Raf C17a Globemaster

18th May

  • 18th May 2023

This week, we can confirm the operational aircraft types from the Royal Air Force that we'll be seeing at RIAT 2023. Starting with our SKYTANKER23 theme, we're pleased that visitors on all three days will be able to witness a simulated air-to-air refuelling flypast from the Voyager, which is based at nearby RAF Brize Norton. On Friday, it will demonstrate it's ability to refuel other large aircraft, with an Airbus A400M in trail. Whereas on Saturday & Sunday, it will simulate refuelling a pair of fast jet aircraft. In addition, we'll see multiple types on static display which will all be parked in the Red Zone near the RAF Experience. Alongide A400M & P-8A, this will be the first time in 10 years we'll have seen a C-17 on static display at RIAT. For fast jet fans, we will have a pair of Typhoons on static display (one with an air-to-air weapons fit, the other in an air-to-ground weapons fit) and also an F-35B Lightning on the ground too! We are working with the Royal Air Force on the arrangements for the F-35B to also feature in the air over the weekend, and once the final details are agreed we will update you.

Always an Air Tattoo favourite, we're thankful to our friends in Greece for the return of their Phabulous Phantoms to Fairford! A pair of the iconic cold war jets, operated by 338 Squadron, will be on static display over the weekend at RIAT 2023. (Contrary to posts on Social Media, Demo Team Zeus will not be performing at RIAT 2023).

This week, we're pleased to announce our first confirmed aircraft for RIAT 2023 from our friends in the United States Air Force! Visitors will be able to enjoy the sight of their mighty C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, coming from Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. We are also expecting aircraft from United States Air Forces in Europe, Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Reserve Command, but are finalising arrangements before we announce these aircraft in the coming weeks.

We previously announced that the Italian Army would be sending their Mangusta attack helicopter for static display at RIAT 2023. Following further discussions with the unit, we can now announce that this aircraft will now be featured in the flying display on Saturday & Sunday!

Work continues with a variety of other Air Arms and aircraft operators to finalise the arrangements for their participation at RIAT 2023. Of note, we are been informed by Joint Helicopter Command of their aircraft they plan to send to RIAT 2023. However, we must await the final ratification before we can announce, which we expect in June.