Royal International Air Tattoo 2017 Discussion Thread

[luke28]

Aaaagh thats alot of obstacles mate!

[stupot27]

Superb little gem update Thursday. Ummmmm
They hangared the F35 straight away after arriving at lakenheath from Paris,
Does that mean they,ll be in there til RIAT
????

[MRTT]

Static Slovenian PC-9 has cancelled. Flying example and L-410 are still attending.

[Blackcat1]

Art Nalls and his Sea Harrier, that would be very nice!!

[GVLCN]

Hopefully the B-2 spirit will be announced this week, I think there are a few more additions to come & fingers crossed will be a good show.

[James Cutting]

From RIAT Facebook:

The United States Air Force U-2 ‘Dragon Lady’ confirmed for the #RIAT17 static line up on Saturday and Sunday, returning for the first time since 2005! See the update here: bit.ly/2mfXyFR and book your tickets here: bit.ly/1RVq4n6

Good little update before Thursday!! And it isn't the "little gem" going to be an awesome show

[Gary]

Nice wonder why that wasn't saved until tomorrow. Shame about the PC-9 too

[James Cutting]

Will be interesting to see tomorrow's confirmation...

[Al dunn]

From RIAT Facebook:

The United States Air Force U-2 ‘Dragon Lady’ confirmed for the #RIAT17 static line up on Saturday and Sunday, returning for the first time since 2005! See the update here: bit.ly/2mfXyFR and book your tickets here: bit.ly/1RVq4n6

Good little update before Thursday!! And it isn't the "little gem" going to be an awesome show

SO not on Static friday then

[welshandy]

From RIAT Facebook:

The United States Air Force U-2 ‘Dragon Lady’ confirmed for the #RIAT17 static line up on Saturday and Sunday, returning for the first time since 2005! See the update here: bit.ly/2mfXyFR and book your tickets here: bit.ly/1RVq4n6

Good little update before Thursday!! And it isn't the "little gem" going to be an awesome show

Shame only there Sat/Sun as going on the Friday

[simon]

This now on the RIAT latest news
"The United States Air Force today confirmed that a U-2 'Dragon Lady' will be taking part in the static display line up on Saturday and Sunday, adding more metal to the already great support from the USAF"

[seven]

From RIAT Facebook:

The United States Air Force U-2 ‘Dragon Lady’ confirmed for the #RIAT17 static line up on Saturday and Sunday, returning for the first time since 2005! See the update here: bit.ly/2mfXyFR and book your tickets here: bit.ly/1RVq4n6

Good little update before Thursday!! And it isn't the "little gem" going to be an awesome show

Shame only there Sat/Sun as going on the Friday

I'm sure it will be there, just not on display

7

[MRTT]

Fantastic addition!

[bizfreeq]

Superb little gem update Thursday. Ummmmm
They hangared the F35 straight away after arriving at lakenheath from Paris,
Does that mean they,ll be in there til RIAT
????

Homeward bound ALTRV for them tomorrow

[Voodoo1]

Wow, great update!
Considering it had already been leaked it's still a well received aircraft.
Makes tomorrow seem a bit more exciting, it's got to be something decent if they are announcing the U-2 separately!

Sent from my EVA-L09 using Tapatalk

[Voodoo1]

Looks like the P-51 for Heritage Flight could now be "Berlin Express"?

Air Combat Command have have just posted this on Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/ACConFB/photos/a ... 85/?type=3

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[UKdragon]

Actually, the U-2 for RIAT was my idea :-)
During a visit to Beale AFB last March, I asked them to check the Busy Relay schedule. It turned out they were planning to swop jets in the week after RIAT. I briefed them unofficially on the world's greatest airshow. They were enthusiastic about participation and - eventually - it has been approved by higher authority.
Chris Pocock, author, DRAGON LADY TODAY, http://www.dragonladytoday.com

[sabrejet]

Actually, the U-2 for RIAT was my idea :-)
During a visit to Beale AFB last March, I asked them to check the Busy Relay schedule. It turned out they were planning to swop jets in the week after RIAT. I briefed them unofficially on the world's greatest airshow. They were enthusiastic about participation and - eventually - it has been approved by higher authority.
Chris Pocock, author, DRAGON LADY TODAY, http://www.dragonladytoday.com

Chris,

Any idea when the U-2 will arrive?

[UKdragon]

Tornadochaser - you mean Ellie Carter, yes I have met her, and some of the U-2 Brotherhood are still in touch with her

sabrejet - re arrival time. Not yet, but when I know, I will inform here unless opsec prevents

[James Cutting]

From RIAT's Facebook page:

"Thanks to all of you that have explained to others why certain aircraft are not taking part in the flying display, which is already full.
Just to reiterate, there is no process to 'book' foreign military display items as you can with a commercial act. We request, we negotiate and we work hard to build relationships (this can take years!) and to entice 'special' aircraft. Ultimately we are allocated whatever aircraft that nation wishes to participate with and we are informed whether that is flying or static.

Unfortunately some nations do not have a worked up and approved display for a specific aircraft however, we are still hugely grateful to all air arms that support the event by sending aircraft to the Air Tattoo in whatever capacity they can. Some of the recent comments on this page have been disrespectful to those air arms, pilots and crew who participate in the event and also read this page so we kindly request that you please think before you post. Thank you!"

Such a shame that there have been people making disrespectful comments, you really cannot win with some people. It's already looking like a fantastic show this year - certainly some competition for last years. 2 weeks to go!!