RIAT-The Golden Years (More photos added 20/12/16)

[Gau8]

They certainly are top notch memories, got any of the the A10 at Greenham with the VW Beetle?

[bigcrow]

A few more.. Hope you not too bored yet...

#61

7701 MIG-21MF Czech AF, Letecky Zkusebni Odbor, Ceske Budejovice AB. IAT 97 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#62

1874 Mig-21bis Hungarian AF, Fairford, IAT 93 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#63

WH453/L Meteor D16 RAE Llanbedr, Fairford, IAT 89 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#64

A-7B 154375 VA-72 Greenham Common, IAT 77 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#65

Lightning F3 XP764 11 Sqdn, Greenham Common, IAT 77 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#66

CC-130E 130316 RCAF, Greenham Common, IAT 79 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#67

Su-27 57 Ukrainian AF, Fairford, IAT 96 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#68

Tornado ECR 46+31 GAF, Fairford, RIAT 98 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#69

Tornado 45+79 GAF, Fairford, RIAT 99 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#70

Tornado 46+45 GAF, Fairford, IAT 97 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#71

Tornado 45+91 GAF, Fairford, IAT97 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#72

Beriev A-40 378 Russian AF, Fairford, IAT 96 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#73

159441 F-14A VF-143 Greenham Common, IAT 79 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#74

Canberra B(TT)2 WK128 DRA Llanbedr, Fairford, IAT 96 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#75

XV424 Phantom FGR.2 Greenham Common, IAT 79. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#76

23 TU-95MS Russian AF, Fairford, IAT 94 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#77

626 RF-104G Norwegian AF, 331 Skv, Bodo AFB. Greenham Common, IAT 77 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#78

26+52 F-104G WGAF, JBG-33, Buchel AB. Greenham Common, IAT 83 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#79

MM6827 F-104S 311 Gruppo, RSV, Pratica di Mare AB. Fairford, RIAT 99 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#80

29 F-8E FN, 12 Flotille, Landivisiau. Boscombe Down, ATI 92. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

[Wes_Howes]

I don't recall seeing a photo of a Noggie Starfighter before I remember the RSV Starfighter display though and the massive 270° repositioning turns

[SPEEDBIRD]

Looking at wonderful photos like these I'm glad I'm an old git and can remember seeing these aircraft in the 'flesh'.

I too went to the '71 show at North Weald and the first aircraft I saw was G-AXAA, a Transmeridian CL-44. Seems like only yesterday.

Have you ever thought of looking into the possibility of producing a photo book containing all these photos especially as your dad only missed one show? I,for one, would buy it. Just a thought. A pictorial history of IAT,ATI, RIAT.

[Wes_Howes]

I,for one, would buy it. Just a thought. A pictorial history of IAT,ATI, RIAT.

+1

[bigcrow]

Looking at wonderful photos like these I'm glad I'm an old git and can remember seeing these aircraft in the 'flesh'.

I too went to the '71 show at North Weald and the first aircraft I saw was G-AXAA, a Transmeridian CL-44. Seems like only yesterday.

Have you ever thought of looking into the possibility of producing a photo book containing all these photos especially as your dad only missed one show? I,for one, would buy it. Just a thought. A pictorial history of IAT,ATI, RIAT.

Yeah dad was looking into it but it never came to fruition, I've done a couple of Blurb books of my digital images, but as you say these would make a great photo book.

[AndyXH558]

I know for one if you did it i would buy it. so many memories. Although I think Woodford was the only place that got a full display from the A40 Mermaid/Albatross. it was static at Riat im led to believe.

[AMB]

Peter March published a book ' The Best of IAT', or something like that, but that has long sold out. Wished I bought one at the time.

[SPEEDBIRD]

Any chance of putting your dads photos of the '71 North Weald show on here when you get the chance? Many thanks.

[SPEEDBIRD]

[quote="AMB"]Peter March published a book ' The Best of IAT', or something like that, but that has long sold out. Wished I bought one at the time.[/

There are a couple on ebay going for about £4.

