RIAT 2006 News Release
PREPARE FOR A FABULOUS FEAST OF FLYING
Take some East European gems, a superb range of Royal Air Force aircraft, a handful of rarities and some UK display debuts and we are already guaranteed a fabulous feast of flying at this summer’s Air Tattoo.
Making a triumphant return to the Air Tattoo will be the Czech Air Force, bringing with them a Mi-24V Hind helicopter (flying) and a JAS-39C Gripen (static).
Since first flying in 1988, the JAS-39 Gripen has more than proved itself. The small, single-engined jet with delta wings and canards is renowned for its easy handling and high reliability.
In 2001 the Czechs selected the JAS-39C/D Gripen as its future fighter and last year replaced the last of their MiG-21s with the aircraft. Although the Swedish Air Force brought a JAS-39 Gripen to RAF Fairford in 2003, this will be the first time a Czech version has appeared in the UK. ‘JAS’ refers to the aircraft’s combined roles of Jakt (fighter), Attack (attack) and Spaning (reconnaissance) in one airframe whilst ‘Gripen’ means ‘Griffin’.
The Czech Mi-24V Hind helicopter hasn’t been seen at the Air Tattoo since 1997 and is one for the enthusiasts to savour. Its versatility means that it can perform both transport and combat roles. It entered production in 1976 and is scheduled to be replaced by the Mi-35 Hind attack helicopter.
Joining them at RAF Fairford this summer will be the Spanish Air Force who are not only sending their popular seven-ship national aerobatics display team, the Patrulla Aguila, but also a Eurofighter 2000.
Although relatively new to the airshow circuit, the Eurofighter Typhoon’s speed, power and agility have already won the hearts of aircraft enthusiasts around the world and its participation in the RIAT flying display - along with a separate display by an RAF Typhoon - means double-joy for its supporters.
Spain first took delivery of the Eurofighter in 2003 and it will ultimately replace their existing Mirage F-1C aircraft. The aircraft will come from Grupo 11 of the Spanish Air Force based at Morón de la Fontera Airbase near Seville and gives enthusiasts an opportunity to see the first Spanish Eurofighter in the UK.
There will be another first in the shape of an Aermacchi M-346 advanced and lead-in fighter trainer being developed in Italy.
The M-346 provides combat pilot training for front line fighters with high angle-of-attack capability. The aerodynamic design of the M-346 uses vortex lift to provide manoeuvrability and controllability at very high angle-of-attack using a fly-by-wire control system.
The M-346 prototype completed its first flight in July 2004. The second prototype made its maiden flight in May 2005. Series production is planned to begin in late 2007 with deliveries to start in 2009.
It all bodes well for an exciting July at Fairford!
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