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RIAT 2024 - A Classic

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Richie B
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RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Richie B » Wed Jul 24, 2024 9:29 pm

OK maybe not a classic in terms of the 'Good Old Days', but from today's smaller and narrower field of variety, RIAT offered much to be enjoyed.
Of course there was the weather which in true Brit style varied from scorching blue skies to dull low cloud in the space of 24 hours and everything in between.
However, the aircraft were the main talking point this year and the opportunity to see such a wide variety of aircraft and nations in one place is what makes RIAT so unique.
This year was a culmination of several anniversaries and 1974 must have been a watershed year in aviation as we seemed to celebrate 50 years of some of our most iconic jets.
PS Photo heavy!

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1. For a design that is 50 years old, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Viper still looks and acts the business. This one came from the Royal Danish Air Force and looks stunning in the new display scheme.

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2. Great to see two examples from the Romanian Air Force, even better that one of them took part in the NATO 75th Anniversary flypast on Friday.

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3. My favourite F-16 colour scheme came from Morocco, beats grey any day.

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4. The Dutch sent a large contingent including this specially marked F-16AM.

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5. Another design that has defied ageing is the F-15 (which first flew in 1972). The Qatari F-15QA being flown by Boeing pilots put on an extremely impressive performance, this one in full missile fit.

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6. The other jet also displayed on the Sunday in clean configuration and included a full tail slide.

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7. 1974 was also the first flight of the Hawk trainer and several examples were on show including the Finnish Midnight Hawk display team in a mix of grey and ex-Swiss Hawk livery.

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8. A very notable first for RIAT was the U-2S demo on Friday which provided a unique perspective on current U-2 operations out of Fairford.

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9. But the prospect of four Phantoms at RIAT this year excited many of the visitors (including me!) and the arrival on Friday of the Greek pair provided us all with a mini-airshow of runway passes.

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10. The other pair of Phantoms came from Turkiye, and collectively gave many at RIAT the opportunity to see these iconic warplanes up close before they vanish from our skies for good.

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11. If you want a colourful Typhoon look no further than the German Air Force who seem to love painting up their Eurofighters in some amazing paint schemes including this Tiger/Cyborg variant.

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12. Not to be outdone the RAF Typhoon display jet 'Moggie' looked superb in its WW2 colour scheme, a homage to the 80th Anniversary of D-Day this year.

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13. Even the Italians had a go with their colourful tailed example from the RSV test wing.

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14. One of the most amazing displays is the Italian C-27J Spartan which continues to impress with barrel rolls and its signature loop manoeuvre, not bad for an aircraft you can stand up in.

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15. Another 50th first flight anniversary was that of the Tornado, this very colourful version coming from the Italian Air Force test wing.

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16. Rarely seen outside of Spain, a pair of SF-5Ms from Spain provided a highlight for many especially when one flew in the NATO flypast.

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17. As did the very noisy contribution from the Spanish Navy, a EAV-8B Matador, and another type that is approaching the end of its career.

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18. Similarly the French Mirage 2000-5 is an increasingly rare bird so great to see it flying on the Friday.

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19. The RAF's F-35B showed off its new role demo which proved a much more energetic and interesting display than previous years.

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20. NATO's newest member, Sweden, was also present with a very smart display from their JAS-39C Gripen.

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21. It was the centenary of the formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force who displayed two CF-188A Hornets, including this very colourful example.

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22. And last but by no means least, farewell to one type never to be seen again, the mighty USAF KC-10 Extender.

