Richard Clarke Reports on RIAT – Sunday 16 July

Richard Clarke reports from RIAT 23

This event is always the most popular and well attended aviation event of the year and this occasion was no exception. One of the most endearing and appealing features of RIAT is the opportunity to view aircraft that cannot be seen anywhere else, in addition to experiencing unique and ‘one off’ formations that are the lifeblood of all aviation enthusiasts. 

There is always a headline theme to the show and on this occasion it was ‘Sky Tanker’, which was commemorating 100 years of air to air refuelling and promoting the vital role that it has played, and indeed continues to play in military aviation. A number of Air Forces providing aircraft types to take part in this celebration. In addition there was a celebration of the centenary of the Italian Air Force.

Although the weather was in complete contrast to last year, when temperatures reached the uncomfortable levels of 40 degrees, the inclement weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the large crowds – with over 200,000 people attending during the three days of the show –  all being determined to enjoy the rich spectacle which was laid before them.

RIAT is, of course, all about ‘heavy metal’ and there were many examples of this particular area of aviation on display – both flying and in the static line up, which contained an incredible number of aircraft from a wide variety of Air Arms from around the World. 

There were so many highlights that it is impossible to write about them all so here are a selection which will hopefully provide a flavour of the wide range of spectacular entertainment which was on offer

A number of rare visitors to these shores were on display during the course of the show.

These included the venerable Boeing B52, which was a most welcome participant, always being extremely popular, but sadly the type has not been seen very often at airshows in the past few years. On this occasion we were blessed with two examples of the type, one of which was in the flying display with the other aircraft taking part in the static line up. There is certainly no better example of ‘heavy metal’ than this incredible aircraft which first flew in 1952 and is not now expected to retire until 2050! 

Seeing the B52 in action reminded me of that highly memorable and unique occasion at Fairford when, after both aircraft had completed their displays, XH558 taxied in unison with the USAF Bomber back to their individual pans. It was an emotive experience and I am sure that it would have been one of the highlights of this particular show for many members of the huge crowds

It was the first ever appearance in the UK by the Messerschmitt ME 262, which is being operated by Airbus, and which was greeted with much anticipation and extremely well received, with this newly built aircraft providing a particularly spirited display in the blustery conditions.

Another old favourite, and, once again, an aircraft which is now very rarely seen in this country since the retirement of the type by the RAF in 2019, was the Panavia Tornado, two examples of which which were taking part in the ‘Sky Tanker’ displays. The two Luftwaffe aircraft performed a highly impressive formation take off with their afterburners lighting up the gloomy conditions and being enhanced by the wet condition of the runway and the moisture in the air. Having taken to the skies in such a spectacular fashion the two aircraft then continued  on to carry out a refuelling demonstration with an RAF Voyager KC3.

Another welcome display was the formation flight by the F35B Lightning and the EAV-8B+ Matador 11, which provided a unique demonstration. This was followed by individual displays, with both aircraft showcasing fully their amazing capabilities in inimitable and unique styles. It was fascinating to see the two aircraft, which are from a totally different generations of aviation development, displaying the contrasting and similarities of style in  their approach to flight and particularly in their abilities to hover using differing types of technology.

There were exemplary performances by both the Red Arrows and the Spanish formation display team, The Patrulla Aguila –  in what must have been extremely difficult conditions, with a relatively low cloud base, blustery winds and intermittent heavy rain. However, both teams defeated the elements in demonstrating their impeccable flying skills and professionalism to produce two excellent displays.

We were also treated to equally impressive and noisy displays by examples of the Gripen, representing Sweden and the Czech Republic.

In complete contrast to the ‘heavy metal’ aircraft types, there was a highly emotive flypast by the BBMF Lancaster, which was commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the ‘Dambusters’ raid. Once again this was a superb display, defeating the adverse conditions to provide a highly fitting tribute to the brave Airman that carried out this dangerous and ultimately successful operation which helped to change the face of the Second World War.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the team at RIAT, who managed to produce an excellent show in spite of the difficult conditions. In addition I would like to convey my appreciation to Matt and the other members of the RIAT Media team for all of their help and support, which was greatly valued and appreciated.

Finally, thank you to Richard Hall for providing the excellent images and to Maroon Raman for her support at the show.