RAF Waddington Air Show 2010
by Baron Halpenny, LincsMag Editor-in-Chief.
Date: 07 July 2010
The 3rd and 4th of July saw RAF Waddington, the UK hub of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) supporting national and NATO operations, once more the host of a stunning and fun filled event packed with plenty of activities for all the family.
The RAF Waddington Air Show, first held in 1995, is now established as one of the must see events for all aviation enthusiasts, not just in the UK, but from further a field and this year saw crowds in excess of 125,000 people.
A flypast by Waddington-based Sentry, Nimrod and Sentinel aircraft – of 8, 51 and 5 Squadrons - provided an impressive curtain-raiser to this year’s spectacular air show that in total included over 35 flying displays and 120 static display aircraft.
The RAF Waddington Air Show this year was the 15th to be held at the Lincolnshire airbase and it also celebrated other anniversaries with it’s themes for the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain; and the 20th anniversary of the E-3D's arrival at Waddington.
A dramatic dogfight re-enactment – including a Messerschmitt 109 and Spitfires – was a poignant tribute to those who took part in the Battle of Britain.
Also thrilling the crowds was the familiar Avro Lancaster bomber escorted by a Spitfire and Hurricane from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Station Commander at RAF Waddington
Group Captain Richard Powell, Station Commander at RAF Waddington, said: "We are all absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s show. Given our ongoing operational commitments, it is a tremendous achievement that RAF Waddington personnel have been able to mount such a spectacular show again this year, and I am grateful for all the hard work that has gone in to making the event a resounding success.
"Thanks to some superb assistance from the local emergency services and the local authorities, we have been able to hold a wonderful event, allowing us to showcase the RAF’s capabilities to families and aviation enthusiasts from across the UK and even parts of Europe," he added.
Fun Flying Events
All the flying events were good, but for me the best flying events were the display by the Great War Team, the dramatic dogfight re-enactment demonstration and the very impressive Turkish Stars who are the only aerobatic team performing its displays with 8 supersonic fighter jets.
But it was especially amusing and entertaining the commentary from the team commentator as he extols the fine qualities of each pilot, telling you they are handsome, but then finally announcing that in actual fact, he the commentator, is the 'most handsome of all'.
The Blades, the UK's only full-time civilian aerobatic team, also put up a first class display and their 'crazy flying' routine raised a smile, which disguised the fact that it was a clever and well rehearsed manoeuvre.
Static Displays
The static displays were numerous and there were several pilots on hand, some representing their squadrons from other countries, with many aircraft, who were happy to answer questions and pose for photographs.
With being raised in Italy, I naturally stopped by the Italian pilots aircraft and had a word … Saturday was certainly warm enough to make them feel at home and especially with the attractive young ladies attending the show.
Funds Raised
As in previous years, the Waddington Airshow has raised funds for RAFA and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Some £2.5 million has been raised since the first air show was held at Waddington.
This year’s total will enable charities local to the Lincolnshire air base to benefit to the tune of around £30,000.
