England

RIAT Fairford 2019

The 2019 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) was held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire over the weekend of Friday 19 July - Sunday 21 July 2019 and having attended two previous events (2014 and 2016) on the Saturday only I decided on the Saturday / Sunday to make the long journey more worthwhile. I was fortunate I didn`t include the Friday as heavy rain and thunderstorms meant very few flights and many of the static aircraft staying under wraps.

The RIAT is a very impressive airshow, ranked as one of the best not only in the UK but in Europe and beyond with a lengthy flying programme and around 200 - 300 aircraft to be seen over the event`s duration (including arrival and departure days). This year there was some blue sky on Saturday which was excellent for photography but Sunday, although dry with a promising start, remained overcast. The planes including the various display teams were able to perform their full `high-level` routines but against a grey background. Also, Sunday`s flying was basically a re-hash of Saturday`s aircraft in a different order but without the set-piece flypasts - a situation which attracted a lot of adverse comments on social media. The seemingly random positioning of the aircraft on static display with an increase in unavoidable background clutter (portable loos, stalls, food vans etc), closer to the subjects compared with previous years, also drew criticism.

Townsend Farm Camping

Hotels, inns and guest houses within a reasonable travelling distance of Fairford tend to get booked up well in advance so I opted to camp at Townsend Farm. 

There is an official RIAT campground but I believe a minimum stay of several nights is compulsory, whereas the owners of Townsend are quite happy with visitors staying for just one night. The farm covers a vast area with some fields allocated for general camping, some for families and others designated as quiet areas.

​Having driven down overnight, I was able to get in and pick a spot just after 06:00 hrs, but rather than pitch my tent, kept everything secure in the car until my return after the display. There were issues regarding the airfield car parks, especially on the Saturday at the end of the day when long queues formed at some of the exits but staying at Townsend Farm allows you to avoid the associated hassle.

​Jenner`s Barn offers breakfast and lunch Fri-Sun and the adjacent bar and beer garden next to the site entrance are popular, in the latter`s case weather permitting of course. The camp store sells milk, bread, newspapers, drinks, snacks & camping essentials and has a charging point for phones, other small devices and batteries. There are showers with hot water, plus fresh water stands and banks of portable loos strategically positioned at numerous locations.

​Please bear in mind that all my images are subject to copyright. They are not free to use and have been embedded with a digital watermark.

The walkway leading from the campsite keeps pedestrians off the busy roads until the they reach the Yellow Entrance crossing point into the airfield...

Top of Page

A new addition for 2019 was the 35 metre-high Fairford Eye, a big wheel set well back from the fence line in the Red Zone which offered an otherwise unseen perspective across the airfield. Most photographers would consider the £5 fee (£4.50 pre-booked) reasonable but the gondolas were surrounded by glass with gaps between the frames far too small to accommodate even a modest camera lens. Standing up to shoot over the screen was prohibited too which made it difficult to zoom-in on some of the furthest exhibits but despite these limitations it`s definitely worth checking out.  

NATO Flypast

​On Saturday, NATO Boeing E-3A Sentry LX-N90451, call-sign `NATO 01` was tasked with leading the flypast celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the NATO Alliance, but went tech shortly before takeoff. Also dropping out were a Luftwaffe Airbus A400M and Tornado so that left a procession of individual aircraft or formations from participating aircraft made up of F-16AM Fighting Falcons, Eurofighter EF2000, Eurofighter Typhoons, F-15C Eagles / F-15E Strike Eagles and a French Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker. The aircraft were from the RAF and air arms of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway and the USA. 

This was a typical scene in the public viewing areas.

Above: The trio of Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcons, all in special colours, prepare for a `75th Anniversary of D-Day` tribute.

​The above slideshow covers the NATO Flypast. Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ937 (below) and ZJ920 were also flying.

Royal Air Force

Over the years, the RIAT has produced some remarkable flypasts, many of them unique and the highlight this time round was the Red Arrows in formation with British Airways Boeing 747-436 G-BYGC which had been painted in a retro BOAC livery as part of the BA100 celebrations. The Reds also joined with the French Air Force's Patrouille de France team as a salute to the 50th anniversary of Concorde's first flight, and these one-offs along with the RAF team`s exciting standard displays saw them win the Steedman Display Sword for best display by a UK participant. 

​For RIAT 2019, the Red Arrows team consisted of the the following BAe Hawk T.1A aircraft: XX323, XX177, XX244, XX232, XX242, XX319, XX245, XX322, XX219, XX310 and XX188.

The Red Arrows and Patrouille de France in their respective Concorde formations.

​The following shots are of Royal Air Force Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II FP ZM146 `Ghost 01` which made an all too brief (just several minutes) appearance, late afternoon on Saturday 20 July before returning to RAF Marham. Despite the grim conditions on Friday, F-35B ZM147 also managed a flyby. Having been to RIAT 2016 when a US Marine Corps example put on a terrific, lengthy demonstration, I wasn`t the only one disappointed by this year`s literately `lightning demo.`

​Britain's state-of-the-art F-35Bs have already completed their first operational missions when the Lightning jets flew alongside Typhoon aircraft over Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Shader, the UK's contribution to the fight against so-called Islamic State. The aircraft began their first overseas deployment in May
this year when six of F-35s relocated to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus from RAF Marham. In November 2018, it was announced that Britain would more than double its number of F-35B aircraft after ordering a further 17 of the jets. Britain plans to eventually have 138 F-35Bs, split between the RAF and Royal Navy.

The F-35B is currently the only vertical lift combat fighter in production in the world and the only one fitted with Rolls Royce`s innovative Liftsystem. The Liftsystem`s components include a powerful Liftfan situated behind the pilot which generates about 20,000 lbs of downward thrust from unheated air. In just over one second the unit, which is connected to a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine via a shaft and gearbox, swallows enough air to empty a squash court.

​The unique 3-bearing swivel module at the rear of the aircraft can rotate downwards in just 2.5 seconds to provide an extra 18,000 lbs of heated thrust for additional control and stability. The next generation fighter jet has already been praised by pilots for its ease of operation and its reliable and effective Short Take-Off and Vertical Lift (STOVL) system.

