Archive for category Airshow Reports
RIAT – Royal International Air Tattoo – 2011
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on October 20, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
16-17 July 2011
The prospects for this year’s 40th Anniversary Tattoo were bleak, a wet weather forecast and continuing NATO commitments in north Africa effecting attendees. However, the show was spectacular as ever.
Any doubts were offset by the anticipation of the first UK appearance of the Saudi ‘Green Falcons’ with their Hawks and the return of the Ukraine Air Force with a Sukhoi Flanker and Il-76 support. Saturday dawned wet but by early afternoon the sun broke through allowing the show to commence; by the evening a warm clear patch rewarded the large and diligent crowds.
Yeovilton Air Day in Somerset
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on August 1, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
This established one-day event always has a maritime theme. This year it was a celebration of the Westland Lynx helicopter being the 40th anniversary of its first flight and still in production as the ‘Wildcat’. Numerous versions were on display including overseas naval variants from France and Germany and G-LYNX, holder of the world helicopter speed record.
Duxford Flying Legends
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on July 10, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
Arrivals Day 8 July 2011
The famous Flying Legends weekend needs no introduction, each year brings together a host of warbird fanatics and their machines.
This year the star visitors were a pair of Mustangs, new to Europe, and an Australian P-40 restoration. The P-38 Lightning N25Y was also present after previous efforts in other years had kept the Duxford crowd eager to see her. French warbirds were also well represented.
Paris Airshow Le Bourget 2011
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on June 22, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
20-26 June 2011
This year’s Paris show was dominated by news from Europe. Sales for Airbus but another wing strike for the A380 and gearbox issues on the A400M.
Boeings sent two new 747s on there first international outing for the public. It is reassuring to see that the famous shape lives on.
Meeting Nationale de L’Air 2011
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on June 22, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
18-19 June 2011
Despite heavy rain and the commitments in north Africa the meeting at St Dizier was well attended by the public and aircraft from many nations.
A reasonable amount of based Rafale fighters were in the static display along with, in particular, two Skyhawks from the Singapore Air Force detachment at Cazeaux, a Polish Su-22 Fitter in Tiger marks and three items from the Czech Republic; a Hind helicopter, Gripen fighter and a newly delivered Cn295 transport.
International Air Transport Forum Ulyanovsk 2011
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on June 11, 2011
Photos by Alexander Beltyukov
The first International Air-Transport Forum was conducted in April 22-23, 2011 in Ulyanovsk, Russia. It was destined to become a federal level discussion platform for handling key problems in the shaping of strategies and tactics for development of the air-transport sector, a primary element in the Russian transport sector.
100th Anniversary of the Turkish Air Force
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on June 9, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
This centenary event (4-5th June 2011) was the flagship of a series of events this year. The Turkish authorities extended a welcome hand to all comers, including the spotting community; even hosting spotter’s days on the Friday and Monday to watch arrivals and departures. Over 1000 registered free for this bringing considerable income to the area and Turkey’s gateway, Istanbul.
EBACE 2011
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on May 30, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
Each year since the turn of the century Geneva welcomes the business aviation fraternity to EBACE, The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition. Although in the shadow of its US counterpart, the NBAA, it has grown each year in size and stature. This year the static display contained over sixty aircraft on a ramp beside the busy international apron. Hence there is no flying display as such, but the hundreds of visiting business aircraft make this a mecca for the business aviation enthusiasts who come and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on the surrounding roads as they monitor and photograph the movements free from the security paranoia we have come to expect elsewhere. This Swiss hospitality and understanding leads to a booming trade in hotels and restaurants at all price levels without compromising the lifestyle of the business jet executives. This year, in fine weather, both the new generations of light jets and the top level corporate palaces with wings were well represented. What a pleasant way to start the European season.
NATO Tiger Meet 2011
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on May 28, 2011
Photos and text by Peter Davison
This year’s NATO Tiger Meet was hosted at BA103 Cambrai and enjoyed bright weather on nearly all days except the Spotter’s Day on which I visited.
The event was also lessened by the withdrawal of squadrons from Belgium, Norway, Hungary and The Netherlands due to ongoing activities in Libya and the impact of the financial crisis. However, it was great for those who came, particularly welcome were the Turkish, Greek, Polish and Portuguese contingents, all fielding F-16s of various versions.
Farnborough Airshow 2010
Posted by michaely in Airshow Reports on September 19, 2010
Photos and text by Peter Davison
This year’s Farnborough show was dominated by Boeing with their 787 Dreamliner. this was the first appearance outside the USA. It was disappointing to all that it only stayed from Sunday to Tuesday with only one proper flying demonstration to invited guests. If anything, the first impression is of a very stylish, smooth, airframe though it seems stunted and small compared to the endless artist’s impressions. Another UK newcomer was the Airbus 330 Freighter and the A400, fresh from IAT. The F-22 Raptor flew in and was highly agile for such a large aircraft. Other fast jets included the Typhoon, F-16 and F-18, all of which displayed with underwing stores showing that they can ‘mix it’ effectively without a clean wing.