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2015-08-01

HONOURING ‘THE FEW’

The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in the UK is always extra-special but this year’s event was even more so. The tattoo marked the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The event’s operational theme, Securing the Skies - Past Present Future, was particularly appropriate with the Eurofighter Typhoon representing the cutting edge of the RAF’s front line, fulfilling the role carried out by the veteran aircraft of the Second World War.

A bumper crowd of almost 150,000 people were treated to a spectacular display of aviation from across the globe during the three-day spectacular. In total 232 aircraft from 27 air arms representing 22 countries took part in the Tattoo.

Royalty was in attendance with HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH the Duke of Kent enjoying the event.

Aviation fans welcomed the Qatar Emiri Air Force Lockheed C-130J Hercules, with the Gulf state becoming the 55th nation to appear at the show, and five aerobatic display teams performed spectacular routines with the Patrouille de France, Patrulla Aguila from Spain, the Swiss PC-7 Team and the Royal Jordanian Falcons joining the Red Arrows in thrilling the crowds.

The airshow also marked the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE) and honours an iconic warbird from the Cold War era, with the Vulcan XH558 making its final Air Tattoo appearances in its last-ever display season.

This culminated in a special salute taken by three wartime pilots – Flying Officer Ken Wilkinson with Squadron Leaders Geoffrey Wellum and Tony Pickering, who were joined by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford.

The ever-popular Vulcan XH558 made its final Air Tattoo appearances before it retires at the end of this year. The delta-winged Cold War bomber performed dramatic solo displays followed by joint flypasts with the RAF Red Arrows. The airshow also hosted the international debut of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force’s Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, which performed in the flying display and attracted significant interest on the ground.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said he was delighted that a large crowd had been treated to one of the most exciting Air Tattoos in recent memory.

He said: “The range of aircraft on display both in the air and on the ground has been incredible and we are grateful to all the air arms from around the world that participated and helped make the event such a success.

“As well as providing one of the world’s greatest aviation spectacles, the Air Tattoo plays an important role in support of UK defence diplomacy, and the 2015 airshow once again provided a relaxed yet dynamic meeting place where senior industry figures and military chiefs could come together to celebrate the best of aviation.”

Battle of Britain theme triumphs

The Battle of Britain featured at the awards ceremony at the tattoo with two of the coveted prizes going to air displays commemorating our Second World War heritage.

With the Air Tattoo staging a commemorative flypast and salute to ‘The Few’, it was fitting that the 75th anniversary of the conflict should be remembered at Hangar Party, the traditional finale to the event.

The ceremony was introduced by Air Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust and President of RIAT, who said: “This has been one of our greatest shows ever. There’s been a tremendous response from the public, and fantastic displays which have wowed the crowds.”

The top award, the King Hussein Memorial Sword - presented in memory of the late HM King Hussein of Jordan, Patron of the International Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the Best Overall Flying Demonstration - went to the Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary Flypast, led by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The sword was presented by Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, Major General Mansour Al Jobour.

There was an impromptu award by Armstrong, Chief Executive of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises and Director of RIAT, who presented his own RIAT CEO Award - to the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment Tornados from the RAF, and the German and Italian Air Forces.

The Paul Bowen Trophy - presented in memory of the Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration - went to the Finnish F-18 flown by Capt Ville Uggeldahl.

The Sir Douglas Bader Trophy - presented for the Best Individual Flying Display - went to the German Bolkow Bo105 helicopter. Alan Smith, Chairman of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, presented the trophy to Capt Torsten Mobius who said: “I’m very surprised. It’s the first time I’ve been to Fairford and to win this trophy is just great.”

Wing Commander Jonathan Nixon, chairman of the Flying Control Committee, presented The Cannestra Trophy for the Best Flying Demonstration by an overseas participant. The trophy went to the Slovenian Pilatus PC9 trainer, flown by display pilot 1st Lt Andrej Fiorell. He said: “When you consider all the fighter jets displayed by other countries it’s wonderful to take this award home to Slovenia.”

The Steedman Display Sword - 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 - was awarded to the Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon and Spitfire Synchro Pair.

The As the Crow Flies Trophy, awarded for the best overall flying demonstration as voted for by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo went to the Vulcan To The Skies Trust, a fitting tribute to Vulcan XH558 in its final display season.

HIGHLIGHTS

Battle of Britain 75th anniversary massed flypast

The highlights included a massed flypast of vintage warbirds to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain - a mass fly-past featuring 20 veteran wartime aircraft including no fewer than 12 Spitfires, five Hurricanes, one Seafire, one Messerschmitt and one Buchon. Also touching down was Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson, flying his own Eclipse EA.500 jet, with a special passenger on board. Dickinson is Vice Patron of RIAT’s Flying Scholarships for Disabled People, an organisation which enables disabled individuals to learn to fly.

