RAF Cosford Airshow Press Release
Spitfire Commemoration at Big Cosford Air Show
12th May 2006
In a departure from the normal, the Spitfire and Hurricane attached to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will land, take off and display from RAF Cosford this year, joining the Flight's flagship Lancaster bomber in the air.
Another feature of this year's show will be a timetable change, which will see the Red Arrows, the world's premier aerobatics team, return to their regular spot…providing the finale to this years display. Previous years have seen the Reds appearing mid - afternoon.
Air Show Co - ordinator Norman Branagh says: 'The commitments of the Red Arrows on the day means that we can again slot them in as our spectacular finale.' He added: 'Planning for the Air Show is well on schedule and an attractive display package has been drawn up - from the Spitfires to the BAE Systems Typhoon. In addition to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfire, the flying display will also see the appearance by two privately - owned machines, including a rare two - seat T.9 trainer.'
Of particular interest to enthusiasts this year will be a display by an RAF English Electric Canberra PR.9, a type about to end its service with the RAF after achieving the record of being the longest serving jet aircraft with any air force in the world. The prototype first flew in 1949, and the RAF received their first Canberra's in 1951. The Canberra on display is just one of three left in RAF service.
Returning to Cosford this year will be one of the RAF's Chinook helicopters whose display was one of highlights of the 2005 event.
Also lined - up for the five - and - a - half hour flying programme are a Tornado GR.4, Harrier GR.7, C - 130J Hercules, Gnat T.1, Merlin HC.3 and Sea King HAR.3 helicopters, a Yak C - 11, P - 40M Kittyhawk, the Army Air Corp's Blue Eagles helicopter display team, and a display by the RAF's Gliding and Soaring Association Team, known as Team Condor. The Royal Navy's Black Cats Lynx Pair will also be there, along with regular favourites, the RAF Falcons Freefall Parachute Display Team.
Mr Branagh says: 'We have drawn up an excellent programme. All we need now is the weather to match'
Details of the Cosford Air Show are available on 0870 606 2014 with ticket bookings on 0870 121 2523.