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Post by planefleet on Jun 1, 2023 16:58:59 GMT
Latest Update - 1st June
We start this week with the return of a display team not seen in the UK since 2012! We are pleased that the Fursan Al Emarat display team, from the United Arab Emirates will be joining us at RIAT 2023. The team will be flying a sevenship of colourful MB-339 jets for an impressive flying display routine on Saturday & Sunday.
Next, we can now announce that the United States Air Force plans to send a pair of B-52 to RIAT 2023. One jet will be on static display on all three days, whilst visitors over the weekend will also get the chance to see the mighty BUFF in the air! Both jets will come from the 2nd Bomb Wing, based at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. We hope to announce additional assets from the USAF in the coming weeks... watch this space!
Another cold war jet which will be one of the stars of the static display for aviation enthusiasts will be the Sukhoi Su-22, coming from the Polish Air Force. This may be one of the final opportunities to see soviet produced fast jet aircraft at an Air Tattoo, so is not to be missed! The deployment of the Fitter will be supported by a CASA support aircraft, although we do not yet know if this will remain at Fairford over the weekend to join the static aircraft displays.
Finally, one additional civilian aircraft for the static displays this week, with the unique SAAB 340 'National Flying Laboratory Centre' operated by Cranfield University, making it's RIAT Debut.
This week we were informed by the Turkish Air Force, that unfortunately due to the ongoing workload on their Air Transport Fleet in earthquake relief missions, the required level of support to deploy the Turkish Stars to RIAT will not be available and therefore their participation has been cancelled. We are awaiting news if any alternative aircraft may be available but recognise the high tempo of operations for the Turkish military in recovering from the devastating natural disaster earlier this year may make this difficult.
This week our team have continued to work with a number of other Air Forces as the show gets closer to finalise their participation arrangements, which includes participants for the flying display and static displays.
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Post by planefleet on Jun 8, 2023 18:45:16 GMT
Latest Update - 8th June
Starting this week's update with another national aerobatic team for the RIAT 2023 flying display! We look forward to welcoming the Saudi Hawks Display Team, flying their seven Hawk jet trainers in an attractive green colour scheme. The team will be flying on all three days of RIAT 2023.
Two additions to the SKYTANKER23 gathering at RIAT 2023, both of which coming in the form of Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The Royal Saudi Air Force will send one of their tankers, operated by 22 Squadron for static display. In addition, the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) will also participate at RIAT. The MMU operate a fleet of A330 MRTT aircraft which are shared between member nations. The plan is for this aircraft to arrive on Friday, and be on static display in the Green Zone on Saturday & Sunday.
In addition to the tankers, this week we also confirm the participation of a CP-140M and CC-130J from the Royal Canadian Air Force, pair of Hawks from the Qatar Emiri Air Force and also a factory fresh Eurofighter Typhoon from BAE Systems, ahead of its delivery to Qatar. We're also very pleased that Bristow Helicopters will be bringing their Dauphin helicopter, used to support Royal Navy FOST operations, for static display at RIAT 2023. Other interesting civilian aircraft joining the participation list include a Top Aces Alpha Jet and two aircraft operated by QinetiQ, flown by the Empire Test Pilots School.
Yesterday we completed our 'Longest Day' where we plan all the arrival slots and aircraft parking plan for RIAT 2023. With more than 250 aircraft due for the show, this is quite the challenge! The Flying Display planning continues and in the coming weeks we plan to update the participation list to highlight which aircraft will fly as part of Friday's flying display.
Finally this week; the previously announced Argentinian Boeing 737 will no longer be participating at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023.
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Post by andypspotter on Jun 8, 2023 23:05:28 GMT
Latest Update - 8th June Finally this week; the previously announced Argentinian Boeing 737 will no longer be participating at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. Shame about the Argentinian cancellation, but am sure something as exotic will take its place.
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Post by andypspotter on Jun 9, 2023 17:00:43 GMT
Some more info on the Argentinian cancellation...
A Boeing 737-700 that was due to be sent to this year's Royal International Air Tattoo by the Argentine Air Force will not be appearing after a backlash over the plane's name. The 737 given the Spanish language name of the Falkland Islands, "Islas Malvinas", was dropped by the Royal Air Force this week.
The decision came this week after weeks of deliberations over the future of the aircraft's participation in the annual military airshow at RAF Fairford. The 'Islas Malvinas' transport plane had originally been approved by the Ministry of Defence to attend this year's RIAT.
The plane itself was first a British 737, that was sold in 2020 to the Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) in a sign of thawing relations between the once-warring countries, which still have an arms embargo in place between them. Then, in 2021, the 737 cargo plane was renamed Islas Malvinas as soon as it entered FAA service, after being flown from Wales.
