Royal International Air Tattoo 2022 - General Discussion Thread

[James Cutting]

For the final aircraft update ahead of RIAT 2022, we are pleased to announce the participation of a new nation at the show, with the Kingdom of Bahrain sending an aircraft for the first time! One of their C-130J Hercules aircraft will be coming to the Air Tattoo for static display, and we are very excited to welcome them to RAF Fairford next week.

We are honoured to welcome a Kawasaki C-2 aircraft from the Japan Air Self Defense Force to RIAT 2022, on static display, to showcase this impressive transport aircraft, which we last saw at RIAT 2018.

Last week, the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force confirmed availability of their aircraft for the Air Tattoo, and therefore we're pleased to announce one of their E-3A Sentry aircraft will perform a flypast during the Friday flying display.

Visitors to RIAT on Saturday 16th July will be treated to an appearance from the amazing Airbus BelugaXL performing two flypasts during the flying display programme!

With the show rapidly approaching, we can now finally announce some of our special flypast plans... On Friday 15th July, the RAF Red Arrows will fly with the RAF's new Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to open the RIAT flying display and on Sunday 17th July, we'll see a unique pairing of the RAF Red Arrows alongside the ROKAF Black Eagles!

[James Cutting]

Nice update that one, 2 flypasts from the BelugaXL, and an E-3A on the Friday (Shame I will miss it, never mind )

[GVLCN]

Is this the last update? Still no B-1 or B-2 very disappointed

[Bobby 1211]

we can now finally announce some of our special flypast plans
Might get a surprise?

[jamesg23]

Some will miss out on some unique flypast but looks like an attempt to sell the remaining tickets for friday and sunday.

[jamesg23]

Is this the last update? Still no B-1 or B-2 very disappointed

B2 has often been a surprise visitor in the past while on a GPM.

[James Cutting]

Some will miss out on some unique flypast but looks like an attempt to sell the remaining tickets for friday and sunday.

How it always has been, a variety across the days and to have some change, nothing wrong with that.

Maybe a surprise B-2 but last one was 2017. Either way looks a cracking show!

[Ollie]

Some will miss out on some unique flypast but looks like an attempt to sell the remaining tickets for friday and sunday.

How it always has been, a variety across the days and to have some change, nothing wrong with that.

Maybe a surprise B-2 but last one was 2017. Either way looks a cracking show!

Last B2 was 2018. Having only made it here for the Sunday in 2017, they got is sorted for just the Saturday of 2018. It was due both days in 2017 I believe but weather played a part in it.

[jamesg23]

Some will miss out on some unique flypast but looks like an attempt to sell the remaining tickets for friday and sunday.

How it always has been, a variety across the days and to have some change, nothing wrong with that.

Maybe a surprise B-2 but last one was 2017. Either way looks a cracking show!

Couldnt agree more. Looking forward to what looks to be a great show.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Some will miss out on some unique flypast but looks like an attempt to sell the remaining tickets for friday and sunday.

How it always has been, a variety across the days and to have some change, nothing wrong with that.

Maybe a surprise B-2 but last one was 2017. Either way looks a cracking show!

Last B2 was 2018. Having only made it here for the Sunday in 2017, they got is sorted for just the Saturday of 2018. It was due both days in 2017 I believe but weather played a part in it.

Correct as it had to circle over Brize for about 10mins or so waiting for the Reds to depart and due to that it only did one flypast that year.

[James Cutting]

Ah yes thanks, just checked my shots and stand corrected. It was held for ages wasn't it and was quite high. Flanked by Reapers.

[James Cutting]

How can you be disappointed for something you were never promised

[Ollie]

Think that pesky Chinook played a part in the single flyby, something about refusing to halt its display whilst the B2 made passes. May be it was just poorly times, nice to see nonetheless

[GVLCN]

It states we can reveal some of the special flypasts so I would expect one or two surprise items!
It is what it is, I’ll be happy just to go to the show as will most.
However compared to the last show which had such a great mix of aircraft I can’t help but feel let down after waiting such a long time.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion!

[downes0106]

I agree, we can all have an opinion, but all I'll say is be happy with what you've got, not what you haven't. It's great that RIAT is happening, given the impacts of COVID and the ongoing Ukrainian and economic situations. I am so looking forward to seeing the first aircraft (B52?) on approach on Wednesday.

[jamesg23]

It states we can reveal some of the special flypasts so I would expect one or two surprise items!
It is what it is, I’ll be happy just to go to the show as will most.
However compared to the last show which had such a great mix of aircraft I can’t help but feel let down after waiting such a long time.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion!

I think what is happening further east has prevented some aircraft coming but I'm surprised we are getting as much as we are considering what is going on and the amount of aircraft that are supporting the Ukraine crises.

[bizfreeq]

Let down about what? The line up is stella this year, I really cannot see what there is to be disappointed about in the slightest, especially under the current world and European situation

[Stroudy]

I know not everyone will be happy unless a Madagascan MiG-21 (they really did exist) and a USN A-7 do a pairs A2A demo, but i'm happy with that line up given the current world situation. Thanks RIAT.

[capercaillie]

It states we can reveal some of the special flypasts so I would expect one or two surprise items!
It is what it is, I’ll be happy just to go to the show as will most.
However compared to the last show which had such a great mix of aircraft I can’t help but feel let down after waiting such a long time.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion!

I appreciate some great types at the 2019 show such as the Spanish EAV-8Bs, Romanian MiG21s and Ukrainian Su27s.

However in service different military types on show in 2019 including supports - 58
Currently listed/expected including supports 2022 - 64

Number of nations attended 2019 - 23 (includes Luxembourg and Hungary)
Number of nations currently listed for 2022 -34 (includes Luxembourg)

Statistically a greater mix this year than in 2019. 2022 boasts 17 UK show debuts and one new nation plus some great civilian types such as the A-4 and Swedish jets.

[James Cutting]

Interesting stat that, thank you! So theoretically a much better year.

Just can't believe there's only 2 B-52's, not 3