Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 General Discussion Thread

[Gary]

Would like to think RAF would lay on something to celebrate the service given by the Hercs and their pending retirement.

There have been suggestions the C-130s will be gone before RIAT. It'll depend what happens in the budget on Wednesday, the Times are saying the defence budget won't get as big increase as expected, wanted, needed. The retirement could come quicker

[Buddiebeeroy]

I think you may be right unfortunately. I believe the latest date for them was end of June , was just hoping they could’ve hung on a couple more weeks to say farewell but doesn’t look good

[Alf]

Would like to think RAF would lay on something to celebrate the service given by the Hercs and their pending retirement.

There have been suggestions the C-130s will be gone before RIAT. It'll depend what happens in the budget on Wednesday, the Times are saying the defence budget won't get as big increase as expected, wanted, needed. The retirement could come quicker

I think you may be right unfortunately. I believe the latest date for them was end of June , was just hoping they could’ve hung on a couple more weeks to say farewell but doesn’t look good

Pity they wont make it to next years RIAT as 2024 is the 70th aniversary for the C-130 first flight. The 25th at Greenham Common in 1979 seems like a long time ago now.

[James Cutting]

In addition to the previously announced Red Arrows, we're pleased to confirm the other Royal Air Force flying display assets which visitors will be able to see on Friday, Saturday & Sunday! The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be performing their usual evocative display with their Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster and we will also see the Typhoon display, this year flown by Flt Lt Matt Brighty. Information about which other aircraft types from the Royal Air Force may be available to join the static displays or perform flypasts at RIAT 2023, will become available during April or May.

This week we also add two more ex-military aircraft for static display at RIAT 2023, with the recently restored Lynx AH7 from North Weald, plus a Jet Provost T3a.

Discussions with various Air Arms from across Europe and the world continue with many interesting aircraft in the pipeline for both the flying and static displays. We look forward to bringing you more updates next week once the essential formal confirmations are in place for us. This week we have been working with colleagues in Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark and Sweden, who are all planning on sending flying displays to RIAT 2023.

Nice little update that, especially the possible flying displays from the mentioned countries - Denmark's special painted F-16 would be nice!

Hellenic Air Force also added to the ongoing...Please be some phantoms!

[Gary]

Phantoms would be nice, T-2s would be just as welcomed nice to see the Lynx AH7 too

[Boneyard1]

Cheers,James for the update!

[James Cutting]

No worries!

Agreed Gary, on all fronts

[GVLCN]

If it is phantoms I’ll consider not selling my tickets

[Blackcat1]

If there are Phantoms I think I’ll make the journey up just to see them arrive

[James Cutting]

If it is phantoms I’ll consider not selling my tickets

Why would you be selling then so early anyway, updates have literally just started

[Nighthawke]

Why buy in the first place given fourth post on page 1?

[James Cutting]

Haha well spotted!!

You often find those that are most negatively vocal, are the ones who always get tickets through FOMO

[GVLCN]

I had them bought for me & unfortunately have to pay for them, spend a week off work & spend money on fuel, hotels, drinks & food for the potential of what I can see in one day at an exercise cobra warrior. So watch this space, maybe some tickets available if they sell out

[capercaillie]

I had them bought for me & unfortunately have to pay for them, spend a week off work & spend money on fuel, hotels, drinks & food for the potential of what I can see in one day at an exercise cobra warrior. So watch this space, maybe some tickets available if they sell out

There are only going to be three types at this year's RIAT? Ah, shoot, I wish someone had warned me.

[James Cutting]

Except an RC-135 and the Mirages aren't at RIAT?

That's got to be the worst excuse going "I've had them bought for me, but I had to pay for them" - So instead of saying "no thank you", you said "here's my money for them, and I will also book time off work" So, you bought them then?

Dear oh dear.

[seven]

No need to feed the troll..

[James Cutting]

Sorry...

[jasonT1981]

I had them bought for me & unfortunately have to pay for them, spend a week off work & spend money on fuel, hotels, drinks & food for the potential of what I can see in one day at an exercise cobra warrior. So watch this space, maybe some tickets available if they sell out

Oh dear, is that all? I've to do all that as well as flights, buses and 3 days worth of return train tickets.

[Blackcat1]

I had them bought for me & unfortunately have to pay for them, spend a week off work & spend money on fuel, hotels, drinks & food for the potential of what I can see in one day at an exercise cobra warrior. So watch this space, maybe some tickets available if they sell out

Oh dear, is that all? I've to do all that as well as flights, buses and 3 days worth of return train tickets.

You haven’t got to do it

[capercaillie]

Except an RC-135 and the Mirages aren't at RIAT?

Is that official?