Royal Air Force Sentinel R.1 ZJ694 call-sign `Snapshot 01`. This aircraft, which uses Bombardier’s BD700 Global Express business jet as its airborne platform, ​provides long-range, wide-area battlefield surveillance, delivering critical intelligence and target tracking information to British and coalition forces. The aircraft has been operationally deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali, and is currently deployed in support of British and Coalition operations in Iraq and Syria. Using its powerful multi-mode radar, the Sentinel’s mission crew identifies, tracks and images numerous targets over a wide range, passing the information in near real time to friendly forces.  

The first operational Sentinel R.Mk 1 mission took place in November 2008 and the aircraft immediately proved its worth over Afghanistan and again during Operation Ellamy, the UK`s 2011 military intervention in Libya, becoming a vital link in the chain of target identification and prosecution, especially where fleeting or ‘pop-up’ targets were concerned. The 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review nominated Sentinel for withdrawal as soon as the UK`s commitment in Afghanistan ended, but such was the system’s value to British and allied commanders that it was given a reprieve. Sentinel continues to prove its worth and as a result its out of service date has been moved back to 2021. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 530kt (982km/h) with a range exceeding 5,000nm (9,260km) and a maximum altitude of more than 40,000ft.

Based on the Airbus A330-200 passenger airliner, the Military Voyager is used along with with the Boeing C-17 Globemaster II fleet to provide the RAF with Strategic Air Transport and Aeromedical capability. The Voyager is also an extremely effective air-to-air tanker that allows a variety of RAF aircraft to operate for extended periods. This is Voyager KC.3 S ZZ338, call-sign `Tartan 42`.

​Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 S ZJ913/913/WS-Y, call-sign `Spartan 23`. Its weapons array here includes ​MBDA ASRAAM, MBDA Meteor, Storm Shadow / SCALP and SPEAR missiles. ​Storm Shadow / SCALP, the largest missile in these shots, is a joint British / French project, developed since 1994 by British Aerospace and Matra, originally manufactured by MBDA. Storm Shadow is the British name for the weapon; in French service it is called SCALP EG (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général, meaning General Purpose Long Range Cruise Missile). The weapon is based on the earlier MBDA Apache anti-runway missile, and differs in that it carries a warhead, rather than submunitions. 

Storm Shadow has a range of approximately 560 km (300 nautical miles), is powered by a turbojet at Mach 0.8 and is specifically  designed to meet the demanding requirements of pre-planned attacks against high value fixed or stationary targets. It can be carried by the RAF Typhoon, Italian Tornado IDS, Saab Gripen, Dassault Mirage 2000 and the Dassault Rafale. 

​The weapon has been used operationally by the British in the Gulf, Iraq and Libya using the Tornado, since retired from RAF service, and aircraft of the French Air Force.

Avro Lancaster I PA474/AR-L/VN-T of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight`s contribution on Saturday was Hurricane IIC PZ865/EG-S and Spitfire Mk.LFIXe MK356/QJ-3 with both aircraft remaining hangared overnight after their display. They were joined by the BBMF Lancaster I PA474/AR-L/VN-T on Sunday afternoon with sight of these iconic aircraft always being one of the highlights at any airshow, albeit the skies here, for the most part, were disappointingly grey. 

Royal Air Force Lockheed Hercules C.4 ZH879. ​The Hercules is the RAF’s primary tactical transport aircraft and in its current C.Mk 4 and C.Mk 5 versions of the C-130J, it has been the backbone of UK tactical mobility tasks since brought into service in 1999. The Herc is frequently employed to operate into countries or regions where there is a threat to aircraft; its performance, tactics and defensive systems make it the ideal platform for such tasks.

The C-130J is highly flexible, with the ability to airdrop a variety of stores and paratroopers, and operate from natural surface landing zones. Loaders and a selection of vehicles, cargo and equipment likely to be carried were on display at Fairford. To conduct these missions it is vital that Hercules crews are highly skilled in low-level flying.  The aircraft can perform the same roles at night using night-vision goggles (NVGs), while station keeping equipment (SKE) enables it to remain in formation during poor weather. Long-range capabilities are enhanced with air-to-air refuelling, while the Air Survival Rescue Apparatus may be mounted in the cabin for search and rescue missions, enabling the Hercules to airdrop life rafts and emergency supplies.

A military refuelling tanker and camouflaged fuel bowser.

​It was originally planned that the A400M Atlas would replace the Hercules but as the C-130J clearly has an important tactical role to play, it`s likely that the RAF`s Hercules C.4 fleet of 14 aircraft will remain in service until 2030. ZH879 was just one of several large transports which the public could access during this year`s RIAT but long queues meant it was difficult to get unobstructed shots once inside. Here, a young visitor suitably attired with warm gear and ear protectors, seems impressed with decor.

RAF Westland Puma HC.2 XW224. ​This medium support helicopter operates under Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) control.  The aircraft is used in a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and stores on the battlefield, as well as the extraction of casualties and in response to medical emergencies on the frontline.  It is also employed during non-combatant evacuations, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. 

The Puma can carry up to 16 passengers, 12 fully equipped troops or up to 2 tonnes of freight, the latter moved as internal cargo or underslung, or a mix of the two. It can also be fitted with up to six stretchers for operations in the CASEVAC role. With more powerful engines, greater range than the HC.1 and a modern digital cockpit, the Puma Mk.2 is capable of operating in harsh environments, such as those experienced in Afghanistan, the Falklands, or Arctic Norway. The Puma can be prepared for transport by C-17 in just four hours, flown across the globe, and be rebuilt and returned to flying just as quickly at the destination, making it a highly mobile, deployable battlefield support helicopter. 

RAF Boeing Chinook HC.6As ZA708 and ZD983 both performed individual flying displays over the weekend. The current operational Chinook fleet, based at RAF Odiham and RAF Benson, comprises MK.4 and MK.6 variants, all of which have been fitted with digital glass cockpits. The MK.6 also benefits from a Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS), greatly enhancing handling and safety, especially when operating in re-circulating dust or snow conditions.

​RAF Hawk T.2 ZK027/R, call-sign `Devil 2`, is on the right in the above view which looks west along the static line-up. ZK020/K `Devil 1` was also present.

G-BYGC wasn`t the only Jumbo on display at this year`s RIAT!

