Fairford Airshow RIAT 2017 Schedule - Royal International Air Tattoo 2017 - Flying Display Timetable, Local hotels, Checklist, Weather, Camping

RIAT Information & Links

RIAT History
The first Air Tattoo was held at North Weald, Essex in 1971. North Weald was then still owned by the Ministry of Defence and it was was inactive so it had to be re-activated for the event. North Weald also hosted the Air Tattoo in 1972 but in 1973 the M11 motorway was being built close to North Weald's main runway so a new location was found for the Air Tattoo at RAF Greenham Common. Greenham Common hosted more aircraft and 2 days were allocated for the event. It was very successful and was hosted there in 1974 also.

In 1975 with the loss of the Director of the IAT, the withdrawal of a major sponsor, and an international fuel crisis there wasn't an Air Tattoo. However a proposal was put to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund which decided to support future Air Tattoos at Greenham Common. In 1976 the show became the International Air Tattoo (IAT). The 1977 IAT was the last of the annual International Air Tattoos, as it was then held every other year.

The International Air Tattoos in 1979, 1981, and 1983 became bigger and better but the 1983 IAT was the last to be held at Greenham Common due to the build up of cruise missile facilities and the reduced area for a large airshow. In 1985, RAF Fairford was chosen as the venue to host the Air Tattoo. The static display stretched for nearly 2 miles and was the longest single line-up ever presented in the UK. Fairford hosted the event biennially until 1993 and annually since then.

In recognition of its unique status, the current title of 'Royal International Air Tattoo' was granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1996.

During 2000 and 2001 the Royal International Air Tattoo was held at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland because RAF Fairford was having its runways resurfaced. RIAT returned back to RAF Fairford in 2002.

Day-specific tickets were introduced for the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2008 because RIAT 2007 saw many more people attending on Saturday rather than Sunday because the weather was forecast was much better for Saturday. This resulted in traffic chaos and long queues on Saturday. It is thought that issuing day-specific tickets (Saturday or Sunday) which will have to be bought in advance (there will be no on-the-day tickets) will solve the problems of RIAT 2007. It is still possible to purchase a ticket which covers both saturday and Sunday but at a higher price.

The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2008 was cancelled both days (Saturday and Sunday) due to a sustained period of heavy rainfall resulting in waterlogged conditions in the public carparks and also the airfield. Unfortunately in 2008 the United States Air Force Air Combat Command's F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team had made the first trans-Atlantic flight to participate in the show. However, the F-22 Raptor appeared and displayed at RIAT 2010.

RIAT 2012 saw the debut of the excellent Black Eagles aerobatic team from South Korea.

RIAT 2014 was the first time in its history that the show has been open to the public on a Friday and included a flying display. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter was to make its anticipated European debut in 2014 but the type was grounded in the U.S. due to an F-35 engine failure so couldn't attend the Royal International Air Tattoo.

RIAT 2016 included the international display debut of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Six F-35 Lightning II were flown over to RAF Fairford in June 2016 to take part in the show. The six F-35s included three USAF F-35A Lightning II (conventional take off and landing variant), two USMC F-35B Lightning II (short-take off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant), and an RAF F-35B Lightning II. The F-22A Raptor also made a welcome return.

Park and View (View the arrivals & departures):

RIAT have a Park and View area which is open on Wednesday & Thursday for the arrivals and Monday for the departures:

Wednesday 12 July: 7.30am - 7.30pm.
Thursday 13 July: 7.30am - 7.30pm.
Monday 17 July: 7.30am - 4.30pm.

There are two Park & View Enclosures, one situated at the East and one at the West end of the airfield. Both locations are signposted by yellow AA signs on the roads leading to the airfield. In the main, aircraft land and depart from the East end of the runway but this is dependent on the prevailing wind direction.

There's more info on Park and View on the official website FAQ.

The two Park & View enclosures (East and West) are open from 7.30am Wednesday 12 July and Thursday 13 July inclusive, and again on Monday 17 July. Car parks open at 6.00am - please do not arrive before this time. Toilets and catering are provided in both enclosures.

Please note that there will now be a search regime at the Park & View entry points so there is a possibility you will be searched on entry. Thank you for your cooperation with this. Park & View tickets for tomorrow can be purchased online until midnight, on Tuesday 11th July, for £15, or you can get tickets for the same price on the day. Book HERE.

French Rafale.

RIAT 2017 Frequencies:
Radar - 125.550, 123.550
Approach - 134.550
Tower - 124.800
Ground - 121.175

RIAT 2017 Airshow

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. There is also a shorter 4 hour display held on the Friday before the main weekend air displays.

RIAT 2017 Airshow:

• 14-16 July - Royal International Air Tattoo 2017

Royal International Air Tattoo 2017:
RIAT 2017 Themes:

The 2017 Air Tattoo will mark the 70th anniversary of the US Air Force and will also celebrate the 21st Century Partnerships that exist throughout the defence and aviation community.

15-16 July 2017 - Royal International Air Tattoo

Participating aircraft:
(F)=Flying Display, (S)=Static Display

Royal Australian Air Force
• Boeing E-7A Wedgetail (S)

Austrian Air Force
• Saab 1050 (F)
• Saab 1050 (S)

Belgian Air Component
• C-130H Hercules (S)
• F-16AM (F)
• F-16AM - 1 Sqn (S)
• F-16AM - 349 Sqn (S)
• Sea King Mk48 (F)

British Army
• Beaver AL.1 (S)
• Scout AH Mk.1 (S)
• WAH-64D Apache AH1 (S)
• WAH-64D Apache AH1 (F)
• Wildcat AH.1 (S)

Civilian
• A400M (F)
• A-4N Skyhawk (S)
• B-17 Flying Fortress (F)
• Beech 18S (S)
• BN-2T Defender (S)
• BN-2T Islander (Mod) (S)
• Bulldog T.1 (S)
• C42a (x2)(S)
• CM170 Magister (S)
• DA-40 Diamond Star (S)
• DA-42 Twin Star (S)
• DA-42 Twin Star (S)
• DH-9 (S)
• DHC-1 Chipmunk (S)
• EA400 (S)
• EV-97 Eurostar SL (S)
• EV-97 Team Eurostar (S)
• Royal Jordanian Falcons (F)
• G-550 (S)
• Gladiator 1 (S)
• Global 6000 (S)
• Grand Caravan EX (S)
• Grob 120TP (S)
• Jet Provost Mk.5 (S)
• OV-10B Bronco (S)
• P2002-JF Sierra (S)
• P2008JC (S)
• P2008JC (S)
• P-51B 'Berlin Express' (F)
• P-51D Mustang - Hangar 11 (F)
• PA-28-180 (S)
• PA-28R (S)
• Phenom 100 (S)
• Piaggio R166C (S)
• Provost T.1 - Shuttleworth (S)
• RANS S6 Coyote (S)
• Scorpion - Textron (S)
• Skyvan (S)
• Strikemaster Mk.82A (S)
• T-6C (S)
• TB20 Trinidad (S)
• Breitling Jet Team (F) - TBC
• Gazelle Squadron Display Team - Gazelle x4 (F) - TBC

Czech Air Force
• Jas-39C Gripen (F)
• L-159A Alca x2 (F)
• L-159A Alca (S)

Finnish Air Force
• Midnight Hawks Aerobatic Team (F)

Finnish Army Aviation
• NH90 TTH (S)

French Air Force
• Alpha Jet x2 (S)
• Mirage 2000D x2 (Couteau Delta) (F)
• Rafale (F)

German Air Force
• Eurofighter EF2000/T TLG-73 (S)
• Eurofighter EF2000/T TLG-74 (S)
• Tornado PA200 IDS/ECR (S)
• Transall C-160D (S)
• A400M (S)

German Navy
• EC-135 (S)
• Sea King Mk.41 (S)
• Sea Lynx (S)

