RIAT is perhaps most famous for it's flying display which often sees the participation of aircraft that would otherwise not be seen at most other UK airshows. This year the flying display was a little less varied than in previous years but still came in at an impressive seven hours with many interesting acts. Steven Hadlow took in the action over the weekend as the skies over the Cotswolds saw flying from some of the top display pilots in weather that often threatened to bring the whole thing to a halt, all photographs by author.

RIAT Stars

Of course, it wasn't all plane sailing (pun intended). One act which was eagerly anticipated when it was confirmed early on were the Asas de Portugal. This team, which comes from 103 Squadron of the Portuguese Air Force fly two Dassault Alpha Jets and were due to attend for a rare appearance. However, unfortunately the team cancelled as the event drew close. Also withdrawing from the display, although too late to be removed from the programme were the C17 displays from both the RAF and USAF citing Operational Reasons. Disappointing but understandable given the workload transport fleets are under.

However there were plenty more in the flying to satisfy those who attended. Undoubtedly the star turn for this year was the debut of the Dassault Rafale B solo display from EC 1/7 of the French Air Force based out of St Dizier AB. Away from Farnborough the Rafale had yet to be seen at a 'traditional' UK airshow so it was good to finally get a long overdue look at the French Air Forces latest fighter. After only managing a severely curtailed appearance at a weather affected Yeovilton solo display pilot Captain Cédric 'Rut' Ruet finally got his chance to impress the aircraft upon a British audience.

A fantastic routine it was too, which combined power and grace and was deservedly rewarded with both the award for Best Individual Flying Display and FRIAT Award. It made for an interesting comparison with two of it's fellow fourth generation rivals that were also present in the flying display. One of which was the SAAB Gripen. Examples from both the Hungarian Defence Forces and Swedish Air Force took to the skies on both days. Making an impression was the Hungarian Gripen display as on both days a flame akin to the dump and burn performed by the F-111 was seen trailing from the aircraft momentarily prompting debate as to the cause. With no reports of warnings from the display committee or curtailing of either days routine it would appear to have been pre-planned.

Of course, one delta wing aircraft has been making all the headlines recently, both positive and negative. That is, of course Avro Vulcan XH558. It was a vital weekend for the delta lady following the much publicised problems at Waddington and weather induced cancellation at Yeovilton. However, more than fifteen years after her last appearance at a RIAT the Vulcan enjoyed perhaps it's most triumphant weekend since first flight back in 2007. Even in the marginal conditions on Sunday she put on a glorious display, marked with a spirited takeoff which truly recalled her days as an RAF display aircraft. Here's hoping this vein of form can continue for the rest of 2009.

Another classic aircraft that is no stranger to RIAT crowds is the F18 Hornet. With no less than three examples of the type in various variants present in the flying display from Swiss, Finnish and Spanish air forces it almost felt like a Hornet meet. However, any fears of repetition were quickly dispelled as all three jets put on energetic shows. The Swiss air force F/A-18C solo display is fast becoming the Manchester United of RIAT as it claimed the Paul Bowen Trophy for the third consecutive year. This was also the second time Capt Thomas ‘Pipo’ Peier has taken the award. However your author has to admit a soft spot for the Spanish EF-18A routine if only for it's spirited display to open proceedings on Saturday which woke up any enthusiasts dosing after the RIAT early morning start.

Also making a return to RIAT was the Boeing 757-2K2 display from 40 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Whilst the manoeuvres that can be performed in this airliner are, of course limited the display crew really threw the aircraft about in a way that belied it's size and usual role. US participation in the flying display was greatly reduced this year so much so that, with the aforementioned cancellation of the C17 the B-52 flypast(s) were the only flying representation of the USAF. Credit is due to the B-52 crew on Sunday however. The crew performing three spirited passes for the sake of the sodden crowd.

Also making an impact over the weekend was the Alenia C-27J display which came from the Italian Air Force. In much the same vein as the G-222 displays of old the way in which such a seemingly lumbering transport aircraft was manoeuvred was quite incredible. Regular attendees Frecce Tricolori, Royal Jordanian Falcons and of course the Red Arrows were all present doing their usual high quality display on both days, the Jordanians even displaying an incredible cloud clearing ability on Sunday. However there were perhaps a few too many quieter teams also present such as the Breitling Jet Team and Team Guinot in particular seemed ill-suited to an airshow of such scale.

Baring in mind there was no Farnborough this year this was a superb display of solo acts and formation display teams. Attracting the Rafale was a great coup and it certainly left a mark on it's debut, send it back next year please. Much has been made of the number of aircraft that were 'repeated' in the programme but ever smaller budgets and the downsizing of air forces mean that those rare displays are becoming harder to attract so we really need to be grateful for any we get to see. Was it a classic line-up as far as RIAT goes, perhaps not but it was still by far the best line-up you'll see at any Military Airshow in the world, and that is ultimately what RIAT is about.

Special mention must go to all of the crews who flew their displays on Sunday in conditions that were often marginal at best.

Part Three - Fly Navy

Aircraft In Action 2009