With so much variety and spectacle, I suspect I will look back on RIAT 2024 as a true classic. How can they top that?
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paddyboy
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by paddyboy » Thu Jul 25, 2024 3:41 am

Only one word: stunning :Wow:

Can’t see the pics of those gorgeous little Northrops though :'(

Thanks for posting :thumb:

Paddyboy :clap:
XH558, always the first lady in my life
Just remember, please don't tell the wife


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GRIM REAPERS SUPPORTER

Mustang531
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Mustang531 » Thu Jul 25, 2024 6:36 am

Thanks for sharing these, some great shots you've provided and hard to choose a favourite amongst them. One anniversary that seemed to be overlooked was the 70th anniversary of the first flight of the C-130. It would have been nice to have seen a few of them in the static, especially those support aircraft that came and went before and after the show.

slogen51
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by slogen51 » Thu Jul 25, 2024 6:49 am

Stunning post

Lots of classic aircraft and a lovely picture of the RAF F-35B caught in action - nice to see

Weazel69
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Weazel69 » Thu Jul 25, 2024 8:46 am

Mustang531 wrote:
Thu Jul 25, 2024 6:36 am
Thanks for sharing these, some great shots you've provided and hard to choose a favourite amongst them. One anniversary that seemed to be overlooked was the 70th anniversary of the first flight of the C-130. It would have been nice to have seen a few of them in the static, especially those support aircraft that came and went before and after the show.
Yes I agree, but you can also say that they have already done that theme with the "C130 MEET" way back in 1979 at RAF GREENHAM COMMON - IAT-79 - 23.06.1979
forewarned is forearmed

Mustang531
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Mustang531 » Thu Jul 25, 2024 9:25 am

Yes, I was there in 1979. I think in 2004, there was some attempt to get a line up for the 50th Anniversary. But at Fairford, I think there was a few RAF examples, and Italian one and a couple of American examples.

Weazel69
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Weazel69 » Thu Jul 25, 2024 9:40 am

Mustang531 wrote:
Thu Jul 25, 2024 9:25 am
Yes, I was there in 1979. I think in 2004, there was some attempt to get a line up for the 50th Anniversary. But at Fairford, I think there was a few RAF examples, and Italian one and a couple of American examples.
Oh so you are getting on a bit also!! ( joke )
After I had posted that comment I did a Review as I thought the AC130A was at that one, but found that turned up at the 81-IAT
Bet there's NONE of those Flying Now :(
forewarned is forearmed

quid21
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by quid21 » Thu Jul 25, 2024 7:23 pm

Thing is, for young'uns, these will also be the good ol' days by the time they're our age it'll be drones!

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andrewn
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by andrewn » Thu Jul 25, 2024 10:00 pm

Fantastic shot selection, thanks for sharing 👍

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Heal1979
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Heal1979 » Fri Jul 26, 2024 12:32 pm

Nice work, Rich!
Clearly one of the better shows of the last five years or so.

pom61
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by pom61 » Fri Jul 26, 2024 2:29 pm

Incredible photography fantastic detail thank you for sharing everyone a Winner.

Richie B
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Richie B » Fri Jul 26, 2024 6:57 pm

Thanks for the kind feedback everyone. Just for you Mustang, a 70th Anniversary themed C-130 (just not the first flight!) :)

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Mustang531
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Mustang531 » Fri Jul 26, 2024 9:49 pm

Thanks Richie
Nice shot, shame it didn't stay though, same for the Moroccan and Swedish examples. I've been looking back through my log books, my first IAT was 1974 and there was just one C-130 present, XV298. But there were a few piston engined gems present.

tornado43
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by tornado43 » Sat Jul 27, 2024 8:19 am

Impressive images .

Timmo
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by Timmo » Sat Jul 27, 2024 12:40 pm

Thanks for sharing some very crisp images and a nice write up of what was indeed a great Royal IAT.

I also agree with the comments regarding the C-130s 70th anniversary, it would have been nice to have a little nod of recognition. Still, I'm just old enough to remember the line up of Hercules in 1994 for the 40th!

matt e
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by matt e » Sat Jul 27, 2024 2:49 pm

great set from the first to last shot

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DanBeeden
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Re: RIAT 2024 - A Classic

Post by DanBeeden » Sun Jul 28, 2024 5:16 pm

Excellent selection of images

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