{"id":70328,"date":"2015-07-22T19:00:41","date_gmt":"2015-07-22T18:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.globalaviationresource.com\/v2\/?p=70328"},"modified":"2015-07-22T20:12:01","modified_gmt":"2015-07-22T19:12:01","slug":"airshow-review-rnas-yeovilton-air-day-2015","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalaviationresource.com\/v2\/2015\/07\/22\/airshow-review-rnas-yeovilton-air-day-2015\/","title":{"rendered":"Airshow Review – RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 2015"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having suffered from a string of cancellations and bad luck in recent years, the RNAS\u00a0Yeovilton Air Day returned to form in formidable style in 2015. Shaun Schofield reports on an outstanding weekend.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s fair to say that Yeovilton has suffered more than most other shows when it comes to high-profile cancellations, especially so in 2014. The show has been long overdue a change in fortunes, and with such a promising line-up in the offing, all those attending hoped it would be this year. They were not to be disappointed.<\/p>\n

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The active pan boasted a hugely impressive flightline \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

With the exception of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s MiG-15, which unfortunately cancelled its d\u00e9but UK appearance at the eleventh hour, all the confirmed aircraft did indeed turn up for show.\u00a0You know your luck is in when even the NATO E-3A, an aircraft famed for its tendency to cancel, arrives on cue for its static appearance, much to everyone\u2019s surprise!<\/p>\n

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The NATO Sentry provided one of the highlights of an impressive static display \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The Sentry was one of a number of star items in arguably the finest static displays at an Air Day for many years, boasting further foreign participation from France, Belgium, Norway, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and the US. It was especially pleasing to see American participation return to Air Day courtesy of a pair of the hugely popular A-10 Warthogs and a C-17, which received the best static display award. Naturally, the static also included a whole host of current and historic Fleet Air Arm aircraft and an extensive range of types depicting the history of AgustaWestland to celebrate the company\u2019s centenary year.<\/p>\n

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An intimidating sight as the two A-10s prepare to depart the show \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The latter formed one of the show’s themes, with the bulk of the celebrations taking place on the ground with a whole host of helicopters, from the early Sioux and Whirlwind, right through to the latest types rolling off the production line just down the road in Yeovil, including the impressive HH-101 Caesar and AW149 earmarked for the Italian Air Force.<\/p>\n

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The very smart AW149 arrives for the show \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

In the air, this theme was represented by a new and unique type. Making its d\u00e9but at a UK military show, the tiltrotor\u00a0AW609\u00a0was one of the more unusual types on show, demonstrating its full performance envelope during its demonstration, arriving at high speed before transitioning into the hover to give the audience a closer look at this curious machine.<\/p>\n

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Air Day provided a rare opportunity to see the intriguing AW609 up close \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The second of the show’s two themes celebrated the 75th anniversary of RNAS\u00a0Yeovilton\u00a0itself. Commissioned in 1940, the airfield has provided a home for a range of types that have served with the Fleet Air Arm over the years, many of which were included in the flying programme. One such example was Kennet Aviation\u2019s stunning Seafire\u00a0XVII, making its return to Air Day after a five-year\u00a0absence, and given the honours of opening the show in the capable hands of Lt Cdr Chris G\u00f6tke.<\/p>\n

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It’s a pleasure to see Lt Cdr Chris G\u00f6tke back at the control of a powerful naval piston fighter \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The Seafire\u00a0was supplemented by two aircraft seldom seen away from their home at Old Warden; the Shuttleworth\u00a0Collection\u2019s Sea Hurricane and BAE System\u2019s Avro XIX Anson, one of the unsung types operated by the FAA. The former was especially relevant to the theme as Sea Hurricanes were one of the first types to be based at Yeovilton, and pilot \u2018Dodge\u2019 Bailey flew a graceful routine in this most beautiful of aircraft.<\/p>\n

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A rare treat to see the delightful Shuttleworth Sea Hurricane away from Old Warden \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Of course, no Air Day would be complete without participation by the resident Royal Navy Historic Flight. Having endured a torrid few years with aircraft serviceability, there was doubt if they would be able to fly anything at this show at all. Fortunately, after a lot of hard work leading up to the show, the flight was able to display its Swordfish Mk 1, its first public demonstration in 12 years. It\u2019s hugely encouraging for the flight to be able to display such a classic airframe, and hopefully represents a change in fortune.<\/p>\n

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A fantastic achievement by the RNHF to get the Swordfish back in the air \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Arguably even more eagerly anticipated than the Swordfish was the return to Air Day of the mighty Sea Vixen. Now also residing at the base, Foxy Lady<\/em> has been absent from the flying for four years, but returned in true style in 2015. In the capable hands of Simon Hargreaves, the Vixen was flown through a powerful yet graceful routine, showing off the photogenic lines and excellent performance of the jet. Like the Swordfish, its attendance comes off the back of a lot of hard work and dedication by the operating team to get her back where it belongs; fingers crossed it\u2019s a sign of things to come.<\/p>\n

