Latest news with #airshow
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Riat 2025: Air show's 'spiritual excitement like Glastonbury'
The co-founder of a popular air show which is marking its 40th anniversary says the "spiritual excitement" of the event "is a bit like Glastonbury".Thousands of people have attended the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) every year since 1985 at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire, for air shows and is one of the biggest military air shows in the world, hosting the latest technology in year's event started on Friday and finishes at about 19:30 BST on Sunday. Tim Prince, RIAT's co-founder, said: "Most people go away having seen airplanes from Germany, France and Russia in the past. "From all these different countries with all their difference colours, and their flying overalls and their spirit enthusiasm."It's a bit like Glastonbury. It's that whole spiritual excitement you get."He said the volunteers were "an incredible force to be reckoned with"."They know what to do and when to do it. They work all hours to make things happen."They're not just aircraft enthusiasts, they're just people who love an impossible challenge."To mark its 40th anniversary, visitors submitted pictures and stories of wonderful moments they had over the years to the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. One such example was from David Traynor who said he spotted Angie's picture on a dating website with her favourite plane in the background at RIAT in messaged her and years later they got married. Richard Toms said among his most memorable days at RIAT was having an extra 20 minutes inside Concorde while he celebrated his 50th birthday."It was the 26 July 1996 and a supersonic flight on Concorde G-BOAB over the Bay of Biscay," he said."We had an extra 20 minutes added to the flight due to a delay in the flying display over Fairford, so we were treated to a run along the English Channel as far as Beachy Head and back before returning to the the airfield via Lymington." Russell Powell said his local running club, Fleet and Crookham Athletic Club, would dress up to sell RIAT programmes for charity.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blue Angels headline 2025 Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show on Saturday
After performing for more than 250,000 hometown fans at the Pensacola Beach Air Show last weekend, the Blue Angels are heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the 2025 Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show. The first day of the Milwaukee air show starts on Saturday, July 19, and if sold-out premium ticket sales are any sign, it'll be a busy one. The show, which remains Wisconsin's largest free public event, draws in more than 150,000 people over the two-day event, using proceeds from the show to support veterans and armed services communities. The Blue Angels will headline a line-up that features around a dozen other military and civilian performers, including the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team and the 128th Air Refueling Wing's Boeing KC-135. The 2025 Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show kicks off with the water show at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Here's everything you need to know. What time does the Milwaukee air show start on Saturday? The 2025 Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show is a two-day event taking place on July 19-20. The water show will kick things off both days at 10 a.m. If you don't have reserved parking tickets, you'll want to make sure you arrive a few hours before the air show starts to find parking. Anyone who sprung for reserved parking will also want to give themselves time to park as Lincoln Memorial Drive gets congested. What's the Milwaukee air show schedule on Saturday? The Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show schedule is the same for Saturday and Sunday. All times are approximations and weather dependent. 10 a.m. — Water show Noon — National Anthem / ReMax Parachute Team 3 p.m. — The Blue Angels Who is performing at the Milwaukee air show? Military performers U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron – The mission of the Navy Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 500 million fans. U.S. Navy Blue Angels - C-130 – "Fat Albert" — 'Fat Albert,' the Blue Angels' support aircraft, returns to Milwaukee. The C-130, acquired from the U.K. Royal Air Force in 2020, is vital in transporting personnel and equipment. The aircraft has been an integral part of the team's history since 1970. U.S. Air Force Academy – Wings of Blue Parachute Team — The Wings of Blue parachute team brings precision freefall demonstrations to the lakefront, including its signature 'Bomb Burst' maneuver at terminal velocity. U.S. Air Force – F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team — The F-22 Raptor Demo Team returns to showcase the agility of the world's only operational fifth-generation fighter. Based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the team has performed more than 250 demonstrations across the world. U.S. Air Force – Heritage Flight Formation – F-22 Raptor with P-51 Mustang — The Heritage Flight formation highlights aviation history with a modern F-22 Raptor flying alongside a World War II-era P-51 Mustang. It honors past and present air power and has thrilled audiences since 1997. U.S. Air Force – C-17 Globemaster East Coast Demonstration Team — The