Royal Air Force BAe Hawk T.1A X321/CI `Pirate 25`.

​Several RAF Short Tucano T.1s were present with ZF448/448, call-sign `Sword 2`, pictured above, on static display and ZF287/287 `Sword 1` and ZF264/264 `Sword 3` taking to the air. The Tucano T.Mk 1 provides basic fast jet training (BFJT) to RAF and RN aircrew on their training pathway to frontline fast jet aircraft. It is currently flown by 72 Sqn with No. 1 Flying Training School (FTS) at Royal Air Force Linton-on-Ouse. Students come to the Tucano from the Tutor and progress onto the Hawk T2, but the Tucano is currently being replaced and the fast jet training progression will soon be Prefect 120TP (the Grob Tutor replacement), Texan II and finally, Hawk T2. 

The Grob 115E (right), known by the RAF as the Tutor, is still used for Elementary Flying Training by all 3 of the Armed Services. It ​also equips 15 University Air Squadrons (UASs) and 12 Air Experience Flights (AEFs) throughout the UK, providing flying instruction to university students and air experience flying to members of the Air Cadet organisation. 

Above: Royal Air Force Embraer EMB500 Phenom 100 ZM335 occupies the centre of this shot taken from the Fairford Eye with the Textron Aviation contingent top left. Grob Prefect T.1 ZM307 and Royal Air Force Beech T-6C Texan II ZM324 are on the right. Grob’s 120TP is an extreme evolution of a line of two-seat sporting and aerobatic light aircraft that began with the Grob G.115, first flown in 1985 and includes the G.115E, ordered in quantity for UK service as the Tutor. First flown in 2010, the 120TP employs a composite airframe and turboprop power, plus digital avionics and a glass cockpit.

Nominally based at Cranwell but operating out of nearby RAF Barkston Heath, the Prefect is replacing the Tutor T.1 in the elementary flying training Role with 57 Sqn at RAF College Cranwell. The new aircraft`s advanced features over its predecessor make it entirely relevant to the next stage in UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS), whether students progress to the Juno helicopter, Texan II basic trainer or Phenom multi-engine platform. It will eliminate the need for students to learn glass cockpit flying later in their training and establish a digital precedent all the way to the frontline.

Texan II ZM324 RAF.

Airbus Helicopters Juno HT.1 ZM519 `Shark 1` and Jupiter HT.1 S ZM500 `Shark 2` of the Defence Helicopter Flying School.

Trainers of yesteryear: Scottish Aviation Bulldog T.1s XX614 (G-GGRR) and XX636/Y (G-CBFP), plus (above) ​Jet Provost T.5 XW325 (G-BWGF).

​​Please bear in mind that all my images are subject to copyright. They are not free to use and have been embedded with a digital watermark.

Jet Provost T.5 XW324/U  (G-BWSG) and Jet Provost T.3 G-BKOU (XN637).

British Army

​Designed to hunt and destroy tanks, the Apache attack helicopter has significantly improved the Army's operational capability. It can fly in all weathers, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise up to 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds. It carries a mix of weapons including rockets, Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun, as well as a state of the art fully integrated defensive aid suite. In addition to the distinctive Longbow radar located above the rotor blades, this aircraft is equipped with a day TV system, thermal imaging sight and direct view optics.

The Army Air Corps had Westland AH.64D Apache ZJ208, Westland Wildcat AH.1 S ZZ393 and Westland Gazelle AH.1 XZ327 (right) on static display, the latter having arrived by road on 18 July. The always impressive aerial demo on Saturday and Sunday was carried out by AH.64D Apache ZJ181, call-sign `Gunship 1`.

​A pair of Thales Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicles, WK037 and WK039 (below) were available for inspection. Developed in the UK, this UAV provides an all-weather, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability for the British Army. A joint venture by the Thales Group & Elbit Systems, Watchkeeper's first UK flight took place on Wednesday 14 April 2010 from ParcAberporth in Wales, but various factors delayed delivery to the armed forces. By 2014 Watchkeeper had gained certification from the Military Aviation Authority, had its Release to Service granted and was cleared for military flight training with the Royal Artillery, operating out of Boscombe Down in Wiltshire.

On 29 September 2014, the MoD revealed that an undisclosed number of Watchkeepers had become fully operational and sent to Afghanistan. The aircraft were stationed at Camp Bastion to provide force protection for British troops and worked alongside Hermes 450s which the system is derived from. Watchkeeper proved effective by successfully supporting a detachment of U.S. Marines using its Thales I-Master radar. It cued a Hermes 450 onto a target for continued tracking, which then passed the information on to a Royal Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone to conduct an airstrike. Some 140 flights were conducted for 8 hours a day until operations ceased in mid-October 2014. As of March 2018, the cost of the project including the supply of 54 Watchkeepers had reached £1.08 billion, more than £200 million above the original budget, even though less than 50 are thought to have been supplied. 

This preserved ex-Army Air Corps vintage Auster AOP.9 WZ706 is now on the UK Civil Register as G-BURR. Following on from the successful Auster Mark III, IV and V during the Second World War, this aircraft served, initially with the Royal Air Force, from February 1955, replacing the AOP.6 in the regular AOP (Air Observation Post) squadrons, The auxiliary squadrons disbanded in March 1957 before receiving AOP.9s and until the formation of the Army Air Corps (AAC) in September 1957, Army personnel flew RAF aircraft based in RAF squadrons. The latest Auster continued as an invaluable aerial platform for artillery spotting and communications duties. The plane could operate from fields and roads, enabling it to keep up with a rapidly moving advance and its slow loiter speed allowed it`s pilot to report on the accuracy of an artillery strike real-time and radio-in any necessary adjustments. The main threat to these observation aircraft was from ground troops as the spotters`standard operating height was fairly low, a requirement to make them less visible to enemy fighters. 

Royal Navy

​Royal Navy Beech Avenger T.1 ZZ502. Royal Navy BAE Hawk T.1A XX256/CU-846 `Kraken 46` is visible in the above shot, between the two helicopters.

Below: Westland Merlin HM.2 S ZH840/81 `Excalibur 81`, marked HMS Queen Elizabeth, and Westland Wildcat HMA.2 S ZZ529, call-sign `Martlet 406`.

