The RAF Cosford Air Show is all set for its return this Sunday 11th June, and we felt it was appropriate to take a look at why the show has been so popular, and what you should look out for if attending this year.
Located at RAF Cosford in Shropshire, England, the annual event is steeped in history and tradition. With its rich aviation heritage and impressive displays, the air show attracts aviation enthusiasts from all over the country and this year sees it come along with a significant aviation anniversary - The Dambusters Raid - which will be celebrating 80 years since its success.
The air show has a long standing tradition, dating back to its inception in 1984, and now serves as one of the main aviation events in many Brits calendars as it celebrates the Royal Air Force's contributions to aviation.
As the home of the No. 1 School of Technical Training, RAF Cosford is the perfect backdrop for showcasing the skills and expertise of RAF engineers and technicians. With a focus this year being on innovation, aviation and next generation, it is also a brilliant reminder as to why the UK's air force has consistently been revered across the globe for such a long time.
During the air show itself, there will be several iconic aircraft taking to the skies, as well as plenty of opportunities to get up close to aircraft while they're grounded.
Among a host of significant planes that will get up into the air, we wanted to highlight a few which we feel are worthwhile watching in their natural environment.
Within them are the Hawker Hurricane Mark IIc, Supermarine Spitfire IX, and Avro Lancaster B1 from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. These aircraft played pivotal roles in the Battle of Britain, a significant chapter in WWII.
The Hawker Hurricane Mark IIc and Supermarine Spitfire IX were the backbone of the RAF's fighter force during the Battle of Britain. The Hurricane, with its robust design and excellent agility, provided vital air defence against German aircraft while the Spitfire, renowned for its agility and speed, became an iconic symbol of British resilience and played a crucial role in the air campaign throughout the war. Both planes are synonymous with historic British aviation and the first names on many people's lips when asked to name a World War II fighter.
The Avro Lancaster B1, a four engine heavy bomber, also played a critical role in the strategic bombing campaign during WWII. Its ability to carry a substantial bomb load and its long range capabilities made it instrumental in targeting key enemy infrastructure and military installations. 19 Lancasters were part of the mission to the Ruhr Valley for the famous Dambuster mission which was imperative in helping the Allies to cripple the Nazi war effort.
Another, more modern aircraft, to look out for is the Typhoon FGR4. This advanced multi role fighter jet is a cornerstone of the RAF's fleet. With its impressive speed, agility, and cutting edge technology, the Typhoon provides air superiority for the armed forces, able to perform a range of missions, including air defence, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
Then there is the Boeing Chinook HC6, a twin engine, heavy lift helicopter. It revolutionised troop transportation and deployment capabilities for air to ground missions. The Chinook's ability to carry large payloads and operate in various terrains has made it a vital asset in military operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts. For such a large helicopter, it is always astonishing to witness what it can achieve in the sky.
Finally, Patrouille Suisse will be in attendance during the show, and we recommend you get a prime spot to watch them! Hailing from Switzerland, the Patrouille Suisse are one of Europe's premier air display teams. Composed of skilled Swiss Air Force pilots, their precision flying, breathtaking formations, and dynamic manoeuvres make them one of the most exciting air display teams in the world.
Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a captivating family day out, the air show once again promises to be an unforgettable experience.
If you can't get to the RAF Cosford Air Show this weekend though, don't worry - we also have a great selection of Vintage Flying Experiences that are available to book and enjoy from the FlyDays website now, via purchase of our Gift Vouchers.
