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Turkish Delight & Full of Eastern Promise!

Fighter Control’s Chief Photographic Editor Rick Sleight, samples the treats offered by the 2005 air display event at his local airfield of RAF Waddington.

Anniversary Tails As one of the few Royal Air Force [RAF] stations still hosting an air event, RAF Waddington has hosted the premiere RAF show for the past eleven years, with 2005 yet again providing another International showpiece event for the British public to attend. Waddington has been the home to this particular show for some time now and the organising committee always find something a little different for the aircraft enthusiast fraternity to gorge on, each year. In past years such delights as Singapore Air Force A-4 Skyhawks and Israeli Defence Force F-15Is have graced the tarmac at the Lincolnshire airfield and this year, once again Waddington hosted something unusual. No less than five Romanian Air Force aircraft were on static display, which was most probably a first for an RAF airshow? However, being the main RAF display, virtually the whole array of the UK Armed Forces airborne asset types were on display for the tax paying public, to view at close quarters. 2005 had seen the 90th Anniversary of many RAF Squadrons and therefore many of the aircraft on display were adorned in either special tail markings, or colour schemes and the organisers were successful in gaining most of the aircraft that were currently wearing these special markings. Indeed, both of the resident units who fly the E-3D Sentry from Waddington, celebrate their 90th Anniversaries this year and one aircraft, serial number ZH103, had special tail markings applied earlier in the year. This aircraft had been away from Waddington for some weeks but fortunately returned to the airfield just before the airshow and took pride of place in the static display at the entrance to Alpha dispersal, it’s normal home when not patrolling the skies.

Several of the front line Tornado Squadrons have also celebrated their 90th Anniversaries in 2005 and numbers 11, 12 and 14 were all able to commit their specially painted aircraft for display, however the 14 Squadron aircraft was part of a ground equipment display and for the photographers was parked very badly for picture taking. Number 13 Squadron were one of the first Tornado units to mark one of their aircraft in Anniversary markings this year, however sadly this aircraft was not present but it was particularly pleasing to see the 11 Squadron Tornado F.3 ZE887, arrive from RAF Leeming, as the unit is to disband later this year.

Having already disbanded two RAF Jaguar Squadrons earlier this year, only two units remain at RAF Coltishall and thankfully both units were at the show, with the Jaguar being displayed both in static and flying display. Unfortunately the Jaguars which had been specially painted for the air display season were not available, which was a pity. Number 208 [Reserve] Squadron from RAF Valley are flying the Hawk air display in 2005 and they also have specially painted aircraft, with both being present at the show, one on static display and one in the flying.

Home Grown Talent Almost every one of the current RAF types in service were either displayed in the static parks, or included in the seven hour flying display, including the newest type in the inventory - the Typhoon. Both types were present, the single seat F.2 variant, from number 17 [Reserve] [Typhoon Operational Evaluation Unit] Squadron and a twin seat T.1 variant from number 29 [Reserve] [Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit], both from nearby RAF Coningsby. Indeed, on the Friday before the show, number 29 Squadron had just officially moved to Coningsby from the airfield at British Aerospace [BAe] Warton, as ‘Case White’ was completed. For many, the Typhoon was the star of the flying display and having only seen a demonstration by a BAe pilot at the previous show at Waddington, it was good to see the aircraft fully displayed. 2005 is the Typhoon’s first full display season and 29 Squadron’s Officer Commanding, Squadron Leader Matt Elliot was flying the display, having been based at Coningsby for the past few months.

The flying element of the display was opened each day by each of the two resident aircraft types, with a rarely displayed Nimrod R.1 from 51 Squadron and an E-3D Sentry from shared operators, numbers 8 and 23 Squadron. 2006 should see the arrival of a third resident type, with the Sentinel joining number 5 [AC] Squadron, who are already formed at Waddington, so hopefully we might see a three ship opening routine next time? Of the ‘heavies’ flown by the RAF, the C-17 and Tristar were again missing from the promised line up, unfortunately being busy on normal operations, although their participation was originally planned but operational commitments dictated otherwise. The Hercules, Nimrod and VC10 were all on static display, with the VC10 being another type in the latter years of its career with the RAF. All RAF rotary types were present, with the stunning 230 Squadron Puma from Aldergrove, painted in Tiger Stripes on static display. This aircraft had won the coveted Silver Tiger Trophy award during the 2005 NATO Tiger Meet in May at Balikeshir in Turkey but here it was again parked very poorly for photographic opportunities, with crowd barriers being far too close to the aircraft for good picture taking. Both the Merlin and Chinook were also included in the flying display, the latter performing a superb routine. The flying training element of the RAF was well represented with Tucano and Tutor aircraft displayed both on the ground and aerially. Another more unusual unit from the RAF was again on show this year, with several types from the recently renamed Fast Jet Weapons Operational Evaluation Unit [FJWOEU] from Coningsby bringing one of each type operated for static display, including their newest type, the Harrier GR.9.

