ANNIVERSARY NATO FLYPAST TO DISPLAY AT AIR TATTOO

Spectators at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Gloucestershire are being told to keep their eyes peeled for a special 70th anniversary North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) flypast.

On Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July operational aircraft in NATO member nations will showcase their air power capabilities above RAF Fairford in the only official NATO flypast taking place at a UK airshow this summer.

As one of the longest-lasting and most successful alliances in history, NATO works to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries using crisis management and peacekeeping tactics. Since it was established in 1949, the alliance has grown from twelve to 29 members.

Aircraft taking part include Belgian Air Component’s LM F-16AM, the German Air Force’s Eurofighter EF2000s, A400M and Tornado strike aircraft, the Royal Danish Air Force’s F-16 fighters, the United States Air Force’s F-15 aircraft from RAF Lakenheath and the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fighters.

Air Tattoo Chief Executive Andy Armstrong said: “The Air Tattoo has always performed an important role in developing a spirit of co-operation, friendship and integration; which is why we are delighted to organise a special tribute to mark the Alliance’s 70th anniversary”.

Visitors can also look forward to flying displays from the RAF Red Arrows who will be displaying in the UK for the last time before they depart to North America and Canada for their Western Hawk 19 tour, the Ukrainian Air Force’s Russian-built Sukhoi Su-27 and airshow favourite the Spanish Navy’s two vertical lift AV-8B Harriers.

On the ground, other aircraft highlights include an impressive static display featuring aircraft from across the world including the Ukrainian IL-76 ‘Candid’, the Royal Jordanian Air Force C120-H Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster.

Elsewhere, the showground boasts its critically-acclaimed Techno Zone® which is home to interactive and engaging hands-on exhibits to entice all the family, the Vintage Village, Activity Zone and RAF Experience.

Tickets for the airshow (19-21 July), which is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, can be purchased online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 01285 713456. All accompanied under-18s go free.