C-17 Globemaster Demonstration Team flies high-performance routines that aren't much different from operational missions. The four-member team showcases the capabilities of the C-17 Globemaster and consists of veteran pilots who have been instructors, evaluators or aircraft commanders Illinois Air National Guard – C-130 Hercules — The 182nd Airlift Wing will debut its C-130J Hercules at the Milwaukee Air & Water Show. The Wing's missions include delivering humanitarian aid, aeromedical evacuation, tactical air control of aircraft, and fatality search and recovery. Wisconsin Air National Guard – F-35 Lightning — Flying the advanced F-35 Lightning II, the 115th Fighter Wing from Madison returns to Milwaukee. The unit's mission is to provide unmatched combat airpower and agile emergency response. Currently, the Wing has personnel and/or aircraft assigned to Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Jump Start—and it regularly serves with the Air Expeditionary Force in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wisconsin Air National Guard – KC-135 Refueler — Milwaukee's favorite Hometown Air Force aerial performer, the 128th Air Refueling Wing, will return this weekend. The Wing's principal mission is air support to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations. Maryland Air National Guard – A-10 Warthogs — The 175th Fighter Wing makes its final A-10 Warthog appearance before transitioning to cyber unit. The A-10 has provided close air support since 1976 and is renowned for its durability and firepower. U.S. Coast Guard – MH-60T Rescue Helicopter Demo — USCG Air Station Traverse City, another crowd favorite, returns with a search-and-rescue demonstration featuring the MH-60T Jayhawk. The twin-engine helicopter performs missions ranging from law enforcement to environmental protection. Civilian performers Re / Max Parachute Team — Re / Max Parachute Team is making its Milwaukee Air & Water Show debut this year. The four-member team performs in over 50 shows across the country every year. PBY4-2G Privateer Maritime Patrol Aircraft — This fully-restored consolidated PB4Y-2G Privateer served as a versatile maritime patrol bomber during World War II and the Korean War. Produced in large numbers, it was known for roles ranging from anti-submarine warfare and long-range reconnaissance to search and rescue and weather reconnaissance. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard operated the Privateer well into the 1950s, with the last Coast Guard examples retiring in 1960. The aircraft's distinctive features include a longer fuselage and a single vertical tail, enhancing its capabilities for extended patrol missions. Mike Vaknin - Extra 300 — The Milwaukee Air & Water Show is also welcoming Mike Vaknin for the first time. Vaknin started his love for flight as a paratrooper at the age of 18. He's since moved into the cockpit and is an IAC Competitor and ICAS member. Do I need tickets to attend the Milwaukee air show? Nope! The Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show is free for the general public to attend from Bradford Beach and parts of McKinley Beach. The show offers reserved seating, which ranges between $8.73 and $39.68, and offers reserved lakefront parking passes for $32.97. Some additional premium seating options are still available for purchase, like the Flight-Line Club on Sunday, which ranges between $16.99 and $69.10, and Sky Chalet VIP seating on Sunday, ranging between $48.46 - $172.34. You can purchase tickets here. Where are the reserved seating areas? Reserved seating area entry gates are located along McKinley Park (Lincoln Memorial Drive) at Gate #3. Where is the best place to watch the Milwaukee air show? The best viewing spot for the air show will be near center point, which is located directly across from Villa Terrace, at McKinley Park. This area is reserved, so getting as close to the area as possible will give you the best angles to see the Blue Angels. Best places to watch the Milwaukee air show for free Bradford Beach, directly adjacent to McKinley Beach, is the place to be if you're not interested in purchasing tickets. Pack lunch and drinks into a cooler, grab some chairs and something to provide shade and head out early. If you don't mind missing the water show, virtually any spot behind the sandy beaches will offer a great view of the air show. You'll have an easier time parking and leaving the show from behind the beaches, too, as traffic along North Lincoln Memorial Drive tends to stall. Who are the 2025 Blue Angels pilots? #1 | Cmdr. Adam Bryan | USN — Flight leader and commanding officer #2 | Cmdr. Jack Keilty | USN — Right wing #3 | Maj. Brandon Wilkins | USMC — Left wing #4 | Lt. Cmdr. Wes Perkins | USN — Slot #5 | Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman | USN — Lead solo #6 | Lt. Connor O'Donnell | USN — Opposing solo This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Blue Angels Milwaukee air show 2025: Everything to know Saturday Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Red Arrows team using vegetable oil to fly
