Offering up a bumper crop of aircraft, flying displays, and technical marvels, the latest edition of the Royal International Air Tattoo was one of the best in the show's history.

But, as is RIAT tradition, even with a line-up this impressive, only some can win the coveted awards, which were presented over the weekend at RAF Fairford. 

THE PAUL BOWEN TROPHY

Presented in memory of The Royal International Air Tattoo co-founder Paul Bowen for the Best Solo Jet Demonstration. Awarded to Captain David Szentendrei, flying the SAAB JAS-39C Gripen from the Hungarian Air Force.

THE SIR DOUGLAS BADER TROPHY

Presented for the Best Individual Flying Demonstration. Awarded to Major Jonathan Canestrini, Major Davide Sottotetti and Chief Master Sergeant Giuseppe Civica, flying the Leonardo C-27J Spartan from the Italian Air Force Flight Test Wing.

THE RAFCTE TROPHY

Presented for the Best Flying Demonstration by an overseas participant. Awarded to the Austria Air Force QRA Demonstration, with two Eurofighter Typhoons flown by Captain Gerald Gradauer & Captain Alen Kesic, alongside the Lockheed C-130K Hercules flown by Captain Joachim Eder and Warrant Officer Andreas Thalhammer.

THE STEEDMAN DISPLAY SWORD

Presented by The Royal International Air Tattoo in memory of the late Air Chief Marshal Sir Alasdair Steedman, Former Chairman of the International Air Tattoo, for the Best Flying Demonstration by a UK Participant. Awarded to the Royal Air Force Chinook Display, led by Flight Lieutenant Matthew 'Schmitty' Smyth.

THE KING HUSSEIN MEMORIAL SWORD

Presented in memory of the late HM King Hussein, Patron of the International Air Tattoo (1983-1989) for the Best Overall Flying Demonstration. Awarded to the Black Eagles Display Team, from the Republic of Korea Air Force.

 

THE 'AS THE CROW FLIES' TROPHY

Presented for the best overall flying demonstration as judged by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT), the show's aviation enthusiast supporters club. Winning the vote were the Black Eagles Display Team, from the Republic of Korea Air Force.

BEST LIVERY TROPHY

Awarded to the aircraft with the most spectacular special colour scheme on display, as judged by the Friends of the Royal International Air Tattoo (FRIAT), the show's aviation enthusiast supporters club. Winning the vote was the General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon, "Dream Viper", registration FA-87, used by the Belgian Air Force F-16 Demo Team.

The Concours d'Elegance is judged by a panel of international aviators to determine the best-prepared and presented aircraft on static display at the Royal International Air Tattoo.

OVERALL WINNER

Pilatus PC-12, 104 Squadron, Irish Air Corps

RUNNER UP

Lockheed C-130H Hercules, 3 Squadron, Royal Jordanian Air Force

BEST CIVILLIAN AIRCRAFT

Supermarine Spitfire Mk16 LFE, Duxford, George Haye.

An additional award was presented on the Sunday evening of RIAT 2022, which was presented to Mr Paul Gibbs, crew of the Trago Mills SAH-1, for his actions the previous evening, which embodied the spirit of the Royal International Air Tattoo.

On the Saturday evening, after being left behind by the tour coach he travelled to RIAT on, an 86-year-old gentlemen found himself on an aircrew transport coach to Swindon, in the hope of getting a train home. One of our civilian aircrew, Mr Paul Gibbs, quickly befriended the gentlemen to assist his journey home and established there were no trains available so the elderly gentlemen was faced with the prospect of being stranded in Swindon overnight. Instead, the spirit of RIAT kicked in: Led by Mr Gibbs, a multinational crowdfunding effort was undertaken, raising nearly £200 to cover the costs of a taxi fare home for the 117-mile journey. Therefore, a small token of RIAT's thanks for the crew of the Trago Mills SAH-1 was presented, for leading the efforts to ensure the safety of an elderly RIAT visitor. Sincere thanks were also given to all crews who contributed to the taxi fund.