HM Coastguard

HM Coastguard AgustaWestland AW189 G-MCGU, Sikorsky S-92 G-MCGK and Cessna F406 Caravan II G-TURF `Fisheries Patrol.`

Top of Page

Belgian Air Component

The Belgian Air Force (BAF) F-16 Solo Display Team for 2018-2020 is based at Florennes Air Base and its fighter jet was given the name "Dark Falcon" a reference to its pilot, Senior Captain Stephan "Vador" Darte (a.k.a. Darth Vader of Star Wars fame). Belgian General Dynamics F-16AMs, serial numbers FA-57/MN-L and FA-124/GE-S were flying with FA-101 in the static line.

Embraer ERJ135 CE-02, which I snapped departing  at 08:40 hrs on Sunday 21 July, had arrived on the 18th as support for the trio of Belgian F-16s.

Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force were represented at RIAT 2019 by Lockheed CC-130J-30 Hercules 130612/612 and Lockheed CP-140 Aurora 140112/112, both of which were on static display. Another RCAF Aurora, serial number 140115, was among the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPAs) operating from Prestwick Airport during Exercise Joint Warrior JW191 which took place in March / April this year. 

Royal Danish Air Force 

​The Royal Danish Air Force`s contribution to proceedings was General Dynamics F-16BM ET-197 flying and F-16AM E-191 in special `Dannebrog 800` livery (above), plus Westland Merlin Mk.512 M-519 in the static park. The legend goes that on 15 June 1219, the Danish flag, Dannebrog, appeared in the sky over Lyndanisse in Estonia where the Danish king Valdemar II was fighting a battle against Estonian pagans, and he was in danger of being overwhelmed until the sign boosted morale and spurred the Danes on to victory.

Westland Merlin Mk.512 M-519 and its chilled-out crew...

Finnish Air Force

McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18C Hornets HN-406 and HN-428 from Fighter Squadron 11 of the Finnish Air Force each gave an impressive aerial demonstration while their support aircraft Airbus Military C295M serial number CC-2, took up position in the static line-up. Hornet pilot Capt Arto Ukskoski, took home two awards for his impressive routine, the first being the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy for best individual flying demonstration, then the `As The Crow Flies` Trophy for best display as judged by the enthusiast members of Friends of RIAT.

French Air Force - Armee De L` Air

For RIAT 2019 the Patrouille de France comprised Dassault Alpha Jets E44/1 F-UHRE, E146/2 F-UHRR, E139/3 F-UGFC, E20/4 F-TEMS, E127/5 F-UGFK, E129/6 F-TELP, E46/7 F-UHRF, E113/8 F-TETD, E87/9 F-TELC and E68/0 F-TEMO. The team, which is the official acrobatic patrol of the French Air Force was formed in 1953. It traditionally opens the parade on Bastille Day, July 14 in Paris, with a flypast down the Champs-Élysées. Prior to the Alpha Jets, the team`s mount was the Fouga Magister.

Support for the Patrouille de France was provided by Lockheed C-130J 5847/61-PP which is pictured below heading back to base at 09:40 hrs on Sunday 21st. Other French Air Force planes making an appearance during this year`s RIAT were Boeing KC-135RG 475/31-CF (NATO Flypast on Saturday), plus visiting SOCATA TBM700 125/XO (19-20 July) and French Air Force Cirrus SR22 bearing the civil reg F-GKCI, call-sign `FAF 6242`.

​French Navy Embraer EMB121AN Xingu, serial number 87, arrived at 16:20 hrs on Friday 19 July and took up position in the static line.

​French Army Aerospatiale SA342L Gazelle 4053/GBE and Aerospatiale SA330B Puma 1219/DAZ with a Royal Netherlands Air Force Chinook in the distance.

Germany

On the static line were a pair of Panavia Tornado IDS S - serial numbers 43+25 and 46+05, with a third machine 46+49 down for the flying display. 

The furthest Tornado in the following shot is an Italian Air Force example.

Three Luftwaffe Eurofighter EF2000s also took part, again with two, 30+67 and 31+17 parked up and 31+44 flying. 

The portrait on the tail of Tornado 43+25 is of Max Immelmann (21 September 1890 – 18 June 1916) who was Germany`s first WWI flying Ace. He was the first aviator to win the Pour le Mérite (colloquially known as the "Blue Max" in his honour), and was awarded it at the same time as Oswald Boelcke. Immelmann`s name has become associated with a common flying tactic, the Immelmann turn, and remains a byword in aviation. He is credited with 15 aerial victories before being shot down on the evening of 18 June 1916 near Lens during a dogfight with Royal Flying Corps (RFC) FE.2b pusher aircraft. 

Eurofighter EF2000 30+25 unsurprisingly won the trophy for best livery. The aircraft  is operated by Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 71 'Richthofen', stationed at Wittmund and features a portrait of The Red Baron, Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (2 May 1892 - 21 April 1918) and his formidable Fokker Tri-plane on the tailfin. He flew with the German Air Force during World War I and was officially credited with 80 air combat victories making him the highest-scoring ace of any nation during the conflict.

A pair of Luftwaffe Airbus A400Ms attended the event with 54+28 in the static park and 54+05 in the flying display.

The Bronco Demo Team`s North American OV-10B bears the Luftwaffe serial 99+18 (G-ONAA). This aircraft was developed in the 1960s to fulfil a counter-insurgency (COIN) combat role, and one of its primary missions was to act as a forward air control (FAC) platform. Up to three tons of external munitions could be fitted and the OV-10 has the ability to loiter for more than three hours. Used extensively by the US Air Force, US Navy and US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, a total of 81 were ultimately lost during the conflict, not all as a result of enemy action.

Eighteen Broncos were supplied to the West German Air Force from 1970 onwards to be utilised as target tugs. They served until 1990 when they were replaced by Pilatus PC-9s. ​Another preserved WGAF example is on display at the Luftwaffe Museum, Berlin. Shots of this aircraft can be viewed here.

Westland Lynx MK.88 83+10 of the German Navy has some striking nose art.

