Flights from Red Arrows and BBMF expected as Clacton Airshow returns
The event is expected to draw thousands to the Essex coast.
Last updated 25th Aug 2022
Clacton Airshow kicks off this afternoon for the first time since the pandemic.
Thousands are expected to attend the two-day event, to watch aerobatic displays from teams including the Red Arrows and The Blades.
What's on?
The RAF Red Arrows will perform at both days of the 29th Clacton Airshow.
They will join 15 other flights, believed to make it the biggest-ever Clacton Airshow in itsthe history of the event.
Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council, which stages the event, said the 2022 event was truly shaping up to be one of the best: “We have an incredible line-up for this year’s Clacton Airshow, both in breadth and depth, which after a two-year enforced hiatus due to Covid-19 is exactly what we all need."
Aerobatics
Joining the Red Arrows will be Team Raven and the Blades – who will perform two formation aerobatic displays.
Flying modified RV8s, Team Raven have flown together since 2014 using the self-built planes’ power-to-weight ratio and strong climb rate to execute display-worthy procedures.
The Blades is made up of former RAF Red Arrows pilots – and are the only other team with permission to arrive at events over the heads of the crowds. Their display will see pilots fly as close as four feet apart.
Classic war planes
The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is coming to the airshow, bringing Second World War planes including an Avro Lancaster, a Supermarine Spitfire, and a Hawker Hurricane.
The Royal Navy will also be represented at the airshow, with a flight by a Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber, which is capable of landing and launching from aircraft carriers.
Jets
The MiG-15, a retired Polish Air Force jet, which boasts a top speed of 0.92 Mach and is capable of sustaining forces of 8G, will make an appearance. Operated by the Norwegian Air Force, it is painted in Russian colours and represents the ‘enemy aircraft’ in their displays.
Also appearing is the De Havilland Vampire FB52 which flew with the Swiss Air Force for almost 40 years and has a maximum speed of 548mph.
Completing the fast jet line-up is the BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk82A, an ex-Oman Airforce jet which produces 3,500lbs of thrust from its pure turbo jet – giving a noticeable noise as the display is carried out at up to 4G.
Twilight Display
There will also be a twilight display taking place on the Thursday evening of the event.
This will feature:
Otto the helicopter from O’Brien’s Flying Circus, whose rotors create a spinning mechanism for pyrotechnics to light up the sky.
The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, who will freefall with trailing smoke and flags.
The Firebirds, two lit-up light aircraft, who will put on an aerobatic display.