The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is a very large Air show containing hundreds of modern military aircraft in the static line-up and air display from many different countries around the world.
This Airshow is usually held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire which is a large base used infrequently by USAF deployments which makes it an ideal venue for such a large Airshow.
RIAT usually takes place over a weekend in July, and you can also view the aircraft on arrival days and departure day.
Click here to visit the official website of the Royal International Air Tattoo.
2012 AIRSHOWS
07-08 July
Royal International Air Tattoo
Click here for RAF Fairford (RIAT) Airshow Accommodation.
RIAT 2012 Main Themes:
Skylift
Aviation's heavyweights are being invited to flex their muscles at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2012 by demonstrating their capabilities across a wide range of operational scenarios.
Whether deployed tactically or strategically, the role of giant military transporters and heavy-lift helicopters in delivering troops and equipment quickly and safely is key to the success of combat, peace-keeping and humanitarian campaigns around the world.
The operational theme SkyLift will showcase modern, versatile and long-range aircraft such as the KC-30, C-17 Globemaster III, KC-767, A400M, A330 and Antonov 124 as well as the more venerable types such as the C-5 Galaxy, KC-10, KC-135, C-130 Hercules and Ilyushin II-76 which have been the mainstay of airlift and refuelling operations worldwide for more than 30 years.
Also providing critical frontline support, and equally welcome, are smaller transport aircraft such as the CASA CN-235, Merlin, Ch-47 Chinook and the Alenia C-27 Spartan - whose masterful flying display at RIAT 2011 earned its Italian Air Force crew the Douglas Bader Trophy for the Best Individual Flying Display.
Diamond Jubilee
Following on from Her Majesty's visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2008, we will be joining national and international celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in summer 2012.
Throughout her 60-year reign, strong links have been forged between members of the Royal Family and military aviation with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, HRH the Prince of Wales, HRH the Duke of York, HRH the Duke of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry all earning their Wings.
The Air Tattoo, which was granted Royal Status in 1996, will be delivering its own personal salute to our much-loved and respected monarch who has devoted her life to serving the United Kingdom, her other Realms, and the Commonwealth since her accession to the throne on June 2, 1952.
Civilian
Robinson R44 (SP)
Boeing 757 (S)
Boeing 767 (F)
DeHavilland Chipmunk WP903 (S)
King Air 350ER (SPYDR demonstrator) (S)
Avro Vulcan XH558 (F)
French Army Air Corps
TBM700 (F)
TBM700 (S)
Hungarian Air Force
An-26 (S)
Italian Air Force
Boeing KC-767 TT (S)
Piaggio P180 Avanti (S)
Latvian Air Force
Mi-17 helicopter (S)
Polish Navy
An-28 (S)
Mi-14 helicopter (S)
Royal Air Force
BBMF - Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire (F)
Squirrel HT1 (S)
Swiss Air Force
Patrouille Suisse (F)
UAE Air Force
Al Fursan (The Knights) Team - Aermacchi MB339 NAT (x7) (F)
US Air Force Reserve Command
KC-135R (S)
Click here for RAF Fairford (RIAT) Airshow Accommodation.
Admission TICKETS for Saturday 07th & Sunday 08th July 2012
Admission tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo (07th-08th July 2012) must be bought in advance. You can not purchase tickets at the gate.
PRICE FREEZE – The 2011 standard admission price has been held for 2012
Click here to book online and for ticket pricing including Earlybird & Enclosure prices.
Freephone Ticket Hotline: 0800 107 1940
Car Parking is free.
Opening Times
Gates open at 7.30am
Flying display starts at 10am
Flying display due to finish at 5.30pm
Open air concert from 6pm until 8pm
Airfield is closed by 8.30pm.
Accommodation and Campsite Reservations and Information
KEMPSFORD CAMPING
The Kempsford Campsite (also previously known as Reevey Camping) will again be operating for the duration of The Royal International Air Tattoo. As last year, it will be conveniently located on the southern perimeter fence line of RAF Fairford with easy pedestrian access to the airfield. The walk to the nearest public gate is approximately two minutes.
Kempsford Campsite, Dunfield, Fairford, Glos.
Airshow Camping Limited, Fairford, GL7 4HP
Tel: 07821 613705
Email: info@airshowcamping.co.uk
More details at www.airshowcamping.co.uk
Local Tourist Information Centres:
For accommodation and campsite reservations and information on transport and local amenities please contact a local Tourist Information Centre:
Centrepoint offer a reservation service for hotel and camp site bookings.
Telephone: 0800 975 4577
+44 (0) 1793 435588 (outside the UK)
Fax: +44 (0) 1793 485600
E-Mail: sales@centrepoints.co.uk
Travel:
Frequent shuttle buses will leave Swindon Bus Station (close to the train station) for RAF Fairford, these buses travel along a specially designated route thus giving passengers a fast-track entry to the Airshow.
Traffic Map: Click here for a colour coded traffic map for getting to RIAT.
Air Tattoo Live Radio:
Tune into Air Tattoo Live on 87.7 MHz, the Air Tattoo’s very own radio station, for up-to-the-minute air show news, traffic bulletins, interviews, live commentary of the world’s greatest flying display and great music.
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is a very large Air show containing hundreds of modern military aircraft in the static line-up and air display from many different countries around the world. 
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