It must be a very British thing to be able to come away from an air display sunburnt, yet utterly drenched! Such were the weather conditions at the RAF Cosford Airshow, the largest air display held in the Midlands. Much of the morning remained bright and sunny, with the cloud slowly building as the day went on until it was completely overcast. It was only a matter of time before the rain started, and rarely did it let up until the display was called to a halt at around 5.30pm. Credit to the organisers, though, for only losing four displays to the poor weather, and continuing with the programme despite far from ideal airshow conditions.
The recent airshows at RAF Cosford have been the source of much debate amongst the aviation enthusiast community. The last two years in particular have seen some rather austere criticisms levelled against the show: complaints of too few foreign participants, a lack of variety and generally uninspiring line-ups could be found on many of the internet message boards. It would be very difficult to criticise Cosford on these grounds in 2010, as the RAF presented a strong, diverse participants list, with a broad spectrum of aircraft from all aviation background appearing; there were familiar favourites, the return of some true crowd pleasers, the first 2010 appearance from the Red Arrows and a smattering of classic jets and warbirds to satisfy visitors of all ages and interests.
This was my first visit to RAF Cosford, and what struck me upon arrival on Saturday afternoon was the airfield’s atmosphere. To me, it was very much akin to the friendly tone experienced at Biggin Hill, something that goes a long way towards making one’s day enjoyable. Just one example of the hospitality was the selling of programmes by vendors along the actual crowdline, which saved many people the time of having to search for an outlet elsewhere. Essentially a money making device, yes, but a very effective and appreciated one all the same. The hard standings and taxiways around the hangar complex were packed with trade stands, catering outlets, armed services recruitment stands and typical airshow fairground rides for the children.
The RAF ground displays were very popular with the general public throughout the day and there was a great deal of engagement going on. There was equipment being demonstrated from a range of military services in addition to the home team, who had several interesting stands set up in the hangars, complimented by cockpit tours of a number of the Jaguars now resident at Cosford for training purposes. This was exactly what one of the RAF’s last remaining shows should be about: engaging the public, demonstrating what they do on a daily basis, educating and entertaining simultaneously. In that respect, the organisers cannot be faulted.
After all, the key demographic are the families, who make up the vast majority of the visiting public. It was quite clear to see that, given the number of tents and windbreaks that were set up along the crowdline, which have become the catalyst for more complaints. Personally speaking, I appreciate both sides of the argument; tents and windbreaks can be intrusive, yes, but I also understand why families with young children may want to shelter them somewhat to prevent them from getting lost in the vast crowds. Indeed, the large number of announcements regarding lost children throughout the day would support this argument. I suppose it all comes down to respect and consideration of your fellow public – something that a fair few enthusiasts would do well to ponder, given the number of instances in which they were seen to push themselves to the front, obstructing the view of other visitors, many of whom were children, who had arrived early and “set up camp” on the crowdline!
Regardless of the aforementioned denigration from the enthusiast community, Cosford has enjoyed a very successful few years, consistently drawing capacity crowds that have stretched the car parks to the limit, leaving many people unable to get in to the airfield. The car parking arrangements certainly seemed to be running smoothly for much of the morning, with no noticeable delays. The only problems occurred when the rain started later in the day, causing a massed rush to the exits for many. This naturally caused a gridlock, which left many people stuck in traffic for some time after the flying display had finished. A major accident on the M54, which had caused the closure of the motorway, certainly didn’t help, though the commentators and radio station had attempted, seemingly unsuccessfully, to persuade people to remain on the airfield until the road had reopened. In all, however, it seemed a far cry from the nightmare stories I’d heard from previous shows, of delays lasting hours and people stuck in the surrounding roads long into the evening. I drove straight out and was well on my way before 6pm, with only the roadworks on the easterly motorway slowing me down. It was also encouraging that large crowds turned out in spite of a poor forecast and the lack of Vulcan XH558.
