RIAT 2024 - discuss most things thread

[mbo570]

With the Royal Canadian Air Force's 100th anniversary to be marked next week (1st April), this week we announce the first of our static display items coming to RIAT as part of their centenary celebrations, both of which being historic De Havilland aircraft. Firstly we have a Chipmunk coming from Old Warden in its yellow RCAF colour scheme. Secondly, the Norwegian Vampire will be returning to RAF Fairford, this year to be adorned in Canadian markings especially for RIAT 2024! These aircraft will be parked alongside the modern day RCAF assets coming to RIAT 2024 on static display. We've had a number of great planning meetings with our Canadian friends already, and we hope to be able to announce their static aircraft participation next month, in addition to the previously announced CF-188 in the flying display.

A welcome addition to the flying display will come from Slovenia, in the shape of their Pilatus PC-9M. This display is a previous award winner at RIAT, showcasing the agility of this turboprop trainer, so the display is one not to miss! The PC-9M, which is known as the Hudournik (meaning Swift) in Slovenian service, will also be participating on the static display. This year they'll be supported by Slovenia's new C-27J Spartan which will remain at RAF Fairford for static display over the weekend too.

This week we've heard from a number of American units, from the Air Force, Army & Navy, who may be able to participate with their aircraft at RIAT 2024. Their approval process to participate at RIAT well underway, however it's likely we won't be able to publicly confirm their participation until much closer to the show. However at this stage we're confident we'll have an interesting mix of American aircraft for you to view on static display come July.

[JMC]

Meh.

[RAF4EVER]

Meh.

+1

[wdg]

I know a PC-9 isn't everybody's cup of tea, but the Slovenian example is usually one of, if not the, best-flown turboprop trainer displays. Norwegian Vampire is always nice to see as well.

Good news about the "interesting mix of American aircraft" for the static display - although reading between the lines I hope this doesn't preclude US involvement in the flying.

[JJC]

Slovenian Pc-9 is a great display and adds some variety to the lineup.

Nice to see their Spartan too.

Promising news re both the Canadians and US assets too.

[JMC]

Not knocking the Slovenian display as last time I saw it I was very impressed, just not an update to get very excited about. A static Spartan doesn’t set the world on fire for me whether is Slovenian or from a country never heard of.

Hope mentioning of just the static US participation doesn’t mean no flying.

[AARDVARK]

Meh week , not taking away from those things announced but pretty thin for the easter update …

Especially as PDS self announced on their schedule and Polish F16 .. but as we know, until RIAT announce it’s not 100%

[st24]

As nice as OW's Chippy is, there is one knocking around with the proper bubble canopy, or at least there was. Just sayin'...

[AARDVARK]

Meh week , not taking away from those things announced but pretty thin for the easter update …

Especially as PDS self announced on their schedule and Polish F16 .. but as we know, until RIAT announce it’s not 100%

[Tommy]

Slovenian PC-9 is a top addition in my book.

Encouraging comments re the Americans. US Army in particular.unless I’m having a brain fart, I think it’s been almost 10 years(?) since they participated in any meaningful way?

[Chris G]

Well wasn't that very carefully worded.

[JMC]

2015 was the last time. They sent a Blackhawk and Apache!

[CJS]

Yes to the Slovenian PC-9, a beautiful display (although I guess that depends in the pilot as much as anything, so hopefully it's either the same one or an equally good one this year.

[CJS]

Well wasn't that very carefully worded.

Nope, you're going to have to explain that I'm afraid!

[Tommy]

It’s a looker, too, imo. In an age of boring grey lumps with low viz roundels, it’s always nice to see some camo.

[boff180]

Yes to the Slovenian PC-9, a beautiful display (although I guess that depends in the pilot as much as anything, so hopefully it's either the same one or an equally good one this year.

It's been the same pilot for 10 years IIRC.

[CWS]

Every time I've seen the PC-9 demo from Slovenia it has been impressive, nice little update, already a few of these updates have had a bit of spiel about future updates looking good with strong participation ... looking forward to it !!!!

[capercaillie]

Its maybe because Easter is early this year, but every show does seem very slow in announcements and not really getting going.

[boff180]

The traditional RIAT easter update has typically been the RAF flying assets. I'd say announcing an international flying participant (a good display at that) and a debut static participant isn't bad for an early easter.

The new financial year is just around the corner - I'm sure things will suddenly explode (not literally).

[bobby 1211]

BANGLADESH AIR FORCE and MEXICAN AIR FORCE added as not participating.

HUNGARIAN AIR FORCE, PORTUGUESE AIR FORCE, US Army and US Navy added as ongoing.

[CJS]

BANGLADESH AIR FORCE and MEXICAN AIR FORCE added as not participating.

HUNGARIAN AIR FORCE, PORTUGUESE AIR FORCE, US Army and US Navy added as ongoing.

Jeez, the Bangladesh airforce aren't coming AGAIN? Hopeless...

[Chris G]

Well wasn't that very carefully worded.

Nope, you're going to have to explain that I'm afraid!

With regard to US participation in the flying programme and it very much looking like no ACC demos........ again! And before I get jumped on, yes I know why, but they seem to be able to go to Europe with the F-35 which they pinch from Lakenheath to start with.

[bobby 1211]

Well wasn't that very carefully worded.

Nope, you're going to have to explain that I'm afraid!

With regard to US participation in the flying programme and it very much looking like no ACC demos........ again! And before I get jumped on, yes I know why, but they seem to be able to go to Europe with the F-35 which they pinch from Lakenheath to start with.

I've lost hope when it comes to ACC demos at RIAT, its pretty clear that unless there are aircraft already in Europe on exercise (or are based here like the F-35 and F-16), which the teams can use, then they wont be attending. As its the last season for the A-10 demo, its looking like I will need to visit the US which I wanted to avoid due to the costs involved.

[jasonT1981]

Slovenian PC9 is a good display, so a welcome addition. I guess this weeks update feels underwhelming but that is probably due to the Polish and Swiss displays self confirms this week.

Not holding out any hope of ACC either but encouraging they are in talks at least.

[JMC]

Bobby, the Portuguese Air Force have been ongoing for a couple of weeks.