Below: EP-3E Orion 60+01 of the German Navy.  This four-engine land-based turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft is based on the Lockheed L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The military aircraft was, originally developed for the United States Navy, becoming operational in August 1962. Well over 700 P-3s have been produced to date, many of which were exported and are still serving across the globe as various design changes and upgrades to the navigation, weapons system and electronics packages ensure that the Orion remains a highly capable anti-sub / maritime patrol platform in the modern environment, although the type is currently being phased out and replaced by the Boeing P-8 Poseidon in US Navy service. 

Top of Page

Hellenic Air Force

​The sole aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force was Beechcraft T-6A Texan II trainer serial number 036.

Hungarian Air Force

I`ve actually photographed Hungarian Air Force/NATO Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, serial number 080001 before, in December last year at Glasgow Airport when it made a fuel stop on a journey state-side. ​This long range cargo aircraft is one of three Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs assigned to the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC). SAC, established in 2008, is an independent, multinational program based at the Hungarian Defence Forces` Pápa Air Base in Western Hungary.

The concept was first envisaged in 2006 when NATO officials and national representatives realised that a partnered solution would satisfy a need for strategic airlift for member states without the economic resources to field a permanent capability. ​Originally this idea was called the NATO Strategic Airlift Capability (NSAC) but when the first non-NATO nation joined the initiative In October 2006, the concept changed its name to the SAC and moved outside the Alliance. ​The operational element of SAC, the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW), is a multinational force, commanded by a colonel of a member nation.

​Each of the 12 participating countries owns a share of the available flight hours of the SAC C-17's that can be used for missions to serve the needs of NATO, their own defence forces, or any EU or UN commitments, in addition to humanitarian relief efforts. The SAC Nations are the NATO members Hungary, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and the United States, plus NATO Partnership for Peace nations Finland and Sweden. 

​As Hungary is the host nation, the SAC C-17's all bear Hungarian military serials and national insignia. This is the first of the trio, `SAC 01`, full serial number 08000, which was delivered to the unit on 14 July 2009. The remaining two aircraft, SAC 02 and 03, were delivered within the next few months and operations with the Heavy Airlift Wing started immediately thereafter. 

The only other Hungarian Air Force aircraft at RIAT this year was Falcon 7X, serial number 607, which visited on the 18th.

Italian Air Force

​Once again, RIAT regulars the Italian Air Force`s international aerobatic display team, the Frecce Tricolori in their Aermacchi MB-339PANs, put on a superb display and although the team`s commentator was very enthusiastic, he wasn`t quite as loud or excitable as some of his counterparts on my previous visits! Aircraft performing were MM55053/0, MM54518/2, MM54517/3, MM54534/4, MM55059/5, MM55052/6, MM54510/7, MM54539/8, MM54505/9, MM55058/11 and MM54551/1.​ 

This year the Frecce Tricolori scooped the RAFCTE Trophy, awarded to the best flying demonstration by an overseas participant.

Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon MM7343/RS-21.

Aermacchi M-346A Master MM55213.

Support aircraft for the sizeable Italian Air Force contingent were C-130J Hercules MM62195/46-61 which visited on 17 July followed by MM62186/46-51 on the 18th. Italian Air Force Piaggio P-180AM Avanti MM62161 visited on the 19th. Aermacchi M-346A Master MM55213/61-06 treated the crowd to an impressive display on Saturday and Sunday. 

This advanced military twin-engine jet trainer was originally co-developed with Yakovlev as the Yak/AEM-130, however, the partnership was dissolved in 2000 after which Alenia Aermacchi proceeded to separately develop the M-346 Master, while Yakovlev continued work on the Yak-130. Since 2016 the manufacturer became Leonardo-Finmeccanica as Alenia Aermacchi merged into the new Finmeccanica, finally rebranding as Leonardo in 2017. ​The M-346 prototype completed its first flight in July 2004 and the type is currently operated by the air forces of Italy, Israel, Singapore, and Poland. 

​​Italian Air Force Panavia Tornado IDS MM7057/6-04 complete with spectre tail art.

​A pair of Italian Air Force Alenia C-27J Spartans attended RIAT 2019, CSX62219/RS-50 putting on the usual impressive aerial demonstration and MM62225/46-90 on the ground. ​​

​The C-27J was developed and manufactured in Italy and is an advanced derivative of Alenia Aeronautica's earlier G.222 (C-27A Spartan in U.S. service).

​The design incorporates the engines and various other systems which are used on the larger Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. In addition to the standard transport configuration, specialised variants of the C-27J have been developed for other roles including maritime patrol, search and rescue, and intelligence gathering. ​

Italian Air Force helicopters in attendance were AgustaWestland HH-101A MM81865/15-02 and AgustaWestland HH-139A MM81796/15-40. 

Top of Page

Jordan

The Royal Jordanian Falcons were formed in 1976 at the behest of His Majesty King Hussein, an aviation enthusiast and pilot of great renown. The team, all former Royal Jordanian Air Force fighter pilots, originally flew Pitts Special bi-planes but now use the German-designed Extra 330LX. This time round the team`s mounts comprised JY-RFA (RJF-01), JY-RFB (RJF-02), JY-RFC (RJF-03) and JY-RFD (RJF-04) with Royal Jordanian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules serial number 345 in support.

​

Lithuanian Air Force

Lithuanian Air Force Alenia C-27J Spartan 06.

Royal Netherlands Air Force

Royal Netherlands Air Force General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon J-368 (above) and J-646 were on static display.

Royal Netherlands Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules G-273.

Above: Royal Netherlands Air Force Boeing CH-47D Chinook D-661 (call-sign `Grizzly 54`).

Royal Netherlands Air Force NH Industries NH-90 N-227 (above) and Aerospatiale AS532U2 Cougar S-453 (below).

Royal Norwegian Air Force

The Norwegians had General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcons 687 and 691 in the static line-up. The latter aircraft was sporting a special RAF WW2 livery to mark the creation of the RNoAF 75 years ago, and as 2019 also commemorates the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle for Normandy, the aircraft also has D-Day stripes on its underside. The camouflage replicates that applied to Spitfire IX, PL258 / FN-K of  ​331 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF during the Second World War. On 29 December 1944, the fighter crash landed in a field near Tubbergen, in the Netherlands. The remains of the wreckage were eventually located by a team from the Norwegian Spitfire Foundation and now form the core of a restoration project. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has allocated G-NSFS as a temporary measure and when the aircraft has been fully restored and test-flown, the intention is to return it to Norway.

