Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo)

 

Rockwell B-1 Lancer at Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2006. Photo by Bob Franklin

 

The Royal International Air Tattoo is held annually in July at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. With over 300 Aircraft from around the World and over 150,000 visitors over the weekend it makes Fairford the biggest Air show in the World. Starting with arrivals day on Friday until departures day on the Monday, Fairford Air show is a haven for Photographers, Aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike.

RIAT is held in support of the Royal Air Forces charitable trust.

 

Fairford Air show - Royal International Air Tattoo Website

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2011 - Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th July 2011

 

2011 was the 40th anniversary of the Royal International Air Tattoo, who would have thought back in 1971 that the Air Tattoo would have still been going strong 40 years on. Many things have change during those 40 years including the end of the Cold War and Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and a much reduced variety of aircraft available to the world’s air forces.

The Air Tattoo's static display was smaller than other years but still attracted a variety of aircraft, some well known but some rarities such as the Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 (Flanker) and the Ilyushin transport aircraft. Another event this year was the first public appearance of the RAF's newest aircraft the Airbus A330 Voyager.

RIAT sported its fair share of display teams this year including, The Red Arrows, Team Viper with their Hawker Hunters, the Frecce Tricolori and the Patrulla Aguila. Other aircraft displaying included the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, BAE Systems Typhoon, A-10 Thunderbolt, The Breitling Wing Walkers, Avro Vulcan and many old favourites.

The attendance this year was down but in these uncertain times that is only to be expected.

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2010

 

2010, another year at Fairford, one of the themes for this year was the hosting of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. With over 150,000 spectators and over 200 aircraft participating in the flying and static displays. This year celebrated a wide variety of flight, from hot air balloons, vintage warbirds and gliders, through to some of the largest aircraft in the world and up to date fighters. From large aircraft such as the B-52, the Vulcan and the new Airbus A400M, through to the much sought after F-22 Raptor and even the venerable German F-4F Phantom. Display teams were represented by the Patrouille de France and our own Red Arrows.

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2009

 

After the problems with the adverse weather conditions at Fairford in 2008, there were a lot of people holding their breath. The weather was not ideal for the 2009 show, with at times low cloud base and rain showers. Thankfully it didn't repeat itself.

With 2009 seeing over 250 aircraft taking part from over twenty nations and over 150,000 visitors. This is obviously down on previous years due to the world financial situation, availability and operational commitments of aircraft. Two pieces of British engineering appearing at Fairford were the Avro Vulcan B2 XH558 and the BAE Systems Nimrod MRA4. Another large aircraft was the Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757. Other participating aircraft included an Italian Air Force C-27 Spartan, the Swiss Air Force PC-7 team, Breitling Jet Team, Royal Jordanian Falcons and the Frecce Tricolori.

 

Images courtesy of Steve Gray - Steve Gray photos

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2008 - Friday 11th July 2008

 

Fairford Air show was chosen as the venue to celebrate the Royal Air Force's 90th anniversary, with Her Majesty the Queen presenting several units with new standards, with a planned fly-past of 90 fixed and rotary winged Aircraft.

This event took place on Friday 11th July and the presentation was carried out just before lunch and immediately after Fairford was deluged with heavy storms. The fly-past was due to begin at 14:30 and luckily there was a break in the weather, which enabled the fly-past to go ahead. Unfortunately due to the heavy rain most of Fairford's car parks were flooded and the event had to be cancelled.

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2007 - Sunday 15th July 2007

 

Fairford Air show 2007 was once again a formidable show, with just about everyone that was involved in military Aviation attending. Once again the organisers pulled the rabbit out of the hat, with a mix and match of Aircraft, making this a memorable weekend for the enthusiasts and the professionals alike.

There was a significant number of American Aircraft attending the show, including the B-52 Stratofortress, F-117A Nighthawk, B-1 Lancer and F-15 Eagle. The RAF put on a role demo with the Boeing E3-D Sentry, a Chinook, C-130 Hercules, Tornado GR4's and F-3's and BAE Hawks. With the pyrotechnics really bringing this display to life.

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2006 - Friday 14th July 2006

 

This years Air show was on the 15th and 16th July, with fantastic weather conditions for both days. The show was well organised by the Fairford team as usual. With a variety of static and flying Aircraft. Of note was the PR9 Canberra from RAF Marham, in it's last year of service, being put through it's paces by Squadron Leader Terry Cairns. Also the anniversary VC10 from 101 Squadron, another classic Aircraft coming to the end of it's life. As usual there were Aircraft from around the World, including participants from Russia, France, Pakistan, Greece and America.

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2003

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 2002

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

 

For RIAT 2000 and 2001 Air shows see the RAF Cottesmore page

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 1998

 

 

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin