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A Kracker
Steven Hadlow reviews from the Cotswolds on fathers day. Photos by Steven Hadlow and Roger Hadlow. All photos are copyright as marked. The days prior to this years show were marked with some very inconsistent and wet weather across the UK so it was of some relief the day stayed dry, despite it clouding over later in the afternoon. 2007 marked the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the first British jet aircraft to Kemble in the shape of a De Havilland Vampire as the aircraft was beginning to enter service and being mass produced. It was fitting to hold an airshow of this nature at Kemble due to the fact the airport is currently one of the main sites for classic jet preservation housing Delta Jets with their numerous Hunters along with their Folland Gnat and BAC Jet Provost. One aircraft that unfortunately couldn't make it was the English Electric Canberra B2/6 operated by Air Atlantique out of Coventry, suffering from technical gremlins. However a commendable turn from the organisers saw a replacement of sorts drafted in in the formidable shape of the Douglas A-1 Skyraider from Kennet Aviation based at North Weald. On arrival at the airport there were several pleasant sights for the enthusiasts amongst the crowd. With all three of the Tornado F3s down from RAF Leuchars ready to perform the role demonstration being special tail schemes. Also to be found on the ground were Delta Jets projects throughout the relatively small static park. Notable aircraft being two of the three Canberra PR9s that were retired in 2006 by the RAF, including the special display tail schemed machine from that year. A C17 was due for the static park but was unfortunately re-tasked at the last minute.
Classic jets were plentiful in the flying display, as would be expected at a show of this nature. Many regard the Hawker Hunter to be the most graceful jet fighter to have existed and the type was well represented in the flying display with a pair coming from the resident Delta Jets, one of which was the rather marvellous Blue Diamonds schemed jet. Later on in the day both jets formed up to perform a wonderful formation flypast. Also coming from Delta Jets was the Folland Gnat XS102 painted in the scheme of the Yellowjacks display team, the predecessors to the Red Arrows. Something not seen often was presented in the shape of three BAC Strikemasters performing a short routine of flypasts in formation. This aircraft was the military version of the RAFs Jet Provost trainer which served in some exotic Air Forces before design flaws restricted it's service.
Whilst the Air Atlantique Canberra couldn't make it for the flying display we were able to get a glimpse of an active Canberra. This came from one of the recently retired Canberra PR9s that came from the RAF in 2006. This particular example, XH135 performed a couple of short taxi runs in front of the crowd, a welcome addition to what was already a programme filled with inspiration. A Vampire and a Venom were due to fly a paired routine but unfortunately the Vampire wasn't able to perform, although one did arrive it unfortunately went unservicable and was unable to perform. Not to be defeated the Venom took to the air to perform an extremely spirited and powerful routine with several passes that really got the shutters clicking.
Kemble also had the distinction of being classified as a priority on show by the Royal Air Force, which meant that the all new 'role demo' was performed at the event, involving two F3s, GR4s and Hawks as well as an E3D AWACS and C130J Hercules. With the ever growing commitments the RAF can no longer afford to present the solo displays it once was so this serves as the main way in which the public see what their main assets do in the operational theatre. The demonstration showcases a tactical scenario showing how various different assets they operate together to assist friendly troops under attack on the ground. Needless to say the demo was a hit, having been refined after already being performed twice this year, at Cosford and Biggin Hill there was always something going on in front of the crowd and, following the demo, members of the crowd were seen cheering and clapping so it must have gone down well. The RAF also brought along their Tutor, the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Chinook display, the latter having come all the way from Holland to perform at the end of the display. A special mention must go to the Swift Aerobatic Team whose display involved both an Extra 300 and Swift S-1 Sailplane. It was a display that left the audience spellbound which is quite an achievement for a team flying an aerobatic type and a glider at a display full of jets! Aerobatic types were not in short supply with both the resident Extra from Ultimate High and the Red Bull Matadors performing to their usual high standard in the Sukhoi Su26. This years show coincided with the flypasts over London to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict. The team managed to attract several elements of this to appear over Kemble following it's completion in the form of a single VC10 from nearby RAF Brize Norton and two Hercules from RAF Lyneham. Away from the flying itself, all was well, the crowd was swelled to a large number despite the very average weather. There was also little queuing at either the opening or ending of the show with traffic being marshalled professionally and efficiently to ensure the stress levels stayed low. One small issue would have to be the toilets towards the western end of the crowdline, or in this case the lack of, with what few there were having large queues throughout the day there really needed to be more. Kemble has gone from strength to strength in recent years and this years show, with it's varied and interesting flying display and small but significant static park, has only strengthened that reptuation. The next event is being held Sunday 15th June 2008. |
In
recent years Kemble has made a name for itself as one of the best air displays
in the United Kingdom. Currently, closure issues shadow the airport but that
didn't that stop the organisers from staging a show that showed they have gained
that enviable reputation on merit. 
However,
the classic types were not purely jets, propeller warbirds were also present in
the display. Coming from Duxford was the Hangar 11 P40 Kittyhawk, owned by Peter
Teichman to perform a display following arrival earlier in the afternoon. The
Hunter is often considered the finest British jet fighter, so the Spitfire is
often thought of as the finest British propeller fighter, so it was fitting that
we also had a Spitfire in the flying programme from Rolls Royce. The Royal Navy
wasn't forgotten either as the Hawker Sea Fury operated by the Royal Navy
Historic Flight flew in to perform for the crowds. It was a subtle but welcome
touch of Navy Heritage to see the two nautical types in formation in the shape
of the Sea Fury and Skyraider, representing the Royal Navy and US Navy
