Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 General Discussion Thread

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Starting this week with another Apache coming to RIAT25 to join our celebration of the type's 50th anniversary; this time from Qatar! We're very pleased to welcome an AH-64E Apache Guardian from the Qatar Emiri Air Force, which wears spectacular desert camouflage colour scheme and will likely be the star of our APACHE50 static line-up. In addition, we'll also be welcoming back their huge Globemaster, plus Hawk & Typhoon.

For the first time since 2016, we're extremely pleased to welcome an aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force to the show. We'll be welcoming their Boeing 757 for static display at the show, with the plan for the aircraft to be parked near the centre of the showground and therefore visible on all three days of the show. This will likely be the final appearance from this classic airliner, as it's due to be replaced in RNZAF service in the coming years, so one not to miss.

This week we can also add the first of our Royal Air Force training aircraft which will be on static display at RIAT25, in the shape of Hawk, Prefect & Tutor. More to come from the Royal Air Force in the coming weeks..!

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Wow this place really is quiet this year!! Not even a Qatar AH-64 Apache can get comments it seems.

But it is a cracking update this week the Qatar Apache is just awesome wonderful catch from DBH and the New Zealand 757 will be great to see for a final time before it's retired.

Starting to really take shape now and only 6 updates left after today roll on July.

[jag56]

Qatar AH-64E, a welcome addition to RIAT, Apache line up should be good. Always enjoy RIAT whatever the weather. Let us all enjoy the show !

[Harkins]

Only six updates left? Really is going to be a smaller show this year.

The Apache is a great addition in both rarity and its looks. But if it gets dragged out the back of a transport plane and parked up surrounded by traffic cones and an ice cream van for a backdrop, then its a very diminished appearance in my book. But photography is a bigger part of my weekend than it might be for others and I go for all six days in part hoping to see everything fly at some point.

I wonder if it's quieter on here partly because there has been a bit less to get excited about this year than in recent years? And expressing the opinion that this year is a generally a bit below par is usually met with a load of abuse. I guess this year was always going to be in a bit of trouble after last years extravaganza.

Another thing is, it's really difficult discussing what makes something good at RIAT as we have so many different takes on it. People who only go for one day tend to focus on what's in the flying display, many people who go for six days often see the static as equally, if not more important. Often the rarest stuff is in static, so seeing it arrive and depart is brilliant. Only seeing it with covers on, surrounded by cones, flags and tents is less impressive. Probably some simply need to read a serial and that's job done for them. I'm sure some come and are more than happy to see the RAF Typhoon and Red Arrows display and anything else is just a plane. Seemingly a disco is the attraction for some.

I'm also a bit concerned about what I've read (but not posted) on the other forum, that helicopters now must land on the threshold of the runway they approach and taxi to their parking spot - and not hove- taxi(?) up to the other end. This could mean a much reduced chance of seeing some of the helicopters on arrivals - most likely at the western end.

[DutchAvPhotography]

Only six updates left? Really is going to be a smaller show this year.

The Apache is a great addition in both rarity and its looks. But if it gets dragged out the back of a transport plane and parked up surrounded by traffic cones and an ice cream van for a backdrop, then its a very diminished appearance in my book. But photography is a bigger part of my weekend than it might be for others and I go for all six days in part hoping to see everything fly at some point.

I wonder if it's quieter on here partly because there has been a bit less to get excited about this year than in recent years? And expressing the opinion that this year is a generally a bit below par is usually met with a load of abuse. I guess this year was always going to be in a bit of trouble after last years extravaganza.

Another thing is, it's really difficult discussing what makes something good at RIAT as we have so many different takes on it. People who only go for one day tend to focus on what's in the flying display, many people who go for six days often see the static as equally, if not more important. Often the rarest stuff is in static, so seeing it arrive and depart is brilliant. Only seeing it with covers on, surrounded by cones, flags and tents is less impressive. Probably some simply need to read a serial and that's job done for them. I'm sure some come and are more than happy to see the RAF Typhoon and Red Arrows display and anything else is just a plane. Seemingly a disco is the attraction for some.

I'm also a bit concerned about what I've read (but not posted) on the other forum, that helicopters now must land on the threshold of the runway they approach and taxi to their parking spot - and not hove- taxi(?) up to the other end. This could mean a much reduced chance of seeing some of the helicopters on arrivals - most likely at the western end.

The Qatari NH90 had the same description of being loaded in the back of a C17 to the show in it's confirmation last year, but it was dropped off by a grey C17 to Brize and flew over to Fairford, according to the crew that year it was because it was 1: a request by DBH and 2: training for them to fly in an completely new area of operations, it'd be amazing if they manage to do the same with the Apache, but in general, the Qatari participation for this year and the last has been incredible and it seems they really do take the enthousiasts their wishes into consideration as well

Loved it when someone asked the NH90 crew to keep it low on departures, and they immediately said yes, to then actually do it as well, turned out nice their appearance last year!

[Discodaz]

lets say as it is guys..so far this year is crap! thats why nobody is chatting about it.every week we all think it has to improve and yet it somehow doesnt

[DutchAvPhotography]

lets say as it is guys..so far this year is crap! thats why nobody is chatting about it.every week we all think it has to improve and yet it somehow doesnt

First appearance of a Qatari Apache in Europe, last appearance of a Kiwi 757 for the EU shows, several aircraft which were teased during the FRIAT forum who are yet to be announced, we're far from the 200 aircraft that were apparently confirmed to DBH when the FRIAT forum took place, not to forget the eight fastjets currently announced for the flying and several heli displays such as the Swedish Hawks

P.s, good to see it's not just airshows.uk where you are active on Discodaz, assume you won't be present this year seeing your comments on both forums?