Pakistan Air Force

This Hercules, C-130B serial number 766, is one of the oldest in Pakistan Air Force service and was used for bombing missions back in 1965. As this year`s RIAT theme is related to space and exploration, the tail has appropriate artwork. The country`s Next Generation Fighter (NGF) project is also depicted.

Poland

Antonov An-28 Bryza 1115 of the Polish Navy. This twin-engined light turboprop transport aircraft, developed from the Antonov An-14M, was the winner of a competition against the Beriev Be-30 for use by Aeroflot as a short-range airliner. After a short pre-production series built by Antonov, the aircraft was licence-built in Poland by PZL-Mielec. In 1993, PZL-Mielec developed its own improved variant, the PZL M28 Skytruck. The An-28 first flew back in 1969 and a total of 191 were produced. As of late 2015, 16 remained in airline service. As well as serving in the Soviet Union and Poland, military versions of this aircraft were exported to Tanzania, Djibouti and Peru. 

Top of Page

Qatar

The Qatar Emiri Air Force had Boeing C-17 Globemaster III MAB / ​080202 and Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules MAH / 211 on show.

Romania

MiG-21 LanceR Cs 6807 and 6824 of the Romanian Air Force attracted lots of attention. Their support, Alenia C-27J Spartan 2706 was in the static park.

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (NATO reporting name: Fishbed) is a supersonic jet fighter and interceptor introduced into Soviet service in 1959. A total of 10,645 aircraft were built in the USSR, produced in three massive factories, one at Moscow, one at Gorky and another at Tbilisi. The MiG-21 set a number of aviation records and became the most-produced supersonic jet aircraft in aviation history, the most-produced combat aircraft since the Korean War and previously had the longest production run of any combat aircraft, but there are now more McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagles and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons. Approximately 60 countries over four continents have flown the MiG-21, and it still serves many nations six decades after its maiden flight. 

​The Romanian Air Force (RoAF) received first batch of 12 MiG-21F-13s in 1962, followed by another dozen of the same variant in 1963. Deliveries continued over the decades that followed with other upgraded variants bringing the total to 322 aircraft by the early 1990s. By this time, the MiG-23 and MiG-29 were also operational with the Romanians but beginning in 1993, Russia did not offer spare parts for these newer aircraft, so it was far easier and more cost effective to modernise and maintain the Romanian MiG-21s. Between 1995 and 2002, a total of 111 MiG-21s received Israeli Elbit Systems` packages, greatly improving their capabilities. A total of 71 of these aircraft were MiG-21M and MF/MF-75 LanceR ground-attack variants, 14 were the UM variant as LanceR B trainers, and another 26 MF/MF-75s were modernised under LanceR C designation for air superiority. 

Today, only 30 or so LanceRs remain operational with the RoAF. Despite being one of the newest MiG-21 fleets in service, the Romanian MiG-21 LanceR fleet has been grounded for prolonged periods due to difficulties maintaining the aircraft, and since 1996 it has had an accident rate of over 30 per 100,000 hours. Serviceability rates below 50% are not uncommon therefore two just appearing at Fairford, let alone performing was an extremely rare event. The type is already being phased out, currently being replaced in Romanian service by a squadron of 12 F-16AM/BM fighters. The MiGs are set to be withdrawn sometime next year.

Slovakia

​Just one aircraft from the Slovak Air Force: Alenia C-27J Spartan, serial number 1962.

Spain

​The iconic Harrier jump jet is a rare sight in British skies these days although several air arms still operate the type, closest to home being the Spanish Navy. Two Armada EAV-8B Harrier IIs, `Cobra flight` serial number VA.1B-24/01-914 and VA.1B-37/01-925 reminded the Fairford crowd of the days when RAF and Royal Navy machines were a regular feature at UK airshows. 

​The RIAT Chief Executive Trophy, presented by outgoing Air Tattoo CEO Andy Armstrong, went to the Spanish Navy's Harrier duo. Mr Armstrong referred particularly to the initiative shown by the squadron's commanding officer following a brake fire suffered by one of the two aircraft on arrival, which led to repairs being affected enabling the team to perform their weekend displays as scheduled.

Spanish Navy Cessna 550 Citation II, serial number U.20-2/01-406 was the support aircraft for the Harriers.

Swedish Air Force

Swedish Air Force SAAB JAS-39C Gripens 39268/268 and 39227/227 were flying and support was provided by Lockheed C-130H Hercules (Tp.84) 84005/845. All these aircraft arrived on Wednesday 17 July. Gripen pilot Maj Peter Fallén from F 7 Wing, who has performed at six RIAT`s, received the King Hussein Memorial Sword for best overall flying demonstration. 

​SAAB JAS-39D Gripen 39816/816 of SVF G39 was on static display.

Switzerland

The Swiss had Boeing F/A-18C Hornets J-5011 and J-5012 flying over the weekend. The current Swiss Air Force fleet of F/A-18C and D Hornets and Northrop F-5 Tigers are due to retire in the not too distant future and the government is planning to acquire new fighter jets. Five major companies, namely Airbus, French firm Dassault and Sweden’s Saab, as well as US-based companies Boeing and Lockheed Martin have all submitted bids. Aircraft in contention as replacements are Airbus’s Eurofighter, Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault’s Rafale, Saab’s Gripen E and F-35As made by Lockheed-Martin. 

 Swiss Air Force Challenger 604 T-752 was support aircraft for the Hornets and Pilatus PC-24 T-786 (above) visited, arriving at 18:20 hrs on Saturday 20 July. 

Turkish Air Force

Phantoms are fast-becoming a rare sight. The ​Turkish Air Force had a pair of F-4Es in the static park - 77-0296 and 77-0288, each with special markings.

Boeing KC-135R 57-2609 provided refuelling and additional support for the Turkish Air Force Phantoms...

Ukrainian Air Force

One of the Tattoo`s undoubted highlights was the presence of the Ukrainian Air Force contingent with a pair of SU-27 Flankers and a Illushyn IL-76MD Candid ​in support. Sukhoi SU-27P Flanker, serial number 39, gave an impressive display on the two days I was there while SU-27UB Flanker, No.71 was in the static park.

The Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name: Flanker) originated in the Soviet Union as a direct competitor for the large United States 4th-generation fighters such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle. There are currently several related developments of the Su-27 design but when it entered service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1985 its primary role was long-range air defence, potentially countering the threat posed by American B-1B Lancer and B-52G/H bombers, while also protecting the Soviet coast from US carrier-borne aircraft. 

The Flanker, with a range of 3,530-kilometres (1,910 nmi), can also fly long-range fighter escort missions, charges being Soviet heavy bombers such as the Tu-95 "Bear", Tu-22M "Backfire" and Tu-160 "Blackjack". The latest versions of this exceptional aircraft have sophisticated avionics, superb manoeuvrability and can carry and deliver a wide range of heavy ordnance enabling a wide range of aerial tasks. ​

In addition to wowing the crowds at Fairford, pilot Lt Col Yurii Bulavka, from the Ukrainian Air Force`s 831st Guards Tactical Aviation Brigade, greatly impressed the RIAT judges who awarded him the Paul Bowen Trophy for the best solo jet display. The trophy is named in honour of the late Paul Bowen, co-founder of the Air Tattoo.

Ukrainian Air Force Illushyn IL-76MD Candid 76683 acted as support ship for the Flankers.

US Air Force

US ​Air Force heavyweights included Boeing B-52H Stratofortress 60-0048/LA, call-sign `Skull 20` (below) which arrived on 17 July, Boeing C-17A Globemaster III  99-0169, McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender 79-1950 US Air Force Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 58-0100/D/A-EP. Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 12-5757 was also present. 

The B-52H Stratofortress is the USAF’s principal strategic nuclear and conventional weapons platform, and can support the US Navy in anti-surface and submarine warfare missions. The B-52 made its first flight back in April 1952 and is consequently the longest serving combat aircraft in the world. A total of 744 were built including 104 B-52Hs which entered service in 1961 / 1962. Despite the age of the airframe, these aircraft are expected to remain in service well beyond 2030 due to extensive system and structural upgrades. The example attending Fairford this year is from ​Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

Other US Air Force aircraft in attendance included Lockheed F-16CMs 96-0080/SP and 96-0083/SP each performing an individual aerial demo, while the three previously mentioned Lakenheath-based F-15 Strike Eagles, 92-0364/LN, 00-3002/LN and 91-0324/LN took part in the NATO 70th Anniversary Flypast on Saturday. 

US Air Force Gulfstream C-37A 01-0029 `Spar 80` was a noteworthy visitor, arriving at Fairford at 08:15 hrs on 19 July and spending just 30 minutes on the ground.

On the right and below are further views of ​Boeing C-17A Globemaster III  99-0169. These large transports, like the ageing USAF C-130 Hercules fleet, are common visitors to many military bases throughout Europe and frequently stop at Prestwick Airport in Scotland to refuel when making transatlantic crossings. 

Lakenheath-based US Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle 96-0201/LN, call-sign `Sonic 01.`

Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 58-0100/D/A-EP `Hundred Proof`.

McDonnell Douglas KC-10A Extender 79-1950 US Air Force.

Lockheed MC-130J Commando II 12-5757 USAF.

USAF Viper F-16C 96-0080, from 480th FS Warhawks based at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, kicked-off the flying display on Sunday morning but just a few minutes into his routine, Maj. Garret Schmitz, pilot and commander of the Demo Team, declared an emergency. With no announcement over the PA system the crowd were left speculating as to why the action had came to an abrupt halt. Meanwhile the aircraft climbed and did a series of high-level, relatively slow circuits to allow the pilot to check the flight control systems and identify the problem. The aircraft then made a low-level pass along the length of the runway, with gear down at slow speed, for a visual inspections before coming to a safe landing.​

Footage and shots taken on the ground revealed damage to the trailing edge of the right horizontal stabiliser, likely caused by a spontaneous delamination of the stabiliser’s composite material. Delamination is a mode of failure where a material fractures into layers including a separation along a plane parallel to a surface, as in the separation of a coating from a substrate or the layers of a coating from each other. In this case, delamination may have been caused by the sustained high G-forces involved with the F-16’s display. ​The above shots were taken before the incident occurred and I didn`t get any later ones showing the damage. 

Bell Boeing CV-22B Osprey 08-0051 `Knife 71` from RAF Mildenhall displayed on Saturday and Sunday. Another Osprey, 10-0052 `Knife 71` (below) was available for inspection on the ground. This American multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft has both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. It was designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft and although still appearing futuristic, the highly versatile Osprey`s first flight was in March 1989. Over 200 have been built to date with variants also in service with the US Navy and US Marine Corps.

Preserved Beech 18 N45CF is painted as C-45 Expeditor 436784 of the US Army Air Force (USAAF) with the name `Pianosa Courier`. The `Twin Beech` was manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas and continuously produced from 1937 to November 1969, a period of more than 32 years,​which was a world record at the time. Over 9,000 were built, with around half seeing military service during and after World War II. Roles included light transport, light bomber (for China), aircrew trainer (for bombing, navigation, and gunnery), photo-reconnaissance, and "mother ship" for target drones. In World War II, over 90% of USAAF bombardiers and navigators trained in these aircraft.

US Navy

​The US Navy was represented at this year`s Air Tattoo by US Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon 169329/PD-329 (call-sign `Rider 14`) from VP-30. This multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, based on the Boeing 737-800 airliner, is equipped with advanced ​sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions and was designed to replace the veteran Lockheed P-3 Orion in US Navy service. The P-8A’s comprehensive mission system features an APY-10 radar with modes for high-resolution mapping, an acoustic sensor system, including passive and multi-static sonobuoys, electro-optical/IR turret and electronic support measures (ESM), while the aircraft’s weapons system includes torpedoes for engaging sub-surface targets. 

The P-8 is now widely deployed in US service and has been exported to the Indian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force. With regard to the UK, the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA.Mk 4 upgrade of existing Nimrod MR.Mk 2 airframes had been underway for some years when it was axed under the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The MR.Mk 2 was also withdrawn, unbelievably leaving the UK, an island nation, without effective long-range, fixed-wing maritime cover. Project Seedcorn saw personnel posted into maritime patrol units with allied air arms, maintaining vital skills until the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review confirmed the intended purchase of nine Poseidons for the RAF. The type will operate from RAF Lossiemouth, where infrastructure is being prepared for its arrival around 2020.  The aircraft will be equipped with US weapons, although British weapons may be integrated in future. 

