Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2023

Discussion relating to 2023 airshows/fly-ins/exercises/other events. Post news before the event and post your photos afterwards! Please create only one thread per event.
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Flightline Uk
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Post by Flightline Uk » Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:59 am

We start this week with the return of a display team not seen in the UK since 2012! We are pleased that the Fursan Al Emarat display team, from the United Arab Emirates will be joining us at RIAT 2023. The team will be flying a sevenship of colourful MB-339 jets for an impressive flying display routine on Saturday & Sunday.

Next, we can now announce that the United States Air Force plans to send a pair of B-52 to RIAT 2023. One jet will be on static display on all three days, whilst visitors over the weekend will also get the chance to see the mighty BUFF in the air! Both jets will come from the 2nd Bomb Wing, based at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. We hope to announce additional assets from the USAF in the coming weeks... watch this space!

Another cold war jet which will be one of the stars of the static display for aviation enthusiasts will be the Sukhoi Su-22, coming from the Polish Air Force. This may be one of the final opportunities to see soviet produced fast jet aircraft at an Air Tattoo, so is not to be missed! The deployment of the Fitter will be supported by a CASA support aircraft, although we do not yet know if this will remain at Fairford over the weekend to join the static aircraft displays.

Finally, one additional civilian aircraft for the static displays this week, with the unique SAAB 340 'National Flying Laboratory Centre' operated by Cranfield University, making it's RIAT Debut.

This week we were informed by the Turkish Air Force, that unfortunately due to the ongoing workload on their Air Transport Fleet in earthquake relief missions, the required level of support to deploy the Turkish Stars to RIAT will not be available and therefore their participation has been cancelled. We are awaiting news if any alternative aircraft may be available but recognise the high tempo of operations for the Turkish military in recovering from the devastating natural disaster earlier this year may make this difficult.

This week our team have continued to work with a number of other Air Forces as the show gets closer to finalise their participation arrangements, which includes participants for the flying display and static displays.
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Post by Flightline Uk » Thu Jun 08, 2023 10:59 am

Starting this week's update with another national aerobatic team for the RIAT 2023 flying display! We look forward to welcoming the Saudi Hawks Display Team, flying their seven Hawk jet trainers in an attractive green colour scheme. The team will be flying on all three days of RIAT 2023.

Two additions to the SKYTANKER23 gathering at RIAT 2023, both of which coming in the form of Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. The Royal Saudi Air Force will send one of their tankers, operated by 22 Squadron for static display. In addition, the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit (MMU) will also participate at RIAT. The MMU operate a fleet of A330 MRTT aircraft which are shared between member nations. The plan is for this aircraft to arrive on Friday, and be on static display in the Green Zone on Saturday & Sunday.

In addition to the tankers, this week we also confirm the participation of a CP-140M and CC-130J from the Royal Canadian Air Force, pair of Hawks from the Qatar Emiri Air Force and also a factory fresh Eurofighter Typhoon from BAE Systems, ahead of its delivery to Qatar. We're also very pleased that Bristow Helicopters will be bringing their Dauphin helicopter, used to support Royal Navy FOST operations, for static display at RIAT 2023. Other interesting civilian aircraft joining the participation list include a Top Aces Alpha Jet and two aircraft operated by QinetiQ, flown by the Empire Test Pilots School.

Yesterday we completed our 'Longest Day' where we plan all the arrival slots and aircraft parking plan for RIAT 2023. With more than 250 aircraft due for the show, this is quite the challenge! The Flying Display planning continues and in the coming weeks we plan to update the participation list to highlight which aircraft will fly as part of Friday's flying display.

Finally this week; the previously announced Argentinian Boeing 737 will no longer be participating at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023.
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Post by Flightline Uk » Thu Jun 15, 2023 11:00 am

This Thursday we can announce more aircraft from the United States Air Force for RIAT 2023! We look forward to seeing examples of their F-15E, F-16CJ and F-35A for static display. In addition, as part of our SKYTANKER23 theme, from RAF Mildenhall we'll have a KC-135R Stratotanker on static display, plus a flypast on Saturday & Sunday. Finally, two lesser seen aircraft types, the C-21A and C-37A will also be available on static display for closer inspection of these executive transport aircraft operated by the 86th Airlift Wing.