In other news, the RAF (and 617 Sqn specifically) are believed to be considering suing Russia (or Ukraine?) for stealing their 'Dambuster' trademark, registered in May 1943.
How insenstive would it be for that squadron's aircraft to visit Germany, I wonder?
Fortunately, the Saudis, with their exemplary human rights record and history of assassinating dissidents, haven't been barred.
Time to just get over it, perhaps? 🤣
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Post by timvlf on Jun 10, 2023 6:51:37 GMT
quite🤔 regards tim
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Post by andypspotter on Jun 15, 2023 23:38:25 GMT
15th June
This Thursday we can announce more aircraft from the United States Air Force for RIAT 2023! We look forward to seeing examples of their F-15E, F-16CJ and F-35A for static display. In addition, as part of our SKYTANKER23 theme, from RAF Mildenhall we'll have a KC-135R Stratotanker on static display, plus a flypast on Saturday & Sunday. Finally, two lesser seen aircraft types, the C-21A and C-37A will also be available on static display for closer inspection of these executive transport aircraft operated by the 86th Airlift Wing.
We can now confirm the RAF Chinook Display Team will be performing in the skies over RIAT 2023 on the Saturday & Sunday! In addition, Joint Helicopter Command will also be sending their Apache, Gazelle, Merlin & Wildcat for static display at this year's show. Of note; it will be our first chance to see the new AH-64E 'Guardian' Apache at RIAT, and the final chance to see the legendary Gazelle helicopter as they approach retirement from Army Air Corps service. These helicopters will be arriving on Friday afternoon, and available for inspection in the static display over the weekend.
Finally, four more military helicopters for the static displays: We're very excited to see two rare naval helicopters, the Caiman and Dauphin, courtesy of the French Navy. In addition, the Irish Air Corps will send their AW139 & EC135, which we haven't seen at the Air Tattoo for many years.
A small update this week regarding the RAF Typhoon Force participation: Rather than the previously advertised pair of jets from 11 Squadron, one of the aircraft will now be coming from 12 Squadron and is planned to be a T3 twin seater aircraft.
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Post by andypspotter on Jun 21, 2023 21:29:49 GMT
Update - 20th June
Today we have a special aircraft update, dedicated to the Italian Air Force, who will be sending a huge array of aircraft to RIAT 2023 to celebrate their 100th Anniversary!
In the air, RIAT visitors will be treated to four flying displays from the Italian Air Force! We welcome the return of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo with their impressive solo displays of the F-2000A, T-346A, C-27J (which last year won the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy). All the aircraft from RSV have been adorned with specially painted tails for their centenary display year which we will see at Fairford. In addition, a special addition for their centenary year, we will also see a search and rescue demonstration from their HH-139B helicopter.
On the ground, visitors to RIAT 2023 will be able to enjoy viewing a myriad of Italian Air Force aircraft types. A highlight will be the participation of a pair of U-208A aircraft, wearing a spectacular special scheme to celebrate the centenary. The list includes special mission aircraft such as their Airborne Early Warning Gulfstream and P-72A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, combat helicopters such as the HH-212A & HH-101A, C-27J transport aircraft and a pair of Tornados. Finally, we thought RIAT 2022 would be our last chance to see AMX jets at Fairford, so we're extremely excited to see a pair of them again this summer! Grazie!
Finally, as part of our SKYTANKER23 theme, we're pleased to see both their KC-767A and KC-130J tankers represented in the RIAT 2023 static displays too.
As previously advertised, these modern day Italian Air Force aircraft will be collocated with historic Italian Air Force in a special exhibition area. This ITAF100 display will be on near the centre of the showground, on the edge of the Blue & Green Zones. Friday visitors will be able to see some, but not all, of the aircraft. But visitors on Saturday & Sunday will be able to enjoy the full ITAF100 area which is not to be missed. We are thankful to our sponsor, Eurofighter, for their support of RIAT 2023 allowing us to bring you so many interesting Italian Air Force aircraft together for your enjoyment. Viva l'Italia!
I've also heard a rumour that the Frecce G91, which has recently returned to the skies, may also appear, but I must stress it is only a rumour. That and the TF-104 wouldn't go a miss 👍
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Post by andypspotter on Jun 23, 2023 23:22:41 GMT
Update - 22nd June
Starting this week with more aircraft from the United States Air Force! Joining the SKYTANKER23 line-up will be their newest tanker, the KC-46A Pegasus. Also joining the static display will be the Dragon Lady, currently deployed to RAF Fairford with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Finally, an exciting addition from Air Force Reserve Command, in the shape of their special 'Hurricane Hunters' Hercules! Visitors on Saturday & Sunday will get the rare chance to see the Gloster Meteor, operated by Martin Baker, in the air at RIAT 2023. Whilst the Gloster Meteor won't be performing a display, it will be performing as part of our special SKYTANKER23 flypast, with the BBMF's Lancaster. This is representing the first air-to-air refuelling operations by British military aircraft, in 1949, between a Lancastrian & Meteor.
