The snow and ice this morning was quite a shock to the system following a week in the UAE for the Al Ain Aerobatics Show. Al Ain is unique as it brings together acts from all round the world for the show. Military participation was thin compared to what had been advertised in brochures with only a couple of UAE types on static display and the Saudi Hawks in the air. However, it was still an enjoyable and early start to the display season in the sunny and warm blue skies!
Travelling with the British Swift Glider Team, we were based on the military side of Al Ain airfield alomst 2km away from the actual airshow. Despite being surrounded by several military rarities all week any photography within military grounds was prohibited which members of the Russian delegation found out to their cost!
First off, some of the local military/goverment types that could be photographed!
Coming to an airshow slightly nearer to home in July, the Saudi Hawks…
Warbirds were also present for the first time courtesy of a Russian group and thier Polikarpov biplanes. The group had a rough start to the week when the I-15bis (the same aircraft based at Duxford for many years) ground looped during practice and then one of Po-2 aircraft lost it’s prop over the desert. Through a spare prop, some linen “borrowed” from the hotel and lots of araldite both were airworthy in time for the show!
Show Time!!! – some of the other acts in the flying displays
By: The Blue Max - 4th February 2009 at 10:53
Arh, Al Ain! Great pics, missed not going this year:( Hopefully they will have us back next time:)
By: Flygirl - 3rd February 2009 at 12:35
Stunning pictures.
By: old shape - 3rd February 2009 at 01:45
Adoring the aerobatic team with the flares.
And those green Hawks look darn nice!
All the pics are great, obviously.
By: warhawk69 - 2nd February 2009 at 22:35
Brillient shots! Love the F1 A360. Was the Russian Knights there this year?
Phill
www.outflankeduk.com
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February 2, 2009 at 4:06 pm