Historic helicopters added to Cosford Air Show line-up
Organisers of the RAF Cosford Air Show have announced an assortment of ex-Royal Air Force helicopters which will be on display for the centenary show in June.
One of the highlights of the flying display will be the world's only flying Bristol 171 Sycamore, making its first appearance at a UK flying display since its restoration to airworthy condition by the Flying Bulls, based in Austria.
The Sycamore was the first British designed helicopter to enter production and served with the Royal Air Force between 1953 and 1972 in a number of roles including VIP transportation.
Other ex-RAF helicopters appearing in the flying display include the yellow Westland Whirlwind, performing a search and rescue display, and the Gazelle Squadron, who will perform a synchronised aerial ballet in their two Westland Gazelle helicopters.
On the ground, a number of helicopters will be packed together as part of the unique RAF100 static exhibition including a Sea King, Wessex and Whirlwind.
Peter Reoch, air show operations manager, said: "Showcasing the world's only airworthy examples of the Whirlwind and Sycamore helicopters is really exciting for us in this special RAF 100 year and we are very thankful to their operators for providing them for the RAF Cosford Air Show.
"Alongside our growing list of vintage aircraft scheduled to display, we have already received word from a number of overseas Air Forces who are hoping to send aircraft to join our RAF 100 celebration too, so we are expecting this year's Air Show to be a truly spectacular occasion."
The RAF Centenary Air Show takes on Sunday, June 10. Tickets cost £25 and are available from cosfordairshow.co.uk.
