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RIAT Royal International Air Tattoo 2022

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Fly High Aviation Media is proud to bring you the Royal International Air Tattoo 2022 staged at RAF Fairford England, one of the world’s largest aviation air shows, Three years since its last edition, the world’s largest military airshow made its triumphant return to Gloucestershire this weekend with its most successful show ever.. Every year, the show brings together renowned aircraft from around the world. The airshow welcomed 266 aircraft, and 1,500 crew members from across the globe in a celebration of aviation, science, and engineering. Visitors included representatives from the Kingdom of Bahrain – the 57th nation to participate in RIAT with its first ever appearance, and A-list aviation enthusiast, Tom Cruise. From 15 – 17 July, RAF Fairford played host to a three-day-long extravaganza of flying displays, static exhibits, and interactive family entertainment. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a day of family fun, RIAT 2022 has something for everyone, scroll down to read our report following several days spent at the RIAT 2022 or use the button keys at the top or bottom of the page. Fly High Aviation Media would like to thank the organizer's, volunteer's and Public Affairs Office for all there help in making this event run smooth, tickets for 2023 show can be found at this link: https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets

Photography: Harry Morrow.

Friday 15th July marks the first day of an action-packed three-day long extravaganza of flying displays, static exhibits, and interactive family entertainment. Appetite from participants and visitors was at an all-time high, with tickets to all three days selling out before the show, and flying displays on Saturday and Sunday being extended to over eight hours to accommodate those from around the world who wished to participate. Visitors are welcome to come and view the aircraft as they arrive and take pictures of the amazing aircraft as they showcase and entertain a very appreciative audience. Be sure to stay for the whole weekend for the full experience of the show.

Friday 15th July marked my first day at the prestigious Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) airshow, since the 2009 airshow, I emigrated to the USA in 2010. I started with a little walk around some of the static aircraft, and I spent a little time talking to various crew in the USAF section. United States Air Force was celebrating its 75th anniversary, a Lakenheath F-15 showing off a spectacular special scheme.

Paul Atherton, Chief Executive of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, the organizers of RIAT, said: “I’ve been blown away by the support we have received for the long-awaited return of RIAT. Around 200,000 people have been here this weekend – visitors, volunteers, partners, and all those involved in the build. I’d like to personally thank every single one of them for helping RIAT to return with such success.”

Since I emigrated 12 years ago, many of the main European air forces have changed some of their transport fleets, United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Spain, and Germany to name a few, equipping themselves with the new Airbus A400 like this example from the Luftwaffe.

Starting proceedings on the Friday show day is this F-16 from the Greek Air Force, making a great pass

Royal Danish Air Force Saab T-17 Supporter and more pictures of the Greek AF F-16

Now wearing a civilian serial C-FGZE this ex-US Navy Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is now used by contractor Top Aces Inc.

One of the Royal Air Force's latest acquisitions delivered in 2020 is this Boeing P-8 Poseidon with RAF Red Arrows

CSX81848 AugustaWestland AW.149 demonstrator, Spitfire mk19 owned by Rolls Royce, G-OSRA Boeing 727 converted to Oil spray response aircraft, the Red Arrow's displaying with 7 aircraft for 2022. 

Royal Air Force Red Arrows with a signature maneuver 

The 2022 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will host a thrilling demonstration of Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) by the Austrian Air Force. Two Eurofighter Typhoons and a Lockheed C-130 Hercules will be involved, showcasing their remarkable abilities in a stunning display. QRA is an essential part of the air defense system, and it requires air forces to maintain a state of readiness when it comes to responding to potential threats. In this demonstration the C-130 Hercules will play the bad guy, QRA display is sure to be one of the highlights of the show.

At the RIAT Air Show 2022, you can experience a variety of incredible air show displays. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and Hurricane are always a crowd favorite, along with the Finnish Air Force Hawk Display, Swiss Air Force F-18 Hornet Display, Czech Republic Air Force Hind and Hip Display, Swedish Air Force J-39 Gripen, NH Industries NH90 German Army, Alenia C-27J Italian Air Force, four PC-9s from the Irish Air Corps, and an Austrian Air Force QRA Display. All of these amazing aircraft gave an unforgettable air show experience.

The Swedish Air Force showcased the Saab J-39 Gripen at the RIAT air show. This remarkable fighter jet has been used by the air force since 1996 and is known for its impressive agility and maneuverability. With a top speed of Mach 2.0, it is one of the fastest jets in its class. The Gripen is also equipped with advanced stealth capabilities, allowing it to remain undetected by radar. Attendees of the air show will be able to witness the Gripen’s impressive display of speed and agility first-hand.

The Royal Air Force Solo Display Eurofighter Typhoon from 29sqn at RAF Coningsby is an awe-inspiring sight, the Typhoon, ripping up the sky in a very fitting color scheme, a highlight of any show. The display showcases the Typhoon's agility and maneuverability, as well as its impressive performance. Audience members are captivated by the power and precision of the display, and the skill of the pilot is undeniable. The Royal Air Force Solo Display Eurofighter Typhoon is a showstopper and a must-see at any Aviation air show.

RAF Eurofighter Typhoon displaying its power and agility, callsign Blackjack an incredible aerobatic display. Without a doubt, the best display team at the show was the Republic of Korea Air Force team 'Black Eagles' with their T-50 aircraft. They performed an array of exciting maneuvers that left the audience in awe. 

Fly High Aviation Media specializes in providing media services at air shows, giving readers a front-row seat to the experience. We were at RIAT 2022 to provide extensive coverage Republic of Korea Air Force display team 'Black Eagles'. The Black Eagles' performance is one of the most breathtaking spectacles in the world of aviation. Flying their T-50 aircraft, even on a cloudy day they make the sky look colorful and vibrant. Our team is dedicated to capturing the beauty of the team's maneuvers and preserving it for generations to come.

Friday 15th July, the day is coming to a close with some late arrivals including the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight with its Saab 37 Viggen, Saab 32 Lansen, and Saab 35 Draken. There was also a Hawker Hunter now privately owned. The highlight of the day was the Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP), the current "Nightwatch" aircraft, which will be making its first appearance at a British air show.

Attendees of the RIAT Airshow were happy to witness the late arrival of the iconic Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP)! As the "Nightwatch" aircraft, it stands as a symbol of the USAF's strategic command and control capabilities. The E-4 series is a specially modified version of the Boeing 747-200B, used for the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP) program. Boeing E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP), the current "Nightwatch" aircraft, will be making its first appearance at a British air show.

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