Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 General Discussion Thread

[Harkins]

That’s kind of why I was asking. To the uninformed, like me, the AMC declining might make the reserves ongoing discussions somewhat moot, assuming the AMC wear the trousers in that relationship. Is it an issue of the aircraft or the crews?

DBH did state in their update of May 23rd,

In addition this week we've had an update from our counterparts in the United States Air Force. The process for approving their participation at RIAT 2024 is well underway, and they are planning to send a number of aircraft for static display at RIAT 2024, including assets such as their C-17 Globemaster, KC-46 Pegasus, F-16 Fighting Falcon and a selection of other aircraft. However, until all the paperwork is approved, we will not be adding them to our confirmed aircraft list.

Guess we’ll just wait and see how that pans out.

[James Cutting]

Doesn't really clear things up at all.

I'd hazard a guess that as the USAF Reserves are still 'Ongoing' the AMC declining won't affect it, for now.

[MikeN]

The Air Force Air Mobility Command need to put on their big boy pants (what you call trousers) and show up. With an airshow of this size, I do not see the US Air Force not sending any aircraft. The United States Air Force In Europe (USAFE) still has F-16s in Germany and Italy, F15s and F35s at Lakenheath, and KC-135s, C-130s, and the V-22s Osprey at Mildenhall. I do see USAFR aircraft showing up. We still have 5 more weeks till show time.

I still think Global Strike Command with the B-52s, B-1s, and the B2s will bring one or more of these aircraft.

Still have faith in my Air Force.

[Bobby 1211]

So far the USAF are penciled in to bring B-52, F-16, C17, KC-46 and F-35 on static. You can also assume KC-135R, F-15 and MC-130J. Cv-22 won't be attending this year due to their grouding, confirmed by RIAT ops.

[Skywatcher]

Don’t forget always still a strong chance of a flypast as part of a Global Power Misson by a B-2A Spirit ( which for operational reasons might be not known to last minute)as we had a few years previously (2017 or 2018 I think was the last time we had one ) if not a full display or one on static more likely.
If so keep ears out for a Reaper ,Mytee ,Death or Grimm calls on the radios .
They might even make use of the facility’s on base for a qt engine running crew change.
Have to wait and see

[peasus911]

There is a Patch being shown on the RIAT Fan Page showing this years design for the RC-135 Rivet Joint with RIAT 24 at the bottom of the patch.
The unit responsible for the patch is listed as the 95th Recon Squadron. if you google the Sqn on Ebay you will see a photo of the patch, wonder how far in advance this would have been commissioned. as others have already said, we can only wait and see what's there on the day.

[reaper493]

Just noticed the 4th of July is a Thursday - American update then at a guess?

[Seacat192]

Thread tidied again.

Play nice guys!

[seven]

RIAT dropped a sound clue on the FB page (see Cosford, that's how you do it..). Apparently the previous clues have all turned out to be in the next update, so sounds like an interesting one coming.
Definitely a fast jet without re-heat, Hawk (Saudi) would be my guess.

[JRandall23]

I’d guess so also .. be nice to announce tornado, E-3, UH-60 and a c-130 from them but I can dream

[Herkdriver]

The Air Force Air Mobility Command need to put on their big boy pants (what you call trousers) and show up. With an airshow of this size, I do not see the US Air Force not sending any aircraft. The United States Air Force In Europe (USAFE) still has F-16s in Germany and Italy, F15s and F35s at Lakenheath, and KC-135s, C-130s, and the V-22s Osprey at Mildenhall. I do see USAFR aircraft showing up. We still have 5 more weeks till show time.

I still think Global Strike Command with the B-52s, B-1s, and the B2s will bring one or more of these aircraft.

Still have faith in my Air Force.

Mike, I too am retired USAF. And this will be my tenth RIAT. I'm sure USAFE will send an F-15E, F-35, MC-130J, F-16C (Aviano or Spangdahlem maybe both), KC-135, maybe a Ramstein C-130J, and possibly a Rivet Joint. As for AFRC, my prediction is a C-17 and a KC-10. AFRC while technically under AMC operates under different rules as I'm sure you remember. A perfect example is AFRC ignoring the AMC directive to take distinctive unit markings off all AMC aircraft. The Guard and AFRC have thankfully ignored that one.

[James Cutting]

This week we're pleased to announce the return of the Saudi Hawks to RIAT! The team will be performing in the flying display on Saturday and Sunday with their green Hawk jets. In addition, the Royal Saudi Air Force will be bringing one of their new F-15SA Eagles for static display, a RIAT debut for this aircraft type, plus the return of their A330 MRTT which we saw last year too. The RSAF contingent will be supported by a number of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft which will be coming and going from RAF Fairford throughout the week.

Two more RAF 'heavies' confirmed for static display this week, both coming from nearby RAF Brize Norton. The Atlas will be the centrepiece of the RAF Experience and will be open for tours on all three days of the show. In addition, we've also got the Voyager (the largest aircraft ever operated by the Royal Air Force) which will also be on static display and open for you to view onboard on all three days of the show.

Another aircraft making it's RIAT debut is the new C-295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft from the Irish Air Corps, which will be on static display. Our Irish friends will also return with their EC-135 helicopter, with the ambition for registration '270' to attend which has a specially painted tail boom.

Our final static display confirmations this week come from Switzerland, with Pilatus bringing their PC-7 & PC-24, which will be parked together in one of our showcase static displays near the centre of the airfield.

This week we've also added a number of support aircraft to the participation list. These aircraft will be visiting RAF Fairford in the days ahead of the show, and will be enjoyed by photographers in FRIAT / Park and View. Whilst most of these aircraft won't be present for the show days, the current aspiration is that the Turkish KC-135 will join the static display over the weekend.

This week our team have completed 'the longest day' where we plan all the arrival slots for the circa 250 aircraft which will be coming to RAF Fairford in July. Therefore, in the coming weeks we plan to update which aircraft visitors should be able to view on the Friday.

Nice, Saudi F-15! And the Saudi Hawks back again

[MikeN]

Still no U.S Air Force for flying or static display. Getting worried

[AK01]

Still no U.S Air Force for flying or static display. Getting worried

Next week is 4th of July, looks like THE moment for the US anouncement to me.

[Dennisblade]

Still no U.S Air Force for flying or static display. Getting worried

Should we call a doctor?

When the USAF confirms RIAT will put it in the updates.
Getting worried about it, wont change a thing, let it go and just wait for the updates.

[James Cutting]

Still no U.S Air Force for flying or static display. Getting worried

Next week is 4th of July, looks like THE moment for the US anouncement to me.

May want to check your calendar

[James Cutting]

Still no U.S Air Force for flying or static display. Getting worried

For someone who is ex service, and lives in the US where you have free reign to see all the aircraft you would like to, your comments are baffling. And tiring.

[Nighthawke]

MikeN - If you are coming over for several days, why not get to Mildenhall and/or Lakenheath - plenty of USAF to be seen there. Hope of use.

[reaper493]

Still no U.S Air Force for flying or static display. Getting worried

Patience good man.

As I said a few days ago - 4th July is a Thursday - RIAT will probably save their American update for then.

[plmc135]

It also happens to be Election Day, so RIAT staff may be doing other things.