 | 27 May 2012 Accessibility help Text only |
|
|
| BBC Homepage | | |
| |||
| Contact Us Like this page? Send it to a friend! | | |
Royal International Air TattooYou are in: Gloucestershire > Royal International Air Tattoo > Royal International Air Tattoo 2007  Royal International Air Tattoo 2007The world's largest military airshow is held right here in Gloucestershire and 2007's event was the biggest yet. Held annually each July at RAF Fairford, the Royal international Air Tattoo is the world's largest military airshow and has gained the well-earned reputation as one of the UK's top outdoor family events. This year the event marked the 60th anniversary of the US Air Force and focused on the close relationship that has developed between the USAF and the Royal Air Force over the years.  Connie Fisher and John Barrowman Early indications are that the crowd figure over the two days is between five and 10 per cent up on last year's total of 160,000. Due to the weather, around two-thirds opted to come on the first day. The whole event was launched by West End and TV stars John Barrowman and Connie Fisher. John with his dual US/UK citizenship and Connie whose Mum was born in Tetbury and had her first job at RAF Kemble. Help playing audio/video They both flew into RAF Fairford in a couple of low-flying RAF Hawks and officially launched the huge event. This years airshow featured a wide range of American military aircraft including B-52s, C-17s, B-1B bombers, F-15s and a number of historic aeroplanes such as the legendary P-51 Mustang, F-86A Sabre and the Harvard. But the highlights included appearances by the USAF's super-secretive F-117A stealth fighter and the USAF Thunderbirds aerobatics display team. Never before seen at the Air Tattoo, the Thunderbirds, who are based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, are famed as much for their theatrical pre-flight ground routine, which is performed with pinpoint accuracy, as they are for their stunning aerial displays.  To learn more about the RAF's relationship with the equivalent in the states, the USAF, BBC Gloucestershire's Mark Smith went along to the launch and spoke to USAF Colonel Paul Wuebold, Base Commander at RAF Fairford, and Gp Capt Jon Ager from the Royal Air Force. Help playing audio/video Other leading international aerobatics display teams, scheduled to appear, were the legendary Red Arrows, the flamboyant Italian display team, Il Frecce Tricolori and the popular Royal Jordanian Falcons. But the Air Tattoo wouldn't be the Air Tattoo if it wasn't for all the exotic aircraft it manages to attract each year and this summer was no different. Among the more unusual aircraft scheduled to appear were two Spanish Navy Harriers, two Turkish F-5 fighters and a Brazilian R-99. There were also some ultra-rare aircraft from India, making this event a truly global affair. Despite all the aircraft mentioned so far, there was one that trumped them all for 'Wow' factor: the Vulcan bomber. Brought back to flying condition thanks to a multi-million-pound public campaign, the giant, thunderous XH-558 was scheduled to appear only weeks after making its debut flight - leading that flypast over London to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.  Red Arrows The Vulcan wasn't the only historic aircraft taking part this July. Favourites from the Second World War, such as the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota will also grace the Cotswold skyline. These days the Air Tattoo is renowned as much for its exciting ground entertainment as it is for its world-beating eight-hour flying display. There's the critically acclaimed Tri@RIAT featuring sensational stunt car driving, battling robots, karting, record breaking bikes, boats and cars, adrenalin-filled flight simulators and a breathtaking action arena. And, as if that wasn't enough, the Freestyle Action Arena enabled children to have a go at skateboarding, in-line skating, bmx-ing, pogo, dance mats and basketball, together with performances by the UK's professional extreme sports entertainers Team Extreme. Legendary US motors from the 1950s to the present day, including Cadillacs, Corvettes, Pontiacs, Chevrolets, Buicks, Mustangs and Thunderbirds, were among more than 200 rare and classic cars on show at the Air Tattoo. Now in its second year, this fascinating display also featured GT-40s, a 1960s' Le Mans Spitfire, a Messerschmitt TG500, Ferraris plus a wide range of Sunbeam Tigers. And to top it all off, there was the opportunity to relax and enjoy a free sunset concert featuring the rousing sounds of the Royal Air Force Band, the swinging Squadronaires plus Check Six, the premier jazz band of the United States Air Force in Europe. During the past two year's, the Royal international Air Tattoo has raised more than £500,000 for the Fairford-based Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. With the money, the Trust has offered financial support to a range of RAF charities and organisations. BBC Gloucestershire's Mark Smith also spoke to Tim Prince, the director and co-founder of the Royal International Air Tattoo. Listen to Tim talking about the event and all the work that goes into the planning by clicking on the link below. Help playing audio/video To find out more, visit the official website by clicking on the link below. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites last updated: 08/10/2008 at 11:11 Have Your SayShare your Air Tattoo experience here and paint a picture for those who have never been before.
Bob Ward
Richard Powell
Peter Vranjes
Rich Wintie
Dan
Tom Pearce
james sexton
Andrew Jones
Soo Huai Chien
Myfanwy
Andy
s.millman
Phil
N. Tindall
Christian
Christopher
Andrew and family
John Richards
Mike S
James King
Gareth Parker
Kevin Dalby
mervyn cooper
Mike Norman
Thomas williams
Dan Pearce
Mr David Wiggins SEE ALSOYou are in: Gloucestershire > Royal International Air Tattoo > Royal International Air Tattoo 2007 |
| | About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy |
