When the Russians invaded Surrey

[steved]

These were taken at “Helitech 89” a small trade show held at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey 19 September 1989. I had heard that there was to be a Russian contingent but was very surprised by the quantity and quality. I think that this was the first and only time in the UK for some of these types. There were no barriers surrounding the helicopters and no access restrictions. When the time came for their display, the flight crews just got in and the ground crew gestured to anyone standing nearby to move back as they were about to take off.

Mil Mi-35 "Hind-E" Red 11


Mil Mi-28 "Havoc" Yellow 032


Kamov Ka-32S "Helix" CCCP-31000


Mil Mil-17-1BA "Hip" CCCP-95043


Mil Mi-26 "Halo" CCCP-06197


Westland Wessex HCC.4 XV733 QF


Mil Mi-35 "Hind-E" Red 11


Mil Mi-28 "Havoc" Yellow 032


Kamov Ka-32S "Helix" CCCP-31000

[Wes_Howes]

Great post Steve! What I would give to have been there!

[jwarnerxh558]

wow cracking set, would love to have been there although in 89 i was 1!

[APG]

My first Helitech it was quite a show!

[AMB]

I was there that day and though we moan about barriers and cones at shows (and we know which show we are talking about!) the complete opposite occurred here with people constantly getting in the way when you tried to get photos. Like Steve, I had to wait til the end of the day when nearly everyone had left, in order to get good clear shots, but well worth it! The Cold War had only just finished and the Russians were very keen to be friends and promote their helicopters. Alas now they won't come unless they are offered big bucks...how times have changed in 20 years!

[Niallxg]

Excellent post. The Havoc looks great.

[RoverDriver]

.

[Maisie]

I was 5 and remember it like it was yesterday, When the Mil-24 done it's display I was like a pig in sh*t!

Great photos, thanks for posting!!