Also disappointing was the complete absence of any American military involvement, the financial shenanigans in the United States having put paid to appearances by their military at events everywhere.
That said, the RIAT organisers had, as usual, managed to attract some interesting aircraft to Fairford and there was more than enough to keep my camera busy during the day.
Commemorative markings were much in evidence, and some of those are shown below.
Royal Netherlands Air Force F16 J-002 sported a scheme celebrating 55 years of 323 Squadron.
One hundred years of French aerial reconnaissance was the theme of the markings borne by Dassault Mirage F1CR 604/118-CF belonging to ER 2/33.
Two aircraft bore testament to German Naval Aviation’s 100th anniversary – MFG5’s Westland Lynx Mk88 83+20 and Lockheed P3C Orion 60+01 from MFG3.
The German Air Force also got involved, with Panavia Tornado ECR 46+51 of AG51 marking its involvement in ‘Exercise Arctic Tiger’.
Four piston engines on an aircraft is a rare sight these days so the chance to get up close to a Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation was very welcome. HB-RSC is operated by Super Constellation Flyers, with the very welcome sponsorship of Breitling marked by the stylised ‘B’s on the tail fins.
Privately-owned Hunting Jet Provost T52A G-PROV carries the markings of one of its previous operators, the long–forgotten South Arabian Air Force, which ultimately became part of the Yemeni Air Force.
The NH Industries NH90 helicopter suffered a protracted development period thanks to software issues, but is now becoming more widespread in the world’s air arms. NH-209 of the Finnish Army’s 1.HK/HekoP unit was in the static display.
I’ve no idea how long it would take a single-engined biplane to fly from Estonia to Fairford, but I’m pleased Antonov AN2 40 of the Estonian Air Force’s ‘Fixed-Wing Squadron’ made the journey.
Military versions of the popular Embraer ERJ145 regional jet series are not exactly widespread so it was good to see three examples at Fairford.
The Belgian Air Component’s 21 Smaldeel operate ERJ135LR CE-02 in the VIP transport role.
Making the long trip from Brazil was FAB6750 of the Brazilian Air Force’s 2º/6º GAv. This version of the ERJ145 is known as the R99B in Brazilian service and is used as a remote sensing aircraft. The various lumps and bumps house a synthetic aperture radar, forward looking infra-red (FLIR) and electro optical systems.
An Eriksson Erieye radar is mounted on the top of the fuselage of Hellenic Air Force EMB145HAEW&C 729, operated by 380 Mira from Elefsis Air Base. The Greeks use their aircraft for airborne early warning and control.
On to the flying display now.
Italian Air Force Boeing KC767A MM62228/14-03 of 14º Stormo, leads Eurofighter Typhoons MM7306/RS-21 of the Italian Force’s RSV, and ZK307/BU of the RAF’s 29 Squadron, in a demonstration of air-to-air refuelling.
Polish Air Force Mikoyan MiG29 111 of 1.ELT, is put thought its paces.
There is just the merest hint of sunshine as Boeing Stearmans N7075V/1 and SE-BOG/4 of the Breitling Wingwalkers fly past.
British Airways’ newly-delivered Airbus A380 G-XLEA formates with the Red Arrows before doing a solo flypast.
Swedish Air Force Saab 39 Gripen 39209/209 is operated by F7.
Another Italian Air Force contribution to the flying display was Alenia C27J Spartan CSX62219/RS-50 of RSV/311ºGruppo.
Europcopter UK displayed EC135 G-DAAN, in Devon Air Ambulance markings and EC145 G-JESP.
The Flying Bulls team showed off North American B25J Mitchell N6123C and Vought F4U Corsair OE-FAS.
More piston power in the shape of the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Hawker Sea Fury TT20 G-RNHF, painted as VX129/VL-120, and Plane Sailing’s Consolidated PBY5A Catalina G-PBYA/433915.
Probably the last time an RAF Lockheed L1011 TriStar will appear in an air display, ZD951 operated out of Brize Norton.
Classic Air Force Gloster Meteor T7 G-BWMF painted as WA591/FMK-Q.
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