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Each year the RAF and USAF host the worlds largest military airshow the Royal International Air Tattoo. Set in the Cotswolds its location couldn't be better. Being almost in the centre of the UK, allows even those from the furthest points on the Isle to attend. Crowd attendance was well in excess of 200,000 on both days of the show.
RAF Fairford is currently the home for the 424th Air Base Squadron, USAF. The
airfield has had a great deal of work carried out over the past 2 years to allow
its capabilities to extend to all NATO and primarily US aircraft of any size. It
has played a major role both past and present as a staging post for long range
bombing missions, most recently to the B-52 bombers carrying out missions in
Afghanistan. This is the first show back at RAF Fairford after a short absence
due to this refurbishment project. I have tried the attend the airshow
each year, but for the last couple of years it hasn't been possible. I had
the date marked on my calendar and anxiously counted the days. To try and
avoid the traffic problems I left home with plenty of time to spare with the aim
to be on the showground at least a couple of hours before the main display
started. Arriving well ahead of time was a good move. With the very
real threat of terrorism the organizers were very tight with security. The
queue to get in stretched back at least a mile, but those waiting knew what the
day was to have in store, so a good sense of humour and plenty of talk on
aviation was rife.
Standing prominently over the entrance to the airfield was the mighty
C5-B Galaxy with its smaller compatriot the C-141 Starlifter. As far as you could see
there were aircraft of many shapes and sizes. Walking along the static display
allows the public to get a very close up look at military hardware that would
normally be behind barbed wire fences and away from the public eye. Lots of the
displays had the aircrews at hand to answer the multitude of questions from
those wanting to know more about what they do. Many of the exhibits also were
made available for closer inspection. Many of the transport aircraft
allowed the public to walk inside and gape in awe of the size, were as the
smaller fighters and helicopters would have step ladders allowing the ever
curious crowds to see the pilots "office" at close quarters.
Each year the Air Tattoo is set to a theme. This year being no exception, it saluted 60th year of Bomber command and the courage of the bombers
and crews that flew on raids during the second world war. During the second
world war the airfields of England hosted not only Bomber Command for the UK,
but the mighty 8th Air Force of the USA. On almost a daily basis crews would fly
deep into Europe to carry out their task. By day the US bombers and by
night the RAF. Many knew the perils that faced them but they never
hesitated and carried out their task.
The flying display itself was a 10 hour extravaganza featuring a multitude of aircraft from all over the world. Solo displays, pairs, aerobatics, fly-pasts and tight formation are just a few of the spectacles that were to entertain the public. Starting off the the show in fine fashion was the Boeing Steerman with an intrepid lady "wing walking" to raise money for the Avro Vulcan project. As many of you may know, the Vulcan bomber was one of the 3 "V" bombers from the '60s and flew until the 1980s in active service with the RAF. With support from the public, the "Vulcan to the Sky" project hopes to see its Vulcan XH558 back in the skies on display to the public in 2003. I remember seeing this very aircraft display in 1992 at the Air Tattoo, and believe me it's a sight (and sound) that is totally unique!
The first of the display teams were the "Patrouille Suisse" flying their 6 Northrop F-5E Tiger II's. They gave a wonderful display, but due to the cloud
base they were limited to a low level routine. Not that it made too much of a
difference; some of their high speed low level passes were breath taking. Other
formation teams flying were:
One 2 aircraft display deserves an additional mention. 2 BAe Sea Harrier FA2's from the Royal Navy put on a very unique display. Taking off and demonstrating their incredible hovering technique right in front of the crowd. In an amazing flight the two pilots carried out synchronized manoeuvres in the hover. I have seen many displays with many variants of Harriers, but this was really something else.
The solo displays were equally as spectacular. Demonstrations of various military and privately owned ex military jets blasting through the skies. Where
as the low level cloud stopped the formation display teams from running their
full routines, it didn't have as much impact on the fast jets. Low level
high-speed fly-bys were the order of the day, and they really took advantage of
the fact! Various displays were on throughout the day including the following:
Towards mid afternoon it was the turn of the Americans to demonstrate their muscle. Starting off the display of the "Mighty Eighth" was a McDonnell Douglas F-15c Eagle from RAF Lakenheath in the UK. Showing the
incredible agility of this aircraft really got some admiration from the crowds.
High speed passes with full re-heat shook the ground. Pulling into the vertical the
moisture in the air made for some awesome vapour trails. Whilst the F-15
disappeared into the distance, the stage was taken by the US Air Force heritage
Flight consisting of a Republic P-47M Thunderbolt and a North American P-51
Mustang. Both of these aircraft are part of the fighter collection and Old Flying Machine Company and based not too far up the road at the famous RAF Duxford. After demonstrating their capabilities they were both joined in formation by the F-15 Eagle to finish off the routine.
Enter stage left... with its own vehicle borne escort by the police, the F-117A Nighthawk taxied out of the shadows and took centre stage. Although very much in the public eye after its debut in the Gulf war, it was evident that
security around this aircraft was still a very high factor. Taking to the
skies the F-117A demonstrated some very agile manoeuvres. Due to its
ability to evade radar, we were told the aircraft needed to be fitted with two
reflectors on the wings which would allow the airshow controllers to keep track
of it! Many air shows that I have been to have had this next bad boy only as a
static display, but this time it took to the skies for what must have been one
of the nosiest displays of the day. The Rockwell B-1B Lancer did various fly
pasts demonstrating its swing-wing and bomb bay. After seeing it so many times
as a static display, it was a real treat to see it fly.