Qatar Emiri Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules

The Qatar Emiri Air Force operates four examples of the C-130J-30 Hercules, delivered to Doha by manufacturer Lockheed Martin in 2011-12. Qatar became the first Middle Eastern customer for the current C-130J variant of the famed tactical transport when it signed a $393.6-million deal for the aircraft, plus spares and training provision, in October 2008. Its aircraft are C-130J-30 models with a stretched fuselage. The Qatari air arm has recently modernised its transport fleet, used for both military and humanitarian tasks, to a considerable extent with the addition not only of the Hercules but also a pair of Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs.

Boeing - P-8A Poseidon

A US Navy P-8A Poseidon long-range multi-mission platform, and the manufacturer’s Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) demonstrator, based on the Bombardier Challenger 604 business jet made a splash at the event.

For the second year running, the P-8A at the show was provided by air test and evaluation squadron VX-1 ‘Pioneers’. Based on the commercial Boeing 737-800 airframe, the Poseidon is replacing the US Navy’s long-serving P-3 Orion in the anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare roles, incorporating some very advanced sensor equipment. It first flew in April 2009, and the initial delivery of a production example to the US Navy took place just under three years later.

New to the Air Tattoo was Boeing’s Maritime Surveillance Aircraft.

Japanese Kawasaki P-1

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force sent two P-1s to the Tattoo. The Kawasaki’s display was simple but effective, with a couple of low passes including one with the aircraft’s weapons bay open. The aircraft, which looks rather like a Douglas DC-8 that has been through a hot wash, is a spritely performer, airborne in about 4-5,000 feet of runway, and a steep climb away. The Kawasaki P-1 is arguably one of the most intriguing aircraft to attend the show in the last 15 years.

Airbus A400M Atlas

A400M took to the skies on all three days at the tattoo. A400M is heralding the start of a flight test programme that has now progressed to the point where production examples are entering service with air arms including the French Air Force, Royal Air Force and Turkish Air Force. This is a four-turboprop machine, powered by four new Europrop International TP400 engines, combining tactical and strategic capabilities into one platform. On order at present are 174 examples for eight countries.

The RAF is receiving 22 examples of what it has officially named the Atlas C1 for service as part of its air mobility fleet at Brize Norton, deliveries having commenced last autumn.

Army Air Corps Apache AH1

For well over a decade, the spearhead of Army Air Corps striking power has been the Apache AH1, built for British service by what is now AgustaWestland at Yeovil. This mighty ‘tank-killing’ attack helicopter, which won its US Army spurs in the first Gulf War, has seen extensive Army Air Corps use in combat theatres, specifically Afghanistan and Libya.

Its main armament comprises 2.75in CRV-7 rockets, Hellfire missiles (of which it can carry up to 16), and the 30mm M230 chain gun, the latter directed by the pilot’s helmet. The variant is easily distinguished by the Longbow fire control radar mounted atop the rotor head.

Blenheim IF ‘L6739’

Gracing the airshow circuit once again in 2015 was a magnificently restored Bristol Blenheim, thanks to the Aircraft Restoration Company. This versatile aircraft served in many roles during the Battle of Britain - as a day and night fighter, as a light bomber, as a reconnaissance aircraft and more.

The heroism of all Blenheim crews is honoured by the ARC’s example, originally built in Canada as a Bolingbroke IVT trainer. It was the second such aircraft restored to flight by what used to be the British Aerial Museum, latterly the Aircraft Restoration Company, at Duxford - the first crashed in 1987. This one, registered G-BPIV, flew again after restoration in May 1993.

Embraer Phenom

An example of the Phenom business jet family produced by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer was in the static display by Birmingham-based Flair-Jet, a business aircraft management company within the well-known Marshall Group. Flair-Jet was Europe’s first operator of the Phenom 100 and 300 models. The smaller Phenom 100 seats four or six passengers and falls within the so-called very light jet (VLJ) category.

It first flew in 2007, deliveries commencing in 2008. In future, the type will be employed by the RAF and Royal Navy in the multi-engine trainer role under the new Military Flying Training System.

Finnish Air Force F/A-18c Hornet

The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engined multirole fighter designed in the United States. Most of the Finnish Air Force’s F/A-18C and D Hornet fleet is divided between Lapland and Karelia Air Commands, where they equip Fighter Squadrons 11 and 31 respectively, and form the service’s primary striking power. The Hornet is operated in the training, air policing, and defensive counter-air roles in times of crisis. RIAT 2015 saw a solo demonstration by a Finnish F/A-18C, the first at the show for six years.

