RIAT 2014 July 11/12/13 RAF Fairford

[Stratofreighter]

...probably no news to most of you (the sponsor of this messageboard has already announced its' RIAT 2014 bustrips ) , but still...

The themes:

Great War 100th
&
Red Arrows 50th Anniversaries

http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/aboutt ... uturedates which runs to 2020, with one of the 2019 themes already announced...

[aviodromefriend]

Rumours about a change of format: Public airshows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (so three days) on UKAR.
http://forums.airshows.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=53447

Edit: the advert on page 86 of the 2012 souvenir program also says 11-13 July 2014

[Stefan]

http://www.airtattoo.com/news/2013/nov/ ... -it-as-red

People planning to attend next summer's Royal International Air Tattoo on July 12-13 are being invited to make an extra pit stop as part of the RAF's official celebrations marking the Red Arrows' 50th display season.

Up to 10,000 special Pit Day tickets, priced £24, are being made available for Friday, July 11 offering exclusive access to the world famous aerobatic display team and their aircraft. The Red Arrows' Pit Day will also enable visitors to watch aircraft arrivals and rehearsals in the morning and enjoy a four-hour flying display in the afternoon including the premier of a special Red Arrows' formation flypast.

Other Pit Day benefits include access to Showground East Red Zone (10am to 6pm), the Red Arrows Village and Vintage Village, the BAE Systems' Hawk and F-16 Anniversary Park plus close access to other international aerobatic teams and their aircraft - with more exciting themed activities to be announced.

The Red Arrows began life at RAF Fairford in 1965, performing their first display at Little Rissington in the Cotswolds later that year. Since then, they have performed more than 4,500 displays in 54 different countries.

Air Tattoo organisers are working closely with the Royal Air Force and other air arms to stage the UK's premiere internationally-flavoured aerial tribute to the world's most famous aerobatic display team.

Spokesman Richard Arquati said: "If you love the Red Arrows then the Royal International Air Tattoo is the place to be next summer as we host the biggest birthday celebration for the team in the UK."

As well as celebrating the Reds' 50th display season, the Air Tattoo will be marking the 40th anniversary of two other aviation landmarks: the 40th anniversary of both the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and the BAE Systems Hawk, the aircraft currently flown by the Red Arrows.

Tickets for next summer's Air Tattoo go on sale from Wednesday (November 20) including specially-priced Super Earlybird admission tickets, Friday Red Arrows Pit Day tickets plus a range of enclosure packages. Discounts of up to £10 per ticket are available until January 31, 2014. Click here for details.

The Air Tattoo is the world's largest military airshow and is held annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.

[Arnold ten Pas]

Hi,

Some updates (nice list..

http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/visiti ... st-updates

[Stefan]

UPDATE: 09/01/14

A senior delegation from the US Air Force has accepted an invitation to attend the Air Tattoo in July stating that the airshow was an opportunity to 'refresh our professional bonds as airmen'.

We have received a letter from the Lithuanian Air Force stating it is considering sending a C-27J to the Air Tattoo. Whilst not confirmed at this stage, it is a very promising and welcome piece of news.

A delegation from the Air Tattoo visited the French Embassy late last year and reported that a very positive and constructive meeting was held, with the French expressing an intention to support RIAT 2014. The French Air Force will be marking its 80th anniversary this year.

In a letter stating that it was unable to participate in RIAT 2014, the Portuguese Navy took the opportunity to congratulate the Red Arrows on their 50th display season.

[pipichantal]

 UPDATE: 16/01/14

We have been informed that a senior delegation from the Royal Thai Air Force will be attending the Air Tattoo in July and that the viability of sending aircraft to the airshow is currently being assessed.Whilst we traditionally await official confirmation from an air arm about aircraft participation before publicly announcing it with a 'green light' we are confident enough, from the conversations we have had with the Red Arrows and the wider RAF, to confirm that the team will be taking part in RIAT 2014! Detailed discussions are now taking place to make the most of the Red's participation throughout their stay with us including unique aerial set pieces and unrivalled access on the ground. Details, once finalised, will be announced over the coming months.We have received a communication from Sedat Yalin Ahbab, former SOLOTURK demo pilot with the Turkish F-16 Demo Team who said that having helped establish the team three years ago, it was time to hand over to a 'younger generation'. His successor as SOLOTURK demo pilot is Capt Yusuf Kurt. It would appear that from now on, Sedat will be flying with Turkish Airlines so, for all of you flying off for a holiday in the Bosphorus next summer - hang on to your hats! We thank him and wish him every success in the future.Tunisia has said operational commitments mean that it will not be in a position to participate in RIAT 2014

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[aviodromefriend]

Just in the inbox:

AIR TATTOO 2014 PLANS
Dear Air Tattoo Supporter,

It has been 6 months since the Air Tattoo and in that time we have been busily planning for the 2014 show (which is, yes, you've guessed it, in 6 months from now!).

