RIAT Royal International Air Tattoo 2022
Page 2
Photography by: Harry Morrow.
Saturday 16th July marks the second of my four-day visit to the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2022. This year’s show is centered around the joint themes of “Training the Next Generation”, the United States Air Force’s 75th anniversary, and with a specific focus on sustainability, the show featured a spectacular line-up of aircraft. For the USAF, this included the E-4B, one of only four of its kind in the world. The show organizers are measuring the impacts of the event to help them make improvements to their carbon footprint over the next few years. Changes have already been taking place at this year’s show with the reduction in single-use plastics, all waste being diverted from landfill, increased recycling of large event items, and working with our partners and exhibitors to highlight the innovations that they are making in aviation sustainability. Cutting-edge sustainable examples included the fully-electric Pipistrel Electro and the synthetically-fuelled Ikarus C42.
Today is Saturday 16th of July, I spent most of this day walking the 2 miles of static aircraft and other entertainment, pausing several times to chat with the crew and personnel from across the globe, I managed to have to catch up several times with lots of old friends, on display pictured above, part of the USAF 75th anniversary was this iconic B-17 known as 'Sally B' but wears the colors of the famous 'Memphis Belle'.
Visitors can take a walk around the static line of aircraft to see a wide range of aircraft from different branches of the military. Representing the USAF 75th anniversary are a B-17, Spitfire, F86 saber, and the newest acquisition, the F35 Lightening II, which flew in from its base in England at RAF Lakenheath. Also on display is a QinetiQ RJ100, sporting a special nose, a NATO Strategic Airlift Capability C-17, German Army CH-53, Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130, and the RAF Bombardier Sentenial R.1, which may not be seen again in the UK skies.
A line of 6 helicopters including, 76+06 German Air Force Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117 H145M, G-ETPP QinetiQ AgustaWestland AW139, Airbus Helicopters NH90 with the Royal Netherlands Air Force this helicopter as a NATO frigate helicopter, 332 Mil Mi-24P from the Hungarian Air Force, Airbus Helicopters NH90 with the German Army, Airbus Helicopters AS365N3 Dauphin with the Lithuanian Air Force (SAR) Search & Rescue
This little collection above starting off with, Royal Bahrain Air Force C-130J a first visit to RIAT for RBAF and the 57th air force in all, HM Coastguard represented with several fine examples like Piper PA-31 Navajo and two eye catching helicopters operated by Bristow Helicopters Leonardo AW189 & Sikorsky S92A, Royal Air Force of Oman brought in a rather nice looking C-295MPA Persuader maritime patrol aircraft, It was great to see a Lockheed P-3 Orion operated by the German Navy sadly to be replaced by P-8 Poseidon's in the near future, another first visitor for RIAT was Boeing’s KC-46 Pegasus air-air refueling tanker based at McGuire AFB NJ, parked very close is Boeing KC-135T based at RAF Mildenhall showing the KC-46 what longevity looks like this particular air frame over 60 years of service so far, Royal Canadian Air Force Lockheed CC-130J Hercules all the way from Trenton CFB, ON, another Herc again from RAF Mildenhall Lockheed MC-130J with USAF 67thSOS sqn, from the same base 7thSOS sqn Bell/Boeing CV-22 Osprey USAF.
The RAF Red Arrows and their A330 Voyager special colour scheme made an excellent pass at the RIAT 2022, The Red Arrows are the aerobatic team of the Royal Air Force and have been thrilling audiences around the world with their daring and precise manoeuvres. The A330 Voyager is an advanced multi-role tanker transport aircraft and has recently been painted in the distinctive colours depicting the United Kingdom. The public will have the opportunity to get up close to the aircraft and the Red Arrows team and to witness the incredible display of aerial skill and precision.
With 266 aircraft to see at this year's RIAT, making my way along the static line up, this impressive line up above consisted of aircraft covering many years, some retired from operational duty to the latest acquisitions and even some historic aircraft in excellent airworthy condition.
A very smart looking medium transport aircraft, open skies AN30 from the Romanian Air Force, Armee De L’Air (French Air Force) as Mustang X-Ray a tactical demo team consisting of 2 x Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainers plus 1 spare, with a Slovenian Air Force Pilatus PC-9 wrapped up.
A very welcome visitor for the first time at a British Air Show is this Boeing E-4 ‘Nightwatch’ which serves as the national airborne operations center. The E-4 is a military version of the Boeing 747-200 series.
The Italian Air Force is represented by the following: AMX-T / AMX A-11 / Leonardo T-346 & MB-339, Spanish Air Force F-18 Hornet, and Estonian Air Force PZL M28 Skytruck.