The Red Arrows have been flying at a popular air show with fuel made of vegetable oil. The RIAT event at the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford, Gloucestershire, is currently under way and celebrating its 40th anniversary, with planes showcased from across Europe. The RAF's Red Arrows are flying on all three days, with 35% of their fuel being sustainable, which includes hydrotreated vegetable oil. Discussing the use of sustainable fuel, senior engineering officer of the RAF Red Arrows Andy King, said: "As we scale production and that increases, what you actually get is the costs come down and you become more self-sufficient as a country." He added that using the fuel could provide an "added operational resilience" if the UK entered into conflict with "countries to the east". "We'd be no longer be reliant on their fuel," he said. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the major aviation event, which started on Friday and ends on Sunday evening. Kate McKinley, people and sustainability director of RIAT, said the carbon footprint of the air show would be monitored and it would find out the results later this year. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Sneak peek at this year's RIAT aircraft RIAT 2025: Everything you need to know Related internet links Royal International Air Tattoo
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Red Arrows using vegetable oil to fly at RIAT 2025
The Red Arrows have been flying at a popular air show with fuel made of vegetable RIAT event at the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford, Gloucestershire, is currently under way and celebrating its 40th anniversary, with planes showcased from across RAF's Red Arrows are flying on all three days, with 35% of their fuel being sustainable, which includes hydrotreated vegetable the use of sustainable fuel, senior engineering officer of the RAF Red Arrows Andy King, said: "As we scale production and that increases, what you actually get is the costs come down and you become more self-sufficient as a country." He added that using the fuel could provide an "added operational resilience" if the UK entered into conflict with "countries to the east"."We'd be no longer be reliant on their fuel," he of thousands of people are expected to visit the major aviation event, which started on Friday and ends on Sunday McKinley, people and sustainability director of RIAT, said the carbon footprint of the air show would be monitored and it would find out the results later this year.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vertical Aerospace Completes World First Public Airport-to-Airport Flight
Completes first airport-to-airport flight by a full-scale, piloted winged tilt-rotor eVTOL designed for commercial service VX4 prototype flew from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford ahead of its appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo - the world's largest military airshow Demonstrates integration with real-world airport operations and builds momentum toward certified deployment RIAT appearance showcases VX4's potential for defence and special missions, following the launch of Vertical's hybrid-electric programme LONDON & NEW YORK, July 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vertical Aerospace (Vertical) (NYSE: EVTL) ("Vertical" or the "Company"), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announces that it completed the world's first airport-to-airport piloted flight by a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor eVTOL designed for commercial service. Following Flight Conditions and Permit to Fly approvals from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the VX4 prototype flew to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world's largest military air show, where it will be on display from 18-20 July. Inaugural airport to airport flight On Wednesday, 16 July, the piloted VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from Vertical's Flight Test Centre at Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, a Royal Air Force station which is used by the United States Airforce, reaching speeds of 115mph and an altitude of 1800ft. The flight marked the aircraft's first landing at a public location. The inaugural flight, witnessed by a few thousand aircraft enthusiasts, showcases integration with real-world airport operations and builds momentum toward certified deployment. Simon Davies, Vertical's Chief Test Pilot, who flew the full scale VX4 prototype, said: "Flying the VX4 from airport to airport is a major milestone, and a powerful demonstration of the real-world capability of the aircraft. To bring it to RIAT, among some of the world's most advanced military aircraft, is a proud moment – and a powerful signal of the role that a new generation of aircraft will play in defence and special mission operations." Only electric aircraft to be showcased at the Royal International Air Tattoo Vertical is showcasing its full scale VX4 prototype – the only electric aircraft presence at RIAT 2025 – as part of its broader strategy to unlock new hybrid-electric applications in defence, logistics, and special missions. With the recent launch of its hybrid-electric variant, Vertical is positioned to deliver cleaner, quieter, and more versatile aviation solutions for a range of government and military use cases. Vertical's second-generation hybrid-propulsion system, which has been in development for 18 months at the Vertical Energy Centre, will be retrofitted into one of the company's VX4 full scale prototypes and is expected to commence flight testing in Q2 2026. Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: "RIAT is a global stage for the most advanced, mission-ready aerospace technology, and we're proud to showcase how electric aviation will support the future of defence. Our hybrid-electric roadmap unlocks new capabilities for military operations, and Vertical's RIAT presence reinforces our commitment to playing a meaningful role in the future of military and special mission aviation." Visitors can see the VX4 prototype on display at RIAT from 18-20 July. With over 200,000 visitors expected and participation from more than 25 nations, RIAT offers Vertical a valuable platform to engage defence stakeholders, investors, and the global aerospace community on emerging opportunities. The event is organised by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, with proceeds supporting aviation education and youth development. Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: "Great to see Vertical Aerospace and their prototype aircraft, which is based at Cotswold Airport, showing the innovation of aviation. It will be on static display for all three days at this year's Royal International Air Tattoo and will show visitors the future of sustainable aviation and electric powered flight." About VX4 hybrid-electric variant New long-range variant will be adapted from the all-electric VX4, targeted for certification to the highest safety standards in 2028: Range: Up to 1,000 miles, a 10-fold increase from its all-electric aircraft. Payload: Configurable to carry up to 1,100 kilograms in the VX4's class-leading airframe capacity. Stealth advantages: Low noise and heat signatures make the hybrid variant well-suited for sensitive missions. Crewed and uncrewed capabilities: Hybrid-electric technology capable of being deployed autonomously, remotely, or with a pilot. Uncrewed capabilities can be seamlessly integrated into the existing Flight Control System being developed by Honeywell. Mission resilience: Built off the VX4's industry-leading redundancy and damage tolerance, boosting confidence for mission-critical operations. About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner and quieter way to travel. Vertical's VX4 is a piloted, four passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical will also be launching a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market. Vertical combines partnering with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell and Leonardo, with developing its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, the epicentre of the UK's aerospace industry, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top tier automotive and aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM and Leonardo. Together they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any express or implied statements contained in this release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the design and manufacture of the VX4, the features and capabilities of the VX4, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers, certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, the potential exercise of the Tranche A Warrants following the satisfaction of the performance conditions and the proceeds issued from such potential exercise, as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Actual outcomes may differ materially from the information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation, our limited operating history without manufactured non-prototype aircraft or completed eVTOL aircraft customer order; our potential inability to raise additional funds when we need or want them, or at all, to fund our operations; our limited cash and cash equivalents and recurring losses from our operations raise significant doubt (or raise substantial doubt as contemplated by PCAOB standards) regarding our ability to continue as a going concern; our potential inability to produce or launch aircraft in the volumes or timelines projected; the potential inability to obtain the necessary certifications for production and operation within any projected timeline, or at all; the inability for our aircraft to perform at the level we expect and may have potential defects; our history of losses and the expectation to incur significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future; the market for eVTOL aircraft being in a relatively early stage; any accidents or incidents involving eVTOL aircraft could harm our business; our dependence on partners and suppliers for the components in our aircraft and for operational needs; the potential that certain strategic partnerships may not materialize into long-term partnership arrangements; all of the pre-orders received are conditional and may be terminated at any time and any predelivery payments may be fully refundable upon certain specified dates; any circumstances; any potential failure to effectively manage our growth; our inability to recruit and retain senior management and other highly skilled personnel; we have previously identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting which if we fail to properly remediate, could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence in us and the market price of our ordinary shares; as a foreign private issuer we follow certain home country corporate governance rules, are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are subject to Exchange Act reporting obligations that, to some extent, are more lenient and less frequent than those of a U.S. domestic public company; and the important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. the Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on Contacts Enquiries please contact: MediaJustin Bates, Head of +44 7878 357 463 Investor RelationsSamuel Emden, Head of Investor +44 7816 459 904 Sign in to access your portfolio
