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) 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

 

 

Fairford Air show (Royal International Air Tattoo) 1998

 

 

 

Images courtesy of Bob Franklin

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