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The Vixen’s superb display, captured in rather better weather on the Thursday arrivals day \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The Vixen\u2019s solo display was not its only appearance at Air Day, as it lead a very special, one-off formation of \u2018V\u2019 jets. Flanked by the two Vampires of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, with Vulcan XH558\u00a0bringing up the rear, the formation flew two passes along the crowdline\u00a0in what was a unique flypast, celebrating British aviation heritage and earning themselves the award for best fixed wing display in the process.<\/p>\n

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The unique V formation, a sight never to be repeated \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The Vampires had earlier displayed a pleasantly gentle pair routine, representing another of the types to have been previously based at Yeovilton, while the Vulcan returned later in the afternoon to perform its own solo, providing plenty of noise, howls and impressively steep wingovers\u00a0in what was a pretty punchy routine that also included the popping of the aircraft drag chute on landing. It certainly seems that as the season wears on and \u2018558\u2019s retirement draws nearer, the crews are keen to go out with a flourish.<\/p>\n

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XH558\u00a0pops her chute\u00a0as she touches down at Yeovilton for the final time \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The Vulcan\u2019s popularity is perhaps only rivalled by the Red Arrows, who returned to Yeovilton\u00a0after\u00a0an absence in 2014 with their typically precise display. The Reds were joined by their RAF counterparts, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, who displayed a pair of Spitfires, and the Chinook, which once again amazed with its frankly ridiculous routine, highlighting the immense power and agility of the aircraft. One can never get bored with the nose down quick stop!<\/p>\n

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The Chinook crew waves to the crowd during its impressive display \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Deservedly, the Chinook walked away with the award for best rotary display, but it did face stiff competition from an unlikely source. Making a rare appearance away from its base at North Weald was UH-1 G-HUEY, another surprisingly agile rotary type that was\u00a0flown low and close to the crowd and with plenty of blade slap to boot. Huey displays are rare these days –\u00a0a real shame when they can be flown with as much gusto as this.<\/p>\n

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A superb display from the Huey, the aircraft definitely needs to get out more! \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Further civilian participation came courtesy of two very different aerobatic\u00a0types. Making their Air Day debut were the Czech Mates, or at least half of them, as Simon Wilson flew a solo Zlin\u00a0526 through a gentle routine. It was in stark contrast to Rich Goodwin\u2019s outrageous display in his modified Pitts S-2S. Rich\u2019s routine has earned plenty of praise over the last two years, and it really is a phenomenal sequence of manoeuvres, with barely any respite from the moment he takes off until he touches down. Fantastic stuff!<\/p>\n

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Rich Goodwin’s typically crazy take off sets the tone for the rest of the display \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

As well as healthy foreign participation on the ground, Air Day 2015 saw plenty of overseas flying participation too. Supplementing the Red Arrows, the two national display teams of Jordan and Spain brought their own brand of formation aerobatics. The Royal Jordanian Falcons are no strangers to Yeovilton, and once again flew their typically polished routine, returning this year to their full complement of four aircraft.<\/p>\n

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A very polished and professional display as ever from the Jordanians \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Less common are the Patrulla\u00a0Aguila and their seven C101\u00a0Aviojets. Although not everyone\u2019s cup of tea, the team flew a tidy routine, composed of interesting formations and a range of unique manoeuvres; it\u2019s not every day you see a jet perform a full loop inverted, and their formation landing is mightily impressive. If there was to be one criticism, they do take their time repositioning, but they were an enjoyable and welcome addition to the show nonetheless, and it’s great to see Spanish participation at a\u00a0UK airshow\u00a0in any capacity.<\/p>\n

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Aguila’s final pass is an especially patriotic one \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Foreign fast jets were a little sparse this year, at least in a solo capacity, with the Czech Republic sending its L-159 ALCA\u00a0solo. Despite its diminutive size, the ALCA packs quite a punch, with plenty of noise coming from its relatively small engine, powering the jet through an innovative sequence of manoeuvres, including plenty of gut wrenching negative-G turns and pushovers, all combining to produce a very enjoyable routine.<\/p>\n

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The Czech ALCA displays its own patriotic touch during its fine routine \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

For most attending, there was no disputing the star act. Since their d\u00e9but in 2011, enthusiasts have yearned for the Aeronavale\u00a0to return with their powerful role demonstration. This year saw those hopes come to fruition in style, with the French sending three examples each of the venerable Super Etendard\u00a0Modernise, and the outstanding Rafale M, with two of each earmarked for the display.<\/p>\n

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The French Navy arrived in style on the Friday, going straight into their practice display \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

