Royal International Air Tattoo 2017 Discussion Thread

[lhrlima]

I think there's a fine line regarding 'civil' participation at what is, I agree, a 'military' show. As was stated earlier in this thread, they are one of the main sponsors of the show, and one could argue that in the days of ever dwindling Air Force budgets, without such sponsors, would there even be a show at all??

I think there is also a point in that as much as the RIAT Team are enthusiast friendly and will try to arrange the odd surprise and rarely seen Aircraft, they also have an obligation to make money, and that involves getting as many people through the gate as possible! I don't know what percentage of RIAT visitors are enthusiasts compared to 'joe public', but with an increasing decline in military aircraft compared to days of old, they've got to give them something for their money, whether that be hard core fighters or wing walkers!

One final point, I posted on this topic a few years back, expressing my disgust that XH558 wouldn't be attending RIAT and how it was being overrun with civilian stuff, only to have it pointed out to me that she was in fact registered 'G-***'

Just my rambling thoughts!

Steve.

[MRTT]

Slovenian Air Force will be in attendance, according to the latest press release.

[reaper493]

Quite a big update today, taken from Air tattoo website..

Today features a massive update of static and flying aircraft! The update includes a varied mix of civilian types; Hangar 11's P-40 and P-51D both flying, Jet Aerobatics' Jet Provost Mk5 on static and for the first time at the Air Tattoo, Affinity Flying Services Grob 120TP, T-6C Texan and Phenom 100; all part of the new RAF flying training contract, boosting the static display. Elsewhere, the Dutch return with statics; the KDC-10 tanker, C-130H and Dornier Do-228 and Slovenia brings back its PC-9M into the flying display. The British contingent receives a big boost with Army Air Corps Apache in the flying display, Defender 4000 and Wildcat on static; RAF Viking, Vigilant, Puma and Tucano in the static park; and last, but no least, the Royal Navy confirms a Merlin HC3/3A, Wildcat HMA.2, Sea King ASaC.7, Hawk T.1 and Avenger T.1...
A trio of aircraft will be coming to RIAT 2017 from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, all for static display. They comprise a C-130 Hercules airlifter, a KDC-10 tanker/transport, and a Dornier 228 used by the country's coastguard.
An historic element to the celebration of the US Air Force's 70th anniversary at RIAT 2017 will be provided by Peter Teichman's Hangar 11 Collection at North Weald, Essex. Its P-40M Kittyhawk and P-51D Mustang will perform a flypast to recall the wartime US Army Air Force.
Three of the newest UK military aircraft types will be showcased in the RIAT 2017 static display. Elbit Systems, a partner in the Affinity Flying Training Services consortium, will exhibit the Grob Prefect (the RAF's name for the G120TP), Beechcraft Texan (the T-6C derivative of the Texan II) and Embraer Phenom (the Phenom 100 variant) in RAF colours for the first time. These machines are being provided to the UK Ministry of Defence's Military Flying Training System, or MFTS, programme by Affinity.

[grogresaurus77]

Well that's a very nice update!

[James Cutting]

ADDITIONAL UPDATE:

The French Air Force (Armée de l'air) has confirmed their NEW Couteau Delta Tactical Display team (Mirage 2000D x2), Rafale solo display team for the flying display, with two Alpha Jets for the static display.

Awesome line up - especially when you see the new Rafale livery

[grogresaurus77]

Wow! Could we see an even cheekier update on Bank Holiday Monday...?

[James Cutting]

Wow! Could we see an even cheekier update on Bank Holiday Monday...?

My fingers are crossed! Today has been a blinder

[grogresaurus77]

Wow! Could we see an even cheekier update on Bank Holiday Monday...?

My fingers are crossed! Today has been a blinder

The hype train should certainly be in motion for everyone now! I thought people had said it was unlikely we'd get the Rafale & Mirage 2000D display team, nearly spat out my drink when I saw it pop up on Facebook.

[James Cutting]

Wow! Could we see an even cheekier update on Bank Holiday Monday...?

My fingers are crossed! Today has been a blinder

The hype train should certainly be in motion for everyone now! I thought people had said it was unlikely we'd get the Rafale & Mirage 2000D display team, nearly spat out my drink when I saw it pop up on Facebook.

I have been hyped since the last one last year And that's why I always wait until RIAT announces it and ignore the rumour mill doesn't that Rafale look a beaut?!

[darkman]

Today has been a good day

[MRTT]

Only April and what a show!

[Blackcat1]

Great updates , now I am a single man (Mrs went on her merry way) FC wouldnt let me say what i wanted lol so i have a few days in the Cotswolds planned , jets and beer!!! ;-)

[Voodoo1]

Absolutely great update today!
Well done DBH, my hat is completely off to you now especially after bagging the Couteau Delta. Considering they're not long formed I'm in awe that we're getting them plus can't wait to see that specially painted Rafale!

I said last year was probably the best for a few years but this is definitely looking like it could match it.
Roll on July and let's hope we have the weather!!

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[peasus911]

Now that's an update.

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Last year the MiG-29 and Rafale were my show highlights. After seeing the pics from this morning of the new Rafale scheme, it's fair to say if it's not my show highlight we're in for an amazing set of updates yet! What a beauty!
https://m.facebook.com/groups/RafaleSol ... y/?fref=nf

Zac

[bizfreeq]

A weekend special update from DBH:

We've got a Bank Holiday weekend surprise! We are thrilled to announce a bevy of heavies from the Royal Australian Air Force, the German Air Force and NATO, all to join the 2017 static display.
Making its first appearance at the Air Tattoo is the 'Wedgetail' from the Royal Australian Air Force. The Boeing E-7A airborne early warning and control aircraft will be one of the furthest-travelled and most exciting additions to the line-up of static aircraft.
A further boost to the static park is Germany's example of the A400M, coming from the German Air Force's Air Transport Wing 62. In addition, NATO will be supplying an E-3A Sentry AWACS, NATO have 17 E-3As all kept at the Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany.

[rh226]

I think that someone has forgotten that one of the NATO E-3s has gone to AMARC. They only have 16 in service.

Aussie Wedgetail will be one of the furthest travelled........sounds like the NZ contingent is confirmed but not announced.....unless there is a surprise yet to be sprung on us.

[MRTT]

Fantastic update! Wedgetail in particular is a cracking addition!

Shaping up to be another good one!

[Gary]

Great to see the E-7 coming back to the UK, lets hope it departs in better weather than Waddington in 2012

Are we taking bets how long the NATO E-3 stays on the participation list?

[jasonT1981]

Royal Jordanian Falcons for Bray, RIAT, and Yeovilton http://www.rjfalcons.com/

Aren't you excited?