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Sunday's airshow order #2

Tiger's lair

Tigers in disguise

United Nations 60th

RIAT flavours

Sunday's airshow order #1

Part two - RIAT roars!

Andrew Bates looks at the 'Tigers Roar' and 'UN 60th Anniversary' themes. Photography by Gary Parsons, additional pictures by Derek Mason

Of the three main themes chosen for RIAT 2005, 'Tigers Roar 05' was likely to prove the most popular choice for all the photographers present - it's a virtual guarantee of some exotic and colourful schemes to break the monotony of the almost universally adopted shade of grey for most frontline military aircraft. Compared with previous Fairford Tiger Meets, the number of special colour schemes were not as numerous, but there was still enough to keep the camera in overdrive. For maximum effect, all the representative aircraft from the Tiger related squadrons (as well as other units linked to similar big cats) were parked together over in the far western side of the airfield. Unfortunately, there were two 'escapees' that were to be found within the fighter park, way over in the eastern static, both of which would have benefited from a more prominent position alongside their fellow Tiger squadron comrades.

Of the two easterly parked Tigers, the Polish Air Force Sukhoi Su-22M-3K from 6 ELT was arguably the most popular, wearing a striking scheme of part Tiger, part camouflage, with suitably adorned drop tanks. Accompanying the Fitter on this side of the airfield was a Spanish Air Force EF-18B Hornet from Ala 15, with lo-viz Tiger markings complete with a tail inscription proclaiming 100,000 hours.

In the main 'Tigers Lair' the most dominant participant was the USAF Reserve Command KC-135R from 77th ARS/916th ARW. This aircraft reportedly caused some confusion amongst the enthusiasts, as having arrived at Fairford completely devoid of any special marks, it was then to be found sporting some beautifully designed Tiger markings along the fuselage, tail and engine cowlings. Cunningly, the crew had carefully applied all the decals the night before the show, transforming an otherwise unremarkable Stratotanker into a centre of attention. Nice one guys!

Looking closer to home, there were Tiger schemes in evidence from all three of the UK armed services, and all helicopters as well. Firstly, a Puma HC1 from 230 Squadron RAF in full Tiger marks, a Merlin HM1 from 814 NAS in an attractive lo-viz scheme, and finally a welcome contribution from the AAC in the shape of a 671 Squadron Lynx AH7 in part Tiger, part camouflage markings.

As far as special Tiger schemes were concerned, that was your lot! Nevertheless, support from many other members of the Tiger fraternity was still in evidence, but with conventionally marked aircraft instead. For example, a pair of French Navy Super Etendards from 11 Flotille, along with a pair of USAFE A-10A Thunderbolts from the 81st FS/52nd FW. Meanwhile, another highlight for many was the Hellenic Air Force TA-7C Corsair from 335 Mira. The crew were enthusiastically displaying a banner which depicted the A-7 they are currently in the process of having painted in a very smart Tiger scheme - sadly not in time for RIAT 05, but who knows, there's always next year. They certainly received a lot of unofficial invites for 2006! Another welcome attraction was an Ellsworth based B-1B Lancer from 37th BS/28th BW. So overall, despite the smaller splash of colour, the combination of participating aircraft and ever attendant and friendly pilots somehow seemed to uphold the true traditions of a Tiger Meet. If ever 'Tigers Roar' returns to RIAT, here's hoping that next time there's a few more surplus pots of yellow paint available in the stores.

Another theme for RIAT this year was the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations. Again primarily located at the western end of the airfield, this was in effect a display of helicopters and transport aircraft from various nations as a way of depicting the variety of relief and humanitarian operations that have been carried out over the last sixty years on behalf of the UN. The rotary winged element of this part of the static was both impressive and varied and included a German Army CH-53G, Dutch AS532 Cougar (complete with SFOR markings), a Lithuanian Air Force Mil Mi-8 and Italian Air Force HH-3F Pelican. Also from Italy were three AB-412s, one from the Army and two from the Guardia di Finanza. In fact, at this juncture, it has to be said that the overall Italian contribution to RIAT was excellent. In terms of aircraft participation, they were the third most prolific country represented after the UK and USA respectively (if you include the Frecce Tricolori, they were second!). Additional to all the helicopters, transport types utilised on UN operations were also well represented by examples of the GAF Transall C-160D, Italian G222, Romanian An-26 and, of course, the ubiquitous C-130 Hercules, although unusually for RIAT, there were but a mere five examples of the 'Herky Bird' on display.

Aside from the themes, there were other highlights to be found. There were five RAF Tornados to be found sporting a variety of anniversary and special tail markings, comprising of three GR4s from 12, 13 & 14 Squadrons, along with a pair of F3s from 11 & 111 Squadrons. Admittedly, most of these had been seen before during the 2005 airshow season, but it was still nice to see them again. Very welcome first time visitors to RIAT included a pair of Italian Navy Harriers, an Irish Air Corps Pilatus PC-9M and Polish Air Force CASA CN295. It was also good to see again the same four Romanian Mig-21 Lancers from the Waddington show held two weeks previously, which were on their way home after deployment at Lossiemouth.

As for the flying display, without wishing to sound unkind, there was nothing remarkable about it. That is not to detract anything from the organisers - the show was a typical Fairford show, which is no bad thing. The flying programme, as always, was full, long and varied, with fast jets, display teams, aerobatic displays, a few historic pistons and even the first public display of a UAV! To be honest, the UAV display was perhaps not such a good idea. A very small, model sized aircraft displaying at an airfield the size of Fairford is going to be very difficult to hear, let alone see. It's quite possible that anyone not next to the PA system would have thought there was a pause in the flying display.

With no stealth aircraft this year, at least both the B-1 and B-52 were still available for flying demonstrations. They were (again) tame compared to displays in the late nineties, but still impressive to watch, especially on take off. The USAF F-16 display was a highlight as far as the flying was concerned, as well as the RAF Typhoon. Also, it was good to see the Sea Harrier four-ship display, which was a fitting farewell to Fairford, with their retirement scheduled for early 2006. Plus, who could forget the sight of three PR blue Spitfires in formation with the Red Arrows against a perfectly blue sky - great stuff.

Contrary to the musings of some enthusiasts, the content of the show had not radically reduced from last year - a quick comparison of the 2004 and 2005 checklist revealed a mere difference of three less airframes. There were plenty of quality aircraft in attendance to keep the majority of enthusiasts happy. So this, combined with the fabulous weather, should mean that RIAT 2005 is fondly remembered for all the right reasons.

Part three: Eyes in the sky

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