Our Aircraft Operations team have been enthusiastically working since last July; writing to, talking with and visiting those Air Arms we would like to participate this year to help us celebrate the Red Arrows 50th Display Season. Updates about progress on aircraft have already started (each Thursday at noon) and can been seen here.

In addition to this, we have been reviewing all the feedback we received following the 2013 Air Tattoo and, combined with our observations, are putting in place the plans to make your day out even more enjoyable.

Service Stations

In 2013 we introduced three Service Stations with covered areas consolidating catering, seating, information, free WiFi and cash points and these were well received. This year we are relocating these closer to the flying, between the crowdline and the taxiway, so that you can 'fill up' and return to the flying action as soon as possible!

Toilets

For 2014 we have increased the number of toilet blocks on the showground (from 3 to 6) and increased the number of individual toilets, baby changing and disabled units in each block.

Free Showground Buses

This is a great way to get around the show so we have redesigned the route to add more bus stops situated adjacent to the key attractions.

Viewing Village Enclosure

Additional catering units have been included and these will now be situated behind the Grandstand so you have a clear view of the flying display from all angles. The Grandstand has also been reconfigured into two blocks and the number of seats reduced for easier access. Click here for more information on the Viewing Village.

Themed Zones

The Adrenalin Zone, Techno Zone and Vintage Village were hugely popular and we will ensure they are even better this year although the activities we are selecting will not impact on your enjoyment of the flying display or drown out the glorious aircraft noise!

Red Arrows Pit Area & Village

New for 2014 as part of our big Red Arrows celebrations; the Village will bring together Reds related activities and the Pit Area means that we will be bringing operational aircraft to where you, the visitor, can get close to them. On Friday we will have controlled access to this area when the aircraft are not in use. As well as the Reds there will be up to 4 more international aerobatic teams in this area.

Showground Map

Please find here a simplified plan of the site (obviously not what we use for planning!) just so that you get an idea of the location of the activities and enclosures in relation to the static and flying displays.

Don't forget this year we are open on Friday and hosting the big event for the Red Arrows 50th Display Season over the three days. One day, two day and three day tickets are all still available at Super Earlybird prices until the 31 January (we have given you extra time to enjoy this discount as well this year!).

[Stefan]

Update 23/01/2014

• It's not just the Red Arrows who'll be celebrating a special anniversary at the Air Tattoo this summer. The Swiss Air Force will have plenty to cheer about too! Not only is 2014 the 50th anniversary of the Patrouille Suisse aerobatic display team but it is also the 100th anniversary of the Swiss Air Force and the 25th anniversary of the Swiss PC-7 Team, winner of the Air Tattoo's King Hussein Memorial Sword last year for Best Flying Demonstration. Despite what will undoubtedly be a busy year for the Swiss, they have confirmed the Patrouille Suisse, an F/A-18 Hornet and a Super Puma helicopter for RIAT 2014's flying display.

• The Spanish Navy has stated that it was unable to send any aircraft to RIAT 2014.

• In addition to sending a senior delegation to the Air Tattoo in July, the Algerian Air Force has confirmed it will be sending a C-130 for static display. The last time the aircraft attended was in 2009 when Algeria became the 51st nation to take part in the Air Tattoo since 1971. We are delighted to welcome them back.

[Stefan]

Update 30/01/2014

The German Armed Forces have been in touch to say that a decision on German military aircraft participating at the Air Tattoo will be taken in the spring.

We have opened up discussions with the Finnish Air Force with a view to it participating in RIAT 2014.

The Spanish Air Force has acknowledged our invitation to participate in RIAT 2014 and said it would respond once a schedule of activities has been finalised 'in early 2014'.

The Colombian Air Force is considering participating in RIAT 2014. Whilst this is still at a very early stage, it is nonetheless promising, particularly when considering their eye-catching RIAT debut in 2012 when they sent a C-130H Hercules, beautifully decorated in the national colours of yellow, blue and red, and featuring a sea eagle design. Then, the aircraft flew in from Bogota via Lajes in the Azores, carrying a new basic trainer, the T-90 Calima, on board.

