Royal International Air Tattoo 2008

12 to 13 July – RAF Fairford’s Royal International Air Tattoo 2008 promises to be one of the world’s biggest and best air shows once again this year, with hundreds of aircrafts including the Red Arrows offering hours of death-defying displays to crowds from around the globe in Gloucestershire.

The Royal International Air Tattoo continues to be one of the biggest air shows in the global calendar of aviation events, and from Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 July 2008 swarms of almost 200,000 flying fans from across Gloucestershire and beyond will converge at RAF Fairford for the two-day spectacular.

While details of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2008 are still being confirmed by the organisers, news that the world’s most advanced jet fighter, The F-22A Raptor, will make its UK debut at the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire this summer is likely to thrill aviation fans from near and far.

The fighter aircraft incorporates state-of-the-art stealth technology, sophisticated weaponry and vectored thrust to give it an unrivalled combination of secrecy, power and manoeuvrability. With a top speed of 1,140mph the F-22A is capable of outperforming any existing fighter aircraft in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.

Visitors to the International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in 2008 will be the first in the country to witness the precision aerial manoeuvres and unique capabilities of the world’s only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft, which will be piloted by Major Paul ‘Max’ Moga from the Air Combat Command F-22A Demonstration Team based in Virginia.

Organisers have also revealed that The Royal International Air Tattoo 2008 will also include official celebrations to mark the RAF’s 90th anniversary this year, including the legendary Red Arrows’ only visit to the Cotswolds this summer. The Reds will be joined by aircraft from the RAF’s past, present and future to tell the story of the world’s oldest air force. Spectators will be able to enjoy a dramatic World War One dogfight, historic Battle of Britain fighters and bombers as well as fast jets from the 1950s to the present day. Among the highlights will be an explosive role demonstration showing the Royal Air Force in action.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: ‘The Red Arrows are one of the most popular acts we have displaying over the weekend, especially with children. And there is always the chance of bumping into the pilots on the public showground over the weekend.’

There will also be six other international display teams from around the world, including Brazil, Chile and Portugal; Pakistan Navy’s first appearance at the show; and an array of ground attractions for all the family.

Adult tickets cost £32.50 for the Saturday or the Sunday, or £37.50 for entry on any day, from ticketmaster.co.uk.

Tickets purchased on the day will cost £45 for adults. Entry into The Royal International Air Tattoo is free for the under 16s who do not require a ticket, but are required to be accompanied by a paying adult.

For more details about what spectators can expect to see at this year’s Air Tattoo, read the highlights of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2007.

Event: Royal International Air Tattoo 2008
Venue: RAF Fairford
Dates: Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 July 2008
Times: The show ground opens at 7.30am on both days, with the flying displays starting at 10am.
Tickets: Adult tickets vary in price from £32.50 in advance to £45 on the day. Accompanied children under the age of 16 are free to enter. Book online at ticketmaster.co.uk.

SoGlos.com
7 May 2008