Royal International Air Tattoo 2018 Discussion Thread

[raptor76]

Can I ask you guys do you class a C-130 has a heavy? If not how small or large does a aircraft need to be to be classed as a heavy like do you class either the C-27j spartan or the C-295/235 as a heavy?

[mushbuster]

The official designation of "heavy" for air traffic is if the aircraft max take off weight is greater than 300,000lbs (136,000kgs). A C295, C235 and C130 is not classed as heavy. KC135s just about make it

[raptor76]

The official designation of "heavy" for air traffic is if the aircraft max take off weight is greater than 300,000lbs (136,000kgs). A C295, C235 and C130 is not classed as heavy. KC135s just about make it

Thanks, is there anything wrong with me classing the C-130 as a heavy?

[thevulcan]

Chances of the mig 29 making a welcome return?

[turmo]

Thanks, is there anything wrong with me classing the C-130 as a heavy?

It's not that big an aircraft, MTOW is within a tonne of an A320. Its wake turbulence doesn't qualify it as such either, it is Medium from memory.

But this isn't a law court so you can call it whatever you like

Incidentally wake turbulence category doesn't just key off MTOW, that's just a guideline. The big trans-Atlantic narrowbody quads ( 707, late DC-8s, VC-10 etc ) were all greater than 136 tonnes but were downgraded from Heavy to Upper Medium after practical experience. The 757 is 40 tonnes lighter but in the same group due to its supercritical wing.

The A380 has its own category, Super, even more dangerous than an An-225 because the Airbus' wing is much more sophisticated.

[James Cutting]

The RAF Chinook returns to the flying display for RAF100 celebrations! A very rare appearance from an Estonian Air Force Antonov An-2 is confirmed for the static display.
A number of civilian aircraft also join the static display; Leonardo M-346 Master, Bristow Helicopters' AW189, a French Broussard utility aircraft, S6 Coyote, PA-28 and EuroFox.

The Army Air Corps increase their participation with a Gazelle and Defender in the static line up.

[raptor76]

Is anyone else getting concerned with the lack of static participation from usaf and raf

[MRTT]

No. Nothing to be concerned about at this stage.

[James Cutting]

Nope

[Gary]

The Gazelle and Estonian AN2 are great additions

The RAF always confirm towards the end, so nothing to worry about.

I personally can't see US having much more confirm apart from the Mildenhall and Lakenheath contingent and possibly a P-8 and the Super Bug, hope I'm wrong then again remember all the rumours and people in the know saying. All the USAF squadrons who are celebrating their 100 will be attending, the US will be sending aircraft including Harrier, T-45, NASA WB-57 because of the heritage gotta love the Facebook rumour mills

[James Cutting]

I personally can't see US having much more confirm apart from the Mildenhall and Lakenheath contingent and possibly a P-8 and the Super Bug, hope I'm wrong then again remember all the rumours and people in the know saying. All the USAF squadrons who are celebrating their 100 will be attending, the US will be sending aircraft including Harrier, T-45, NASA WB-57 because of the heritage gotta love the Facebook rumour mills

Don't start about the Facebook rumour mills!! Can't stand 'em...I'm sure the USAF will update more soon (I live in hope!)

[seven]

Wouldn't hold your breath on the Super Hornet..

[eagle driver]

Is anyone else getting concerned with the lack of static participation from usaf and raf

I am just getting concerned about the lack of everything .So far DBH seems to be making a big deal about just about anything ,Bulldog and Chipmunk headline announcement hardly head line attractions now are they ,seems we are being sold a pup,which was what happened last year at Scampton and we all know how that ended up.

[bizfreeq]

People worry about this and that every year without fail, and also every year without fail DBH delivers a superb show. Stop worrying about bu**er all and just keep the faith!

[James Cutting]

Agreed!!! Already a cracking show.

[Kurnass]

I wouldn’t call it cracking yet. Only 5 countries from outside Europe. Some of the Europeans (Romania Migs, Estonian Antonov) are very nice, the rest is quite standard. It’s shaping up to be an average RIAT so far. Hopefully the next updates will make it a cracking RIAT.

[James Cutting]

I wouldn’t call it cracking yet. Only 5 countries from outside Europe. Some of the Europeans (Romania Migs, Estonian Antonov) are very nice, the rest is quite standard. It’s shaping up to be an average RIAT so far. Hopefully the next updates will make it a cracking RIAT.

In my opinion it is. For someone who has only done 2 before, I’m very much looking forward to it. Each to their own. Still many more updates to come.

[Nighthawke]

James - your enthusiasm is refreshing! It doesn't matter what forum or group, every year gets the same old moans and whinges about what does or doesn't turn up. I would love to go again (not since 1993) but for various reasons I don't/can't. Airshow organisers are not to blame for turned-down invitations so they do their best to make up numbers to satisfy the majority of ticket holders i.e "Joe Public" who just want to see 'planes regardless of nationality, colour or type be it military or, heaven forbid, civil

At your age, and with no real responsibilities in life, I was always chasing here there and everywhere to see as much as I could. Now I'm just as happy to see a Cessna fly over as spending an hour at an airport or military base. To me it is all about the wonder of flight not just killing machines.

Look forward to your third RIAT and make the most of it. Don't let the killjoys put you off

[C24]

I can't think of anything about the forthcoming RIAT that merits a whinge.

If it's military and flying nearby, it becomes one of life's bonuses. There are no aircraft in the next life. Have fun, everyone.

Yours, grumpy, whingeing Charlie

[James Cutting]

James - your enthusiasm is refreshing! It doesn't matter what forum or group, every year gets the same old moans and whinges about what does or doesn't turn up. I would love to go again (not since 1993) but for various reasons I don't/can't. Airshow organisers are not to blame for turned-down invitations so they do their best to make up numbers to satisfy the majority of ticket holders i.e "Joe Public" who just want to see 'planes regardless of nationality, colour or type be it military or, heaven forbid, civil

At your age, and with no real responsibilities in life, I was always chasing here there and everywhere to see as much as I could. Now I'm just as happy to see a Cessna fly over as spending an hour at an airport or military base. To me it is all about the wonder of flight not just killing machines.

Look forward to your third RIAT and make the most of it. Don't let the killjoys put you off

Thanks Nighthawke, appreciate the kind comments! Don't get me wrong, it can be disappointing when a certain favoured aircraft may not appear, however, there is plenty in store to enjoy DBH do a fantastic job year in year out, and it is easy for people to lump the blame onto them when in fact it's other Air Arms and/or countries that block these things happening

For me it's the different variety of aircraft that not many other shows can offer, the great atmosphere of everyone there, statics and just the whole weekend is fantastic. I love it. Going by the standard update day, there are 7 updates left, with more I reckon chucked in on different days

Roll on RIAT