News

2017-07-10

Thrilling Display Awaits Spectators at Air Tattoo

This month sees the return of the annual Royal International Air Tattoo 2017 (RIAT), an unrivalled event in terms of intensity, drama and spectacle. Billed as the “world’s greatest airshow”, the event, set to be held From July 14- 16 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, promises an extravaganza of entertainment for all.

On the first day, visitors can expect four hours of air displays, while the Saturday and Sunday (July 15th and 16th) will feature 7.5 hours of exciting air action, from veteran WWII fighter planes to futuristic jets, and everything in between.

Expect even more excitement than last year’s event – which hosted more than 230 aircraft, from 37 air arms in 24 countries, with 55 official military delegations in attendance. History was made on Friday July 8, 2016, when Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Lightning II, the world’s most advanced fighter jet, performed its first ever international display.

A breathtaking weekend

Alongside thrilling flying action, visitors can expect a packed entertainment schedule on the ground - so whether a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned airshow veteran, the experience is sure to be breathtaking.

In the sky, you can expect to see fast jets, giant transporters, historic aircraft, and much, much more.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has increased its already considerable support for the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017, with a number of aircraft being confirmed for the show’s static display.

On show in the RAF Village, showcasing a range of different RAF roles in modern-day operations, will be an Airbus Atlas C.1 turboprop airlifter. The RAF’s newest transport continues to be introduced to service and has been proving a great success. Also coming from nearby Brize Norton is another key element of the service’s modern air mobility force, a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III.

Front-line fast jets include a Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, and two Eurofighter Typhoons. Two aircraft that train aircrew members to fly RAF fast jets and multi-engine types will be there - a No IV (Reserve) Squadron Hawk T2, a Hawk T.1 from 100 Squadron, and a King Air B200. Two RAF helicopters have also been confirmed for static display, a Griffin HT.1 and a Squirrel HT.1 from the Central Flying School.

These RAF aircraft add to the air arm’s significant flying contribution, headlined by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.

RAF Training Future

RIAT 2017 will showcase the future of RAF fixed-wing aircrew training in a special static display mounted by aerospace company Elbit Systems. For the first time, visitors will be able to see the three latest aircraft types being provided to the RAF under the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) programme - the Grob Prefect, Beechcraft Texan and Embraer Phenom - in their RAF colours.

Prefect is the RAF’s name for the turboprop-powered Grob G120TP. It will provide the elementary training element under MFTS, superseding another of German manufacturer Grob’s products in the shape of the piston-engined Tutor.

The Texan, otherwise known as the Beechcraft T-6C, will perform the basic flying training stage. It too is a turboprop, and will replace the Shorts Tucano. The Phenom is part of Brazilian manufacturer Embraer’s business jet family. The MFTS programme involving the Phenom 100 model is set to take over the multi-engine crew training role from the Beech King Air B200 turboprop.

Thunderbirds Are Go!

The US-based Thunderbirds’ display team will be making a rare performance at the Air Tattoo - the team’s only UK appearance this year, and part of the show’s official tribute to mark the US Air Force’s 70th anniversary.

As well as seeing a range of operational and historic US Air Force aircraft in the air and on the ground, Air Tattoo visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the key role the air arm plays in a range of international coalitions and partnerships.

Formed in 1953, the six strong F-16 Fighting Falcons team is renowned as much for its choreographed pre-flight ground routine - performed with pinpoint accuracy - as it is for its stunning aerial displays.

The team, based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, has only appeared at the Air Tattoo once before - in 2007.

Historic pair

Two historic World War Two fighter aircraft will share the skies above RAF Fairford for a stirring flypast to mark the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force.

The North American P-51 Mustang and the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk flew with US Army Air Corps during WW2, and their combat capabilities earned them a reputation that ranks alongside that shared by the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.

Italian and German Air Forces

The Italian Air Force is attending with a trio of aircraft. Set to display this year is the modern T-346 Master jet trainer, the amazingly manoeuvrable C-27J Spartan and the iconic Tornado fighter.

Joining the Italian flying confirmations is a quartet of German static craft: the Luftwaffe will attend this summer’s show with a Transall C-160D, two Eurofighter EF2000s and a Panavia Tornado.

Full of Eastern Promise

RIAT 2017 is set to welcome some rare and unusual aircraft from East European air arms.

Newly-confirmed for the static display is a Saab JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighter from the Hungarian Air Force. The nimble jet comes to the show from the ‘Puma’ squadron of the 59th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kecskemét, where 14 Gripens in total are based.

The static park will be further boosted by a return visit from a Polish Navy PZL-Mielec M28 Bryza 1R maritime surveillance aircraft. This distinctive twin-turboprop machine, a development of the Antonov An-28 with Western engines and many other enhancements, will arrive from the 44th Naval Base at Siemirowice in northern Poland.

