The Best Show in Town: World's Top Air Forces at RIAT 2017
Many air forces from around the world took part in the largest military air show in the world. For the first time in 20 years, the Israeli Air Force also participated in the event. Special coverage of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017
Ofer Zidon
| 27/07/2017
F-15 fighter jet accompanied by a B-2 bomber (Photo: Ofer Zidon)
The Royal International Air Tattoo, the world's largest military air show, takes place every year in mid-July at the RAF Fairford Air Force Base.
The purpose of the event, which has been taking place since the 1960s, is to showcase the capabilities of NATO air forces to the public.
In recent years, air forces of non-NATO countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, India, Croatia and Bosnia, have also sent delegations to the event. This year, for the first time in 20 years, the Israeli Air Force also participated in the event, presenting the C-130J "Shimshon" of the Elephant Squadron. Unit 669, The IAF's Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR) extraction unit, also demonstrated its unique capabilities.
Each year, aerobatic teams from different countries perform at the event. This year, these teams included the British Air Force's Red Arrows and the US Air Force's Thunderbirds, as well as the aerobatics team of the Swiss Air Force, the Jordanian Air Force, and – for the first time – the Finnish Air Force.
Marking its 70th anniversary, the US Air Force conducted a special flight that involved various types of aircraft, including the B-2 stealth bomber that flew in from the United States especially for this occasion.
One of the most special appearances at the event was made by the Ukrainian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-27. Rumor has it that the Russians opposed the display of their first-line warplane at the event, but the Ukrainians decided to present it anyway.
Another interesting display was a tactical demonstration of the British Air Force's AH-64D assault helicopter. The helicopter simulated air support for ground forces that were ambushed in Afghanistan, using pyrotechnics and controlled explosions.
During the event, the British Air Force commemorated its victory in the Battle of Britain, as a British Lancaster bomber flew alongside two Spitfire planes.
The USAF also displayed its multi-mission V22 Osprey tilt-rotor military aircraft.
"In with the old, in with the new": An F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet flew alongside a P51 Mustang – the main US fighter plane in World War II.
The Americans also sent their veteran U2 spy plane.
The French Air Force showcased two Mirage aircraft…
… And a Rafale fighter jet
The Jordanian Air Force sent a C-130 Hercules with a unique painting of Petra on its tail.
***
Photography: Ofer Zidon
Many air forces from around the world took part in the largest military air show in the world. For the first time in 20 years, the Israeli Air Force also participated in the event. Special coverage of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2017
F-15 fighter jet accompanied by a B-2 bomber (Photo: Ofer Zidon)
The Royal International Air Tattoo, the world's largest military air show, takes place every year in mid-July at the RAF Fairford Air Force Base.
The purpose of the event, which has been taking place since the 1960s, is to showcase the capabilities of NATO air forces to the public.
In recent years, air forces of non-NATO countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, India, Croatia and Bosnia, have also sent delegations to the event. This year, for the first time in 20 years, the Israeli Air Force also participated in the event, presenting the C-130J "Shimshon" of the Elephant Squadron. Unit 669, The IAF's Combat Search & Rescue (CSAR) extraction unit, also demonstrated its unique capabilities.
Each year, aerobatic teams from different countries perform at the event. This year, these teams included the British Air Force's Red Arrows and the US Air Force's Thunderbirds, as well as the aerobatics team of the Swiss Air Force, the Jordanian Air Force, and – for the first time – the Finnish Air Force.
Marking its 70th anniversary, the US Air Force conducted a special flight that involved various types of aircraft, including the B-2 stealth bomber that flew in from the United States especially for this occasion.
One of the most special appearances at the event was made by the Ukrainian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-27. Rumor has it that the Russians opposed the display of their first-line warplane at the event, but the Ukrainians decided to present it anyway.
Another interesting display was a tactical demonstration of the British Air Force's AH-64D assault helicopter. The helicopter simulated air support for ground forces that were ambushed in Afghanistan, using pyrotechnics and controlled explosions.
During the event, the British Air Force commemorated its victory in the Battle of Britain, as a British Lancaster bomber flew alongside two Spitfire planes.
The USAF also displayed its multi-mission V22 Osprey tilt-rotor military aircraft.
"In with the old, in with the new": An F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet flew alongside a P51 Mustang – the main US fighter plane in World War II.
The Americans also sent their veteran U2 spy plane.
The French Air Force showcased two Mirage aircraft…
… And a Rafale fighter jet
The Jordanian Air Force sent a C-130 Hercules with a unique painting of Petra on its tail.
***
Photography: Ofer Zidon
