23-04-2025
RAF aircraft circling over Swindon ahead of Royal International Air Tattoo
An RAF aircraft has been spotted circling Swindon ahead of the Royal International Air Tattoo.
The Airbus A400M Atlas flew from nearby RAF Brize Norton across the region on Wednesday morning, circling Swindon and Wiltshire.
Sightings of the spectacular jet in Swindon skies may not be uncommon, but residents are always in awe when they see one.
One member of the Swindon and Wiltshire Camera Club snapped the A400M flying past Tadpole Garden Village on Thursday, April 10.
They said they saw the jet "flying pretty low" over Tadpole Garden Village, with another saying they have been plane-spotting from North Meadow.
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The Royal Air Force (RAF) operates Airbus A400M, also known as the Atlas C.1, as part of its strategic and tactical airlift capabilities and entered operational service with the RAF in 2014.
The craft can carry a 37-tonne payload over 2,000 nautical miles, capable of operating at altitudes of up to 40,000ft and accommodating up to 116 fully-equipped troops.
On November 17, 2024, the RAF celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the A400M, after the fleet of 22 aircraft was delivered to RAF Brize Norton in 2024.
More than 80,000 people have already secured their spots to see a variety of aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is set to take place on Friday, July 18, Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20.
