RAF Waddington International Air Show 2014
by Baron Halpenny, LincsMag Editor.
Date: 09 July 2014
Paul Sall, Air Show Director, said before the Air Show “We are absolutely determined to make this show the best ever and we are delighted that a truly exciting programme is already coming together.”
Indeed they had succeeded and the high crowd attendance showed their efforts were very much appreciated. The stunning flying displays had attracted more than 135,000 visitors over the two days, all intent on having a fantastic day out at the RAF Waddington Air Show.
The Waddington-based E-3D Sentry of 8 Squadron, the Rivet Joint from 51 Squadron and the Sentinel from 5 Squadron provided the curtain-raiser to both days of this year’s spectacular air show.
Helicopter Display
The Spanish Air Force helicopter display team, Patrulla ASPA, flew their five Eurocopter EC-120s in an impressive display. It was the team’s first appearance at an air show anywhere in the UK. The team, formed in 2003, has pilots drawn from 782 Escuadrón based at Armilla in south eastern Spain.
The Spanish team, one of only a few Air Force helicopter display teams in Europe, made their first appearance outside Spain in 2005 at the Portugal Air show.
The EC-120 Colibri, which is Hummingbird in English, was first developed in 1998 and can carry up to two pilots and four passengers, with a cruising speed of 120 knots and a maximum speed of 150 knots.
The team’s routine combines formation, opposition passes, solo routines and completed with a smoke system that is more regularly found on fast jets.
The Spanish were not the only Helicopter's thrilling the crowds as the British had several. The RAF Chinook, always a favourite, showed it's breath taking agility and brings a smile to the crowds as the guy hanging on in the back of the helicopter waves to the crowd with those big red hands.
Then there was the Royal Navy's Black Cats with their classic Lynx display, which this year featured the AW159 Wildcat for the first time.
The Royal Navy also had the Merlin HM2, which is a next generation antisubmarine maritime patrol helicopter that is now in service with 824 NAS at Culdrose in Cornwall.
The Army Air Corps not to be out done had the Lynx AH7 and impressive Apache AH1 which had a very loud and visual display as the pyrotechnics team produced some stunning explosions to simulate attacks. The Apache can operate in all weathers, day or night and detect, classify and prioritise 256 potential targets in a matter of seconds.
Search & Rescue
Then we had The MD 902 Explorer … the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance based at RAF Waddington, which is entirely charity funded. Every year this dedicated team flies approximately 1,000 missions, so you can imagine they are constantly in need of money and a worthy charity to consider.
Also of a striking yellow colour and a welcome sight to those in need is the Sea King helicopter which entered RAF service in 1978 in the search and rescue (SAR) role. This sadly would have been it's last display at RAF Waddington as under government plans the SAR service will be taken over by a civilian contractor in 2016 with the faithful Sea King being retired from service.
Propellor Participants
Aircraft whose main form of thrust is derived from a propellor showed that they were more than able to match the jets when it came to attracting the crowds attention.
The Blades put on a marvelous performance, as they usually do, but then these guys are former Red Arrow pilots.
Also showing their skill in the air were the Royal Jordanian Falcons National Aerobatics Team (photo left). The team was set up in 1976 at the behest of the late King Hussein Bin Talal to promote peace and friendship to the world through the art and science of aviation.
King Hussein himself was no stranger to Lincolnshire as he had visited RAF Cranwell and several Jordanians have passed through what is arguably the best officer training school in the world.
Jet Age
There were several fighter jets both vintage and present day operational that sliced through the air with their powerful engines, some being louder than others.
The Swiss Air Force’s F/A-18 Hornet gave a riveting performance and wowed the crowds. In 2012 the aircraft appeared at the show, then piloted by Captain Ralph “Deasy” Knittel, and came second in the best flying display award.
But this year with its unique and eye-catching flying display it was the Dutch Hunter that won first prize for the most polished display demonstrating the power and manoeuvrability of the aircraft followed by the Grob Tutor from RAF Cranwell. The Hunter brought about many a smile as she produced that wonderful 'blue note' which is the distinct sound created by the airflow over the gun ports and air induction from the intakes.
In the Static category the Slovak L39 won the first prize followed by the Italian KC767, but there were many fine displays and all with their own uniqueness and appeal.
There were many impressive displays both in the air and on the ground with not to mention loads of stalls etc.
You can read Jules' piece Fancy A Day Out? as she gives her view of the Air Show, that was not as she expected.
The Vulcan naturally thrilled the crowds and you can read more here!
Also of interest was the Bronco Demo Team and you can read more about them here!
Anniversaries and Days To Remember
This year’s RAF Waddington International Air Show celebrated a number of milestones in the RAF history, the shows own 20th year, the Red Arrows’ 50th Display Season, 65th Anniversary of NATO and ISTAR 14, 70 years since the D-Day Landings and commemoration of the start of the First World War 100 years ago.
To commemorate the D-Day landings, RAF’s Typhoon Force had applied invasion markings to one of its FGR4’s to match those on the spitfire flown by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. To the delight of the spectators the two aircraft then flew together at the end of the Battle of Memorial Flight Display.
Love Was In The Air
There were of course other celebrations, anniversaries and milestones going on, some of a more personal nature. One such example was on the Sunday when it was Padre Kevin and Judy Hart's 29th Wedding Anniversary, which being the station Padre was announced over Airshow FM after a note was sent to them from Judy (Mrs Padre).
Another couple who will certainly be holding the Waddington air Show and the 6th of July as Special, will be Andy and Katie when Andy Fletcher surprised Katie with some friends holding three boards on the old second control tower used by Airshow FM which asked her to marry him … she said “Yes!”
A Wonderful Show
Proceeds from the show are donated to forces and local charities. Since 1995 the show has donated over £3.3m to the RAF Benevolent Fund, RAF Association and other worthy causes including funding for the Air Cadets and the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial Fund.
Mr Paul Sall, Air Show director said: “RAF Waddington has welcomed more than 135,000 visitors over the weekend, it has once again been an exciting opportunity for all members of the family to view tremendous flying displays and a wide variety of ground exhibits showcasing the work of the RAF and its partner organisations. A truly international flavour with participation from many different countries. I hope our visitors had a great day out at the Royal Air Force’s premier Airshow.”
I'm sure the visitors to this years event will be looking forward to future ones as well.
Facebook Picture Album
To see more pictures from the RAF Waddington International Air Show 2014, visit the Album on our Facebook page HERE!