[bigcrow]

Thanks for the comments guys, I'm pleased you’re enjoying them so much. Yes Speedbird when I have a minute I'll get them scanned up, if I remember correctly dad mentioned there was a Belgium AF C-119 & Austrian AF CH-53 in the static?

Anyway in just over a weeks’ time it will all start again, but for now here are a few more gems from the past...

#81

MM6764/53-14 F-104S AMI, 53 Stormo, Cameri AB. Fairford, IAT 91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#82

AMX MM7115 Fairford RIAT2002 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#83

13703 CC-137(KC) 437 Squadron, CFB Trenton, Fairford, RIAT 95 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#84

20 TU-95MS Russian AF, 182nd Heavy Bomber Squadron. Fairford. IAT 93 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#85

7714 Mig-21MF Slovakia AF, Kosice AB. Fairford, IAT 94 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#86

67-0315 F-4E 57th FIS, Keflavik AFB, Fairford, IAT 85 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#87

XT906\X Phantom FGR2 56 Squadron, RAF Wattisham. Fairford, IAT 85 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#88

XV408/Z Phantom FGR2 92 Squadron, RAFG Wildenrath. Fairford, IAT 91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#89

XT899 Phantom FGR2 19 Squadron, RAFG Wildenrath. Fairford, IAT 91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#90

69-7212/SP F-4G 52nd TFW, Spangdahlem AFB. Fairford, IAT 91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#91

71-0884 F-111F 48th FW, RAF Lakenheath, Fairford, RIAT 91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#94

WK163 Canberra B2 , RAE MOD(PE) Bedford, Greenham Common, IAT 77 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#95

WH876 Canberra D14 A&AEE, MoD(PE) Boscombe Down. Fairford, IAT 85 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#96

WK128 Canberra TT18 Royal Aircraft Establishment, MOD(PE) Llanbedr. Fairford, RIAT 96 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#97

WT309 Canberra B6 A&AEE, MoD(PE) Boscombe Down. Fairford, IAT 85 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#98

WH953 Canberra B6 Royal Aircraft Establishment, MoD(PE) Bedford. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#99

16 / 12-YH Mirage F1 Escadron de Chasse 01.012, Cambrai-Epinoy. Fairford, RIAT 91 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#100

24/33-FC Mirage F1C, Escadron de Chasse 03.033 ' Lorraine ' Reims. Cottesmore, RIAT 2000 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#101
39/12-ZM Mirage F1C EC 2/12, Cambrai-Epinoy AB, Fairford, RIAT 96 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#102

AS.532U2 82+02 Cottesmore RIAT2000 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#103

63-7783 EC-130E(RR) 193rd Special Operations Squadron, Pennsylvania ANG, Harrisburg IAP. Fairford, IAT 85 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#104

XT597 Phantom FG.1 A&AEE, MOD Boscombe Down, Greenham Common, IAT 83. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#105

ZA326 Tornado GR1 Royal Aircraft Establishment Bedford. Fairford, IAT 89 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#106

CC-115 115456 RCAF Fairford, IAT 89 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#107

93 Tupolev Tu-142M Russian Navy, Naval Training Regiment. Fairford, RIAT 94 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#108

61-7979 SR-71A 9th SRW, Beale AFB, Fairford, IAT 85. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

[SPEEDBIRD]

Love the F111 shot. IIRC the Canadian Buffalo didn't arrive till the Saturday morning just before the flying display got under way?

Also, that was the only time I ever saw an SR-71 fly was when it arrived at Fairford and its display,before departing, on the Sunday.

Again, looking at all these wonderful photos it shows how 'bland' and 'boring' airshows are becoming.

[micktruan]

Yes I can confirm that the C119 and CH53 were there, in fact I took photos of them, an intimate show which was to grow into what we see now.

Regards Mick

[redbearing]

What an incredible thread, absolutely wonderful forgotten how variable the aircraft were that attended IAT (as it was called then) Perfect, thanks for sharing some wonderful times in aviation

Robert

[Tangoringo.]