Cosford was blessed with a full complement of RAF displays in 2010, with all of the solo display acts taking part, joined by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Red Arrows, the Falcons Parachute Team and the two new role demos from the Tornado GR.4 duo and Harrier GR.9. At a time where defence cutbacks and service withdrawals are prevalent, it was encouraging to see Cosford enjoying such extensive participation that few other British airshows can boast. RAF support extended to the static display, where the ever popular ‘Team Merlin’ were joined by some of the local RAF Shawbury residents and a Harrier GR.9, though the latter was positioned in perhaps the worst possible place for photography, with a car dealership providing the backdrop! Cosford do not have a huge amount of tarmac to utilise for static displays, though it seems peculiar that they would position their static star – one of the most popular aircraft amongst the general public – in amongst the flotsam and jetsam of the showground, while the visiting helicopters and Royal Navy Jetstream enjoyed a little more room further along the taxiway.
The RAF displays in 2010 are some of the best we’ve seen for some time. Flt Lts Tom Saunders, Tom Bould and Bill Ramsey have each brought their own signature manoeuvres and display structure to the Hawk, Tucano and Tutor routines, giving them a unique style that separates them from the solos of previous years. The Hawk solo in particular was fantastic, with the negative-G manoeuvres being particularly impressive and popular with the crowds. Flt Lts Leon Creese and Dave Mason should also be commended for taking the unassuming Beech King Air and utilising the aircraft’s strengths to compose a highly enjoyable routine that belies the King Air’s businesslike appearance. Finally of course we have the Typhoon solo display from 29(R) Squadron at RAF Coningsby and, shortly after he arrived at RAF Shawbury the day before the show, Gareth Stringer caught up with display pilot Flt Lt Tim Clement, the result of which is this exclusive extended video courtesy of our partnership with PlanesTV.
The Typhoon display has very quickly evolved into one of the most crowd pleasing acts on the circuit, evoking the same reaction that the Harrier GR.7 displays used to incite. As soon as Sean Maffett announced that the Typhoon was due from RAF Shawbury, the crowds were on their feet in anticipation, remaining so until the RAF’s newest fighter had departed vertically into the clouds, the noise subsiding to reveal rapturous applause. Tim Clement's routine demonstrates the Typhoon’s agility, raw power and turning capabilities very well, creating a fast jet solo that arguably rivals any of the European fighter demos.
One of the set pieces that will live long in the memory was provided by something of an RAF ‘heritage flight’ between the Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire IX. This pairing is only appearing at six events this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and, having cancelled due to the ash cloud situation at Duxford’s May Air Display, were making their public debut at Cosford. Unfortunately commencing their sequence during some of the poorest weather conditions of the afternoon, the Spitfire and Typhoon flew several mesmerising formation passes with the Spitfire’s Merlin engine audible on the approach, before the Typhoon, flown by Flt Lt Rich Walton, kicked in the power as they turned away from the crowd. Fantastic! Following an on-crowd split, the routine sees the aircraft flying multiple opposition passes in front of the crowd with simultaneous wingovers and Derry turns to reposition
As they continued regardless of the driving rain, I have no doubt that everyone in attendance would have understood had the routine been curtailed, but to my surprise, they carried on and finished their display. The ‘old and new’ pairing is exactly the kind of unique, inspiring set piece that has cross-demographic appeal and can really help elevate an event like the Cosford Airshow into the upper tier of British airshows.
It would be wonderful if the RAF could keep the Spitfire and Typhoon pairs display for the 2011 season and beyond, even if it was only seen at a select few events in the way that the Tornado and Harries role demos are this year. This amalgam of old and new is as poignant as it is impressive, and I look forward to seeing it hopefully taking place in better weather! I must admit to having a lump in my throat as Sean Maffett read aloud Her Majesty the Queen’s tribute to servicemen and women, past and present.
