AirshowStuff Forums

Qatar returns with a C-17 and C-130J, we have a debut from Embraer's EMB-314 Super Tucano, a first for the Air Tattoo and a type that will be of interest to many enthusiasts.

The RAF confirms both its new rotary wing trainers, the H135 and H145 helicopters, whilst the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will also be in attendance with S-92 and AW189 helicopters.

Other civilian types also confirm, including the National Flying Laboratory Centre with a Jetstream 31.

Upholding its reputation of being one of the summer’s must-see events, Saturday tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo have now sold out.

The three-day event (19-21 July) based at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, will host aircraft displays from over 28 military air arms and more than 20 different nations; rivalling last year’s hugely popular event which welcomed 185,000 visitors to celebrate the Royal Air Force’s centenary.
Head of Marketing Helen Webb said “It’s great that so many people that visited for the first-time last year have bought tickets again and the Saturday of the Air Tattoo has sold out faster than in 2018. Both Friday 19 and Sunday 21 July still have some availability, but we anticipate these will also be sold out before the event. If people want to see the world’s best aircraft and pilots, they really need to book their tickets as soon as possible.”

Visitors on Friday will be able to enjoy a special 70th anniversary flypast from operational aircraft in NATO member nations. Aircraft taking part include Belgian Air Component’s LM F-16AM, the German Air Force’s Eurofighter EF2000s, A400M and Tornado strike aircraft, the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-16 fighters, the United States Air Force’s F-15 aircraft from RAF Lakenheath and the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon jets.
Other exciting aircraft taking part in aerial displays at this summer’s airshow include the iconic Spanish Navy Harrier, the Royal Jordanian Falcons, the Swiss F/A-18C Hornet, Italian Air Force’s Typhoon, C-27J Spartan transporter, the Ukrainian Su-27UB ‘Flanker’ and the RAF’s F-35.

There will also be a variety of aircraft on the ground for close-up viewing. The impressive static display will feature an Austrian C-130K Hercules, two of the Belgian Air Force’s F-16s, the Danish EH-101 Merlin and The Royal Canadian Air Force’s CP-140 Aurora and C-130H Hercules.
In addition to showcasing aircraft from across the globe, this year, the airshow is turning its spotlight to space to celebrate 50 years since the first moon landing.

The airshow’s theme, Air and Space: Inspiring the Next Generation Air Force looks at some of the exciting ways organisations are reaching out into space and has attracted a whole universe of innovative exhibitors, including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and British astronaut Major Tim Peake who will be visiting for the first time.

He said: “I‘ve been wanting to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo for some time and this year’s ‘Space’ theme presented the perfect opportunity. I’m really looking forward to it!”

Fun for all the family, the Air Tattoo is also home to its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone®, which among exciting exhibits designed to stimulate young minds, will host a planetarium show and a full-scale ExoMars rover prototype.

Saturday tickets are now sold out. For Friday and Sunday tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 01285 713456. All accompanied under 18s go free.

Happy 4th of July! We're back with another American heavy today; the KC-10A Extender from Travis Air Force Base in California will be on static display. Following last week's update from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, they have also confirmed a Cessna F406 to join their two helicopters on static display.