We can now confirm the RAF Chinook Display Team will be performing in the skies over RIAT 2023 on the Saturday & Sunday! In addition, Joint Helicopter Command will also be sending their Apache, Gazelle, Merlin & Wildcat for static display at this year's show. Of note; it will be our first chance to see the new AH-64E 'Guardian' Apache at RIAT, and the final chance to see the legendary Gazelle helicopter as they approach retirement from Army Air Corps service. These helicopters will be arriving on Friday afternoon, and available for inspection in the static display over the weekend.

Finally, four more military helicopters for the static displays: We're very excited to see two rare naval helicopters, the Caiman and Dauphin, courtesy of the French Navy. In addition, the Irish Air Corps will send their AW139 & EC135, which we haven't seen at the Air Tattoo for many years.

A small update this week regarding the RAF Typhoon Force participation: Rather than the previously advertised pair of jets from 11 Squadron, one of the aircraft will now be coming from 12 Squadron and is planned to be a T3 twin seater aircraft.
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Post by Flightline Uk » Tue Jun 20, 2023 12:49 pm

Today we have a special aircraft update, dedicated to the Italian Air Force, who will be sending a huge array of aircraft to RIAT 2023 to celebrate their 100th Anniversary!
In the air, RIAT visitors will be treated to four flying displays from the Italian Air Force! We welcome the return of the Reparto Sperimentale Volo with their impressive solo displays of the F-2000A, T-346A, C-27J (which last year won the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy). All the aircraft from RSV have been adorned with specially painted tails for their centenary display year which we will see at Fairford. In addition, a special addition for their centenary year, we will also see a search and rescue demonstration from their HH-139B helicopter.
On the ground, visitors to RIAT 2023 will be able to enjoy viewing a myriad of Italian Air Force aircraft types. A highlight will be the participation of a pair of U-208A aircraft, wearing a spectacular special scheme to celebrate the centenary. The list includes special mission aircraft such as their Airborne Early Warning Gulfstream and P-72A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, combat helicopters such as the HH-212A & HH-101A, C-27J transport aircraft and a pair of Tornados. Finally, we thought RIAT 2022 would be our last chance to see AMX jets at Fairford, so we're extremely excited to see a pair of them again this summer! Grazie!
Finally, as part of our SKYTANKER23 theme, we're pleased to see both their KC-767A and KC-130J tankers represented in the RIAT 2023 static displays too.

As previously advertised, these modern day Italian Air Force aircraft will be collocated with historic Italian Air Force in a special exhibition area. This ITAF100 display will be on near the centre of the showground, on the edge of the Blue & Green Zones. Friday visitors will be able to see some, but not all, of the aircraft. But visitors on Saturday & Sunday will be able to enjoy the full ITAF100 area which is not to be missed. We are thankful to our sponsor, Eurofighter, for their support of RIAT 2023 allowing us to bring you so many interesting Italian Air Force aircraft together for your enjoyment.

Viva l'Italia!
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Post by n33d4sp33d_85 » Tue Jun 20, 2023 1:34 pm

RIAT 2023 Flying Programs

Friday
- French AF C-135FR Stratotanker Flybys
- Italian Army A-129 Mangusta Demo
- RAF Red Arrows [Hawk T1 (x 8)]
- RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight [Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster]
- RAF Typhoon FGR4 Demo
- RAF F-35B Lightning II Flybys
- RAF A400M Atlas Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby w/Voyager KC3
- RDAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demo
- RSAF Saudi Hawks [Hawk Mk.65 (x 7)]
- Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier II Demo
- Swedish AF SAAB 105 (SK.60) Demo
- JAS-39E Gripen (SAAB)