The Army Air Corps displayed their newest airborne asset for the first time, bringing two Apaches from number 9 Regiment at Dishforth airfield in North Yorkshire, each showing off a vast array of weapons, situated between these two awesome helicopters. Finally the Royal Navy were also well represented, with all current rotary types in service, with Lynx, Merlin and Sea King helicopters in the static line-up. The Lynx display team, named the ‘Black Cats’ made their second appearance in a Waddington flying display. In its final year of operations, the Sea Harrier was also included in the flying display, with no less than four examples performing a routine, which unfortunately wasn’t all that imaginative but still something to remember the type by.

Overseas Players Although many foreign air arms were represented this year, sadly there were a number of NATO members and European countries who provided little or no representation. Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden have all sent aircraft to the event in previous years but sadly didn’t participate in 2005. Although the Belgian Air Component didn’t provide anything for the static display, they sent a pair of current types for the flying display, with a pair of F-16s from number 31 Smaldeel at Kleine Brogel and two CM-170 Magisters from number 5 Smaldeel at Beauvechain. A country whose aircraft frequently visit Waddington is France, who again supported the event in both static and flying displays, with a Mirage 2000D from EC 02.003 at Nancy Essey for static display and EAC 00.314 from Tours St Symphorien sending no less than three Alphajets, two for the flying display and one for static display. Having attended en masse in 2004, Germany only provided one aircraft this year, sending a sole Tornado from JbG-31 at Norvenich. In the run up to the event it had been reported that the Greek Air Force would attend with no less than four different types, the A-7 Corsair, F-4 Phantom, F-16 Fighting Falcon and Mirage 2000, however only one of these actually arrived, being an F-16 from number 334 Mira at Tanagra.

Although a welcome addition, it would have been nice to see an F-4, as these are rarely seen in Europe, mainly due to the withdrawal of the type in recent years. F-16s will be around for many years to come, however I doubt anyone complained that this example was present, as any Greek aircraft are indeed very rare at UK air events! The Hungarian Air Force also sent one aircraft for both flying and static display, with a MiG-29UB for the flying display and the An-26 which supported it, also staying to form part of the static display. With its customary tail slides, the MiG-29 pilot also performed the ‘Cobra’ manoeuvre, normally associated with the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and with much of the routine flown on afterburner, the MiG was indeed the most enjoyed display for many of the crowd. The Jordanian Air Force was represented by their display team, the Jordanian Falcons, who flew their routine on both days of the display. The Netherlands Air Force provided two AH-64Ds from 301 Squadron at Gilze Rijen, although sadly they were only on static display. Therefore the outstanding routine flown at their home base open day in June, where they fired off several flares during the display, could not be shared with the British public. This was a pity, although they did do this a fortnight later, during the Royal International Air Tattoo [RIAT] display at Fairford. The 2004 show should have seen several display teams present to help the Red Arrows celebrate their birthday but sadly only the Frecce Tricolori were present. Interestingly this year, three times as many overseas teams were involved, with the Polish Air Force ‘Orlik’ and Swiss Air Force PC-7s teams in attendance, along with the afore mentioned Jordanian Falcons. The Polish ‘Orlik’ team from the Air Force Academy had been expected in 2004 but had to cancel at the eleventh hour but promised to attend in 2005 and were indeed one of the first to confirm their attendance. Supporting them was one of the newer Polish transport types, a Casa 295, which was parked on the active side of the airfield, out of reach of the public, however it could be seen from the crowd line. Another Polish attendee was the Polish Navy M.28 Bryza, which has now become another Waddington regular in the line up!

As is becoming another trend at Waddington, a pair of F-4Es from the Turkish Air Force arrived for static display, however another much worse trend that occurs at the show affected them, or perhaps more correctly, those who were trying to take good photographs of them! Each year, some of the most interesting aircraft arrive early on the Thursday before the show days and the aircraft are then positioned at the Southern end of the Western taxiway, which is right next to the fun fair. This provides a nightmare backdrop for all those who attend the show and wish to photograph this area of the static display and it was very sad that 2005 was no exception, with the Turkish F-4s and three of the Romanian MiG-21s all being positioned in this area. This angered many aviation enthusiasts, particularly as a large part of the much more photogenic Alpha dispersal was filled with civilian and ex military aircraft but such is life and at least the F-4s and Lancers attended, I suppose! Last year, another complaint put forward was that no United States Forces Europe [USAFE] aircraft were present but this year, three aircraft from the UK element of USAFE attended, with a 100th ARW KC-135R from Mildenhall and two 48th FW/492nd FS F-15Es from Lakenheath, all in the static display.