More fast jets for the static display next, with the Hungarian Air Force providing a JAS-39C Gripen, which will be arriving on Friday.
This week we also have a huge update of civilian aircraft on static display, the majority of which are being provided by our shows' corporate supporters. There are a myraid of interesting types including the debut of Draken's new Honey Badger jets, return of Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight, Pilatus PC-21, Airbus H175M and the RIAT debut of the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft.
We have added two support aircraft to the participation list, from the UAE Air Force Airlift Wing. We expect to add more support aircraft to the participation list in the coming weeks, which can be viewed by our FRIAT members as they arrive/depart RAF Fairford carrying support equipment and personnel to the event.
This week we have been informed by the Finnish Air Force that due to the extended grounding of their Hawk fleet, it will not be possible for their Hawk Mk.51 to participate at RIAT 2023 as previously planned.
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Post by planefleet on Jun 30, 2023 8:59:50 GMT
Latest Update - 29th June
With the show getting closer, today we announce the final additions to our RIAT 2023 flying displays! Starting close to home, we're pleased to confirm the Royal Air Force's F-35B Lightning will be seen in the air on Friday, Saturday & Sunday! A special treat for Friday visitors, when the F-35B willl perform a formation flypast with the BBMF's Lancaster to commemoriate the 80th Anniversary of Op Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid. Whilst the F-35B will not be performing a full aerobatic display, visitors will have chance to see the aircraft flying conventionally and also in V/STOL mode whilst hovering.
Another addition to our SKYTANKER23 theme this week, from the 352nd Special Operations Wing based at RAF Mildenhall. On Saturday & Sunday, their MC-130J Commando II will perform a simulated air-to-air refuelling flypast with a CV-22B Osprey. The Osprey will also perform a solo flying demonstration. Examples of both aircraft types will also be available for closer inspection in the static displays.
An exciting addition to the static displays this week, as the Zambian Air Force plan to send their C-27J Spartan to RIAT 2023! This will be the first time we welcome an aircraft from Zambia to the show, and they will become our 58th Nation to participate at the Air Tattoo.
We're very excited to be welcoming SAAB and their Gripen E aircraft for it's UK debut. This impressive combat jet will perform in the flying display on all three days, with another example on static display in our Showcase Area in the centre of the showground. Also on static display, and likely to be a highlight for many aviation enthusiasts, will be their SAAB GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft.
From the US Navy, we welcome their TACAMO aircraft, the Boeing E-6B Mercury. This aircraft will be on static display on Saturday & Sunday. A small update from the Italian Air Force; we will now also have a F-2000A Typhoon on static display in our special ITAF100 area, with the static jet coming from 36° Stormo. In total there will be three Italian Typhoons at RIAT (1x Flying Display, 1x Spare Aircraft for the Flying Display and 1x Static Display). In addition, it is planned that the C-27J Spartan for static display will actually be a YEC-27J JEDI aircraft, fingers crossed!
Finally this week, as the show approaches a number of operators have been forced to sadly withdraw their aircraft from RIAT 2023, due prority operational taskings. These include the Dutch Hercules, French Navy Caïman & Dauphin, German Air Force H145M and Italian Air Force HH-212A. In addition, O-1 Aviation have also withdrawn their Cessna Bird Dog from RIAT 2023.
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Post by planefleet on Jul 7, 2023 10:40:25 GMT
Latest Update - 6th July
Whilst last week was the last update for flying displays at RIAT 2023, we have a few more small updates for you this week, despite the high tempo of work in the Air Operations Office..!
We have listed a number of the support and visiting aircraft which will be present at RIAT 2023. Whilst some won't be seen over the show weekend, FRIAT members will see them arrive and depart carrying support equipment throughout the week. We are expecting the Finnish PC-12 and Spanish Citation to remain at Fairford over the weekend and be positioned on static display.
After speaking with the participating unit, we can confirm the Swedish Air Force plan to bring their new specially painted SK.60 as their static display jet. The flying display aircraft (and spare) will be in Team 60 colours as these are the airframes which can use smokewinders.
Unfortunately as the show gets very close, we have been notified of a handful more aircraft which are no longer able to attend. These include the Zambian Spartan, USAF KC-46, USAF C-37 and Draken's Honey Badger.
From the whole Air Operations Team, we hope you have enjoyed these weekly updated and sincerely hope enjoy the show next week!
Shame about the cancellations, but it's still promising to be a great show!
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