Saturday
- Belgian AF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demo
- Czech AF JAS-39 Gripen Demo
- Finnish AF F/A-18 Hornet Demo
- French AF Rafale C Demo
- German AF A400M Atlas Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- German AF Tornado IDS/ECR Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- German Army NH90 TTH Demo
- Italian AF C-27J Spartan Demo
- Italian AF F-2000 Typhoon Demo
- Italian AF HH-139 Search and Rescue Demo
- Italian AF T-346A Master Demo
- Italian Army A-129 Mangusta Demo
- RAF Red Arrows [Hawk T1 (x 8)]
- RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight [Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster]
- RAF Typhoon FGR4 Demo
- RAF Chinook HC6A Demo
- RAF F-35B Lightning II Flybys
- RAF Voyager KC3 Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- RDAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demo
- Royal Jordanian Falcons [Extra 330LX (x 4)]
- RSAF Saudi Hawks [Hawk Mk.65 (x 7)]
- Spanish AF Patrulla Águila [C.101 Aviojet (x 6)]
- Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier II Demo
- Swedish AF JAS-39 Gripen Demo
- Swedish AF SAAB 105 (SK.60) Demo
- UAEAF Al Fursan [MB-339 (x 7)]
- USAF CV-22 Osprey Demo
- USAF B-52 Stratofortress Flybys
- USAF KC-135 Stratotanker Flybys
- USAF MC-130J Commando II Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- JAS-39E Gripen (SAAB)
- Me 262 Swallow Demo (Flugmuseum Messerschmitt)
- Meteor T7(Mod) (Martin Baker)

Sunday
- Belgian AF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demo
- Czech AF JAS-39 Gripen Demo
- Finnish AF F/A-18 Hornet Demo
- French AF Rafale C Demo
- German AF A400M Atlas Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- German AF Tornado IDS/ECR Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- German Army NH90 TTH Demo
- Italian AF C-27J Spartan Demo
- Italian AF F-2000 Typhoon Demo
- Italian AF HH-139 Search and Rescue Demo
- Italian AF T-346A Master Demo
- Italian Army A-129 Mangusta Demo
- RAF Red Arrows [Hawk T1 (x 8)]
- RAF Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight [Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster]
- RAF Typhoon FGR4 Demo
- RAF Chinook HC6A Demo
- RAF F-35B Lightning II Flybys
- RAF Voyager KC3 Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- RDAF F-16 Fighting Falcon Demo
- Royal Jordanian Falcons [Extra 330LX (x 4)]
- RSAF Saudi Hawks [Hawk Mk.65 (x 7)]
- Spanish AF Patrulla Águila [C.101 Aviojet (x 6)]
- Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier II Demo
- Swedish AF JAS-39 Gripen Demo
- Swedish AF SAAB 105 (SK.60) Demo
- UAEAF Al Fursan [MB-339 (x 7)]
- USAF CV-22 Osprey Demo
- USAF B-52 Stratofortress Flybys
- USAF KC-135 Stratotanker Flybys
- USAF MC-130J Commando II Air-To-Air Refueling Flyby
- JAS-39E Gripen (SAAB)
- Me 262 Swallow Demo (Flugmuseum Messerschmitt)
- Meteor T7(Mod) (Martin Baker)

Check back for more updates.
Last edited by n33d4sp33d_85 on Thu Jun 29, 2023 1:16 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Post by Adam » Thu Jun 22, 2023 9:17 am

The website has been updated to add more aircraft to Friday's flying display:
- Danish F-16AM
- French C-135FR
- Italian Mangusta
- Saudi Hawks
- Spanish AV-8B Harrier II+
- Swedish SK60
- RAF Atlas C.1 & Voyager KC.3
- RAF Typhoon FGR.4
- Red Arrows
- BBMF Lanc+Spit+Hurri

Still TBC
- Finnish F-18C
- French Rafale C
- German NH90 TTH
- Italian C-27J
- Italian HH-139B
- Italian T-346A Master
- Swedish JAS-39C Gripen

All the rest are on the weekend only.
Last edited by Adam on Thu Jun 22, 2023 9:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Flightline Uk » Thu Jun 22, 2023 11:05 am

Starting this week with more aircraft from the United States Air Force! Joining the SKYTANKER23 line-up will be their newest tanker, the KC-46A Pegasus. Also joining the static display will be the Dragon Lady, currently deployed to RAF Fairford with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Finally, an exciting addition from Air Force Reserve Command, in the shape of their special 'Hurricane Hunters' Hercules!
Visitors on Saturday & Sunday will get the rare chance to see the Gloster Meteor, operated by Martin Baker, in the air at RIAT 2023. Whilst the Gloster Meteor won't be performing a display, it will be performing as part of our special SKYTANKER23 flypast, with the BBMF's Lancaster. This is representing the first air-to-air refuelling operations by British military aircraft, in 1949, between a Lancastrian & Meteor.

More fast jets for the static display next, with the Hungarian Air Force providing a JAS-39C Gripen, which will be arriving on Friday.

