RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day - Press Release
RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day
7th July 2007
RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day takes place on the 7th July 2007 (07/07/07). The main purpose of this event is to showcase current and future RN aircraft and underline the enduring importance of maritime air power to our island nation. As in earlier years, this will be achieved through extensive flying and static aircraft displays and, newly introduced this year, a 'Future Navy' hangar where Defence Industries will be demonstrating a range of equipment and technology, which will equip the Navy of the Future.
Falklands to the Future
2007 marks the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict, which took place between April and June 1982. During the conflict, RNAS Yeovilton provided most of the Royal Navy's aerial assets and crews, and the focal point of this remembrance will be a gathering of representative aircraft types from both sides of the conflict.
The most poignant of these will be four Super Etendard Naval fighters from the French Navy, the only European operator of the type. Under Argentinean Naval control, this type of aircraft gained a sinister reputation, especially when armed with the deadly Exocet missile. The French contingent at Air Day will, appropriately, include one Exocet-equipped example of this famed aircraft which, with replacement looming fast, could well be making a final appearance on these shores.
Examples of other relevant aircraft have been requested, and will add further to the rich pageant on show.
The 'Future' aspect of Air Day's theme will present the public with an opportunity to view, in a dedicated hangar, the Royal Navy's latest equipment and new technology up close. Among the featured projects we hope to have present are the Joint Strike Fighter, Future Lynx Helicopter, CVF Future Carrier and the Type 45 Destroyer, represented both in model form and through exciting interactive displays.
Veterans wishing to attend Air Day will benefit from exclusively discounted tickets – to be eligible for this concession applicants must be a holder of one of the following:
- UK Armed Force Veterans Badge
- UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge
- South Atlantic Medal 1982
Historic Naval Highlights
A veteran of a different kind will be making a very welcome 'return' visit back to RNAS Yeovilton; Kennet Aviation's Supermarine Seafire. This aircraft originally left Westland's Yeovil factory in 1946, but was rapidly retired from service only a few years later; the type's life severely limited by the rapid development of jet fighter technology, which relegated it obsolete. This particular example was 'rescued' from a scrap heap in 1973 and spent many years in storage, before a serious attempt to make it airworthy again began in 2001. Its first post-restoration flight was on May 3rd 2006, and following a successful first season of displays on the UK airshow circuit, this Seafire, one of only two flying in the world, is now making its Air Day debut.
Of a similar vintage, the Hawker Sea Fury and Sea Hawk from the resident Royal Navy Historic Flight will also be performing, and it is hoped that another of their fleet, the Fairey Swordfish, will join them. The Swordfish, the famous "String Bag", indelibly linked with the Sinking of the Bismarck, is a welcome returnee, having been off the scene for several years while major structural work took place.
Sizzling Swiss Debut
Air Day always manages to offer its audience something extra-special; prime recent examples being the spectacular South African Airways 747 in 2005, and last year's unprecedented combination of French Navy Super Etendard and Rafale fighters.
This year, one of the unquestionable flying highlights will be the Patrouille Suisse, the Swiss Air Force's National Aerobatic Team. Their debut appearance at Yeovilton is cause for celebration in itself, but moreover, it is also their sole UK display this year; a real coup for the organisers. They fly the punchy Northrop F5E Tiger II, a dramatic-looking supersonic fighter that first flew in 1972, but a design now becoming a pretty rare sight in European skies. The Patrouille's exhilarating display mixes close and graceful formation manoeuvres with dramatic solo and duo passes, blending smooth precision, panache and pure elegance.
Of course, the Royal Air Force's own Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will also be present, weaving their distinctive smoke trails through the Somerset skies.
Further Foreign Flavour
Joining the Swiss Air Force, a number of other nations have already declared their intentions to bring aircraft to Air Day, naturally all with a naval pedigree. These include the Hellenic Air Force, who are débuting a Vought A-7E Corsair II at the show. Now an elderly design, the Vought Corsair is an American built fighter aircraft which first flew in 1965. The example at Air Day will come from Araxos in western Greece, and hopefully be painted in a striking and photogenic 'Tiger' scheme.
Other international participants include Westland Sea King helicopters from the Spanish and German Navies, and a Royal Netherlands Navy Lynx.
The Commando Assault - Air Day's explosive finale
Air Day traditionally culminates with the unique and dynamic Commando Assault, a symphony of sight and sound unequalled in Europe. The Assault is composed of a number of scenarios, constructed so as to show the prowess and capabilities of the Fleet Air Arm in a modern-age War. Waves of locally based Royal Navy Sea King and Lynx are usually joined by their Royal Air Force and Army Air Corps rotary compatriots, with additional support from fixed-wing types, accompanied by plenty of smoke, gun fire and explosions.
…And away from all the Flying….
Air Day takes place on what is one of Europe's busiest Military Airfields. Nestled between the foreign visitors, locally-based aircraft and helicopters always form a strong part of the Static Display. With attendant pilots, ground crew and representatives of many other trades on hand, opportunities abound for the general public to discover what life in the Fleet Air Arm/Royal Navy is really like; Air Day, as well as providing all the excitement that a top-class airshow gives, is also a powerful recruitment tool. Fairground rides, trade stands, a gathering of military vehicles and a day-long programme of arena events, including the Royal Marines Band and a Field Gun Competition, all add further layers to what promises to be an enthralling, action packed and, above all, truly unforgettable day out for all the family!
Ticket Prices
| | ADVANCE | ON THE DAY |
| Adult | £16 | £20 |
| Senior Citizens | £14 | £20 |
| Veterans | £12 | £20 |
| Children (Under 16) | £3 | £5 |
Tickets are available from our website: www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk or our Ticket Line 0870 800 4747.
For information on group bookings or coach operator packages contact the Air Day Office on 0870 800 4030.
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