Hellenic Air Force
• F-4E Phantom x2 (S)

Hungarian Air Force
• JAS-39C/D Gripen (S)

Irish Air Corps
• EC-135P (S)
• PC-9M (S)

Italian Air Force
• C-27J Spartan (F)
• M-346 Master (F)
• Tornado A-200 (F)

Japan Air Force
• KC-767J (S)

NATO
• E-3A Sentry (S)

Pakistan Air Force
• C-130E Hercules (S)

Polish Navy
• Antonov An-28B1R Bryza (S)

Qatar Emiri Air Force
• C-130J-30 Hercules (S)

QinetiQ
• A109E Power (S)
• Alpha Jet (S)
• RJ70/100 (S)

Royal Air Force
• A400M Atlas C.1 x2 (S)
• C-17A Globemaster III (S)
• Chinook HC4 (F)
• Griffin HT.1 (S)
• Grob Tutor (S)
• H135 Juno HT.1 (S)
• H145 Jupiter HT.1 (S)
• Hawk T.1A (S)
• Hawk T.2 (S)
• King Air 200/350 (S)
• BBMF Lancaster and Spitfire x4 (F)
• Puma HC.2 (S)
• Squirrel HT.1 (S)
• Red Arrows (F)
• Tornado GR.4 x2 (S)
• Tucano T.1 (S)
• RAF Typhoon FGR.4 (F)
• RAF Typhoon FGR.4 x2 (S)
• Vigilant T.1 (S)
• Viking TX.1 (S)
• Voyager KC2/3 (S)

Royal Navy
• Hawk T.1 (S)
• King Air / Avenger T.1 (S)
• Merlin HC3/3A (S)
• Merlin HM.2 (S)
• Sea King ASaC.7 (S)
• Wildcat HMA.2 (S)

Royal Canadian Air Force
• CC-177 Globemaster (S)
• CH-147F Chinook (S)

Royal Danish Force
• CL-604 (S)

Royal Jordanian Air Force
• C-130H (S)

Royal Netherlands Air Force
• C-130H-30 (S)
• Do-228 (S)
• F-16AM/BM (S)
• F-16AM/BM (S)

Slovenia Air Force
• PC-9M (F)
• Let 410 (S)

Spanish Air Force
• F/A-18 Hornet (F)

Swedish Air Force
• Saab JAS 39C Gripen (F)
• Saab JAS 39D Gripen (S)

Swiss Air Force
• Patrouille Suisse - 6x F-5E Tiger II (F)

Turkish Air Force
• F-16C - SoloTurk (F)

Ukrainian Air Force
• Il-76 (S)
• Su-27 Flanker (F)
• Su-27 Flanker (S)

US Air Combat Command
• Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor (F)
• Thunderbirds - USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (F)

United States Air Force
• Northdrop Grumman B-2A 'Spirit' - Sunday (F)
• Rockwell B-1B Lancer (S)
• Boeing B-52H Stratofortress (S)
• Lockheed U-2 'Dragon Lady' (S)

US Air Force Reserve Command
• C-17A (S)

US Air Force Special Operations Command
• CV-22B Osprey (F)
• CV-22B Osprey (S)
• MC-130J Commando II (S)

US Air Forces Europe
• C-130J-30 Hercules (F)
• C-21A (S)
• F-15C Eagle x2 (S)
• F-15C Eagle (F)
• F-15E Strike Eagle (F)
• F-15E Strike Eagle (S)
• F-16C x2 (S)
• F-16C Fighting Falcon (F)
• HH-60G Pave Hawk (S)
• KC-135R Stratotanker (F)
• KC-135R Stratotanker (S)

US Navy
• P-8A Poseidon (S)

There will be a USAF Heritage Flight involving the F-22A Raptor and ~~P-51B Mustang 'Berlin Express'~~.

The United States Air Force Europe will be performing a special 70th Anniversary flypast on all three days featuring a number of European based aircraft; C-130J, KC-135R, F-15C, F-15E and F-16. These flypast aircraft will not be operating from Fairford.