This week we also have a huge update of civilian aircraft on static display, the majority of which are being provided by our shows' corporate supporters. There are a myraid of interesting types including the debut of Draken's new Honey Badger jets, return of Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight, Pilatus PC-21, Airbus H175M and the RIAT debut of the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft.

We have added two support aircraft to the participation list, from the UAE Air Force Airlift Wing. We expect to add more support aircraft to the participation list in the coming weeks, which can be viewed by our FRIAT members as they arrive/depart RAF Fairford carrying support equipment and personnel to the event.

This week we have been informed by the Finnish Air Force that due to the extended grounding of their Hawk fleet, it will not be possible for their Hawk Mk.51 to participate at RIAT 2023 as previously planned.

This week we have also updated the participation list, based on the current static aircraft parking plan, to show which aircraft will be on display on Friday. This is why the majority of the participaiton list appears as 'new' as they have been updated with their Friday display status.
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Post by Adam » Tue Jun 27, 2023 8:40 am

As confirmed on the live broadcast from Duxford, PlanesTV will once again be providing the official live coverage of the Air Tattoo this year, allowing viewers around the world who can't be at Fairford in person to enjoy the show remotely.


Arrivals, practices and validations
Free on YouTube (youtube.com/@planestv) all day, hosted by Iain and I.
  • Wednesday 12th July, 09:00-18:00
  • Thursday 13th July, 09:00-18:00

Show day streams
Exclusively available at watch.planestv.com for channel members, which costs £10/month. Hosted by Ben Dunnell.
  • Friday 14th July, 10:00-16:30 (final arrivals, plus a short flying display 11:00-15:00)
  • Saturday 15th July, 10:00-17:30 (full airshow)
  • Sunday 16th July, 10:00-17:30 (full airshow)

Departures
Free on YouTube.
  • Monday 17th July, 08:00-13:00
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Post by Flightline Uk » Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:58 am

With the show getting closer, today we announce the final additions to our RIAT 2023 flying displays! Starting close to home, we're pleased to confirm the Royal Air Force's F-35B Lightning will be seen in the air on Friday, Saturday & Sunday! A special treat for Friday visitors, when the F-35B willl perform a formation flypast with the BBMF's Lancaster to commemoriate the 80th Anniversary of Op Chastise, commonly known as the Dambusters Raid. Whilst the F-35B will not be performing a full aerobatic display, visitors will have chance to see the aircraft flying conventionally and also in V/STOL mode whilst hovering.
Another addition to our SKYTANKER23 theme this week, from the 352nd Special Operations Wing based at RAF Mildenhall. On Saturday & Sunday, their MC-130J Commando II will perform a simulated air-to-air refuelling flypast with a CV-22B Osprey. The Osprey will also perform a solo flying demonstration. Examples of both aircraft types will also be available for closer inspection in the static displays.

An exciting addition to the static displays this week, as the Zambian Air Force plan to send their C-27J Spartan to RIAT 2023! This will be the first time we welcome an aircraft from Zambia to the show, and they will become our 58th Nation to participate at the Air Tattoo.

We're very excited to be welcoming SAAB and their Gripen E aircraft for it's UK debut. This impressive combat jet will perform in the flying display on all three days, with another example on static display in our Showcase Area in the centre of the showground. Also on static display, and likely to be a highlight for many aviation enthusiasts, will be their SAAB GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft.

From the US Navy, we welcome their TACAMO aircraft, the Boeing E-6B Mercury. This aircraft will be on static display on Saturday & Sunday.
A small update from the Italian Air Force; we will now also have a F-2000A Typhoon on static display in our special ITAF100 area, with the static jet coming from 36° Stormo. In total there will be three Italian Typhoons at RIAT (1x Flying Display, 1x Spare Aircraft for the Flying Display and 1x Static Display). In addition, it is planned that the C-27J Spartan for static display will actually be a YEC-27J JEDI aircraft, fingers crossed!

Finally this week, as the show approaches a number of operators have been forced to sadly withdraw their aircraft from RIAT 2023, due prority operational taskings. These include the Dutch Hercules, French Navy Caïman & Dauphin, German Air Force H145M and Italian Air Force HH-212A. In addition, O-1 Aviation have also withdrawn their Cessna Bird Dog from RIAT 2023.
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