[luke28]

Qatar Apache is a belting addition.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

lets say as it is guys..so far this year is crap! thats why nobody is chatting about it.every week we all think it has to improve and yet it somehow doesnt

Aren't you a bundle of joy about RIAT?

Honestly the lineup so far is amazing where else in the UK this year are you seeing a Qatari Apache, New Zeland 757, Swedish Blackhawk, French E-3 Sentry, Portuguese Merlin and many more that already has been announced?

I think DBH have done a fantastic job yet again and with 7 updates to go i am sure there is some amazing stuff still to be announced.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Only six updates left? Really is going to be a smaller show this year.

The Apache is a great addition in both rarity and its looks. But if it gets dragged out the back of a transport plane and parked up surrounded by traffic cones and an ice cream van for a backdrop, then its a very diminished appearance in my book. But photography is a bigger part of my weekend than it might be for others and I go for all six days in part hoping to see everything fly at some point.

I wonder if it's quieter on here partly because there has been a bit less to get excited about this year than in recent years? And expressing the opinion that this year is a generally a bit below par is usually met with a load of abuse. I guess this year was always going to be in a bit of trouble after last years extravaganza.

Another thing is, it's really difficult discussing what makes something good at RIAT as we have so many different takes on it. People who only go for one day tend to focus on what's in the flying display, many people who go for six days often see the static as equally, if not more important. Often the rarest stuff is in static, so seeing it arrive and depart is brilliant. Only seeing it with covers on, surrounded by cones, flags and tents is less impressive. Probably some simply need to read a serial and that's job done for them. I'm sure some come and are more than happy to see the RAF Typhoon and Red Arrows display and anything else is just a plane. Seemingly a disco is the attraction for some.

I'm also a bit concerned about what I've read (but not posted) on the other forum, that helicopters now must land on the threshold of the runway they approach and taxi to their parking spot - and not hove- taxi(?) up to the other end. This could mean a much reduced chance of seeing some of the helicopters on arrivals - most likely at the western end.

Sorry typo 7 updates left.

[iain s]

lets say as it is guys..so far this year is crap! thats why nobody is chatting about it.every week we all think it has to improve and yet it somehow doesnt

Don't go then.

[Plane enthuiast]

lets say as it is guys..so far this year is crap! thats why nobody is chatting about it.every week we all think it has to improve and yet it somehow doesnt

[Discodaz]

Send me link to my comments on air shows uk cos I guarantee it’s not me. But thanks for pointing it out.

Here come the wolves.

[seven]

Great catches with the Guardian and 757, if they make it!

It must be noted that the 'Qatar Typhoon' is a 12sqn example, not one from Qatar itself.

[jasonT1981]

Half the ones crying about static on FB don't even have tickets and are just watching from the camping site lol

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Great catches with the Guardian and 757, if they make it!

It must be noted that the 'Qatar Typhoon' is a 12sqn example, not one from Qatar itself.

This was posted over on UKAR

"Qatar ordered a fleet of 24 Eurofighter Typhoons in December 2017 and as part of the agreement a joint training squadron on the type was set up at RAF Coningsby where RAF instructors from 12 Squadron train Qatari pilots to fly the Typhoon."

"Qatar will be exhibiting a Typhoon FGR4 as part of this year’s Air Tattoo static display. The aircraft in question will be in RAF markings and provided by the joint training unit, 12 Squadron, from RAF Coningsby."

[Leuchars Fan]

I imagine there'll be a significant number of additional items to the flying programme, what there is so far isn't at all bad. But at 20 or so items, its looking more like the Fridy programme in total, and it's now cutting it fine as we are just inside two months to go. I dare say with the US and France yet to declare, if anything, what they may have lined up, it could make a difference. Further, with a signficant anniversary, 80th VE/VJ Days this year, it might presage an interesting "finale" as in previous years. Finger crossed.

LF

[Nighthawke]

Great catches with the Guardian and 757, if they make it!

It must be noted that the 'Qatar Typhoon' is a 12sqn example, not one from Qatar itself.

This was posted over on UKAR

"Qatar ordered a fleet of 24 Eurofighter Typhoons in December 2017 and as part of the agreement a joint training squadron on the type was set up at RAF Coningsby where RAF instructors from 12 Squadron train Qatari pilots to fly the Typhoon."

"Qatar will be exhibiting a Typhoon FGR4 as part of this year’s Air Tattoo static display. The aircraft in question will be in RAF markings and provided by the joint training unit, 12 Squadron, from RAF Coningsby."

Usually polite to credit the poster even if it is another forum. In this case "CJS" although it was a requote.

[Vulcanone]

Correct me if I am wrong but BAE Systems sent a Qatari Typhoon last year. Maybe you'll all get lucky (yet) and get another one this year.

Oh and Qatar has ordered another 12 Typhoons adding to the 24 not all delivered yet so you'll get another at some point

[Steven]

Don't go then.

This sort of moronic response is why people do not post on this thread anymore. People are allowed to express concern at the line-up or a negative view.

Red-Eye-Knight's comment above yours is a reasonable response. Taking Daz's point and arguing against it with his opinion.