The Slovenian Air Force crew show the PC-9 to another aircrew, Portuguese Air Force TB-30 Epsilon, making its debut at RIAT as Top Aces Inc Douglas A-4N Skyhawk.
This former military aircraft now operated by a privately owned defense contractor is Top Aces Inc, Douglas A-4N Skyhawk, this aircraft is based in Germany and provides adversary training for the German armed forces.
An impressive static aircraft display showcasing display here is the following: French Navy EMB-121 Xingu, a RAF Typhoon, two Belgium AF F-16's, a Czech Air Force L-159, a German Air Force Tornado, a Hungarian Air Force J-39 Gripen and a Eurofighter Typhoon on delivery to the Kuwait Air Force. This is an incredible opportunity for spectators to get up close and personal with some of the most advanced aircraft in the world.
At the RIAT 2022 Air Show, a special tribute was paid to Colonel Oleksandr Oksanchenko, who sadly lost his life defending his homeland in the skies above Kyiv, Ukraine earlier in the year 2022. In 2017, Colonel Oksanchenko had been awarded the prestigious ‘As the Crow Flies’ award for the best overall display in his Sukhoi SU-27. Having since retired from active duty, Oleksandr returned to defend Ukraine from the Russian invaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posthumously awarded Oleksandr with the title of “Hero of Ukraine”. The tribute to Colonel Oksanchenko, known as ‘Blue Skies #39’, was an incredibly special and moving moment of respect and remembrance for the fallen hero.
A spectacular lineup of heavy transport aircraft. Leading the way is the Airbus CC-150 (A310) Polaris of the Royal Canadian Air Force. From South America, the Brazilian Air Force has brought their Embraer KC-390, making its first appearance at RIAT is the RAF P-8A Poseidon, based at RAF Lossiemouth, the RAF will also be showing off their C-130J Hercules, of which there are only single figures in the fleet. Finally, the JASDF Kawasaki C-2 from Iruma Air Base will be a highlight, a place I visited in 2006.
Spectators were delighted to witness a unique flypast from Airbus Transport International, the A330-743L BelugaXL flew by twice, creating a stunning spectacle in the blue sky. The aircraft was decorated with a smiling Beluga face, providing a delightful contrast to the otherwise serious aviation display. The audience was enamored by the sight as the aircraft flew past.
Several Royal Air Force helicopters from historic to modern were gathered together at RIAT static display, including Wessex, Seaking, Merlin, Wildcat, and Gazelle all looking resplendent, making up the numbers is a German Navy Lynx
Royal Dutch Air Force is represented with GD F-16s, German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon, and some historic and modern aircraft from Sweden, including Gripen, Draken, Lansen & Viggen
Two young cadets piloting a Grob G-115 Tutor stand on top of the aircraft and admire the classic Lancaster Spitfire and a Hurricane. The sight of these powerful warbirds soaring across the sky will be a sight to behold and a moment to remember.
This impressive collection of military trainers and civilian light aircraft are all on display to be admired, the air show static display is a great way to appreciate the history and technology of aviation. Visitors to the air show can get a close look at the planes and learn more about them from knowledgeable crew or staff. This is a great opportunity to take amazing photos and appreciates the beauty of these amazing machines.
On display is the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is on delivery to the Kuwait Air Force from Italy. The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role combat aircraft with advanced avionics and superior performance capabilities. The air show static display is the perfect way for aviation fans to get an up-close look at some of the most advanced aircraft in the world.
With the Farnborough air show coming along the week after, here are a few manufacturer aircraft on display Pilatus PC-24, Pilatus PC-7, Gulfstream G650 & Hawker Beechcraft T-6A Texan II
The Royal Air Force (RAF) had a wide range of training aircraft on static display at the RIAT airshow. This included the Raytheon T-6C Texan, BAE Hawk T.2, Embraer Phenom 100, Airbus Helicopters Jupiter HT.1, Airbus Helicopters Juno HT.1, and the Hawker Beechcraft Avenger T.1. Members of the RAF were on-hand to discuss these aircraft with potential cadets and show them around the helicopters. The static display is a great opportunity for those interested in aviation to learn more about the RAF and its aircraft.
This eye-catching display aircraft is one of the most popular attractions at the RIAT 2022 Air Show. The F-16, operated by the Belgium Air Component, is a multi-role combat aircraft, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This single-engine jet is renowned for its agility and speed, making it a thrilling display for attendees to witness. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a powerful symbol of Belgium's commitment to maintaining a strong military presence in the world. Its impressive flying display is sure to be one of the highlights of the Aviation Air Show.
Page .2