Cosford also saw the welcome return of two hugely popular RAF fast jets to the circuit, in the form of the Tornado GR.4 and Harrier GR.9. Presented nowadays as ‘role demos’ rather than solo displays, I was wondering whether the Tornados and Harrier would live up to the expectations placed upon them. Thankfully, I don’t think anyone was left disappointed. The Tornado GR.4 pair are part of a set piece that looks and sounds a lot like a much scaled down version of the 2007/8 ‘Role Demo’, with the commentator providing a relevant contextual backdrop to their arrival, identifying an RAF unit pinned down by Taleban fighters in Afghanistan. The Tornados perform tactical manoeuvres, including a low and fast 'show of force' and evasive air defence and reconaissance manouvres at a higher altitude, with each aircraft’s role in the demonstration being carefully explained by the commentator to give every pass relevance in the greater scheme of the scenario.
The inclusion of theatrical elements, including appropriate music and some quite stunning pyrotechnics (in the same vein as the original ‘Role Demo’) added to the effectiveness of the sequence. With ‘Terry’ utterly defeated following multiple strafing runs and ridiculously large, hot pyrotechnic “bomb” runs, the Tornados depart to RAF Shawbury and the crowd erupt into spontaneous applause. Engaging and informative, yet resoundingly entertaining, this is exactly the kind of set piece I would like to see more of; it could only be deemed an absolute success! The only thing lacking was the inclusion of ground troops to complete the picture, though this is only a minor issue that certainly does not detract from the current arrangement of the sequence.
The Harrier GR.9 display left the theatrics at the door, instead focusing on the Harrier’s ever popular, near legendary showpiece: the hover. For decades, crowds have been astounded by the Harrier’s vertical takeoff capabilities, which put it on the airshow map as one of the few aircraft recognised by casual day trippers. It was logical, then, that the new demo be built around an extended hover and touch and go sequence. It was a simple routine that lacked the finesse of the Typhoon or F-16, but serves its purpose well in demonstrating the famous and highly marketable abilities of the Harrier. Furthermore, it was a testament to the aircraft’s popularity that the vast majority of people stayed at the front of the crowd in the pouring rain until the Harrier had landed. I don’t think you could say that of many displays.
One of the strongest criticisms directed at the Cosford shows of late has related to the lack of foreign military participation. Gareth wrote in his 2009 Cosford report that the show would have benefitted from a solo foreign fast jet and, to their credit, Cosford were graced with the presence of the Royal Netherlands Air Force and their F-16 Fighting Falcon demo. Indeed, highlight of the 2010 display for many was the appearance of the KLu F-16, sporting an eye catching orange and black paint scheme that has something or a marmite quality about it.
At approximately 12 minutes, the F-16 display was the longest solo slot on the programme. It could be argued that the display would actually improve if a few minutes were shaved off the display, allowing for a tighter, more concise and impactful routine, similar to the style demonstrated by the RAF Typhoon. Overall though, the F-16 was a very welcome performer that, together with the addition of the Tornados and Harrier, added some much needed zest to the flying programme. Further foreign military support came in the form of the Belgian Air Component Sea King Mk.48 air sea rescue demonstration, and a French Air Force CN-295 in the static park.
Another point raised after last year’s show was that the programme would benefit from a wider variety of acts from differing aviation backgrounds. Cosford 2010 delivered in spades in that respect, with a superb array of aircraft, from the Twister Duo to the F-16 and Typhoon. It sounds very cliché, but there really was something for everyone. If aerobatics are your tipple, you had the likes of the Twister Duo, the Blades, the Yakovlevz and the Aerostars; warbird enthusiasts had a combined total of three Hurricanes and two Spitfires to enjoy; the classic jet age was well represented by an excellent selection of 1950s and ‘60s types, and those whose preference lies with modern military hardware could not be disappointed.
Highlight of the classic jet section that dominated the second half of the programme was the pairing of F-86A Sabre and Hawker Hunter F4 ‘Miss Demeanour’, reprising the duo first seen at Duxford last September, with both aircraft flying superb displays in the hands of Mark Linney and Jonathan Whaley respectively. An early Hawker design, the Sea Hawk FGA6, had been scheduled to display following the Hunter, but inclement weather caused the cancellation of both its appearance and that of Team Viper and their Strikemaster quartet. Very unfortunate, given that Cosford’s classic jet participation had the potential to be quite outstanding, when you factor in the Classic Flight aircraft and a welcome appearance from Neil McCarthy’s Newcastle-based Jet Provost.