RIAT 2017 Arrivals (Threshold.aero)

Accommodation:

Local hotels for the Royal International Air Tattoo (weekend)

Friday 14th July - Friday at RIAT

On Friday there will be a four hour flying display. The showground will be open from 7.30am until 6.30pm with a flying display from 11am until 3pm. There will also be aircraft arrivals before and after the flying display. The RAF Village, Vintage Village, Techno Zone and Autodrome will be open on Friday.

• Friday Showground Map at RIAT 2017.

Friday's Participating Schedule:

11.00am
• The Red Arrows x9 BAE Hawk T1/T1A - RAF
• Boeing CV-22B Osprey - USAF
• Pilatus PC-9M - Slovenian AF

12.00pm
• Leonardo C-27J Spartan - Italian AF
• Typhoon FGR4 - RAF
• Chinook HC4 - RAF
• Couteau Delta - Mirage 2000D x2 - French AF
• F-16A MLU Fighting Falcon - Belgian Air Component

1.00pm
• BBMF Lancaster B1 & Supermarine Spitfires x4
• A400M - Airbus Defence & Space
US Air Force 70th Anniversary Flypast:
• Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker
• Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules
• McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle
• McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
• Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon
• Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk

2.00pm
USAF Heritage Flight:
• P-51B Mustang Comanche Fighters
• Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor
• Thunderbirds - F-16C Fighting Falcon x6

Accommodation:

Local hotels for the Royal International Air Tattoo (Friday)

Ticket Prices:
Please check with official RIAT website for ticket prices and booking.

Showground Attractions:

Not only do visitors to the Air Tattoo experience amazing aviation in the skies, there is also a whole host of entertainment on the ground. There is something for everyone at the 2017 show, from static aircraft located throughout the showground to interactive activities and the most advanced technologies that are demonstrated in the Techno Zone, visitors can also take a trip back in time to the 1940s in the Vintage Village.

Techno Zone - With aviation at its heart, science, technology, maths and engineering (STEM) are brought to life with cutting-edge exhibits and hands-on activities to engage and inspire young minds. The Techno Zone 2017 is sponsored by Lockheed Martin and supported by the RAF Charitable Trust.

RAF Village - Visitors are invited to discover how the men and women of today's RAF protect UK airspace. With the opportunity to learn about current operations, the specialist equipment they use and how the Regular and Reserve force deliver effective 21st-century airpower.

Vintage Village - Taking a step back in time and experiencing the 1940s through vintage aircraft, cars, and fashion as musical hall entertainers transport you to a bygone era.

Autodrome - Our fantastic display of rare and beautifully maintained cars including vehicles from the Porsche Club of Great Britain, Riley Motor Club, Tesla and KTM are available to view at the 2017 show.

Activity Zone (Open Saturday & Sunday in 2017) - Professionals can be watched or visitors can have a go at high energy activities including Kiddie Quads, Parkour Free Runners and Crazy Golf.

RIAT Press Releases / Future Dates

Press Releases and News for RIAT 2017:

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Top Displays Honoured at Air Tattoo...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
USAF anniversary show a spectacle...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Israel Air Force returns to RIAT after 15 years absence...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Flanker Roars Back to Air Tattoo...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Skyhawk makes long-awaited return...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Old meets new at Air Tattoo...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
More US aircraft join Air Tattoo salute...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo welcomes USAF heavyweights...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
The Clock's Ticking For Earlybirds...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo serves up Midnight feast...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
RAF puts its full force behind Air Tattoo...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Welcome to the Hare Tattoo...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
F-22 joins Air Tattoo's USAF 70th Salute...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Air Tattoo's 'super' offer is just the ticket...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
Thunderbirds Are Go! Says Air Tattoo...

• Royal International Air Tattoo
AIR TATTOO'S USAF TRIBUTE JUST THE TICKET...