Also on static display, the Lithuanian Air Force contributes a Leonardo C-27J Spartan airlifter, from its Transport Squadron at Šiauliai. This will be only the second time the aircraft has appeared at the Air Tattoo in the Baltic state’s colours.

Belgians showcase search and rescue

One of the greatest fast jet displays in Europe, and a rarely seen helicopter demonstration will form part of the Belgian Air Component’s contribution to RIAT 2017.

Belgium has flown the F-16 Fighting Falcon since 1979, and its examples are among the oldest still in service, but thanks to major upgrades they remain very capable fighters indeed.

In addition to the Fighting Falcon, the RIAT 2017 flying programme features a search and rescue demonstration by a Westland Sea King helicopter. These veteran machines are nearing end of service in Belgium, making the Air Tattoo one of the last occasions on which such a display will be seen at a British event.

German Navy sets sail for Air Tattoo

The Air Tattoo welcomes back three German Navy aircraft on the static display.

The Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patroller and Airbus EC135P2+ training helicopter last appeared at the airshow in 2016, while the Westland Sea Lynx utility helicopter’s most recent visit was in 2015.

The P-3C Orion, one of the eight in the German Navy, is a maritime patrol aircraft used on multi-national missions, notably European Union-led anti-piracy tasks in the Horn of Africa. The Sea Lynx performs search & rescue and anti-submarine roles as well as light transport. The twin-engined EC-135 is used by the German Navy to train future Sea King and Sea Lynx pilots.

Canada brings a heavy lifter

The Royal Canadian Air Force is sending a Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III for the static park - with a Boeing CH-147F Chinook helicopter inside its hold.

The C-17 is one of the most capable heavy airlift aircraft in the world, and Canada - which calls it the CC-177 - has made much use of its capabilities. It runs a five-strong fleet of Globemaster IIIs.

United States marks 70th anniversary in style

Two of the US Air Force’s largest and most formidable aircraft will be flying into RAF Fairford, its only European airfield for heavy bombers. The aircraft, a B-52H Stratofortress and a B-1B Lancer, both in the static display, will join other US Air Force aircraft including the F-22 Raptor, and two F-16C fighter jets, from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. The F-16 is one of the most numerous fighters in the world, with the USAF having taken delivery of over 2,200 of the type since its introduction to service in 1978.

Both the flying and static displays will feature a CV-22B Osprey, a unique tiltrotor machine capable of flying like a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.

Two larger UASF aircraft will also feature on the static display. From RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, comes the MC-130J Commando II tactical transport and tanker aircraft, used to support Special Operations alongside the ‘Osprey’.

Flying in all the way from Charleston, South Carolina will be a C-17A Globemaster, a massive transporter with tactical capabilities including the ability to land on sand and gravel.

The United States Navy will also showcase the world’s most capable maritime patrol aircraft, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, on the ground. The aircraft is on order for the Royal Air Force, which will take delivery from 2019.

A400M Confirmed For Air Tattoo

One of the most popular large aircraft displays is the impressive A400M from Airbus Defence and Space. The 21st Century transporter will once again return to the skies above Fairford, demonstrating its power and agility.

Airbus Defence and Space’s Royal Air Force Voyager Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) will be on the ground, too.

Further static confirmations come from the Royal Danish Air Force, with their popular Bombardier, the Challenger 604. The Slovenian Air Force will also provide a Let L-410 to supplement their PC-9 at the static display.

French fast jets show flair at Fairford

The Royal International Air Tattoo 2017 will see two of Europe’s most sought-after fast jet displays in Europe: the French Air Force’s solo Dassault Rafale C multi-role fighter, and - for the first time - its brand new Couteau Delta team of two Dassault Mirage 2000D strike aircraft.

Couteau Delta promises a loud and fast demonstration of the delta-winged Mirage, comprising tactical combat manoeuvres. RIAT will be the team’s first British display.

The Mirage 2000D is the conventional strike variant of the 2000N nuclear attack platform, as displayed in previous years by the now disbanded Ramex Delta pair. One of the aircraft is expected to display in a special desert camouflage scheme.

After several previous award-winning visits to the Air Tattoo, Dassault’s latest-generation Rafale returns in 2017. This swing-role combat jet has taken part in combat operations over Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Mali and Syria, and is also in service in carrier-borne form with the French Navy.

The huge international support for the RAF Air Tattoo is very welcome, as the event is organised in support of the Royal Airforce Charitable Trust, a charity set up in 2005 to support the wider RAF family. As well as seeking to develop a spirit of air-mindedness in youngsters, it also aims to promote excellence with the Royal Air Force.

Reference Text/Photo:

www.airtattoo.com/airshow

Comments () Views (2976 ) Print

Send To Friend