RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2009 - Press Release

RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2009's commemoration of 100 Years of Naval Aviation will feature examples of the very first jet powered designs to operate from Royal Navy aircraft carriers at sea. These, along with their modern counterparts, will showcase the rapid evolution of jet fighter technology within the Fleet Air Arm from World War Two-to-date, and the increasing potency of the aircraft carrier as a floating extension of the Royal Navy's land-based operations.

The first ever jet fighter carrier landing took place in 1945 and involved a De Havilland Vampire aircraft, a rare airworthy example of which will be flying at Air Day. The Vampire carrier deck trials effectively ushered in a new age of naval air power capabilities and paved the way for a stream of ever-more powerful and advanced designs, like the Hawker Sea Hawk and de Havilland Sea Vixen jet fighters.

The dainty Hawker Sea Hawk was in FAA service between 1953 and 1960. Out of 500+ built, there is now only one remaining Sea Hawk flying anywhere in the world, and this example – part of the RNAS Yeovilton-based Royal Navy Historic Flight – will be taking part in Air Day.

The hulking De Havilland Sea Vixen flew from FAA aircraft carriers during the 1960s and, as with the Sea Hawk, is now represented in the air by a sole remaining example. The Sea Vixen has a special connection to RNAS Yeovilton, in that the base hosted the FAA's initial type squadron, later becoming the main training site for new Sea Vixen pilots before they got to fly it operationally.

The Harriers attending Air Day 2009 bring the aircraft carrier story storming into the modern age. Sea Harriers participated in the Falklands Conflict while, in more recent times, Naval Strike Wing Harriers have been active over the Middle East. For many years an inimitable part of daily life at RNAS Yeovilton, the Sea Harriers have now been retired, but an example will be on static display courtesy of the Boscombe Down Collection. They will be joined by two Spanish Navy Harriers – a very rare sight in this country.

Air Day 2009 will offer one of the most comprehensive Flying Displays to have been seen at RNAS Yeovilton in recent years. Aside from the aircraft detailed above, it is also set to include three world class international display teams, a UK debut appearance from the French Air Force's ultra hi-tech Rafale combat jet, the official aircraft-through-the-ages Fly Navy 100 flypast and the regular, awe-inspiring Commando Assault finale, plus much, much more.

The current list of participating aircraft can be viewed at www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk Tickets are available online or via the ticketline on 08445 781 781.