Weekend RIAT 2017 Flying Display Schedule:

Saturday 15th July

10.00am
• SAAB JAS-39C Gripen - Czech Air Force
• The Midnight Hawks - Hawk Mk51 x4 Finnish AF
• A-200A Tornado - Italian Air Force
• F-16A MLU - Belgian Air Component

11.00am
• Sea King Mk48 - Belgian Air Component
• Typhoon FGR4 - RAF
• JAS-39C Gripen - Swedish Air Force
• The Royal Jordanian Falcons - Extra EA300L x4

11.50am
• Chinook HC4 - RAF
• Aero Vodochody L-159 ALCA x2 - Czech Air Force
• The Red Arrows x9 BAE Hawk T1/T1A - RAF
• CV-22B Osprey - USAF

1.00pm
• SAAB J105OE - Austrian AF
• Pilatus PC-9M - Slovenian AF
• BBMF Lancaster & Spitfire x4
• A400M - Airbus Defence & Space

2.00pm
• B-17G Flying Fortress Sally B
• P-51D Mustang - Hangar 11 Collection
US Air Force 70th Anniversary Flypast:
• Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker
• Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules
• McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle
• McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
• Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon
• Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk
US Air Force Heritage Flight:
• North American P-51B Mustang Comanche Fighters
• Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor

3.00pm
• The Thunderbirds - F-16C Fighting Falcon x6
• Leonardo T-346A Master - Italian Air Force

4.00pm
• F-16C Fighting Falcon - Turkish Air Force
• EF-18M Hornet - Spanish Air Force
• Patrouille Suisse - Northrop F-5E Tiger II x6

5.00pm
• Leonardo C-27J Spartan - Italian Air Force
• Couteau Delta - Dassault Mirage 2000D x2 French AF
• Dassault Rafale C - French Air Force
• Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker (5.30pm)
• WAH-64D Apache AH1 - Army Air Corps

Sunday 16th July
10.00am
• F-16C Fighting Falcon - Turkish Air Force
• Patrouille Suisse - Northrop F-5E Tiger II x6
• JAS-39C Gripen - Swedish Air Force

11.00am
• Typhoon FGR4 - RAF
• Sea King Mk48 - Belgian Air Component
• The Royal Jordanian Falcons - Extra EA300L x4
• A-200A Tornado - Italian Air Force

11.50pm
• The Midnight Hawks - Hawk Mk51 x4 - Finnish AF
• WAH-64D Apache AH1 - Army Air Corps
• Couteau Delta - Mirage 2000D x2 - French AF
• C-27J Spartan - Italian Air Force

1.00pm
• J105OE - Austrian AF
• Pilatus PC-9M - Slovenian AF
• BBMF Lancaster B1 & Spitfires x4

1.45pm
• B-17G Flying Fortress Sally B
• P-51D Mustang - Hangar 11 Collection
US Air Force 70th Anniversary Flypast:
• Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker
• Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules
• McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle
• McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle
• Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon
• Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk
US Air Force Heritage Flight:
• North American P-51B Mustang Comanche Fighters
• Northdrop Grumman B-2A 'Spirit'
• Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor

2.50pm
• The Thunderbirds - F-16C Fighting Falcon x6
• A400M - Airbus Defence & Space

3.50pm
• JAS-39C Gripen - Swedish Air Force
• Leonardo T-346A Master - Italian Air Force
• F-16A MLU Fighting Falcon - Belgian Air Component
• EF-18M Hornet - Spanish Air Force

4.30pm
• Red Arrows x9 BAE Hawk T1/T1A RAF
• Dassault Rafale C - French Air Force
• Chinook HC4 - RAF
• Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker (5.34pm)
• L-159 ALCA x2 - Czech Air Force

RIAT Future Dates:

Fri 14, Sat 15, Sun 16 July 2017
Fri 13, Sat 14, Sun 15 July 2018
Fri 19, Sat 20, Sun 21 July 2019
Fri 17, Sat 18, Sun 19 July 2020
Fri 16, Sat 17, Sun 18 July 2021
Fri 15, Sat 16, Sun 17 July 2022

Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2017 - Fairford Airshow