Love the F-111 shot. IIRC the Canadian Buffalo didn't arrive till the Saturday morning just before the flying display got under way?

Also, that was the only time I ever saw an SR-71 fly was when it arrived at Fairford and its display,before departing, on the Sunday.

Again, looking at all these wonderful photos it shows how 'bland' and 'boring' airshows are becoming.

Stuart. Thank you for taking the time to post these. As others have said, there are so many memories that you've brought back of all those years at Greemham, Fairford and Boscombe.

Ref the above quote. Speedbird I hear what you are saying but don't forget there is almost 40 years worth of photos there ( feeling old now ) Having had the fortune to attend RIAT this year I still think it's a great show and I wonder if we'll be looking back in another 40 years and dribbling over the Vulcan, BofB fly past, the P1's etch etc. I think we are very lucky to have an airshow which still attracts such worldwide interest. Long may it continue. Having said that, I think everything compares rather poorly to the SR71. Remember watching the departures one year with my dad and being lucky enough to catch the SR71 leaving- one of those 'raise the gear and stay level' departures. I'm guessing that was mid/late 80's?

Thank you again Stuart. Keep them coming.

[rob68]

Not trying to start a debate but just noticed the lack of people in Rhymes farm or Totterdown from 85

[silver fox]

Many thanks for stirring the "old" memory cells into action, just to show the aircraft on display were as good as my memory thought, thanks again.

Difficult to pick a favourite shot, but the GAF Tornadoes catch the eye.

[AMB]

Wonderful, just wonderful Stu...keep 'em coming

[Hamble Flyer]

Its been said many times but true nonetheless, we will NEVER see anything like this again.

Great memories, particularly from the late 70's Greenham years.

[NickB]

Whilst looking through this fabulous collection, a song came on the radio... "those were the days" by Mary Hopkin. Somewhat appropriate!

Please keep them coming!

[Roellodder]

What a great joy to watch these pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a remark though, the German F-4F is not from Jabo36 but from Jabo35 from Pferdsfeld.
Cheers,
Roel

[bigcrow]

Having updated this in a while here are a few more scans I've recently done, they are a mixture of mine & dads photos.

#109

C-47DL MM61893 14 Stormo, Pratica di Mare AB. Fairford, IAT 85. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#110

F-5B 909 Norwegian AF, 336 Skv, Fairford, IAT 97 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#111

23 TU-95MS Russian AF, 182nd Heavy Bomber Squadron. RAF Fairford, IAT94 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#112

64-8334\8-334 F-104G Turkish AF, 181 Filo, 8ci AHU, Diyarbakir AB. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#113

1602\5 HC-130H USCG, Coast Gaurd Air Station Kodiak, Alaska, by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#114

159756\AB-705 S-3A VS-32 'Maulers', USS John F. Kennedy, NAS Cecil Field by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#115

57-6492 / K B-52G 379th Bomb Wing, Wurtsmith AFB. Boscombe Down, June 1992. by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#116

FA-94 F-16A BAF, 31 Smaldeel, Kleine Brogel AB, RAF Fairford, July 1991 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#117

F-5A 134 Norwegian AF, 336 Skv, Fairford, RIAT 99 by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#118

149797\JM C-130F VR-24 Squadron "Lifting Eagles'NAS Sigonella, by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#119

160418\AG-413 E-2C VAW-121 Squadron 'Bluetails', NAS Norfolk, Va by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

#120

CR12-65\12-64 RF-4C Spanish AF, Ala 12, Torrejón AFB by Stuart Freer - Touchdown Aviation, on Flickr

[The Flying Barrel]

Fantastic images, memories fade but I must have attended the majority of the shows but your pics bring it all back, can't believe the varied types we were blessed with back in the day! Thanks for posting.

[CJS]

When was the last time you saw a Spanish Phantom?

[Skyflash]

One of my favourite threads on the whole forum, I love checking in here every so often to see if there have been any updates.

Spanish RF-4C and Norwegian F-5s! I might need a lie-down. Blimey.