Shoreham Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Airshow being held on 21st and 22nd August at Shoreham Airport, West Sussex welcomes the return of the Harrier Display. 

 

Last seen in 2006 doing its full display the Harrier has recently been involved in Middle East duties.

 

This year it will be doing very few public displays.

” We were delighted when we heard that it will be returning to do its tactical role demonstration which will show the capabilities of this amazing and proven aircraft. It will be based at Shoreham for the weekend,” said Airshow Organiser Don Bean MBE.

A return also of the Hawker Hunter (Miss Demeanour) flown by Jonathan Whalley in its wonderful colour scheme will delight many fans of this aircraft which has a proven track record with many air forces in the world.

 

Jonathan has perfected his display with this fast jet so you will be in for a few surprises from this aircraft which held the Absolute Speed Record of 727.6mph which took place off the Sussex Coast in 1953.

 

The RAF Hawk will once again be back and will be doing its solo display in a stunning new colour scheme.

 

It is a very fast and manoeuvrable aircraft and will be put through its paces by Flt Lt Tom Saunders from RAF Valley. It is also the aircraft as flow by the Red Arrows display team.

 

We decided to add a few more jet aircraft this year so we have added two Folland Gnats to the display schedule which was the mount for the Red Arrows up to 1979.

 

The late Ray Hanna was well known for his handling of this aircraft at some very low altitudes when he led the Red Arrows.

 

We also welcome back the De Havilland Vampire T11 which is always popular for those with cameras along with the Kuwait Airforce BAC167 Strikemaster flown by Tom Maloney who runs the aviation company Transair which is based at Shoreham.

 

There are some more surprises to be announced nearer the event so keep your eyes on the new airshow website www.shorehamairshow.com for all the latest news.

“With the centre piece being the Battle of Britain Scenario which features an airfield attack and a scramble by Spitfire and Hurricane Aircraft this year will see a lot more activity centred on this section. More role play actors, vehicles, and pyrotechnics will bring back the true feeling of what it was like seventy years ago at a front line airfield ‘somewhere’ in the UK,” said Airshow Press Officer John Periam.

With a total of over 30 flying displays featuring around 60 different aircraft lasting for almost 6 hours non stop action.

 

One of the most popular family airshows now held in the UK there will be lots taking place on the ground to keep one entertained from a fun fair, trade stands, craft tent through to opportunities to meet the many service personal from all three armed services along with many of the static aircraft on show.

 

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be flying both days along with the USAF Bomber Sally B and the return of the Catalina Flying Boat all of which played an important role during World War Two.

 

There will be other aircraft from this era flying alongside some of these aircraft.

 

There will also be ample opportunities to see some of the UK’s best civilian aerobatic display teams including the Blades Aerobatic Team made up of all Ex Red Arrow Pilots in their new RAFA colour scheme for this season along with the Brietling Wing Walkers, Yakovlevs and The new Pitts Duo team.

 

A surprise visit by a popular team will be announced prior to the airshow to launch the 2010 RAFA Wings Appeal.

 

An exciting two days is planned with more to be announced and we have kept the ticket prices the same as 2008 and these can be booked on the ticket hotline 01903 282354.

 

With over One and a Half Million Pounds raised for RAFA from the Shoreham Airshows it is hoped that this year’s event will be the best to date to celebrate this important milestone in British History and the memory of those who gave their lives during the Battle of Britain.

 

The Spitfire Society Reg Charity:-299033
P.O.Box 202, Biggin Hill, Westerham, TN16.9DA
Telephone:-(Mobile) 07506 628434
E-Mail:-memsec@spitfiresociety.com

Header Spitfire image supplied by Stephen Fox
Visit www.foxaviationphotography.co.uk

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