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RAF FAIRFORD (UK)
16-17/07/2011
2011 saw the Air Tattoo celebrate its 40th anniversary. First staged in 1971 at North Weald airfield with just over 100 aircraft taking part, the Air Tattoo developed rapidly: it became the International Air Tattoo in 1976, and in 1996, recognition of its unique international status was given by Her Majesty The Queen, when it became the Royal International Air Tattoo. Between 1973 and 1983 the Air Tattoo was held at Greenham Common, before moving to RAF Fairford in 1985.
During its 40 years, the Air Tattoo has hosted aircraft from some 51 countries, as well as heads of air arms from many more nations.
Even if the organizers of the 2011 edition had to face the military commitments of the european nations in the Lybian crisis as well as the world economic recession and the subsequent military budgets cuts, they managed to put together a great airshow with great flying displays and enjoyable entertainment on the ground!
The solo flying display was amazed by 4 different F-16 displays (Turkish, Danish, Dutch and Belgian), by the USAF A-10 Demo Team, by the French Rafale and the coloured Dutch AH-64 Apache.
The RAF was present with almost all the types, including the Tornado GR4 role demo and the Red Arrows. Once again the powerful Avro Vulcan B2 delighted the crowd af all the ages. Among the display teams, the Saudi Hawks made their first appearance at RIAT, and the italian team Frecce Tricolori confirmed their perfection in showing MB339 skills. One of the themes of this year was TIGER 50, celebraing the 50 years of the Nato Tiger Association, and a number of aircrafts in beautiful tiger color scheme were present in the static display.
The Ukrainian Air Force added an exotic falvour at the static display with a welcomed return of the SU-27 Flanker and of the Ilyushin IL-76 transport aircraft. A great show in difficult times...well done RIAT!
