Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 General Discussion Thread

[Nighthawke]

You will have to wait until 2025 at least for Bulgarian F-16s. First flight not due until later this year and delivery starting next.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

That's a shame I knew they were getting them just was not sure if they were in service or not yet, Oh well Romanian F-16s would still be great to see alongside the other F-16s that will no doubt confirm over the next few months.

Pity that Norway and Netherlands retired their fleets of F-16s as they always had lovely paint schemes on them.

[WernerV_]

Pity that Norway and Netherlands retired their fleets of F-16s as they always had lovely paint schemes on them.

The Netherlands is retiring them in late September, so there's still a chance to see them at RIAT.

[GoldenPlane]

Pity that Norway and Netherlands retired their fleets of F-16s as they always had lovely paint schemes on them.

The Netherlands is retiring them in late September, so there's still a chance to see them at RIAT.

RNLAF should be present with 2 F-16AM’s.

Jordy

[seven]

No Belgian F-16 demo as this season has been cancelled apparently. Ouch

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Pity that Norway and Netherlands retired their fleets of F-16s as they always had lovely paint schemes on them.

The Netherlands is retiring them in late September, so there's still a chance to see them at RIAT.

Excellent thanks for letting me know

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Pity that Norway and Netherlands retired their fleets of F-16s as they always had lovely paint schemes on them.

The Netherlands is retiring them in late September, so there's still a chance to see them at RIAT.

RNLAF should be present with 2 F-16AM’s.

Jordy

Hopefully Jordy again thanks for the information

[Red-Eye-Knight]

No Belgian F-16 demo as this season has been cancelled apparently. Ouch

Now if that is true what a miss that will be for any airshow.

[jasonT1981]

The Belgian F16 Demo Team made a new post on Instagram today, nothing suggesting it is being stood down

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3cMoA8sZbS/

[jasonT1981]

Sadly the Begian F16 being stood down is now confirmed

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=83 ... 4702804428

Dream Viper family,
With a heavy heart, we bring you unexpected news: the F-16 Solo Display Team is reluctantly bidding farewell. Regrettably, we must announce the bittersweet conclusion of our incredible two-year journey.
In 2024 we intended to celebrate 50 years of F-16, 45 of F-16 in Belgium, and 30 of those with Cdt De Vries at the throttle and stick of the Viper.
It's important to note that the decision for this farewell is beyond the control of the Dream Viper Team. While the ending may be sudden, the memories and appreciation for your support will endure. We thank you for being a part of our incredible flight, we regret not having the chance to say goodbye to our magnificent audience in person.
Please stay tuned for more information and details, which will follow in due time.
Thank you.
- The Dream Viper team.

[Gary]

Big loss to the air show scene. Seems a little strange to start talking about a work up then cancel the season. Wouldn’t surprise me if they do a role demo like the Thunder Tigers for Sanicole though

[PeteHemsley]

It's awesome celebrating the anniversary of the f16 with no actual flying f16s!

[iainpeden]

First, you don’t know what is and isn’t flying; even the planners in DBH won’t yet.
Second, DBH can ask and ask and ask but ultimately can only put in the flying display that for which they have permission.

[PeteHemsley]

First, you don’t know what is and isn’t flying; even the planners in DBH won’t yet.
Second, DBH can ask and ask and ask but ultimately can only put in the flying display that for which they have permission.

The can ask, absolutely. But I'd there's no f-16 demo, then how can they ask. As far as I know, there's only Turkey and the Greeks who possibly have an f-16 demo this season. We love to see the team from Singapore and we can only pray the Danes give it one last hurrahhhh. I'd love to see them all.

[seven]

Danes have already said they are coming with a display.
You forgot the Polish F-16 display there.
Plus there's the blunderturds and the USAF solo, can't recall if they've released schedules yet..

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Belgian F-16 demo is is big loss but I'm sure DBH will be trying their hardest to make sure there is an F-16 demo of some sort in the flying display.

As already posted there is Team Zeus, Soloturk, Polish Tiger and Danish F-16 demos that may attend from Europe plus other demos from outwith Europe.

[PeteHemsley]

I'd happily take all of them!

[Campbell89]

Team Zeus would be a brilliant addition. The display in 2022 was epic.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Team Zeus would be a brilliant addition. The display in 2022 was epic.

Yes it was and that pass he did that was too close to the crowd when doing his validation was awesome even though it shouldn't have happened.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

A real highlight for aviation enthusiasts to kick-off this week's update, with a pair of SF-5M Freedom Fighters from the Spanish Air Force! These jets are used during the training of new fast jet pilots in Spain, from their home base atn Badajoz Air Base. We're delighted to have them return to RIAT as part of our NATO 75th Anniversary theme.

Another fast jet for the flying display this week, in the shape of the ever popular Czech Gripen. In addition, they'll also be bringing one of their L-159 ALCAs which will form part of the NATO 75th Anniversary static display.

Final confirmations for this week come from Bristow Helicopters with their Coastguard helicopters. We've seen the AW189 and S-92 at RIAT previously, accompnaied by a ground display from HM Coastguard, which is always popular with visitors. In addition, this year they'll also be bringing one of their brand new AW139 helicopters to join the line-up too.

This week, we have a small team attending the European Airshow Council Convention in Brussels. This three day event is a vital date in our annual calendar for us to gather with airshow colleagues from across Europe, share best practice and discuss potential aircraft participation with the military representatives in attendance. We hope to have some more information to share with you, about the discussions our team have at EAC, in next week's update.