Now I dont intend this to turn into a “lets slag RIAT off” post.
Which was your favourite aircraft and/or preformance at this years show and why?
Mine is a mixture of 3.
1. The tristar of the RAF. Why? Simple answer— Im am one big Tristar freak!
2. C-17 of the RAF. Simply because this is another aircraft that I like. Shape, size, noise — everything, plus this one was open to the public at the show. Its like a blimmin warehouse that flies. Massive!
3. The Sea Vixen. First Time I have seen it in the new RB colours. Cant say im over keen on it, but hey… it flies! A pitty it didnt in the show though.
By: Super Guppy - 11th August 2003 at 13:02
I agree about the 757.
The RNZAF seem to be following the tradition set by their 727 displays. I was lucky enough to see one display at Wanaka last year , and it was even more spectacular than the 757 (and certainly noisier !).
By: Arabella-Cox - 11th August 2003 at 12:58
Two choices for me. My favourite in the static was the Bassett, if only because it got me a free ticket in on the Sunday… 😀
As for the flying, stand by for a phrase I thought I’d never hear…
The Boeing 757 drivers put on by far the best performance of the day.
Turning the thing inside out. Pulling it round in circles like an F16. Almost getting to 90 degrees bank in some of the turns outside the boundary. Scorching in at max chat and low feet, and then pulling into a zoom climb up to 8000 feet. It takes a lot to make me stand still and shut up, but that did it.
By: Arabella-Cox - 10th August 2003 at 23:29
Not done yet!
I would agree with the others on the MiG. This was a REAL display.
The thing I enjoyed seeing most was the Messerschmitt Bf 109G in the Century of flight.
Anyone fancy ‘clubbing together’ to see if we can get one in the air ?
By: A330Crazy - 8th August 2003 at 21:45
Thanks for the replies all.
This post is a late bloomer. 😀
By: robbelc - 8th August 2003 at 21:45
Personally the highlights of the static were the ME108 and Framan from Germany, the Miles Hawk Speed Six(one of my home town aircraft), Javelin,P1127, Lightning T5, outside the 100 years of flight the Mil8, Mirage IVP,the civil German Learjet( I am a biz jet nut, this a big gap filler for me). I did not see much of the flying(left at 1:30) but the NZ 757 did a spectacular take off.
By: redtop - 8th August 2003 at 21:28
I’d go along with the MIG 29, although it was also nice to see the A10 back on the circuit. Overall though the Utterlly Butterly display has to shade it…….:D 😀 😀
By: LN Strike Eagle - 8th August 2003 at 21:04
For me, the highlights were the Typhoon, awesome display, can’t wait ’till they’re in service at Coningsby.
MiG-29 aswell, first MiG display I’ve ever seen, and it was highly impressive.
Aside from these, I found the 757 and A330 to be excellent, something very different to the usual lot we see on the airshow circuit, and clearly well suited to it! Something I think we should definantly see more of in the future at airshows.
By: f4 - 8th August 2003 at 19:53
Thought the title of this thread very apt…
…at long last a review of the flying programme can be seen at Air-Scene UK – every act!
By: Mark V - 24th July 2003 at 22:24
P-51 ‘Twilight Tear’ – gorgeous!
By: Plazz - 24th July 2003 at 22:21
On Monday seeing a pairs take off by two Euro fighter Typhoons was a new one to me, how ever I think as RIAT’s roll by were all going to see a lot of those. But the stars of the show for me outside of the 100 years static park (which was the best bit) have to be:
2x French Navy Dasault Rafale’s in the static park (Brutal looking machines).
The French Navy E2c Hawkeye also in the static park.
And finally the Mirage IVP, again in the static.
I know I know it’s a bit French overall, but Hey you asked!!
Did anyone see the F15E’s depart on Monday?? That climb rate is awesome for an aircraft of its age and it always leaves me standing with my jaw wide open when I see it.:eek:
Plazz
By the way I took some photos of your 747 departing Fairford but was to engrossed in the static when it arrived. Will post pics when they come back. I do Digital in on the ground but am still in the dark ages when it comes to distance shots.
By: Willow - 24th July 2003 at 15:51
Just so you don’t think that we’re all ignoring you, my favourite from the whole day was seeing the F117 with the Red Arrows. Very good piece of organisation. Second would be the A330 with the two German Tornados (I’m surprised you haven’t mentioned this yourself A330crazy!!) but as a solo performer, the New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 gave the best show, considering the aircraft.
The static stole the show though. My favourites here being the 2 Swiss Mirage IIIRS in special colour schemes. Closely followed by the RAF Museums Be2, and then the Gloster Javelin, EE Lightning, and VS Scimitar. Fantastic.
Purely personal preference at this event. My favourite aeroplane overall would be the BBMF Hurricane LF363, but because I’ve seen it (several) times before in similar circumstances, it doesn’t stand out quite so much this time.
Willow
By: A330Crazy - 24th July 2003 at 14:37
You getting that fed up of talking about it eh? 😀
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July 24, 2003 at 12:30 am