I was there on Sunday and must say I was quite disappointed that there were only three military helicopters there and the only foreign military one being a German Army Bo.105. I was very surprised that neither the RAF nor Royal Navy could bring a Merlin in and that there was not one single Royal Navy helicopter on the ground! I spoke to the Puma crew asking why they didn’t bring their 90th Anniversary special scheme machine and was told the Flight Commander decided to take it to the Leuchars show, so that was understandable. Indeed some countries are ‘at war’, but usually Belgium, Netherlands and Italy send something! Alas not this year! I believe the latter are having a hard time meeting budget restrictions, hence Italy’s lack of attendance at RIAT, so this wasn’t exactly unexpected!
Albert,
The RAF MERLIN cancelled Thursday having to be deployed to Cyprus.
The Navy sent a Merlin to do a couple of flypasts on Friday. The Black Cats were due to display Friday but due to 4 people absolutely refusing to get off the “wet area” on the beach the BC’s wisely did not display.
The Blue Eagles displayed Friday and then landed, stayed overnight and departed Saturday. The AACHF also did the same although only had the Allouette and Scout available. The Beaver displayed with them and then obviously departed.
The organisers were very disappointed that the overseas contingent was so low but what can they do?
Gary
Canpark – some more shots for you.
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