RIAT 2009

[Vulcan]

Vulcan is saved, (for this season at least) and will be one of my main points of interest at RIAT this year.  I'm hoping for a Raptor as well, but the 2007 poster also had a picture of a Raptor but it did'nt appear.  Fingers crossed anyway.  I suppose we should be glad that we have a RIAT after last year, and I'm still looking forward to it.

[joey1]

I must remind myself not to take posters at face value
Anyway great news regarding the vulcan. I'd like to get good pics of her upclose if that's possible.
fingers & toes crossed  she gets to fly on the two days

That good news has made my day 

[Vulcan]

Harrier display for RIAT   First season for 3 years, great addition.

[Vulcan]

Looks very much like we will get an Algerian aircraft, most likely a Herc.  It will be the first time Algeria have been to RIAT and will be the 51st country to exhibit at RIAT.  Will know for sure by Friday.

[joey1]

Harrier display for RIAT   First season for 3 years, great addition.

I think the Harriers are a replacement for the Tornado GR4 crews who preparing to take over operations in Afganistan
This may be the reason for their dislpay this year

[Vulcan]

Latest Update

Algerian  Air Force
C130 - S

Italian Air Force
C130 - S

RAF Harrier GR9 - F
Army Blue Eagles - Lynx + Apache - F
Royal Navy Merlin - F
Royal Navy Historic Flight - F
The Black Sea Hawks - F
Black Cats - F
Team Guinot - F

Portugese Air Force
Asas de Portugal -F

French Air Force
French Super Etendard (x2) -S

US Navy P-3C Orion – S

US MC-130E Combat Talon I – S


Slovenian Air Force
PC9
Let410

First time Algeria have attended an air show in Europe   Nice to see the Asas de Portugal back, was looking forward to them last year, they are suppose tobe pretty good.  Still no Vulcan

[joey1]

I understand that it will be a tiger meet at this years show

[Vulcan]

I understand that it will be a tiger meet at this years show

I know, it was down as one of the themes alright but it seems to have disappeared from the RIAT site now.  Just seen on the Breitling Jet Team site that they have RIAT down on their list.  I saw them at Biggin Hill last year and was quite impressed by them. 

[joey1]

Hi again vulcan

I was wondering if the IAC would bring anything to the party?
isn't one or the themes this year Sea Search 09 maybe the IAC would send their CASA since it's involved in maritime duties or even one of our A139s

It would be nice to see an irish representation of some sort
flying or static 

[Frank]

RIAT Press Release 20th March 2009

-----------------------------------------

AIR TATTOO WELCOMES 51st NATION ON BOARD

The Algerian Air Force will make its Royal International Air Tattoo debut this summer – bringing to 51 the number of countries that have taken part in the Cotswold airshow since it was first held in 1971.
   
Securing a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from Algeria is a coup for the Air Tattoo as it is rare for aircraft from Africa to take part in UK airshows. From the continent, only South Africa and Morocco have sent aircraft in the past.

Rob Windsor, the Air Tattoo’s Head of Aircraft Operations, said Algeria’s participation reflected the excellent reputation the airshow has built up over the years around the world.
   
He said: “For more than three decades, international air arms have seen the Air Tattoo as a valuable place to meet, build relationships and exchange ideas. It’s particularly pleasing when we have nations joining us for the very first time and it will definitely be something the aircraft enthusiasts will be looking forward to.”
   
The Air Tattoo will also be welcoming a number of aircraft that are returning following last summer’s cancellation due to flooding. Among them are Portugal’s aerobatic display team the Asas de Portugal, the RAF Red Arrows plus US Air Force aircraft including the B-1B and B-52 bombers.
   
Mr Windsor said: “Despite their obvious disappointment, aircraft operators who took part last year appreciated our reasons for having to cancel. During the winter, we have introduced a number of initiatives that we believe will minimise the risk of us having to cancel again and we now look forward to opening our gates once again in July.”
   
This summer’s Air Tattoo, which takes place on July 18-19, will mark the 60th anniversary of NATO. The focus will also be on international maritime patrol and search & rescue aircraft which will fly in as part of the airshow’s Sea Search theme.

Special cut-price tickets for the Air Tattoo are available until March 31, priced £30.95. Under-16s go free. For details and regular updates on participating aircraft, visit http://www.airtattoo.com

[joey1]

Taken from flighltine.co.uk

Yet more disappointing news

2009 RAF Tucano Display Season CANCELLED

It Quotes;
Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Posted by Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey (Light Blue Spy) on UKAR:-
“Regret to announce that the 2009 RAF Tucano display season has been cancelled.
Not a decision taken lightly. All possibilities have been explored but none are viable. Looking forward to seeing Mike back as the 2010 RAF Tucano display pilot.”

