Royal International Air Tattoo
RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire
15 - 17 July 2006
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Royal International Air Tattoo RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire 15 - 17 July 2006
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The static aircraft park at any RIAT is always a very difficult affair for photographers, even more so as the concept of rows of aircraft now seems to have been abandoned in favour of aircraft placed in groups. This makes the Monday after the weekend a very important part of the proceedings. In this view, Hellenic Air Force A-7E Corsair 158825 sprayed in an attractive tiger scheme can be seen taxiing out. It was accompanied by another one in standard camouflage. Both were parked next to a Turkish Phantom! |
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One of two aeroplanes to have travelled from the Asia Pacific region, the other one being a Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707, was this Royal Malaysian Air Force CN.235. It had made a seven day journey from Kuala Lumpur-Subang airfield were operating unit 21 skn is based and in this view is about to start on its retourn journey |
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XS596 is one of only three Andovers left flying in British service. This is a C.1PR used for verification flights over countries which have signed the Open Skies treaty which promotes trust between the former opponents in the Cold War. Equipped with aerial cameras, it may be seen flying photographic flights over the former Warsaw Pact, reciprocal visits being made by Russian or Ukranian Antonov 30's. |
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Another example of a unit celebrating an anniversary, in this case the 90th, was 55(R) sq which is one of the shadow identities existing within 3 FTS at RAF Cranwell. "Nothing shakes us" is the text on this Dominie T.1's fin, the English translation of the unit's Latin motto "Nil nos tremefacit". |
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Also active within 3 FTS is another shadow squadron, this being 45(R) sq. Previously equipped with the Jetstream T.1 similar to the T.2 shown on the previous page, these have now given way to civilian owned Beech 200's. One of these, ZK453, displays a tail wearing the inscription 1916 - 2006 celebrating 90 years of 45 squadron. |
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The Hercules, like the VC.10, has now been in service with the RAF for 40 years. Together with the VC.10 and now long since retired types as the Andover and the Belfast, it was part of a major rejuvenation of the RAF's then Transport Command. The VC.10 and the Herc survive to this day, indeed the original C-130K is giving way to the next generation C-130J. This is a first generation stretched Hercules C.3, adorned with anniversary logo and badges from all RAF squadrons to have operated the type. |
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Most colourful of all Hercs to be seen at this years RIAT was the Pakistan Air Force's L.382B 4144. Flown by No. 6 sq at Chaklala, it was given a complete mural on it's fin in order to commemorate the efforts to aid the victims of Pakistan's 2005 earth quake disaster. Indeed, its presence at Fairford was meant to express the nation's thanks for the aid it received during the disaster's aftermath. |
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Royal Danish Air Force Merlin Mk.512 M-509 can be seen here taking off for its flight back to Karup. The RDAF ordered the Merlin as a replacement for 1960's vintage Sikorsky S.61A's. Denmark and Portugal are the two countries to have ordered Merlins for search and rescue duties over their waters. |
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Now named for the Roman messenger god, the Boeing E-6B Mercury (the type used to be known by the name of the Greek messenger god Hermes) is seen here taking the runway. The U.S. Navy operates a small fleet of these aircraft to communicate with nuclear ballistic missille submarines. A somewhat sercretive task, nevertheless E-6's are a type regularly seen at RIATs. |
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Back to the theme of 90 year anniversaries. The present day 208 sq, now a shadow identity within 4 FTS at RAF Valley, began life in 1916 as No 8 sq Royal Naval Air Service. Transferred to RAF control upon the formation of this service the following year, the unit has been known as 208 squadron ever since. Bright blue and yellow contrast well with the trainer black on this Hawk T.1A. |
| Finally, the Eurofighter Typhoon is establishing itself within the RAF. No. 3 sq, a long time Harrier operator went back to conventional take off and landing types with the conversion to Typhoon F.2's earlier this year. ZJ922/OQ-C is seen here beginning its take off roll for its flight back to the squadron's new base at RAF Coningsby. It is nice to see that another squadron remembers its war time history, applying 1940's style squadron codes to brand new aeroplanes. |
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All in all, RIAT provided many good photo opportunities, made possible by the perfect weather. However, numbers of aeroplanes taking part in shows like this are constantly falling. This can not be helped and is a reflection of the growing number of commitments in far away places like Afhganistan and Iraq. Therefore, RIAT organising team can only be commended for having been able to attract what was there to be seen.
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All pictures (c) Hans Rolink
