Royal International Air Tattoo 2019 Discussion Thread

[PeteHemsley]

Another Air Tattoo first! The Northrop Grumman Firebird will be making its first public appearance at RIAT 2019. The aircraft will be arriving into RAF Fairford by road, being assembled on site by Northrop Grumman engineers.

Firebird confirmed

Zac

Not interested in models

[James Cutting]

Be nice if they stick it next to the Ferris wheel instead of something else

[jingernut]

Not interested in models

Then you have the choice to not look at it

[Mike]

Be nice if they stick it next to the Ferris wheel instead of something else

Be even better if they stuck it ON the blooming Ferris wheel.

[bizfreeq]

Should park it next to the Airfix tent!

[James Cutting]

Don't you both start off the 'Amigos' again

Seeing it on the Ferris wheel could make for a good picture

[James Cutting]

Not interested in models

Then you have the choice to not look at it

Maybe he wants to glare at it as he walks past it

[oslo.barnes]

Sorry to be thick.... 1) What is the firebird, and 2) Which air force operates it?

[Mike]

Yet another person that has never heard of Google!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_Firebird

Edit :- Sorry, I didn't mean to sound "blunt", but all this info is at your fingertips - apologies.

[oslo.barnes]

I have, just hoping you guys might give me more concise, easier-to-understand info!!!
Thanks anyway

[PeteHemsley]

I have, just hoping you guys might give me more concise, easier-to-understand info!!!
Thanks anyway

There's nothing easier to understand than a photograph

[oslo.barnes]

Mike - I didn't take offence, don't worry
Not gonna get hung up about it

[Seahornet1]

Firebird confirmed

Zac

Not interested in models
[/quote]

So, when it's configured for an on-board pilot, it's an aircraft that you're interested in, but when they reconfigure it for remote operations (which takes about half an hour), it becomes an uninteresting 'model'...?

If you saw it flying over, how would you decide whether to be interested or not, if you can't tell which configuration it's in...?

Edit, apologies for the hamfisted quoting...!

[James Cutting]

Jeez don't take it that seriously

[plmc135]

I suspect that what was meant is that the "aircraft" to be displayed at RIAT is not a real aeroplane but a plastic mock up. In that case the comment about collecting models is fully justified.

[POL]

Except it is a real aeroplane.

[Tiger 1]

Got to agree with JamesCutting.

Jeez don't take it that seriously

If PeteHemsley is not interested in models... he is quite free to say so, that`s his opinion and entitled to it just like everybody else... to be honest, I`m not that struck on them my self from a spotters point of view... much prefer to see the real thing... having said that, the model does give you a good idea of the aircraft.

The show is nearly here... looking forward to strolling round the static and watching the flying... whether it be real... model.... or otherwise.

Just go and enjoy it ... look and watch what your interested in and don`t at what your not... just have a great day at this great show...we are very lucky to still have it to look forward to because one day... I fear we won`t.

Have a great show guys .

Regards.

T1

[Seahornet1]

Got to agree with JamesCutting.

Jeez don't take it that seriously

If PeteHemsley is not interested in models... he is quite free to say so, that`s his opinion and entitled to it just like everybody else... to be honest, I`m not that struck on them my self from a spotters point of view... much prefer to see the real thing... having said that, the model does give you a good idea of the aircraft.

The show is nearly here... looking forward to strolling round the static and watching the flying... whether it be real... model.... or otherwise.

Just go and enjoy it ... look and watch what your interested in and don`t at what your not... just have a great day at this great show...we are very lucky to still have it to look forward to because one day... I fear we won`t.

Have a great show guys .

Regards.

T1

Just to clarify; the Firebird that's coming to Fairford is a real one, not a mock-up. However, some people are disparaging about RPVs ('drones'), and refer to them as 'remote control models'. Like you say, they are totally entitled to that opinion . I just wondered how they feel about the Firebird specifically, since it can operate with an on-board pilot, or without. Genuine question, though I agree it's a bit tongue in cheek...

[Gary]

Needs to be taken with a big pinch of salt this far out, but Accuweather long range forecast is not looking good it will likely change in the next update but as of now rain, thunder and up to 52km wind gusts , Weather Outlook looking a lot more favourable

[bizfreeq]

Being that they can't even get tomorrow's weather right, I don't think I'll worry too much yet!