Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 General Discussion Thread

[Gary]

Latest Update - 8th June
Starting this week's update with another national aerobatic team for the RIAT 2023 flying display! We look forward to welcoming the Saudi Hawks Display Team, flying their seven Hawk jet trainers in an attractive green colour scheme. The team will be flying on all three days of RIAT 2023.

Two additions to the SKYTANKER23 gathering at RIAT 2023, both of which coming in the form of Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The Royal Saudi Air Force will send one of their tankers, operated by 22 Squadron for static display. In addition, the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) will also participate at RIAT. The MMU operate a fleet of A330 MRTT aircraft which are shared between member nations. The plan is for this aircraft to arrive on Friday, and be on static display in the Green Zone on Saturday & Sunday.

In addition to the tankers, this week we also confirm the participation of a CP-140M and CC-130J from the Royal Canadian Air Force, pair of Hawks from the Qatar Emiri Air Force and also a factory fresh Eurofighter Typhoon from BAE Systems, ahead of its delivery to Qatar. We're also very pleased that Bristow Helicopters will be bringing their Dauphin helicopter, used to support Royal Navy FOST operations, for static display at RIAT 2023. Other interesting civilian aircraft joining the participation list include a Top Aces Alpha Jet and two aircraft operated by QinetiQ, flown by the Empire Test Pilots School.

Yesterday we completed our 'Longest Day' where we plan all the arrival slots and aircraft parking plan for RIAT 2023. With more than 250 aircraft due for the show, this is quite the challenge! The Flying Display planning continues and in the coming weeks we plan to update the participation list to highlight which aircraft will fly as part of Friday's flying display.

Finally this week; the previously announced Argentinian Boeing 737 will no longer be participating at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023.

Argentinians didn’t last long other than that a solid update. Especially the CP-140 and FOST Dauphin

[James Cutting]

Nope But agreed, some lovely stuff on static - Just read there's a comment about a Top Aces Alpha Jet coming too (Guessing one of the ones at Lakenheath maybe)

[65thAgressor]

Lots of A10's in Europe at the moment. What do we think any chance of being at the show ?

[James Cutting]

Seeing as Air Defender finishes 23rd June, I'd say unlikely but who knows.

[Discodaz]

decent update..saudi hawks were as expected. can't see any chance of a10s, although I would love it to happen.
alpha jet, like mentioned is more likely hopping over from lakenheath.

Daz

[James Cutting]

After Thursday arrivals advice - If they end up being on RWY 27, and you were down at P&V West, do they more often than not taxi most of the way down and past you?

Thinking in my head of different shots throughout the weekend, head ons on arrival is 1 thought.

[Timmo]

After Thursday arrivals advice - If they end up being on RWY 27, and you were down at P&V West, do they more often than not taxi most of the way down and past you?

Thinking in my head of different shots throughout the weekend, head ons on arrival is 1 thought.

If possible to accommodate, ATC will try and send arrivals down to the western end, although it will depend on operations, parking locations etc.

[James Cutting]

Thought so too, cheers. Just thinking of possibly changing it up from Thurs - Mon.

[seven]

Decent update. We'll done DBH!

I'm guessing the Saudis won't be staying in Bristol..

[somerset]

Decent update. We'll done DBH!

I'm guessing the Saudis won't be staying in Bristol..

Oh the tales

[csnewton2701]

I wonder whether the Argantian was cancelled due to the name of the aircraft.

Chris

[JaiAviation]

I wonder whether the Argantian was cancelled due to the name of the aircraft.

Chris

Gloucestershire Live seems to be reporting it that way. Seems like a plausible reason, but would certainly be a bit of a let down if that's the reason in my opinion.

[James Cutting]

What's the story behind that? I hadn't seen it.

[POL]

Well it's called Islas Malvinas, which upsets the gammon.

[James Cutting]

Oh dear...

[kwacker]

Anyone happen to know if the B-52 will do a flyby on the Sunday? Thanks

[James Cutting]

Yes, according to the website, it is down for flypasts both days - https://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/aircr ... tofortress

[Apache123]

Where would be best to get a vantage point and view over the airfield to get what has arrived and on the ground as can't make to show but was told the campsite on the hill is a good view.

Any help would be much appreciated

Apache123

[Richard B]

Where would be best to get a vantage point and view over the airfield to get what has arrived and on the ground as can't make to show but was told the campsite on the hill is a good view.

Any help would be much appreciated

Apache123

The campsite on the hill. Totterdown, will not get you any pics of aircraft on the ground in the static area.
Very limited for landing shots also. Especially if they use the other end.
The hill campsite is very good for some of the displays that overtly it when displaying.

[Apache123]

Cheers for the info it's more to see the aircraft on the ground that's already arrived so can cross reference what's there to what I've actually seen