Despite the dodgy weather, RIAT managed to attract some notable visiting aircraft. High on my 'nice to see' list were the Boeing KC767J of the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force, the Colombian Air Force Lancair-CIAC T-90 Calima, and the Aermacchi MB339s of Al Furzan, the aerobatic team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force.
With over 200 aircraft on show, and most of them snapped by my camera during the day, it was always going to be hard to decide what to include in this post - I hope the following selection will give a flavour of the day.
Under a very threatening sky, Gulfstream G4 558 of the Royal Air Force of Oman stands out against the gloom.
Making a very rare appearance outside of Japan, Boeing KC767J 07-3604 of the JASDF's 404 Hikotai, based at Komaki AB near Nagoya.
The business-end of Polish Air Force Mikoyan MiG29 56.
Lockheed P3C Orion 60+01 is flown by the German Navy's MFG-3 from Nordholz.
Another aircraft type operated by MFG-3 is Dornier Do228 57+04.
Privately-owned Hughes OH6A Cayuse, G-OHGA, has been painted to represent a Vietnam-war era US Army aircraft.
Two aircraft from the Colombian Air Force were at Fairford, namely Lockheed C130H Hercules FAC-1004 and its cargo, Lancair-CIAC T-90 Calima FAC-2446. It was the first time a Calima had been exhibited in Europe.
An unusual all-white colour scheme adorns 51+15, a Transall C160D of the German Air Force.
The shape of things to come? BAe Systems showed a mock-up of its Mantis unmanned air vehicle.
The United States Air Force was well represented at Fairford this year. One of the oldest participants was venerable Boeing B52H Stratofortress 60-0042 of the 307 BW.
Nose to tail.... McDonnell-Douglas C17 Globemaster III 94-0068 from Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio.
Lakenheath-based McDonnell F15E Eagle 01-2002 is dwarfed by Douglas KC10A Extender 87-0118 from McGuire AFB in New Jersey.
Another nose job....Boeing RC135V 64-14841 is being used to train RAF crews in preparation for the type's entry into RAF service in 2014.
The unmistakeable shape of the Northrop B2A Spirit still draws the crowds...and is still surounded by a heavy security presence; this stealthy aircraft was last seen in a RIAT static display in 1999. The aircraft visiting this year, 82-1068, carries the name 'Spirit of New York and is based at Whiteman AFB Missouri.
Atmospheric research is the primary task of this converted BAe146-300, G-LUXE, which is operated by Directflight on behalf of Cranfield University. Note the sensors outboard of the number one engine underneath the wing, and also the instrument pod 'scabbed' on to the fuselage.
Another 'nice to see' was this Mil Mi14 Haze, 1001, of the Polish Navy. Nature lovers will, I'm sure, appreciate the colour scheme....
Continuing with the theme of aircraft and animals, NATO squadrons that have a tiger as part of their unit emblems are invited to take part in the annual NATO 'Tiger Meet' and will often paint an aircraft in an appropriate colour scheme. On show at Fairford were two Panavia Tornados from the German Air Force - 45+85 from AKG-51 and ECR (electronic warfare) version 46+33 from JBG-32 - and a General Dynamics F16 Fighting Falcon from the Belgian Air Component's 31 Smaldeel.
Douglas DC3 HB-IRJ is operated by the Super Constellation Flyer's Association, itself sponsored by Breitling Aviation.
One of Europe's smallest air arms is the Irish Air Corps, represented at Fairford this year by immaculate Pilatus PC9 263,
The BAC VC10 is nearing the end of its RAF career, with the remaining airframes in service scheduled for withdrawal in 2013. XR808 was still drawing crowds in the static park while XV106 took part in the flypast,
The RAF's transport fleet will soon be boosted by the introduction of the Airbus Military A400M Atlas, represented here by one of the prototypes F-WWMZ.
Making their debut in Europe were Al Furzan, the aerobatic team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force, flying the Aermacchi MB339. The low cloudbase on the Saturday meant that the team were restricted to their 'flat' display.
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