Royal International Air Tattoo 2023 General Discussion Thread

[Philwinward]

Did I read the “declined” correctly ?
I know the Royal Navy doesn’t have much of an airwing, but a helo or two would be nice!

[Gary]

Felt odd not having having any Americans but 2013 showed you don’t need a big American participation to have a good show.

The RN declined is still an odd one especially as Yeovilton isn’t happening and the Merlin is down for a Spanish show

[BossHogg]

India Air Force now flashing 'Ongoing new update' maybe IL78 for Sky Tanker theme ? hopefully some fighters too

[PeteHemsley]

2 flankers and an IL78 please. I've been looking at the photos from Greece and those Jordanian and UAE f-16s look insane. I'd like to see those at RiAT

[thevulcan]

The thoughts of more tankers and any exotic fighter's they could potentially drag over is rather apertising. Either an Indian or Pakistani IL-78 would be a treat though.

[Gary]

Belgian Stingers (1 Sqn) have said they’ll be at RIAT. I’m guessing memorabilia stand, hopefully their 105th jet will be with them. Currently not listed as bringing a jet

[James Cutting]

The week we can announce the first batch of Royal Air Force aircraft joining the RIAT static displays, with all powered aircraft types from 22 Group to be represented at the show this year. Examples of the MFTS fleet will once again be displayed together in the Ascent Flying Training showcase area in the centre of the RIAT showground. The additional airframes will be parked near the RAF Experience in the Red Zone (east end of the airfield) and available to view on all three days of the show.
The training theme continues with aircraft from Portugal and France! We're pleased to welcome Esquadra 101 back to RIAT, once again with a pair of their Epsilon aircraft on static display. In addition to the previously announced flying display items, the French Air & Space Force will also contribute a TBM-700 to the static aircraft displays.
We also add four more historic civilian aircraft to our static displays. We're pleased to be welcoming the Norwegian Vampire back to Fairford, which will be wearing Italian Air Force markings and join our special ITAF100 static display area. We are just putting the finishes touches to our plans and awaiting the final approval from the Italian Air Force to announce their modern day aircraft which will be on display in this special ITAF100 exhibition. We did engage with Starfighters Inc to explore the possibility of their TF-104G participating at RIAT 2023, however this will not be possible.
Finally, we have been informed by the Czech Air Force that the participation of their ALCA pairs display at RIAT is in doubt, due to one of their pilots breaking their leg. We are exploring various options with them, and once we have confirmation of the new plan we will update the participation list. We wish Aleš a speedy recovery!

Interesting to see they tried getting the Starfighter! Hope the ALCA pilot makes a swift recovery.

[Gary]

Nice to have the Epsilon back again. Shame about the Starfighter at least they tried

[Campbell89]

Argentine Air Force flashing amber too.

[jasonT1981]

Not as amazing as the last few weeks, but a very healthy boost to static and some nice ones too.

[James Cutting]

Well no, but it can't be amazing every week.

The Epsilons are a great lineup, and the Argentine Air Force is an intriguing one.

[SkyMan]

Argentine Air Force flashing amber too.

That would be a rare sight over here.

[milaviation]

That’s a late update for RIAT 2022

[Nighthawke]

Who mentioned 2022? This is the 2023 thread!

[Discodaz]

Czech alca display team looks like a no go... Gutting

Daz

[James Cutting]

Don't rule that out Daz...

https://www.facebook.com/10006395086541 ... l/?app=fbl

We wish a speedy recovery to Aleš one of the pilots of the Czech Air Force ALCA display team who was involved in a motorbike accident and as a result has a broken leg and is currently undergoing leg surgery.

The team is preparing a replacement program. Captain Byrtus will be accompanied by squadron commander Lieutenant Colonel Linhart and together they will demonstrate an attack on a land target at the upcoming Caslav Air Base Open Day.

[quid21]

I think its worth the entry alone to see a flying, albeit replica ME-262.

[GVLCN]

Going through the list of confirmed aircraft, I always plan what am I going to take photos off & it still is lacking that RIAT feel at the moment. Not the wow factor!
All these exercises might be the way forward I think, they certainly have some rare aircraft.

[James Cutting]

Least there's a new RIAT troll in this year's thread.

"3 Harriers, Turkish Stars, a never before seen in the UK ME262, German Tornado REFUELLING demo, Danish F-16 Display, French KC-135, Italian Army and Civilian Italian themed aircraft...Feels nothing like RIAT!" Have you given your ticket to someone who wants to go?

[thevulcan]

Possible appearance by the saudi hawks?

"The Saudi Hawks will return to Europe in 2023, making their French airshow debut at Salon de Provence in May and later appearing in other nations, including the UK."

http://thisisflight.net/2023/04/01/saud ... niversary/

Al Fursan the UAE display team are also out and about around Europe at the moment having recently displayed in Turkey.