After a series of noisy, and in the Rafale’s\u00a0case, extravagant take-offs, the display commenced with a four-ship flypast, tailhooks\u00a0extended, before the Rafales\u00a0powered away, leaving centre stage to the Etendards. The pair proceeded to perform a series of imaginative opposition and formation manoeuvres, showing of the unique lines of this lovely old jet, which was in all likelihood making its final appearance at a UK show before its retirement.<\/p>\n

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One of the Rafales brings the noise as it thunders into the air \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

If the Etendards\u00a0were the grace, the Rafales were certainly the power, with each jet in turn flying a series of aggressive figure-eights, complete with plenty of afterburner. If there was to be any criticism, the jets were displaying at a fair old distance from the crowd, but the fact is this is a blockbuster of an airshow act, and a real highlight of the 2015 season as a whole, and not just the show.<\/p>\n

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The Super Etendard’s attendance represents a real coup for the show \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The final fast jet act came courtesy of the RAF Typhoon solo display. These solos have steadily improved over the past two or three years, but this year, Flt\u00a0Lt Jonny Dowen has taken the display to another level. It’s non-stop action from the moment Jonny launches the jet into the air, laced with aggressive rolls, turns and loops, and with the afterburners seemingly plugged in constantly, there is little let up in the noise. The aircraft just doesn\u2019t shut up! Finally, the Typhoon is competing with the very best of European fast jet displays.<\/p>\n

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An added bonus of the Typhoon solo was the use of the stunning camouflaged special jet \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Being Yeovilton, rotary action is high on the agenda, with several high quality displays in attendance, including both the Royal Navy and Army Air Corps\u2019 display teams. The Black Cats have fully converted to the Wildcat this year, flying a two-ship for the first time. While the new mount doesn\u2019t quite have the agility of the old Lynx, the precise manoeuvres and impressive crossovers remain, and I\u2019m sure in time the routine will become a little more punchy.<\/p>\n

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A classic Black Cats crossover \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The AAC Apache pair have impressed in previous shows, and the same quality was maintained at Yeovilton. The routine, coupled with the excellent commentary, provides an informative insight into the roles and techniques adopted by the Apache when on operations, while the use of pyros add that little bit of Hollywood that punters love in a display.<\/p>\n

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The menacing sight of the AAC Apache pair \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Further Wildcat participation came courtesy of the first of the two big Royal Navy set pieces, with a pair taking part in the maritime role demonstration alongside a pair of Lynx. As ever, the demo offers an insight into how the Navy utilises these helicopters in operations, in this case, rescuing a hostage from pirates. As ever, liberal use of pyrotechnics and flares were included to add realism and perspective to what the aircraft were demonstrating.<\/p>\n

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Flares pour from a Lynx performing evasive manouevres during the maritime role demonstration \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Of course, no Yeovilton\u00a0show would be complete without the Commando Assault finale, and this year’s was one of the most impressive in recent times, with no less than 15 aircraft participating in total. Two more Lynx and Wildcat were included in a busy day for the maritime force, whilst the two Apaches also returned after their earlier demo. A single Hawk of 736 NAS provided the sole fixed wing asset, but the real stars were the Sea Kings and Merlins of the Commando Helicopter Force.<\/p>\n

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The old is slowly making way for the new at Yeovilton \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

Four of each took part, in what was something of a passing of the baton, as the old makes way for the new. With their retirement scheduled for March, the venerable old Sea King was taking part in its 36th and final Air Day. It will be a sad day when the Junglie\u00a0finally goes, but the CHF’s\u00a0future looks to be in safe hands with the new Merlins, at least if the finale is anything to go by. The aircraft have real presence, something made evident during the four ship\u2019s intimidating show of force during the assault, the aircraft running in fast and low.<\/p>\n

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The Junglie Sea Kings certainly made their final Air Day appearance one to remember \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

The finale was another 30-minute spectacular, with almost non-stop rotary action as one type made way for another, complimented superbly by the informative and enthusiastic commentary, troops and ground vehicles, and of course, further explosions and a massive flare burst by a pair of Sea Kings. As is customary, once the battle had been won, all the participating aircraft and personnel lined up and faced the crowd as a mighty wall of fire was detonated behind. It\u2019s a truly fantastic set piece, unique to Yeovilton and one that sets it apart from other shows.<\/p>\n

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The wall of fire and resulting smoke provides a dramatic backdrop \u00a9 Shaun Schofield – Global Aviation Resource<\/p><\/div>\n

With arguably the best line up for a single-day airshow this year, and record crowd numbers, there\u2019s no doubting that Yeovilton Air Day 2015 was a roaring success. Few shows can compare with the variety and sheer spectacle on show; it was an absolute blast, literally!<\/strong><\/p>\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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