AIR DAY 2015: Farewell to the Vulcan

THE Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton is all set to open its gates to 35,000 visitors for its annual International Air Day on Saturday (July 11, 2015).

As one of the South West’s most notable single-day events, having been staged most years since 1947, it promises to be another entertaining, informative and unforgettable day out for families and enthusiasts alike.

On June 18, 1940, RNAS Yeovilton was commissioned as HMS Heron.  Initially, the Air Station was a base for training naval aviators and fighter controllers.

Since then, it has witnessed the significant evolution of fixed-wing carrier aviation from propellers to jets, supported frontline squadrons in major operations worldwide and is today the home of the Commando Helicopter Force and Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force.

RNAS Yeovilton’s 75th anniversary will be the main focus for this year’s event.

PHOTO - TOP: The magnificent Vulcan.

Types representing naval aviation past, present and future will feature in the show’s static displays and in the action-packed five-hour flying display, alongside a host of other aircraft, vintage and modern, slow and fast, military and civilian.  It will also be a show of ‘firsts’ and ‘lasts’ with some aircraft making their final appearance and others their debut at Air Day.

Memories of a bygone era will be relived with displays from historic naval aircraft types that resided at RNAS Yeovilton.

These include the Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Swordfish W5856 making its first public display since 2003; very rare examples of the Sea Hurricane and Seafire and the world’s sole airworthy Sea Vixen. The static display features two former fleet defence aircraft – the mighty Phantom FG1 and the game-changing Sea Harrier FA2.

Air Day will also see its final appearance of the magnificent Vulcan XH558. It is now in its final display season and the ‘Spirit of Great Britain’ will perform its own magnificent routine as well as take part in an exclusive special ‘V-Jet Formation’ flypast with the Sea Vixen and two Vampires. Underwing guided tours, once it is back on the ground, will also be available.

Air Day will also be supporting AgustaWestland’s 100^th anniversary.  The Yeovil-based company has the strongest of links to RNAS Yeovilton, via both its nearby location and its ongoing provision of helicopters and, before them, aircraft, used by the resident squadrons. 

Ticket information can be found at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or by calling the Ticketline on 0330-100-3656.

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Leisure.