F-117 Nighthawk and the Rockwell B-1
Lancer Each year the organizers strive to include something out of the ordinary. This year being no exception, we were treated to a fly-past of the amazing B-2A Spirit stealth bomber. The B-2A appeared on both days of the show. It had flown
non stop from its American base in New Mexico, a round trip of some 20 hours and 3 mid-air
refuels. Having seen much footage on the TV and read various articles in books
etc, seeing it actually flying was really special. It looks so ominous with its
very unusual shape. As it made a left turn to enter the display pattern, the
unique shape was silhouetted against the cloudy sky giving us a magnificent view
of its design. Flanked either side by its F-15 escort fighters, it really was a
sight to behold and one that I will remember for years to come. It was a
pity that it flown this great distance only to do a single pass of the airfield.
Finishing off the display from the mighty Eighth, was an aircraft celebrating its fiftieth birthday. The B-52 "Buff" took to the skies once again.
Being no stranger to RAF Fairford the B-52 took off and demonstrated its low
level capabilities. Despite its size it made some very sharp turns to thrill the
crowd. Having gone through many upgrades over the years, the "Buff" is scheduled
to continue service to the year 2030!
The B-52 "Buff" strutting its stuff
As the afternoon became early evening, the last theme of the day began. "Salute to the bomber crews". Leading the salute was a display by a GR7 Harrier followed by a superb display by a Tornado GR4. Watching a Tornado fly at over
650kts, 200ft off the ground then pull up and climb vertically to 15,000ft
really is something! As the two fast movers finished off their display, the
beautiful B17G Flying Fortress took its place on the runway threshold. Opening
the throttles wide the sound coming from the four mighty engines was music to the
ear. Lifting off and gracefully and climbing into the evening sky was an
amazing sight. Doing numerous circuits around the airfield, the B-17 was
eventually joined by its two escorts the P-51 and P-47. As the display
continued, an interview with a veteran bomber pilot was played over the speaker
system. It told of the many heroic deeds carried out by the crews during its
active service.
The B-17G Flying Fortress, P-51
Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt
About half an hour before the B-17 and its
accompanying Warbirds took to the skies, 4 F-16 fighting falcons took to the air
and disappeared into the afternoon sky. As the US Warbirds landed, the
F-16s took the skies above the runway. After a number of flybys, they formed up
out in the distance and headed inbound to the flight line. Paying tribute to the
crews who gave their lives during conflict, they performed the "Missing Man"
formation. The single aircraft pulling up vertically from the 4 way formation
leaving a slot for the missing airmen.
It was now time for what I considered the
highlight of the day. For many years now the Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight has been exhibiting at air shows and special events all over the
country. The flight consists of a Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker
Hurricane, and the mighty Avro Lancaster. At the majority of the shows
the BBMF display starts with the flight taking off from their home base and
beginning the display from the air. To see the aircraft taxi out and take to the
air in front of your eyes is a real treat. The sound of the magical Rolls Royce
Merlin engines sends a shiver down the spine. After the Spitfire and the
Hurricane had taken off, the Lancaster took its position on the threshold. As
the throttles were advanced it began rolling gathering speed down the runway. I
have seen the BBMF flight many times over the years, but it still gives me sense
of pride seeing these old aircraft take to the skies. The BBMF formed up with
all three aircraft and made many passes over the field in all their splendour.
The next aircraft to take to the air was the Bristol Blenheim. A twin
engine aircraft used in nearly all roles during WWII. After a short while the
Blenheim was joined by the Lancaster for a rare fly-past in formation.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The final show of the day was a breath taking display from the RAF's world renowned "Red Arrows" The Red Arrows have been pleasing crowds for almost three decades now. No matter how often you see them, they always manage to leave a
lasting impression with the split-second timing and unparalleled accuracy for
their formations. They were able to do a complete high display as the cloud base
had lifted sufficiently by the time they took off.
The RAF Red Arrows
Well folks, that was the Royal
International Air Tattoo 2002. As you can probably appreciate it was a
magnificent airshow. The show was one of the best I have seen to date, and no
doubt will be surpassed next year with even more displays to please the crowd.
Walking away from the flight line back down the static display it was evident
from the enthusiasm of the crowds that it had been an amazing success. A big
'thank you' must go out to all those involved in making the airshow the spectacle
that it is. From the people right at the top of the chain who do all the
planning, to the volunteers who devote their time to clear up when we have all
since departed. If you were lucky enough to be there this year, I am sure you
will agree with me that it is one of the highlights in the aviation calendar,
and something that you will eagerly await to attend next year.
Footnote:
You might have already heard that
the Saturday display was met with an unfortunate accident. An Italian Alenia
G222TCM transport aircraft was demonstrating its high angle of attack
landing. On touch down the nose wheel assembly failed causing the aircraft to
fall onto its fuselage and scrape along the runway. On coming to a halt, a small
fire had started. The emergency crews were on the scene in seconds and very
quickly had the situation under control. Thankfully their were no human
casualties.
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