RIAT 2006 News Release
WARM RECEPTION FOR COLD WAR FIGHTERS
One of the most feared Soviet aircraft of the Cold War era is set to make a welcome return to the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer.
A rare appearance by two Russian-built MiG-29s from the Slovak Air Force is expected to be among the highlights at this year’s airshow. Slovakian MiG-29s last appeared at the Air Tattoo in 1999 and their participation is always hugely anticipated.
RIAT organisers have been told that the Slovak Air Force, whose association with the Air Tattoo stretches back to the early 1990s, intends to send two MiG-29s; one for the static display and one for the flying display. Another Russian-built aircraft, the Antonov An-26, will support the MiGs during their deployment.
Tattoo Director Tim Prince said: “Appearances by rare Eastern European aircraft are always popular but in the MiG-29 - with its superb acceleration and legendary dog-fighting abilities - we are looking at arguably one of the best jet fighters in the world.”
The Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 was developed as a dual fighter and ground attack aircraft by the Soviets in the 1970s to counter the threat of Western aircraft such as the US-designed F-15, and later the F-16 and F-18. The aircraft proved efficient, simple to use and incredibly agile, often undertaking manoeuvres not possible by their Western counterparts. The first prototype flew on October 6 1977 and, after a few teething problems, the MiG-29 went into production in 1982 with the first delivery made to the Soviet Air Force in 1983.
Already confirmed for this year’s Air Tattoo is the first UK public flying display of the revolutionary US-built V-22 ‘Osprey’ tiltrotor aircraft.
Anyone wishing to attend this summer’s Air Tattoo has until February 28 to take advantage of a special Earlybird ticket, priced £25.95. Under 16s go free.
