Just spotted on 'Secret' Intranet
:
The RAF has been flexing its muscles for the public by giving a demonstration of 21st century air power in spectacular style at an air show in Kent.
The role demonstration concept for presenting 21st century air power, which was unveiled at the Biggin Hill Air Fair recently, heralded a departure from the more traditional presence which the RAF have had at public shows in recent years.
The 30-minute display sequence showed a strike capability involving Tornados, the air defence E-3D Sentry, Hawks in the training role, support transport provided by the four-engined C-130 Hercules and Chinook helicopters.
The Air Fair itself was officially opened by Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, Chief of the Air Staff, who witnessed the performance of his RAF squadrons in the demonstration.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Harper, Chief of Staff (Operations) at HQ Air Command, explained the background to the demonstrations:"For some aircraft types, the RAF has this year moved away from the more traditional style of displaying at air shows in favour of a role capability demonstration. The demonstration has been designed to increase public understanding of the role of airpower through its many spectra."
The Battle of Britain Sword was awarded to the RAF Role Demonstration Team, recognising the excellence of the series of specially planned sequences that showed the Royal Air Force of today, flown so convincingly by the aircrews of RAF Commands:"Such a significant departure from the traditional approach is not without risk," Air Vice-Marshal Harper continued. "However, at the second major demonstration of the season at the Biggin Hill Air Fair, the RAF Role Demonstration Team was awarded the show's Battle of Britain Sword. The sword was awarded to the Team in recognition 'of the excellence of the series of specially planned sequences that showed the Royal Air Force of today, flown so convincingly by the aircrews of the RAF'.
"I see this award as a very positive indicator of the expediency of our new approach to displaying the RAF to the general public."
Group Captain Andy Turner, Head of RAF Public Relations, explained how he believes the RAF is benefiting from this new approach:"The RAF is extremely busy on operations around the World with some 38% committed to or deployed away from base. Whilst there is no doubt there is a deep appreciation for our efforts and those of our sister Services, it is important that we take the time to explain what we do and why.
"Therefore, these demonstrations have been developed in order to put these highly capable aircraft and their dedicated, courageous and professional crews in context. The feedback we have received thus far indicate that the public really like them and want to see more of it. The next demonstrations will be at Waddington 30 June-1 July 2007, Fairford 13-15 July 2007 and Edinburgh 25/26 August 2007."
Some good piccies of the day too, looks quite entertaining. I'm guessing that this is the Sprite of Misadventure without the 'big screens'. Certainly looks pretty spectacular and shows what can be done with a little panache and some plastique.