Teamwork is the theme for Air Day 2013

THERE are few events which can rival the intensity, drama and spectacle on offer at the International Air Day at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton – which this year will be held on Saturday, July 13.

The award-winning show is one of the Southwest’s largest one day events, attracting over 30,000 visitors, and will return this summer with an action-packed day out for all the family.

PHOTO: The RAF Red Arrows (above) will be back at this year's International Air Day at RNAS Yeovilton on July 13.

Alongside the thrilling flying display there’s plenty to see and do on the ground – so whether you’re a wide-eyed first timer or a seasoned air show veteran, the experience will be amazing.

The hosts and Air Day organisers yesterday (Tuesday) held a preview event of this year’s show which has taken the theme of Teamwork.

Visitors will see teamwork at first hand both in the air and on the ground.

An Air Day spokesman said: ‘’The breathtaking flying display will feature military and civilian display teams from the UK and abroad, as well as the resident squadrons performing spectacular role demonstrations such as the famous Commando Assault Finale.

‘’The ground displays will showcase modern Royal Navy assets and equipment with interactive displays showing the qualities, skills and professionalism of Royal Navy personnel working as a team to provide front line support to protect our nation’s interests.’’

PHOTOS: The ever-popular Commando Assault (above, photo by Kevin Wills), and (below, photo by Paul Johnson) the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Confirmed participants include world class military aerobatic teams such as the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons.

Undoubtedly, the stars of the show for many will be roaring displays by a Swiss Air Force F/A18 Hornet and a Czech Air Force Gripen making their only UK appearances this year.

The noise will continue thanks to the return of the Belgian Air Force F16 and RAF Typhoon to Air Day representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology.

Amongst the helicopter displays will be the Royal Navy and Army’s latest aircraft - the Wildcat, and the return of a real crowd pleaser, the RAF Chinook.

On the historic front, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane will be present along with the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s rare collection of naval warbirds.

Their Swordfish (LS326) is a veteran of the Battle of the Atlantic, which this year marks the 70th anniversary, and will take part in the flying display in tribute to the courage and bravery of all those who served in the North Atlantic.

In what could potentially be her very last display season the iconic Vulcan bomber XH558 will also be firing up her four mighty engines for another majestic performance over the Somerset skies.  There will be plenty more aircraft on display in the air and at close quarters on the ground.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of family attractions including performances from the Royal Marines Band and the Military Wives Choir Yeovilton, a fairground, vehicle exhibition, service demonstrations, field gun competition, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much, much more.

Discounted advance tickets are available from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticketline on 08445 781 781. 

PHOTO: Organisers are expecting crowds of 30,000 to this year's International Air Day at RNAS Yeovilton on Saturday, July 13.

Tags:
News.