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It was very noticeable on this year’s airshow that most front line combat aircraft were tied up in the Lybian campaign. To compensate, there were more historic jets present at the show. For me personally this was rather a plus. On Saturday the weather was rather good with just the occasional dark cloud passing overhead. Fortunately they kept the rain for themselves.
RAF
The first plane of the RAF to display was the AWACS that gave a short
demonstration and then landed.
The only frontline combat aircraft on display were two Tornados which
showed a tactical mission profile as used in Afghanistan. One of them
flies the attack while the other flies cover. They were also the only
fast Jets the RAF had on display. Everything else was tied up in Lybia.
Perhaps one reason why there was a display of a Beech King Air. The
first time I have seen such an aircraft at a RAF display.
Impressive as always was the Chinook display. It is always surprising
what can be done with a helicopter of this size.
Last but not least there were displays by the two trainers Hawk and
Tucano.
Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds had their only show in UK for 2011 at Waddington. For
the public they were surely one of the attractions of the program. They
were also the reason that one of the car parks had to be evacuated for
their demonstration. The reason for that was a bit unclear, since their
show was mostly in front of the audience.
After they were announced and entered the taxiway, they remained there
for an estimated 15 Minutes, presumably to do their pre flight check.
Their flight demonstration wasn’t bad, but it has to be said that while
flying their tight formation, they only fly straight ahead or rather in
a giant circle. The formation was formed far out of sight of the
audience. When they did formation changes in front of the audience the
distance between the aircraft was rather bigger than in most other
teams.
Unfortunately they generated so much smoke that after a few passes it
was impossible to take good pictures.
I could also do without their
sound show of the Thunderbird legend. The whole
thing is simply ridiculous if you know a bit about American history
Red Arrows
In my opinion still one of the best aerobatic teams with nicely executed formation changes always in view of the audience. The crossovers of the two solo pilots were always timed to happen exactly in front of the public. Simply great.
(Photo courtesy Urs Schnyder)
Warbirds
There can be no RAF display without the Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight. Let us hope that they continue to fly for some time and will
not be affected by financial cuts. Where else can you see a Lancaster
in formation with a Spitfire and Hurricane.
There was also a two seat Spitfire displaying and the B-17G "Sally
B". Of the latter it is not known how long it will continue to fly
because EU regulations require the same insurance cover as for
airliners. This is actually the case for all warbirds with more than one
engine.
Classic Jets
The Highlight of the day was surely the Avro Vulcan. Who would
have thought that one of these would still be flying 30 years after
their retirement? It is always impressive to see how agile this big
aircraft is.
Another highlight was the formation of five Hunters as well as
the two norwegian Vampires.
Belgium
The Belgians are like always good supporters of air shows. Their Demonstration F-16 had the most colorful paint scheme of any aircraft in the air show.
Royal Navy
Since the Sea Harriers have been taken out of service the Navy is a helicopter only service. However, you can also give an attractive demonstration with them as proved by the Merlin and the Lynx Team. The two Lynxes have also received a very attractive paint scheme that shows a lynx of course.