Also noteworthy were the John Beattie and Jon Corley piloted Venom duo from the Coventry-based Air Atlantique Classic Flight, making a rare airshow appearance. They were due to be joined by the Meteor NF11, but nose wheel problems forced the withdrawal of that aircraft in the run up to the show. The pre-show publicity had promised a duo display with one aircraft flying a solo aerobatic routine, while the would fly as fast and low as possible closer to the crowd. The reality was that the aircraft flew brief individual routines before re-joining for a short tailchase; whilst lovely to see, it left me slightly disappointed that their slot had not been longer, to accommodate a full solo display from either of the aircraft while the other beats up the airfield for those wanting to get a closer look as these beautiful old twin boom designs.
As the show drew to a close, the weather closed in and the decision was eventually made to cancel the final Battle of Britain tribute. This 25-minute segment had been named ‘A Moment in Eternity’, featuring Peter Vacher’s Hurricane I, Peter Teichman’s Hurricane IIb and Spitfire XI, and Anthony Hodgson’s elusive Spitfire TIX. With the Spitfire XI in the final stages of restoration, and the Spitfire TIX suffering an oil leak on the eve of the show, the privately owned Spitfire XVI TE184 was drafted in from Booker, in the hands of Phil O’Dell, to fill this important void. Unfortunately, the crowds never got to see the much hyped ‘Moment in Eternity’ set piece, nor did they hear the pre-recorded accompanying track to the scenario, which apparently featured interviews with veterans and pilots, speeches from Churchill and Hitler, music and Battle of Britain sound effects. I can only commend AirSound for producing such a feature; if Sean Maffett’s hype is anything to go by, the finale should have been a very moving, emotional tribute to ‘The Few’.
It baffles me that, having spent so long preparing the lengthy track, the commentary team decided not to play the recordings without the aircraft. It would have been nice to have heard what AirSound had produced for the occasion, given the time taken producing it – not to mention the historical provenance of the Battle of Britain and its importance as Cosford’s main theme for 2010. However, the commentary on the whole could not be faulted. Yes, Sean Maffett did make a couple of gaffes when describing forthcoming manoeuvres, but in general, it was an improvement on that of previous years; though some of the musical choices could were rather questionable! The ‘Stingray’ television show theme for the Belgian Sea King demo was a personal favourite.
With the Battle of Britain finale scrubbed, the final displays of the day were provided by the Twister Duo, Breitling Wingwalkers and British airshow stalwarts, the Aerostars, all of whom are deserving of our appreciation for continuing to display despite the deteriorating conditions. I can only imagine how uncomfortable the heavy rain must have felt for Sarah Tanner and Danielle Hughes, our wingwalkers for the day! As I’ve already mentioned, getting out was either very easy or extremely troublesome, depending on who you talked to. Airshows of this size, attracting upwards of 50,000 people to a relatively small airfield on one day, are always going to have some delays. The sheer volume of people entering and exiting the base, together with the logistical troubles presented by the small surrounding country roads, make it impractical to expect to be able to drive straight out at 5.30pm.
Despite the conditions turning from beautiful sun to pouring rain as the day went on, I left Cosford feeling very satisfied with the day’s entertainment. This year’s show was certainly a big step in the right direction as far as participation is concerned and the organisers should be praised for assembling a full six hour programme with a number of highlights and a superb variety of aircraft from all walks of aviation. Moreover, being a Royal Air Force organised airshow, it was good to see the service proudly on show with all of their full-time display teams alongside the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, in addition to the extensive ground display engaging the next generation of RAF servicemen and women. Hopefully rumours of 2010 being the last airshow to held at Cosford do not come to fruition and we can enjoy seeing the show continue to flourish in 2011.
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