Cosford Air Show 2017: All the sights of the sky - in photos
Of course, the highlight of the annual Air Show is the flying display, with a huge variety of aircraft scheduled to appear to please all tastes in the six-hour flying display!
This year’s show has a huge variety of aircraft performing in the air, big and small, fast and slow! Many of the aircraft on display this year are related to the show’s operational theme of “Battlefield Support”. This will be showcased in a unique set-piece with multiple aircraft flying together accompanied by spectacular pyrotechnics – a display that promises to thrill all the family! With such a diverse array of aircraft performing, we’ve picked our favourites that are a “must-see” on Sunday, June 11.
RED ARROWS
World famous for their signature displays which combine graceful formations with exhilarating stunts, the RAF Red Arrows need no introduction! The team is again the headline act in the display, with a few new moves for 2017, creating new and unique shapes with their signature red, white & blue smoke. The team will be flying their world-famous display in the BAE Systems Hawk T1 jets at 2pm.
A-200 TORNADO
The Panavia Tornado is a swing-wing, combat aircraft which was jointly developed by Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in the 1970s. The appearance of an A-200 Tornado from the Italian Air Force is highly anticipated, as the display is a rare visitor to the UK.
It is hoped that the jet used for the flying display will be adorned in a special paint scheme, unveiled earlier this year in Italy, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 311° Gruppo. Prepare to be amazed by this jet’s amazing solo display, but beware, the Tornado’s afterburning engines are very loud.
SWISS PC-7 TEAM
The Swiss PC-7 Team were formed in 1989 and they are named after their aircraft; the Pilatus PC-7, which is a military training aircraft manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft of Switzerland. Their formation display using nine aircraft is designed to showcase the skills of the Swiss Air Force pilots, with uniquely choreographed formations flown with precision timing - Swiss-ness at its best!
BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight celebrate its 60th birthday this year, so will be performing an extra special display on June 11.
They will be flying four of their Supermarine Spitfires – perhaps one of the most iconic aircraft of all time!
This special formation will only be performed at 3 Air Shows this year, so make sure you don’t miss the beautiful sight and sound of these WWII aircraft flying together over RAF Cosford.
WHIRLWIND
The only one of its type in flying condition, the Westland Whirlwind will be performing a flying display at the Air Show for the first time. Whirlwind helicopters formed the backbone of the RAF’s Search and Rescue and tactical transport helicopter force during the 1960s. The Whirlwind HAR10 is now a purely civilian aircraft which has recently been refurbished to flying condition and painted in the iconic RAF “SAR Yellow”, the colour of which it wore when flown with 22 Squadron.