The Italian Air Force has been in contact to say it hopes to be able to take part in RIAT 2014 and that it is currently looking at how best to achieve this.

The Indonesian Air Force, whilst recognising the international importance of the Air Tattoo, said it was unable to participate in RIAT 2014. However, it did ask to be kept informed of future Air Tattoos.

[aviodromefriend]

Breitling Jet team announced their 2014 schedule: http://www.breitling-jet-team.com/agenda.html

[Christhelion]

We have received a letter from a senior US Navy representative to say the US Navy is currently looking at the feasibility of sending a US naval aircraft to RIAT 2014.
Confirmation has been received that the Royal Netherlands Air Force intends to send a senior delegation to RIAT 2014 as well as "contribute substantially to the static and flying display". Great news. We look forward to receiving details in due course.
The Saudi Hawks display Team have written to express their disappointment that as RIAT 2014 falls within the religious festival of Ramadan, they are unable to attend.
The US Military's Pacific Air Forces based in Hawaii, said there were no aircraft available to send to RIAT 2014. However, they added that they "appreciated [RIAT's] hard work, dedication and endless support to the RAF and the US-UK alliance".

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[Christhelion]

The Royal Norwegian Air Force has confirmed that it plans to send a C-130J Super Hercules for static display at this summer's Air Tattoo. The Lockheed Martin C-130J can fly further, faster, with more payload and higher reliability than the vintage C-130Hs the nation had been operating. Norway took delivery of their upgraded airlifters between 2008 and 2010. Norway last sent one of its C-130Js to RAF Fairford in 2012.
The Chilean Navy has written to say that it will be sending a representative to this summer's Air Tattoo. However, they regretted they were unable to send an aircraft to participate.
Representatives from the Red Arrows attended a meeting at Air Tattoo HQ recently to discuss plans to celebrate their 50th display season at RIAT in July. Further meetings have been scheduled at RAF Scampton over the coming months. RAFAT said they hoped to be at RAF Fairford in June to support the Air Tattoo's launch. Details to follow.
We have received a letter from the Finnish Army Helicopter Battalion to say that unfortunately they are unable to attend this year. However, they said they very much enjoyed taking part in 2013 and hoped to be able to return some time in the future.
We look forward to welcoming members of the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT) to our FRIAT Forum held at Air Tattoo HQ in Fairford. The event not only allows us to hear feedback on the 2013 airshow, first-hand, but also gives us the opportunity to outline some of our plans for July. Many members of the Air Tattoo team will be present to answer questions and discuss various topics of interest.

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[Stratofreighter]

As part of celebrations marking their 50th anniversary, the Patrouille Suisse aerobatic display team will include a mixed formation flypast with an example of their former mount, the Hunter Mk58 in their display routine at RIAT 2014.

The Swiss display team flew Hunters from their formation in 1964 up until 1994, after which they switched to the Northrop F-5E Tiger II.
The flypast will be the first time the Patrouille Suisse has flown in formation with a Swiss Hunter at a UK airshow.


NATO's Airborne Early Warning and Control Force, based in Germany, has confirmed that it plans to send a NATO E-3A Sentry for static display. The aircraft, a modified Boeing 707 with a large mushroom-shaped radar dome on its fuselage, provides NATO with crucial battlefield intelligence. The NATO E-3A Sentry, based at Geilenkirchen, is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS), which normally operates at an altitude of 30,000ft. When established at this altitude, a single E-3A can continuously survey the airspace within a radius of more than 400km of the aircraft and, using digital data links, exchange information with ground and sea-based commanders. The aircraft last appeared at the Air Tattoo in 2012.

Both the Brazilian Air Force and the Brazilian Navy have written to say they will not be able to participate in the Royal International Air Tattoo this year, due to the FIFA World Cup 2014.

[Stratofreighter]

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has confirmed that it plans to send a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules to participate in RIAT 2014.

For the past two years, the Arab state has been represented by a Gulfstream G-IV from 4 Squadron.
In 2011, a RAFO C-130H attended along with the commander of the air force.
Participation, it was stated, is dependent on a new airframe being delivered as expected in April.

The Italian Coastguard has declined an invitation to participate in this summer's Air Tattoo due to operational commitments.

http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/visiti ... st-updates

[Davemaaan]

Boeing will be displaying its multi-role F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter on the Saturday and Sunday of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2014. Company test pilots will fly an example of the combat-proven jet leased from its main operator, the United States Navy. A multiple flying display award-winner on previous Air Tattoo outings, the Super Hornet is sure again to star this year.

Cool US navy hornets @ Riat