Royal International Air Tattoo

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RIAT 2006
RIAT 2006
RIAT 2006
RIAT 2006

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is the world's largest military airshow, held annually over the third weekend in July, usually at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England in support of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. The show attracts around 150,000 spectators.

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[edit] History

The Air Tattoo started in 1971 as an airshow to support the Royal Air Force Association held at North Weald, Essex. It outgrew the small airfield and the show was moved to the United States Air Force operated base of RAF Greenham Common near Newbury, Berkshire in 1973. The Air Tattoo was held at Greenham Common in 1974, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1981 and 1983. When the airfield was selected as a cruise missile base, a new venue was found at RAF Fairford.

The first Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford was in 1985. It became an annual show from 1993. Due to runway repairs at RAF Fairford the show was held at RAF Cottesmore, Rutland in 2000 and 2001.

In 1996 the show was awarded a royal warrant to use the prefix Royal and it became the Royal International Air Tattoo.

The shows have had a number of airshow firsts, including the first display and landing of a B-2A Spirit outside of the United States.

Although the show is a showcase for the world's military, it has also become an important precursor to the bi-annual Farnborough Air Show held in the following week. It allows the aerospace industry to display and present itself outside of the commercial pressures of the Farnborough show.

In 2006 around 300 aircraft were on display from 24 countries.

[edit] 1993 MiG incident

In 1993 two Mig-29s collided but crashed away from the public and no one was hurt on the ground [1]. After having ejected, the two Russian pilots landed safely using their parachutes [2]. Investigators later determined that pilot error was the cause of the accident because after one pilot did a reverse loop and disappeared into the clouds, the other one lost sight of his comrade and aborted the routine.

[edit] 2008

The 2008 RIAT to be held at RAF Fairford on the 12 July and 13 July has two major themes:-

  • 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force
  • Global Engagement


Queen Elizabeth II

On Friday 11 July 2008 around 5,000 guests have been invited to the private event at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford where the new Queen's Colours will be presented to both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force Regiment.The ceremony will begin with a Royal Salute and a flypast by four Typhoons from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and will also include a mass flyby of around 90 aircraft from throughtout the history of the Royal Airforce.This event will be the largest staged since the Queen conducted a Silver Jubilee review of the RAF at RAF Finningley in south Yorkshire in 1977 and is taking place the day before the main public two days at RAF Fairford where tens of thousands of people are expected to show up.

Group Captain Tony Barmby, the RAF project officer for the Queen's Colours presentation event, said: "For most RAF personnel, involvement in such a parade is a once-in-a-career experience.

"It would be easy to let the ceremonial aspects of the day eclipse the direct and hugely important link to current operations. As the historical rallying point in battle, the Queen's Colours represent that link.

"I'm very proud to have the chance to play a part," said Group Captain Barmby.

[edit] External links

Reviews of Previous RIATs

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