Undoubtedly, the overseas stars of the show came from Australia and Romania. The former have attended before, sending a P-3 Orion, however this was the first time that a Royal Australian Navy Seahawk had visited Waddington and it was able to attend, as it was nearby, taking part in the ‘Trafalgar 200’ celebrations in Portsmouth, having arrived on board HMS Anzac in late June. The Romanians sent no less than six aircraft to the show, although one only briefly visited on the Thursday of arrivals. Supported by two Antonov 26 transport aircraft, four MiG-21 Lancer Cs took part, making only their second ever appearance at a UK air event, having attended RIAT at RAF Cottesmore in 2001. These four aircraft stopped off at the show, en route to RAF Lossiemouth, where they were involved in a ten day exchange visit with one of the resident Tornado GR.4 Squadrons. After this, the aircraft also took part at RIAT at RAF Fairford, making a second UK airshow appearance inside just two weeks!

Although a military air event, there were also a large number of civilian aircraft present, many ex military machines, which make up the numbers in the static display, to swell the static display lines. Previously, comments have been made about the need for so many of these types, with the 2004 event having a ridiculous number of Jet Provosts present and this year was again no exception but this time the type in abundance was the Auster! At least five or six were on static display, with many of them parked in superb photographic positions, in stark contrast to how badly the military ‘stars’ of the static display were parked! Perhaps the most interesting of the privately owned aircraft present was an ex Omani Air Force Strikemaster Mk.82A, G-SOAF, which is quite new to the UK circuit? Few civilian aircraft took part in the flying display but one new and welcome addition was the FR Aviation Falcon 20 pair, which displayed an unusual routine, although the type is well known to the airfield, as they have often appeared during the ACMI detachments. There were a smattering of ‘warbirds’ included at the show, with the ever popular ‘Battle of Britain’ Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane present but it was also great to see another Hurricane involved in the shape of the recently restored Vacher example and another Spitfire, this time a twin seat example, serial number MJ627 (G-BMSB), owned by MS Bayliss.

Farewell Friend For one person in particular, the event will be remembered for one specific reason! The 2005 show was the last for the station Corporate Communications Officer [CCO], Mrs. Jacqui Wheeler. Spring 2006, will mark her retirement, after twelve years at Waddington and Jacqui has been in charge of running the Press facilities each year since the event began back in 1995. Unbeknown to Jacqui, several of her team, including a member of the Press, had secretly arranged for a surprise send off for her! As well as ensuring a collection took place to buy her a goodbye gift, the team had arranged for Jacqui to have the ride of her life. During the weekend there were two wing walks, one from an elderly lady and one from the station commander’s daughter, both for charitable causes, one on each day but early on Sunday morning, there was to be another session of wing walking! A long time friend of Jacqui and part of the press team, Bob Franklin, arrived at the press tent and told Jacqui that someone who had not seen her for a long time was waiting on the active side of the airfield to see her. Bob accompanied her to bravo dispersal, where Jacqui soon realised that something was afoot! Shortly afterwards she was strapped in and soaring skywards on the wing of the Utterly Butterly Boeing Stearman! Afterwards Jacqui told Fighter Control [FC] that she “enjoyed every minute of it but was just a little nervous when the aircraft made each turn, with the wings being dipped closer to the ground”. Her husband was also present to watch the daredevil stunt and Jacqui later told FC that she “had wondered why he was keen to get up so early and come with her to the show, when normally he arrives much later in the day!” During the Sunday afternoon Jacqui was also presented by Officer Commanding 51 Squadron, with a bouquet of flowers and the visiting AOC and the Waddington Station Commander together presented her with a large bottle of champagne, which was surely enjoyed later on? Jacqui has always been particularly helpful and accommodating to everyone and also for me at not just the Waddington shows but also on many other occasions I have visited the airfield and I would like to personally thank her for her help and support and also wish her a happy retirement for next year and hope that our paths will still cross at future shows, as I am sure she will not be able to keep away?

Well Done Waddo In 2003, the event was upstaged by the Zeltweg Air Power air display, losing many planned participants to the Austrian Air Force show, which is held on alternate years. Therefore it was decided to host the Waddington show a week later this year, to avoid a similar problem, as participants might again opt to attend the larger Austrian event held during the final weekend of June. This departure proved successful for Waddington, as although individual numbers of foreign aircraft were down, more countries attended than in 2003, with no less than twelve nations taking part in a truly International event. Considering that it was Wimbledon finals weekend and the ‘Live 8’ concert took place on the Saturday of the show, an estimated 130,000 people were in attendance during the weekend, therefore the show was again a huge success. It was announced during the show, that next year’s event would also take place during the first weekend of July. There had been much speculation and rumour from some quarters that 2005 may see the final Waddington event but thankfully these were scotched on the Sunday, with the announcement of next year’s date. Therefore we look forward to more of the same from the organising committee for the next show on 1st and 2nd July 2006! I would like to extend my thanks to Jacqui Wheeler/Community Relations and the staff in Air Traffic Control at RAF Waddington, for their assistance in making this article possible.