational efficiency amid climate change.

Minister James Cartlidge MP signed the charter with aerospace representatives. The strategy focuses on rethinking capabilities, efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel, zero emissions propulsion, and carbon removal.

RAF’s partnership with Zero Petroleum Ltd for synthetic fuel research aims to reduce fossil fuel reliance. RAF’s November feat —flying Voyager tanker with 100 per cent sustainable fuel — marked a milestone.

Livery Trophy

A German EF2000 with a special livery celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary claimed the Best Aircraft Livery trophy.

The RAF delved into additive manufacturing for urgent aerospace parts. Under Project Warhol, a team researched 3D printing materials and technologies, aiming to produce a Puma helicopter blanking plate in-house. Clearance processes with military airworthiness authorities slightly delayed the debut.

SkyCourier Special

Textron’s Cessna SkyCourier, designed for FedEx’s ‘feeder freighter’ role, debuted in 2020 and is now operational worldwide. With its twin-turboprop high-wing design, it can carry 19 passengers or three LD3 shipping containers, boasting a 6,000lb payload.

The third completed SkyCourier displayed at Fairford underwent flight tests for certification. Drew Pall, Textron’s Regional Sales Director, shared plans for variants including MedEvac, CasEvac, and aerial survey roles.

Parachuting capabilities include easily removable seats and adaptable configurations designed for para-dropping. Static line capability is desired by many operators for parachute clubs and schools.

Anti-jamming Milestone

Raytheon celebrated securing a UK Ministry of Defence order for its 1,000th Landshield anti-jam system at RIAT. This compact system safeguards GPS signals against jamming and spoofing across platforms.

Raytheon UK Chief Exec, Jeff Lewis, highlighted the company’s transformation as part of RTX, leveraging the strengths of Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.

Raytheon’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) dedication showed through its quadcopter challenge at RIAT, engaging schools and students across the UK.

Static Display

The RIAT static display stood out as a unique gathering of international military aircraft, featuring diverse contributions amidst global air arm activities.

Noteworthy debuts included the 617 Squadron’s Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning and the Italian Navy’s McDonnell Douglas AV-8B+ and TAV-8B Harriers. Cold War relics like the Polish Su-22M4K ‘Fitter’ and Hellenic F-4E Phantom II evoked nostalgia.

The Czech Air Force showcased a special scheme Mil Mi-171Sh, while the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s F-16AM Fighting Falcons and F-35A Lightning IIs represented a poignant transition.

Rare appearances such as the USAF’s B-52H Stratofortress and Lockheed U-2S, along with the ‘Hurricane Hunters’ Lockheed Martin WC-130J from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, added allure.

Notable aircraft like the Qatar Emiri Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, SAAB Sk.60 in retro guise, and Martin Baker’s modified Gloster Meteor T7 made their mark amid the array.

Flying Displays

The 2023 RIAT flying display overcame weather challenges to present remarkable performances. The SKYTANKER23 theme stood out with standout flypasts, like RAF Brize Norton’s Voyager KC2 connecting with Finnish and Swedish jets for multinational refuelling showcases.

It was in the flying that the SKYTANKER23 really shone with several very different flypasts and unique displays.

Weather hindered a simulated refuelling flypast by a USAF KC-135R Stratotanker and Boeing B-52H Stratofortress. An event featured a successful KC-135R flypast with boom down. USAF Special Ops showcased CV-22B Osprey’s in-flight refuelling ability followed by a unique flying demo.

An exceptional display from the French Air and Space Force: the Boeing C-135FR from ERV 3/41 transformed a flypast into a sequence of three passes, including a boom-down pass, topside pass, and low approach with wing-waggle.

Noteworthy was the C-135FR appearance and the novelty of a Stratotanker display beyond flat flypasts at UK events.

SKYTANKER23’s German Air Force demo highlighted A400M and Tornado IDS. Flypasts showcased A400M’s tanker role; Tornadoes displayed buddy-buddy refuelling with flat and curved passes, closing with a reheat pass.

