Royal International Air Tattoo - RAF Fairford

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Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo

The Royal International Air Tattoo, held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire is an annual event that brings Fairford into the spotlight of the world's aviation press and enthusiasts.

The 2008 Royal International Air Tattoo - 12/13 July

Raptor To Make 1st Trans-Atlantic Flight
Air Combat Command’s F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team is scheduled to make the first trans-Atlantic flight for the F-22 to participate in the 2008 Royal International Air Tattoo.

Three F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing are scheduled to depart Langley July 8 and will arrive in the United Kingdom that evening. They will be piloted by Maj. Paul Moga, F-22 Demonstration Team commander, Flt. Lt. Dan Robinson, Royal Air Force exchange pilot, and Capt. Leo Lemelson, 27th Fighter Squadron pilot.

Major Moga will perform formal displays at RAF Fairford on July 12 and 13 and at the Farnborough International air show July 14. The display routine showcases precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate some of the unique capabilities of the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

The F-22 Raptor reached Full Operational Capability here in December 2007, officially declaring the entire program ready for a myriad of operations, including homeland defense and overseas deployments.

Future Dates for the Air Tattoo

2007 - Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 July

2008 - Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

2009 - Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 July

2010 - Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 July

2011 - Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July

2012 - Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 July (provisional dates, subject to change)

2013 - Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 July

2014 - Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

2015 - Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 July

2016 - Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 July

The 2007 Royal International Air Tattoo - 14/15 July

This summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo will host Europe’s largest tribute to the United States Air Force on its 60th anniversary.

The airshow, which takes place on July 14-15 at RAF Fairford, home of the USAF’s 420th Air Base Group, will feature a wide range of American military aircraft including B-52s, C-17s, B-1B bombers, F-15s, F-117A stealth fighters plus a number of historic aeroplanes such as the legendary P-51 Mustang. The USAF Thunderbirds aerobatics display team, based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, will also be making a rare UK appearance.

On the ground, there will be the opportunity to meet aircrew and enjoy a wide range of American-themed entertainments including a star-spangled outdoor evening concert.

Airshow organisers will be focusing their 60th anniversary tribute on the close relationship that has built up between the Royal Air Force and the US Air Force since the latter separated from the US Army in 1947. Among the special guests scheduled to join the tribute will be the RAF’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy and Chief of the US Air Force, General T Michael Moseley.

In addition to recognising the USAF’s 60th anniversary, the Air Tattoo will also be marking the 65th anniversary of the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE).

Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said he was particularly pleased to be marking the anniversary of an air force that has been instrumental in the success of the airshow.

He said: “It’s quite simple. Without the help and encouragement we have received from the US Air Force during the past 30 years there would be no Air Tattoo. Not only does it send us an incredible range of aircraft year after year but also it makes available its Base and provides valuable logistical support. We hope our tribute will reflect the huge sense of gratitude we feel.”

The 2006 Royal International Air Tattoo

Stay cool this summer and head for the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire – the greatest airshow on earth.

For just two days a year, this sleepy corner of the Cotswolds is transformed into a throbbing, adrenalin-fuelled flying festival as thousands of people gather to satisfy their lust for thrust.

On Saturday July 15 and Sunday July 16 more than 300 aircraft from around the globe will take centre stage as the hottest high-fliers take to the skies for some cloud-busting aerial action.

Watch as man and machine are pushed to the limit as they unleash an electrifying combination of raw power and state-of-the-edge technology in this ultimate display of 21 st century airpower.

Expect high-octane entertainment from the super-sleek stealths, futuristic fast jets, Cold War fighters plus the cream of international aerobatics teams - including the legendary Red Arrows. And birdwatchers will be out in force as rarities such as the Osprey, Merlin, Falcon (F-16), Harrier and Hawk gather overhead.

On the ground, there is the opportunity to meet the Top Gun pilots, get up real close to their aircraft and fly your own jets in a range of exciting flight simulators.

There's the chance to set your own Guinness World Record, experience metal mayhem in the Robotzone and enjoy an outdoor evening concert – featuring wonderful jazz singer Clare Teal and the BBC Big Band.

All this plus exhibitions, Formula One cars, games and an exciting new Tri@RIAT zone that offers youngsters the opportunity to experience a range of fun, interactive activities incorporating music, sport, engineering and cutting-edge technology.

The Royal International Air Tattoo is organised by The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises in support of RAF charities. Tickets are priced £30.95 in advance or £36 on the day. Under 16's go FREE. Tickets can be bought either online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0870 758 1918 .

The 2005 Royal International Air Tattoo

The 2005 Air Tattoo took place on July 16th and 17th. And here is a press release for the event.

Ever thought you’re being watched? Well, turn up to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on July 16 and July 17 and there’s the strong likelihood that you will be as Europe’s largest airshow lifts the lid on the secretive world of aerial surveillance with some of the greatest spy planes from the past 50 years.

And seeing will be believing as organisers promise flying Tigers and other Big Cats at this year’s Tattoo. These brightly-coloured aircraft, from squadrons with Tigers or Big Cats in their emblems, have always been a popular addition to the Tattoo and are guaranteed to receive a huge roar of approval.

The Tattoo also plans to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two by focusing on the role international aircraft have played in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions since the formation of the United Nations in 1945.

Add to this an eight-hour extravaganza of precision flying by some of the world’s leading Top Gun pilots and breathtaking displays by international aerobatics teams - led by the legendary Red Arrows – and you can be sure of an experience that will live long in the memory.

On the ground, there will be a stimulating display of futuristic technology in the TechnoZone, a chance to be a record-breaker with Guinness World Records, a funfair, simulator rides plus a wide range of interactive activities for the whole family. But that’s not all, as the sun begins to set on a fabulous day’s entertainment, you’ll be invited to enjoy a free, two-hour musical extravaganza.

And remember, with free entry for accompanied children aged 15 and under, the Royal International Air Tattoo is an unbeatable, fun-packed family day out this summer.