Roger Whitcomb
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Latest Update 29/05/14
The world airshow debut of the Textron AirLand Scorpion two-seat tactical jet will be a highlight of the RIAT 2014 static display. The aircraft made its maiden flight in Wichita, Kansas, on December 13 last year and is currently engaged in a successful flight testing programme. Preparations, including some airframe modifications aimed at easing its deployment, are well under way for the Scorpion's inaugural trans-Atlantic trip.
The newly-formed Gazelle Squadron Display Team will be sending two Gazelle helicopters to RIAT 2014 for static display. They are expected to comprise a former RAF Gazelle HT3 trainer and an ex-Army Air Corps AH1 that served in the 1991 Gulf War. Based at Bourne Park in Hampshire, this civilian organisation has a total of eight such helicopters depicting the variety of roles played by the Gazelle in UK service use. It will work up a four-ship display for 2015.
A number of civilian aircraft have been confirmed as attending RIAT 2014 in the static display. On the vintage side will be Carlo Ferrari's Beech G18S from Switzerland, while, at the modern end of the spectrum, Grob will exhibit the new G120TP turboprop trainer. Meanwhile, Swiss pilot Bruno Stocker continues his lengthy support for the Air Tattoo by bringing an Extra EA400 and Socata TB20 Trinidad.
Also now on the participation list for RIAT 2014 are several civilian aircraft that will be visiting the show - for example, transporting VIPs - but which will not be part of either the static or flying displays. Numbered among these are two Piper PA-28 Warriors from the BAE Systems Flying Club, two Gulfstream G550s operated by Lockheed Martin, a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche, a Cessna 525 CitationJet operated by HTM Jet Service, Marshall Aerospace's Piper PA-23 Aztec and Cessna 550B Citation, and a BAe 146-200 operated by BAE Systems.
Another new US military aircraft taking part in RIAT 2014 will be a Boeing P-8A Poseidon from the US Navy. A single example from test and evaluation squadron VX-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, will make the type's Air Tattoo debut in the static aircraft park. A number of British crew members, maintaining national maritime patrol experience since retirement of the RAF Nimrod fleet, will be among those on board for the visit.
Visitors to the Air Tattoo on Sunday are set for an extra special treat as they will have the opportunity to see close up a number of interesting aircraft on static display being manoeuvred on the Showground during the afternoon prior to departing for Farnborough. Among these aircraft will be the P-8 Poseidon and the Textron AirLand Scorpion.
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