If you are going to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford this weekend make sure not to is the top 10 aircraft:
Top 5 Flying aircraft
MiG-29 Fulcrum (Polish Air Force)
The Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum is one of the most revered jet fighters in aviation history and thanks to the Polish Air Force, Air Tattoo visitors will get the opportunity to see exactly why! The aircraft, which can fly at approximately 1,500mph, combines supreme power and agility with remarkable versatility. The MiG-29 made its first flight in 1977 and joined the then Soviet Air Force six years later.
Vulcan XH 558 Bomber
One of aviation's most iconic aircraft will once again grace the skies above RAF Fairford during this summer's Royal International Air Tattoo. Named The Spirit of Great Britain, the delta-winged Vulcan XH558 is the only remaining airworthy Vulcan bomber in the world. During much of the Cold War, Vulcan bombers formed part of the UK's strategic nuclear strike force, on standby 24 hours a day with crews ready to launch the aircraft with two minutes' notice.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress 'Sally B'
'Sally B', Europe's last remaining airworthy Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress will provide an evocative sight when it takes part in the Air Tattoo flying display. The B-17 was critical to the US Army Air Forces' daylight precision bombing campaign during world War Two. In 1989, Sally B played a starring role in the film Memphis Belle, the story of the first B-17 to complete twenty-five missions over enemy territory. The aircraft is based at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, and is kept airworthy largely due to public donations and a team of dedicated volunteers.
Typhoon (Royal air Force)
Few aircraft taking part in the Royal International Air Tattoo's seven-hour flying display this summer will perform such a powerful, fast and manoeuvrable display than that flown by Flight Lieutenant Jamie Norris in his RAF Typhoon. The Typhoon, which will come from 29 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Coningsby, is the RAF's state-of-the-art, multi-role combat aircraft and can perform a variety of air operations ranging from air policing and peace support to high intensity conflict.
Airbus A400M
An aircraft representing the future shape of military transport will provide one of the most imposing sights during this summer's Air Tattoo flying display. The Airbus A400M, which will be based at RAF Brize Norton, is designed to transport troops and equipment. It will replace the C-130 Hercules once it enters service. The aircraft, which first appeared at the Air Tattoo in 2010, is powered by four Europrop TP400-D6 engines, one of the most powerful turboprop engines ever built allowing the aircraft to perform very short take-offs and achieve impressive rates of climb.
Top 5 Static aircraft
Antonov An-2 (Estonian Air Force)
Its rarity value alone is reason enough to make sure you don't miss the opportunity to view this distinctive bi-plane, from one of the smallest Air Forces in Europe, close up. Though primarily a light transport aircraft, the Antonov An-2 is used by the Estonians in a variety of roles including parachute dropping, MEDEVAC and VIP transport. It is also used for reconnaissance and as a target in air defence training. In the summer, the An-2 is equipped with a forest fire-fighting system, consisting of a water tank installed inside its fuselage.
Breitling Super Constellation
The Super Constellation is considered by many to be one of the finest symbols of man's conquest of the skies. Described by one enthusiast as "everyone's favourite big-pistoned airliner", the graceful Lockheed Super Constellation dominated civil aviation in the 1950s. The Breitling Super Constellation Star of Switzerland is one of only two 'Super Connies' in airworthy condition in the world, and the only one based in Europe
Saab JAS-39 Gripen – Swedish Air Force
Air Tattoo visitors will not only be able to experience the extreme manoeuvrability of the Swedish Air Force's latest multi-role jet fighter, the SAAB JAS-39 Gripen in the flying display but will also be able to get a close up view of a second aircraft in the showground. The Gripen first flew in December 1988 and entered operational service with the Swedish Air Force in 1997. In 2011, five Swedish Air Force Gripens deployed to Sigonella, Sicily, from where they performed a surveillance role in the NATO-led UN mission in Libya.
Tornado GR4 (Royal Air Force)
As part of commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the legendary Dambusters Raid, the RAF has painted two Tornado GR4s from 617 Sqn with specially designed tail art. Whilst one of the GR4s will be taking part in a flypast with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster, the second will be on display in the static park for visitors to view more closely.
Chinook (Royal Air Force)
Visitors will not only be able to enjoy a dynamic RAF Chinook display in the flying programme but they will also have the opportunity to view a second Chinook in the static park. The Chinook, based at RAF Odiham, is a very capable and versatile support helicopter that can be operated in many diverse environments. It has been involved in most UK military operations of the past 30 years such as the Falklands Conflict, Northern Ireland, the Gulf War and more recently, in Afghanistan.
Ten things not to miss at this year's Air Tattoo:
If you're planning a visit to the RAF Fairford Air Tattoo this weekend, here's 10 things not to miss . . .
1. All the thrilling aerial action including up to five international aerobatic display teams plus the world famous RAF Red Arrows
2. Visit the Vintage Village for the chance to win a flight in an historic Boeing Stearman bi-plane.
3. The impressive sight of a full-size model of the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car which will attempt to set a new Land Speed Record in the next 12 months – with 1,000mph the target. Located in the Techno Zone.
4. Thrilling aerial entertainment by stunt cyclists from the Animal Action Sports Tour.
5. A number of unique joint flypasts, the kind of which have cemented the Air Tattoo's reputation as the greatest airshow in the world
6. A moving flying tribute to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, featuring the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and an RAF Tornado GR4 from the famous 617 Sqn.
7. A breath-taking ride in a Caterham 7 sport car – definitely not something for the fainthearted – in the Adrenalin Zone!
8. A selection of sports cars from the 1930s-1960s including the original 1962 Aston Martin DB4, which featured in the 1969 film The Italian Job.
9. The feeling throughout the day that you should always expect the unexpected!
10.The rare opportunity to get close . . . VERY close . . . to the aircraft!
