The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has announced its list for July's airshow at Fairford, Gloucestershire. Here's what MOD plans to contribute.
We are planning to provide an extensive range of military aircraft to demonstrate the cutting-edge technology, range of capability and impressive flying skills of the RAF. This will include displays by:
- Typhoon
- Typhoon and Spitfire Battle of Britain 75th anniversary synchronised pair
- The Red Arrows
- Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and Hurricane
- Hawk
Alongside these, there will be a wide-range of static display aircraft, including Tornado GR4 (from each Squadron), Tucano, Tutor, King Air, Hawk (208), Hawk (IV), Griffin, Squirrel and Voyager.
Meanwhile, in the United States the F-35B programme is making good progress. Royal Navy and RAF personnel have just returned from operational trials on board the USS WASP, working alongside the United States Marine Corps as we test ship/air integration in training missions over sea. Read the story here.
With both the UK and US focused on meeting operational milestones, there will not be an F-35B at this year’s RIAT – here’s our statement, from an MOD spokesperson:
The F-35 international programme continues to make good progress and as F-35B (STOVL) users, the US Marine Corps and the UK are working closely together. The USMC priority is to reach Initial Operating Capability (IOC) this summer, which takes precedence over attending international air shows.
You can find more information on the UK’s Aircraft Carrier Capability here.
