Our Theme for this year will be the “50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.”   Squadron Leader Al Pinner Officer Commanding the Flight paid us a visit at the end of last year to represent the RAF at the hand-over of the One Million Pound Cheque to The Royal Air Forces Association  - this sum represented the total amount raised from all shows with a record £135,000 being the amount raised last year. The dates for this year’s event will be September 15th and 16th and we have some new and exciting displays already booked.   A first will be the B25 Mitchell from Holland it is planned to fly this alongside Sally B. 

Due to the success of  the Scramble last year we will be increasing this to ten aircraft  7 Spitfires and 3 Hurricanes and the German aircraft will be 2 ME108s and 1 ME 109  . Increased pyrotechnics will enhance the airfield attack with more support from the ground crews and actors including several anti aircraft guns. Carolyn Grace will open the airshow both days flying the 2 seater Spitfire.  We have the welcome return of Peter Teichman with his Kittyhawk and Mustang.

Another first will be the Gnat (as used by the Red Arrows under the leadership of the late Ray Hanna) flying alongside the Jet Provost (as used by the RAF Display Team the Poachers).  The same team will also be bringing along the Huey Helicopter as used in Vietnam with it well know thudding rotors.

The Blades Aerobatic Team who made a first appearance last year will be back this year - all pilots will be Ex Red Arrows under the leadership of Andy Offer MBE – they are currently on a two month tour of the Far East.  This their second year will see some new exciting routines added to their display. (They like many display teams requested to return to Shoreham).

The Royal Navy have promised us their helicopter display team The Blackcats.  This comprises of two Lynx helicopters – close formation flying and crossovers are nothing compared to some of the manoeuvres they do. A welcome return by the RN Historic Flight with the Sea Hawk and Sea Fury.

We are still awaiting final confirmation from the RAF regarding fast jet participation but we have the BBMF with the Lancaster and the Spitfire and Hurricane – the latter two which will be landing at Shoreham for the first time to add to our existing ten aircraft.  We have the Grob Tutor – Tucano – Hawk.       On The Helicopter side we have the Chinook and Merlin (subject to operational duties).

Add to that the Vampire T11 – Consolidated Catalina (always popular at Shoreham) – Denny Dobson  with his Extra 300 (Thirteen ribbon cut last year) – The Ultimate High’s airFORCE Extreme Team – and the four ship Wing Walkers under their new Guniot Sponsorship.

The RAF Falcon Parachute Team will also be jumping both days hopefully from a Hercules – it is a couple of years since we last saw them at Shoreham.

One of the most popular venues for the pilots there will be ample opportunities to meet them first hand as most will be basing their aircraft at Shoreham.

There are more surprises in store and a few more exciting displays to be added so please look at our web site this will be fully up and running by early April. With the Jersey airshow running a day before ours we are currently working with their organisers to share some of the overseas display teams including possibly the Brietling Jet Aerobatic Team.  (Watch this space).

A popular venue with the wonderful backdrop of the Downs and Lancing College plus easy access to the show makes it a true family day – and we intend to keep it as such with increased ground attractions and a large static display catering for all ages.  Before you ask Haurel and Lardy and the Dads Army Team are back plus lots more giving a true feel to the event.

A new innovation on the ticket front will be that all children up to the age of 12 provided they are accompanied by an adult will gain free entry – likewise advance ticket sales will be significantly cheaper than gate prices so do make use of our on line booking and other ticket outlets.

Spitfire Ales will be sponsoring our Spitfire and Hurricane scramble this year and we owe a big thank you to them – our other sponsors will be The Argus – Talk Sport Radio – Absolute Brighton Magazine – Splash FM – Absolute London Magazine – Shell Aviation – Southern Trains – Bunn Leisure and Shoreham Airport – A big thank you to you all.

Source: John Periam - RAF Association Shoreham Airshow
Pictures provided and copyrighted by MOD/BBMF
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