Northrop Grumman 

Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American global aerospace and defence technology company. With over 85,000 employees and an annual revenue in excess of $30 billion, it`s one of the world's largest weapons manufacturers and military technology providers. Northrop Grumman currently leads the development of B-21 Raider, a long-range, stealth strategic bomber capable of delivering conventional and thermonuclear weapons which will replace Northrop's own B-2 Spirit, the only known stealth bomber in the world. 

​The corporation`s display at Fairford consisted of Northrop Grumman Firebird N326JG, Northrop Grumman Bell 407 (MQ-8C Firescout Mockup) N600CE ("168808/NG-808") and Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk Mockup, all of which arrived by road.

​​Please bear in mind that all my images are subject to copyright. They are not free to use and have been embedded with a digital watermark.

Below: An artist`s impression of an RQ-4A Global Hawk in RAF service, seen on the Northrop Grumman stand...

Top of Page

Airbus Defence & Space

Airbus Defence & Space company demonstrator Airbus A400M EC-400 arrived at Fairford on Wednesday 17 July. In addition to its standard displays, on Sunday the aircraft made a flypast with the Blades aerobatic team then headed back across the Channel on Sunday 21st at 17:00 hrs after its final display. ​

Textron Aviation

Textron Aviation is the general aviation business unit of the American Textron group which was formed in March 2014 following the acquisition of Beech Holdings which included the Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft businesses. Textron Aviation sells Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker branded aircraft under common management.

​The company`s wares include Cessna single-engined piston, turboprop and jet aircraft, Beechcraft piston and turboprops and Hawker jets. As of 2015, Textron Aviation companies had delivered nearly 251,000 aircraft in over 170 countries. Present at the RIAT this year were Beechcraft AT-6B Wolverine N610AT (right), Beech King Air 350ER N288DW and Cessna 208 Grand Caravan N504EX.

​Based on the Swiss-made Pilatus PC-9, the AT-6 has replaced the US Air Force's Cessna T-37B and the US Navy's T-34C Turbo Mentor aircraft in the basic pilot training and Combat Systems Officer (CSO) training role. The United States Marine Corps also use the type for primary and intermediate Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training, Other operators of the T-6 are the Royal Canadian Air Force, Greek Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Iraqi Air Force, Mexican Air Force, Royal Moroccan Air Force, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Civilian Aircraft

This section includes additional civilian show participants and visiting aircraft. 

The Breitling Jet Team is the largest civilian aerobatic display team in Europe. Based in Dijon, France, it flies seven Czech Aero L-39 Albatros jets. The team flies a display lasting 18–20 minutes that includes formation flying, opposition passes, solo routines, and synchronised manoeuvers. The team performs across Europe and the Middle East, with multiple engagements per year, including international airshows and Breitling corporate events. Aircraft performing at the RIAT this year were Aero L-39 Albatros ES-YLN/1, ES-YLI/2, ES-YLX/3, ES-YLR/4, ES-TLF/5, ES-YLF/6 and ES-YLP/7.

On show from QinetiQ were Pilatus PC-21 G-ETPB, c/s `Tester 84` and Avro RJ70 G-ETPK `Tester 86`.

Hawker Hunter Aviation Ltd`s striking veteran Hunter Mk.58 ZZ191 rivalled the elaborately painted modern day fighter jets in the static line-up.

Tecnam P2002 Sierra G-HACS belongs to Royal Air Force Halton Aeroplane Club which also exhibited Cessna 152 G-BSCZ in the static display.

Gulfstream G650ER N650GF is the new company demonstrator.

Piaggio P-166 I-FENI is a frequent attendee at Fairford. This Italian-manufactured twin-engine push-prop utility aircraft was a development of the P.136 amphibian and flew for the first time on 26 November 1957. Although the new aircraft had a redesigned fuselage, it retained the wing and engines from its predecessor. There were numerous civil variants and others specifically intended for military use. The Italian Air Force received around 50, delivered between 1960 - 1968, and a few of these were used for photographic survey work. The P.166 was also used by the Somalian Aeronautical Corps and South African Air Force. ​

Above: Bombardier BD-700-1A10 Global 6000 G-OUEG and privately-owned Aero L-29 Delfin G-BYCT.

Aeropro EuroFox 3K G-CJOL arrived shortly before the action started on Sunday 21 July.

AgustaWestland AW109SP GrandNew G-VIVE was among the helicopters taxiing VIPs to Fairford over the weekend.

This unidentified aircraft fuselage emerged from a hangar on the far side of the airfield and was loaded onto a truck for transport.

​The Blades aerobatic Team comprised Extra EA-300s G-ZEXL, G-OFFO, G-ZXCL and G-ZXLL. ​Civilian aircraft on static display which I didn`t photograph included Scottish Aviation Jetstream G-NLFA and NFLC Bulldog T.1 G-BCUO, both belonging to the National Flying Laboratory Centre, TL2000 Sting S4 G-NIAC, RAFFCA Tecnam P2008s G-RFCA and G-RFCB plus ​P&M Quik GTR G-CLFJ, Cirrus SR-22T HB-KGC, Piper PA-28 Cherokees HB-PKE and G-AVYL and Grob 120TP D-ETPI​. Among the many civilian visitors to Fairford but not part of the RIAT were BAE Systems Embraer ERJ-145EU G-OWTN, Cessna Citation D-COBI, and Manx-registered Beech 250 King Air M-OTOR (19th) American Aviation AA-5B F-GITZ, Bulldog T.1 G-CBAN (XX668/I), Robinson R-44 Cadet G-OCAF plus ​Eurocopter AS350 B2 Squirrel G-SCHI (20th).

Visiting Bombardier Global 6000 SE-RMT of SAAB Aerospace is pictured here departing just before 09:00 hrs on Sunday 21 July after night-stopping. Another of the company`s exec` jets, namely Gulfstream G550 SE-RKL had stopped over 19/20th. No doubt both aircraft had been transporting ​company VIPs to the event.

Top of Page

RIAT Fairford 2016

England Main Page