Unquote

[Vulcan]

Very sad to see any acts going by the way side, and I reckon there could be a few more before the years out.  Looks like we will have to go Via Dublin this year as the only flight on the 17th from Shannon arrives in Bristol till 22.30.  That would mean not arriving in Swindon till midnight at the earliest.  So we may bump into you.  where are you staying?

[Frank]

The reason the Tucano got cancelled this year is due to the fact that the display pilot crashed while practising his routine, he ejected and is fine but the display is cancelled for the year. There are some air shows in the UK hoping to still have the painted display aircraft on static display (the aircraft that crashed was a plain Tucano).


Regards,

Frank.

[joey1]

Very sad to see any acts going by the way side, and I reckon there could be a few more before the years out.  Looks like we will have to go Via Dublin this year as the only flight on the 17th from Shannon arrives in Bristol till 22.30.  That would mean not arriving in Swindon till midnight at the earliest.  So we may bump into you.  where are you staying?

We Are Staying at Express by Holiday Inn in swindon About abou 5kts from Train Station havent booked flights yet but we are leaving on friday so ill keep you posted on times ryanair have slashed flights due to cost cutting so ill have to be quick in case they limit flights on friday

[Vulcan]

This is the third up date for this years RIAT, out today. These are the additions and not the full line up. A cracking update IMO, A flying french Rafale and the Dutch F-16 demo with that supurb new colour scheme. Not to mention an extra 1 or 2 harriers flying. Looking good, roll on July.  Looks as though the tiger theme is being replaced by the Navy 100 theme.


New Additions 03/04/09 (S&F)

AAC
Defender AL1 651 Squadron NATO 60th S
Islander AL1 1 Flt, 5 Regt NATO 60th S
Lynx AH7 672 Sqn, 9 Regt NATO 60th S
Lynx AH9 672 Sqn, 9 Regt NATO 60th S

RAF
Chinook HC2 27 Squadron NATO 60th F
Merlin HC3 28 (AC) Squadron NATO 60th S
Puma HC1 33 Squadron NATO 60th S
Puma HC1 230 Squadron NATO 60th S

RN
Chipmunk RNHF Fly Navy 100 F
Harrier GR7/9 (x2) 800/801 NAS Fly Navy 100 F
Jetstream T2 (x4) 750 NAS Fly Navy 100 F
Lynx AH7 847 NAS Fly Navy 100 F
Lynx HAS3/HMA8 (x4) various Fly Navy 100 F
Merlin HM1 (x4) various Fly Navy 100 F
Sea King ASaC7 849 NAS Fly Navy 100 S
Sea King ASaC7/HU5 (x4) various Fly Navy 100 F
Sea King HAS1 Sea King IPT Fly Navy 100 S
Sea King HAS2 Sea King IPT Fly Navy 100 S
Sea King HAS6 846 NAS Fly Navy 100 S
Sea King HC4 845 NAS Fly Navy 100 S
Sea King HC4/HAS6 (x4) CHF Fly Navy 100 F
Sea King HUS5 (SAR) 771 NAS Fly Navy 100 S
Squirrel/Griffin (x4) DHFS Fly Navy 100 F
T67M Firefly (x4) 703 NAS Fly Navy 100 F
Tutor T1 (x3) 727 NAS Fly Navy 100 F

USAF
KC-10A Extender 514 AMW NATO 60th S
MC-130H Combat Talon II 352 SOG NATO 60th S
MC-130P Combat Shadow 352 SOG NATO 60th S

French AF
Alpha Jet TBC NATO 60th S
EC725R2 Caracal EH 01.067 NATO 60th S
Mirage F1 TBC NATO 60th S
Rafale (x2) EC 01.007 NATO 60th F
French Navy
Falcon 10MER 57 Squadron Sea Search 09 S

NATO
Boeing E-3A Sentry NAEW & CF NATO 60th S

RNLAF
F-16AM (x2) 313/311 Squadron NATO 60th F
F-16AM/BM (x2) TBC NATO 60th S
Gulfstream IV 334 Squadron NATO 60th S

RNLN
SH-14D Lynx 7/860 Squadron Sea Search 09 S

Swedish AF
JAS-39C Gripen F 7 Wing NATO 60th S

Swiss AF
F/A-18C Hornet (x2) Fliegerstaffel 11 NATO 60th F
PC-7 (x9) PC-7 Team NATO 60th F

Civilians
Extra 300L (x4) Royal Jordanian Falcons F
PA-28 Warrior Brize Norton Flying Club S