A remarkable RAF F-35B and Spanish Navy EAV-8B Matador II+ flypast in close formation marked V/STOL generations. They later hovered together, creating a historic RIAT moment despite winds.

The weekend’s final special flypast held historical significance for the Air Tattoo. In 1983, Air Tattoo co-founders established the Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) in memory of Sir Douglas Bader, a WWII RAF ace who overcame leg loss.

FSDP’s 40-year journey empowered 500 disabled individuals through flight, boosting their confidence and aspirations.

Marking the charity’s 40th Anniversary, a Piper PA28 Cherokee, flown by Sam Whatmough, led Jordanian Falcons, but heavy rain led to the Falcons’ display cancellation, a disappointing outcome considering their enthusiasm as long-time event supporters.

Middle Eastern Teams

Two Middle Eastern teams, Saudi Hawks and Fursan Al Emarat, returned for their second RIAT appearances. Saudi Hawks, familiar for European tours since 2011, share a Hawk Mk65 aircraft connection with the Red Arrows.

Fursan Al Emarat, with seven Aermacchi MB339NAT aircraft, impressed since their 2012 debut.

Only two European teams participated, including the vital Red Arrows, with upcoming plans for their 60th Display Season. The Spanish Air Force’s Patrulla Aguila closed the event skilfully, flying six CASA C.101EB Aviojets, ending with a successful formation landing in calmer conditions.

Avro Lancaster B1 Solo

RAF’s Avro Lancaster B1 solo was featured between showers. A standout was Flugmuseum Messerschmitt’s Me262A/B-1c jet, a reproduction brought by Airbus sponsorship, alongside Spitfire PRXIX and P51D Mustang.

Rare military rotary displays included RAF Boeing Chinook HC6A, while German Army NH Industries NH90TTH’s dramatic show stood out.

Among the rarities, Italian Army’s Agusta AH-129D Mangusta, flown by Lt Col David Della Rossa and Captain Mario Costantino, made an impressive display. The extended display earned them the RAFCTE Trophy for Best Overseas Participant Demonstration.

Italian Air Force participation showcased despite Il Frecce Tricolori’s Italy-focused season. Reparto Sperimentale Volo featured Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon and Leonardo T-346A Master solo displays.

A Leonardo HH-139B from 15⁰ Stormo wowed with a search and rescue demo.

European solo jet displays included Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 and impressive Gripen displays.

Two Lockheed Martin F-16AM Fighting Falcon displays were featured. Royal Danish Air Force solo display in the ‘Danneborg’ aircraft was grounded due to technical issues.

The Belgian Air Force’s ‘Dream Viper’ display by Capt. Steven ‘Vrieske’ De Vries impressed with negative-g manoeuvres and rolls.

The Finnish Air Force’s McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet showcased High Angle of Attack flying and agile handling.

The Spanish Navy’s McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B+ Matador II (Harrier) wowed with a hovering routine.

Seamless Aerobatics

The highlight jet display was the Swedish SAAB Sk.60 trainer, flown by Capt. Nils ‘Princess’ Schylström. His seamless aerobatics flowed through manoeuvres, including a graceful roll spanning Fairford’s length.

Nils earned the King Hussein Memorial Sword for Best Overall Flying Demonstration. The weekend ended with a notable flypast and landing of the U.S. Air Force Boeing B-52H Stratofortress, showcasing its impressive crabbing ability, though some runway lights suffered in the process.

RIAT 2024

The 2024 RIAT, scheduled for July 19 to 21, is expected to be a truly memorable event, as it will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon. This iconic aircraft has served with distinction in militaries around the world, and it will be a thrill to see it in action at RIAT.

In addition to the F-16, the RIAT 2024 will feature a wide variety of other aircraft, from historic warbirds to the latest in military technology. There will also be a number of displays and exhibits, as well as opportunities to meet with pilots and other aviation professionals.

Photo credit: David Titherly, Britishairshows.com

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