French Air Force Patrouille de France

France’s national aerobatic team, the Patrouille de France, displayed a formation of eight Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet E trainers. Based at Salon de Provence, the team celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2013. It started out on the F-84G Thunderjet, followed by the Dassault Ouragan and Mystère IV, and then the Fouga Magister.

During its time flying the distinctive butterfly-tailed Magister trainer, the Patrouille appeared at the first ever Air Tattoo at North Weald in 1971. Conversion to the Franco-German Alpha Jet occurred a decade later, and ever since then the type has proved a popular mount.

German Air Force Tornado

Even with the Eurofighter’s arrival, the Panavia Tornado remains very much key to the Luftwaffe’s front-line capabilities. Just two wings still fly the type, these having been re-organised recently as Taktischen Luftwaffengeschwader (Tactical Air Wings) - the aircraft at RIAT 2015, one each for the flying display and static park, were from Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33, which operates the Tornado IDS (Interdictor Strike) variant from Büchel near Koblenz.

The unit notched its 185,000th flying hour on the Tornado during 2014, having received its first examples to replace the F-104 Starfighter in 1985. The aircraft is still being upgraded.

Hungarian Air Force JAS 39 Gripen

Hungary became an operator of the highly successful Saab JAS 39 Gripen in 2006, when it took on charge the first of 14 examples. Currently operated under a leasing arrangement with the Swedish government, renewed for another decade during 2012, these comprise a dozen single-seat JAS 39C variants and a pair of JAS 39D two-seaters.

All 13 survivors are flown by the ‘Puma’ squadron of the 59th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kecskemét. Adding the Gripen to its inventory has boosted significantly the front-line capabilities of the Hungarian Air Force, which was previously reliant on Warsaw Pact-era combat equipment like the MiG-29. Hungary has recently committed its Gripens to the multi-national air policing efforts over Slovenia and the Baltic states.

Polish Air Force MiG-29

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 fighter was a formidable foe when the aircraft, first flown in 1977, initially appeared. This tactical fighter, codenamed ‘Fulcrum’ by NATO, was rugged yet very agile, and would have been more than a match for its Western opponents in the latter years of the Cold War.

The Polish Air Force started receiving MiG-29s in 1989, and the type remains in front-line service with the air arm to this day. It has two bases equipped with ‘Fulcrums’, of which Poland is the biggest operator within NATO, extra examples having been acquired when first the Czech Air Force and then the German Air Force retired the type. They have been highly active on Baltic Air Policing duties and take part regularly in multi-national exercises.

Hellenic Air Force F-16 Demo Team ‘Zeus’

Block 30 single-seat F-16C and two-seat F-16D models. They started to arrive in service during 1989, forming, along with Mirage 2000s delivered that same year, a much-enhanced fighter force.

As the Fighting Falcon was improved, so Greece procured successive versions - first Block 50 jets, and then, in 2000 for delivery from 2005, the Block 52+ model. It is the latter that was seen in action at RIAT, equipping the HAF’s F-16 demo team ‘Zeus’.

The Block 52+ F-16C is distinguished by the fuselage spine-mounted conformal fuel tanks that increase the aircraft’s fuel capacity, one of the model’s several upgrades over previous variants - the engine, radar, avionics and weaponry are all superior, too. These are true multi-role aircraft.

US Army UH-60A+ Black Hawk

Attending the Air Tattoo on static display this year was a medical evacuation-configured UH-60A+ model on the strength of C/1-214th AVN (AA), a US Army Europe unit stationed at Grafenwöhr, Germany. A supremely rugged and versatile battlefield helicopter, the US Army’s Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk has been a great workhorse on worldwide operations for many years.

The prototype of this twin-engined machine flew inaugurally in 1974 and service entry with the Army occurred five years later. Black Hawks have been used in the invasions of Grenada and Panama, in both Iraq wars, in Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan and many other theatres.

The type’s primary missions in standard UH-60 form are tactical transport and medical evacuation; however, many other derivatives of Sikorsky’s H-60 family have been developed for use not just by the US Army, but also the Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. For example, it serves the Air Force in HH-60 Pave Hawk form as a combat rescue platform, and the Navy as the MH-60 and SH-60 Seahawk. A highly-modified, ‘stealthy’ US Army Black Hawk was among the helicopters employed during the mission in 2011 that killed Osama bin Laden.

Ref: Photo/text: www.airtattoo.com

www.baesystems.com

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