Demonstrators

Modern Precision

Biggin it up

Without Mildenhall on the airshow scene any more, Biggin Hill takes the place of the first large airshow of the season. As ever, 2007 provided a varied, yet constantly entertaining  flying display, including the first chance for many to see the  Royal Air Force’s new role demo, after the failure of the Spirit of Adventure a few weeks previously. Dean West reports from just outside the capital. Additional photos by Ashley Wallace and Doug Attrell, photos are copyright of marked.

Fine Vintage
The Great War display team were present at the show during the weekend. Biggin Hill saw all of the teams aircraft in the air performing the teams thoroughly enjoyable display. Representing the allied forces were a number of SE5as, Neiuport 17 and a Sopwith Triplane. Whilst axis forces consisted of a Fokker Dreidecker and a pair of Junkers CL1s.

The show was opened by a unique formation of Spitfire PR19, of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and Typhoon F2 from 29Sqn, both based at Coningsby. It was a treat to see the two famous aircraft in formation and to hear the contrast of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine of the Spitfire contrast with the EJ200’s of the Typhoon. Following Duxfords BBMF show in early May, this was the final time this particular formation would be seen in 2007.

2007 celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Biggin Hill being an appropriate place to celebrate as it was where the flight was originally formed as the Historic Aircraft Flight in 1957. To celebrate the occasion two BBMF Spitfires and A Hurricane were joined by a Rolls-Royce owned Spitfire to perform a sleek four-ship display, which was then followed by the Lancaster, showing off its new 100 Squadron "Phantom Of The Rurh" markings gracefully.

The Royal Air Force were out in force with no less than five different solo displays, from the Tutor T1, Tucano T1, Hawk T1, Typhoon F2 and Chinook HC2, as well as the previously mentioned role demo and the world-famous Red Arrows. The Typhoon was showing off its agility and power extremely well by managing to keep almost within the airfield boundaries for most of the display, with plenty of burner and, overall, a much better display than last years. The crowd showing their appreciation by breaking into applause as Flt Lt Jim Walls recovered the aircraft.

As always at Biggin, you’re always going to be treated to a series of displays. Classic jets had been a common fixture at Biggin in previous years, although there was only one Hunter on display this year. This example was the well known F.58 Miss Demeanour, owned by Jonathon Whalley who, as always, puts on one of the most spirited Hunter displays in the country in his strikingly coloured machine.

Aerobatics were not in short supply this year with solo aerobatics from Will Curtis’ based Su-26, including a very neat hover manoeuvre, and an Extra 300 from Ultimate High. Four Extra 300’s took to the sky in the shape of the Blades, firmly back in the UK after their tour of the Middle East and display at the Bahraini Grand Prix. The most unusual Extra 300 display was not totally an aerobatic display so to speak. It was from the Swift Aerobatic Display Team of S-1 Glider and Extra 300L tug aircraft. Whilst both aircraft are still attached by the rope, each perform some amazing manoeuvres, the most notable where both glider and tug fly inverted. A truly unique display and definitely one to look out for.

The Royal Navy displayed the Sea Fury FB11, resplendent in its new colour scheme, as well as a rare demo by a Merlin HM1. It was particularly nice to see the Merlin with the unfortunate cancellation of the Royal Air Force Merlin display team earlier in the year. The British Army was represented by the Blue Eagles, celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the Army Air Corps.

Warbirds are always at home at Biggin Hill, and this year saw a nice variety of displays by them. These ranged from fly-by’s of B-17 Sally-B with P-51D ‘Ferocious  Frankie’, to the resident Spitfire IX, which, keeping with recent tradition, closed the show on both days. Historic Luftwaffe air power was represented with Duxfords newly acquired HA112 'Buchon' which performed a small airfield attack with the Grace Spitfire T9 as well as the previously mentioned Mk.IX. A personal favourite of mine was the P-40 Kittyhawk, displayed by Peter Teichman, who flew some very low topside passes for the crowd, a superb piece of flying.

However, it was the role demo which proved to be the most popular display amongst the crowds. The demo involved two Tornado F3’s, two Tornado Gr4’s, two Hawk T1’s, a C-130J Hercules, Chinook HC2 and Sentry AEW1, the latter being very unusual to see away from Waddington. The idea of the demo was to give the public an insight into what the RAF really do in war, with Biggin Hill playing the hostile airfield that the RAF are taking control of. With constant action and some great dog fighting between the F3’s and the Hawk’s the crowds seemed entertained and I’m sure many of them left with a greater idea of what the RAF really do. Whilst the decision to remove solo displays from the Harrier, Tornado Gr4 or Hercules was something of a controversial move the role demo certainly seemed to compensate for the general audience and it was great to hear the crowd giving a very enthusiastic applause as all elements of the demo flew by at the end of the display.

So, as always the Air Fair was a big hit with some fantastic weather, hopefully next year will be too!