AIRSHOW SALUTE TO THE PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE
Published: 3rd Jul 2010
Pictured (above) a static display of Red Arrows at RAF Leuchars Airshow last year
THE RAF's showcase in Scotland, the RAF Leuchars Battle-of-Britain at-Home Day, will honour the crucial Second World War air campaign with an historic pairing of a Spitfire and the RAF’s latest fighter plane, the Typhoon.
On September 11, 2010, more than a hundred foreign and domestic aircraft and an audience of over 40,000 are expected at RAF Leuchars, near St Andrews.
The iconic Second World War Spitfire will escort the RAF’s most advanced combat aircraft to its new home in Scotland. Spectators will witness the unique spectacle of the two aircraft flying in formation.
The Spitfire will be paying homage to the sacrifices of airmen and women of the Second World War. It will also represent the Royal Air Forces uninterrupted air defence of the UK, by introducing the Typhoon Multi-role Fighter to its new base in Fife.
Also in attendance will be the world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Display Team, The Red Arrows and the Falcons Display Team. In addition to the exhilarating displays of the Dutch and Belgian F-16s, contributing nations will include the USA, the Czech Republic, Germany and France.
The Vulcan bomber also returns for the 2010 show.
A huge array of ground exhibitions, a Scottish Fair and trade stands making up a shopping village; simulators, a funfair and an arena featuring a range of exciting acts, have all been devised to offer the whole family something to entertain them.
Regular visitors to the Airshow will notice a number of changes this year. In order to speed up arrival and departure from the base, there will be three park-and-ride facilities with more than 70 buses running a continuous ‘round-robin’ service between the car parks and the base.
The RAF say the park and ride facilities will be the fastest route to and from the airshow. Those determined to park on the station will have to purchase one of the limited spaces in advance.
The 2010 Airshow will commemorate and celebrate the Royal Air Force’s defence of Britain’s skies: past, present and future. The 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain calls to mind the gallantry and selfless service made by the Royal Air Force during the darkest hours of 1940 when the Nation teetered on the edge of invasion.
Seventy years on, the RAF remains ready to scramble to intercept intruders into UK airspace. For this reason, aircraft and crews at RAF Leuchars are on alert around the clock to launch at a moments notice. In its final year of service, this role is currently spearheaded by the Tornado F3 operated by 111(Fighter) Squadron; however, in the autumn the Typhoon will arrive at RAF Leuchars with Number 6 Squadron, which will pick up the air defence baton and lead the Station into the future.
Air Commodore Harry Atkinson, Station Commander of RAF Leuchars and Air Officer Scotland, said,
“Since the first airshow took place at RAF Station Leuchars in1945 to celebrate the Battle of Britain, it has been a privilege to welcome visitors to the Station to personally thank them for their unremitting support, and to provide an insight into the work of the Royal Air Force.
This year is particularly special for the Royal Air Force, the RAF in Scotland and for RAF Leuchars. It is a year in which we reflect on the valour of our forbears and their victory in the Battle of Britain; it is also the year that witnesses the arrival of the Typhoon to Leuchars and so we look to a future of continued delivery of air defence from Scotland.”
During this time when the UK is again at war, the Airshow does more than merely entertain; it provides an important opportunity for the general public to get close to the machines and personnel that are representing them in conflict. The Airshow Director, Wing Commander Patrick O’Donnell, reflected:
“Over 1300 airmen and airwomen are currently deployed as part of the NATO coalition in support of the Afghan Government.
“Air power is delivering the most significant military advantage over Taliban forces, and it is really important to us that people understand why that is the case, how we employ that air power and why it is that we depend so heavily on the continuing support of the general public.
“It was true during the Battle of Britain and it true for this current war, freedom to act on the ground requires control of the air – in the modern context, that means being able to find out what the enemy is up to, quickly moving ground forces to where they’re needed, and executing precision attack when required.”
The Airshow is not funded by the public but raises money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, Royal Air Forces Association and local Charities (including Special Needs Awareness in Leuchars and Children’s Hospice Association in Scotland). It is the second largest non-sporting event in Scotland.
Although based at Leuchars, the Airshow represents the whole of the RAF in Scotland. Despite its constant cycle of training and delivering air and ground forces to Afghanistan, RAF Lossiemouth will be well represented on the day.
As a future Advanced Combat Aircraft station, Lossiemouth will also be reflecting on its exciting future. Another station looking forward is RAF Kinloss, which is already preparing for the arrival of the advanced Nimrod MRA4 aircraft.
The Scottish RAF Auxiliary squadrons will also be represented as will the Air Training Corps, who always make a magnificent contribution. This year is significant for the Cadet Force movement, which is celebrating its 150th Anniversary.
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