Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 General Discussion Thread

[Red-Eye-Knight]

With the Royal Canadian Air Force's 100th anniversary to be marked next week (1st April), this week we announce the first of our static display items coming to RIAT as part of their centenary celebrations, both of which being historic De Havilland aircraft. Firstly we have a Chipmunk coming from Old Warden in its yellow RCAF colour scheme. Secondly, the Norwegian Vampire will be returning to RAF Fairford, this year to be adorned in Canadian markings especially for RIAT 2024! These aircraft will be parked alongside the modern day RCAF assets coming to RIAT 2024 on static display. We've had a number of great planning meetings with our Canadian friends already, and we hope to be able to announce their static aircraft participation next month, in addition to the previously announced CF-188 in the flying display.

A welcome addition to the flying display will come from Slovenia, in the shape of their Pilatus PC-9M. This display is a previous award winner at RIAT, showcasing the agility of this turboprop trainer, so the display is one not to miss! The PC-9M, which is known as the Hudournik (meaning Swift) in Slovenian service, will also be participating on the static display. This year they'll be supported by Slovenia's new C-27J Spartan which will remain at RAF Fairford for static display over the weekend too.

This week we've heard from a number of American units, from the Air Force, Army & Navy, who may be able to participate with their aircraft at RIAT 2024. Their approval process to participate at RIAT well underway, however it's likely we won't be able to publicly confirm their participation until much closer to the show. However at this stage we're confident we'll have an interesting mix of American aircraft for you to view on static display come July.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Not a bad update today Slovenian PC-9 is always a good display, Nice to see and hear about the Canadian and US involvement coming soon.

Does the last paragraph mean we won't be getting any US displays then?

[Mikey1050]

Yes, my heart sunk as well when I read that. Let’s hope we are just mis reading it.

[Kurnass]

What US displays did you expect? Most have their schedule already announced, and none crossing the ocean.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Only ones that spring to mind are the CV-22 Osprey as that usual does a display and like everyone else I'm still hoping the A-10 makes it over especially with the announcement last week that this is their last display year.

[JRandall23]

Anyone heard any news of a wildcat display this year ?? Heard a whisper of a rumour they may display at RIAT?

[GVLCN]

Only chance of a USAF demo is whatever assets are based in Europe during RIAT, I’d be more than happy with an f-22 in static.

[Mikey1050]

Only chance of a USAF demo is whatever assets are based in Europe during RIAT, I’d be more than happy with an f-22 in static.

F-22 static would be awesome, the pressure to get the shot on departure Monday would be huge though !!!

[Nighthawke]

No different to photographing any other fast jet - either you're up to it or you're not.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Anyone heard any news of a wildcat display this year ?? Heard a whisper of a rumour they may display at RIAT?

According to someone on Instagram they have produced this year's patch for the Wildcats and the end of his post said "Looking forward to see them display at this years RIAT"

blitiz_at_fox_one was the Instagram page I saw it on along with a picture of the patch.

[jasonT1981]

Going by the patch, a pairs demo too.

Hoping the Apache comes back this year too.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Yes I'm hoping for the Apache to comeback this year along with the A-400 display from Airbus mind you the French A-400 display would be even better to see.

[Bobby 1211]

Airbus A400 display is long gone.

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Another thing covid killed!!!

[PeteHemsley]

German a400 will display

[Gary]

Another thing covid killed!!!

Or back in reality. No new customer on the horizon. No need for a display by Airbus especially with France and now Germany flying demos. Only about 50 aircraft to be delivered. The majority of them are to Spain (13) and France (27)

[Red-Eye-Knight]

Another thing covid killed!!!

Or back in reality. No new customer on the horizon. No need for a display by Airbus especially with France and now Germany flying demos. Only about 50 aircraft to be delivered. The majority of them are to Spain (13) and France (27)

That is true Gary never thought of it that way, I knew France had an A-400 demo but i didn't know Germany did, Hopefully like Peter says the German one will perform at RIAT.

[JRandall23]

Nighthawk Demo self confirmed according to their socials !!!

Edit : alas it too be a spoof after some deep digging, but their has been rumours of it making an appearance since the US revised their testing and training unit with them ?

[Jameslw1993]

April fools was yesterday

[PeteHemsley]

Nighthawk Demo self confirmed according to their socials !!!