F-35 combat jet's UK debut at Fairford Air Tattoo cancelled
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hanging off the end of a thread
Posts: 33,071
Received 2,939 Likes
on
1,252 Posts
The 262 is cancelled as well from whatever show it was going to fly with a Meatbox, or so I am lead to believe. It's gone tech I believe.
never mind kids - you can come and look at this Met Office Flies in to Royal International Air Tattoo - Fairford (11 to 13 July) - Met Office 
(just kidding Mr Metman - love your work!)
(just kidding Mr Metman - love your work!)
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's grim stuff. I mean, who has even the slightest interest in seeing a 146? It was vaguely comical how RIAT built this year's hype on the appearance of the F-35, and then appear to have almost dismissed the Vulcan as unimportant. It's ironic how the plan seems to have backfired spectacularly.
I wonder how long this will go on before even the most committed enthusiasts realise the show is an over-priced dinosaur. It's ridiculously expensive, and comprises almost exclusively of mainstream show acts that can be seen pretty-much anywhere. Waddington's show was brilliant by comparison (and that was no great event). Viggen, Draken, Vulcan, Canberra, three Hunters, three Gnats... What has RIAT got? The Su-22 and that's it.
Yes, one can clutch as straws and list the (dwindling) static exhibits but really, who cares about a Japanese tanker stuck in a car park? Or a Greek A-7 that you'll be able to see in a museum soon. Static aircraft are hardly worth crowing about.
Yes, I know all the reasons why RIAT is unable to match the excellence of their older shows but that means nothing. It is what it is. It appears to still attract enough punters to make a profit so that's fine - good luck to them. But wouldn't it be nice if they stopped billing the event as some huge military spectacular for the aviation enthusiast. It's not, and hasn't been for a long time.
But then I guess you can't blame RIAT. It's the enthusiasts that still turn-up and pay the ridiculous amounts of money. Like lambs to the proverbial slaughter. Madness!
I wonder how long this will go on before even the most committed enthusiasts realise the show is an over-priced dinosaur. It's ridiculously expensive, and comprises almost exclusively of mainstream show acts that can be seen pretty-much anywhere. Waddington's show was brilliant by comparison (and that was no great event). Viggen, Draken, Vulcan, Canberra, three Hunters, three Gnats... What has RIAT got? The Su-22 and that's it.
Yes, one can clutch as straws and list the (dwindling) static exhibits but really, who cares about a Japanese tanker stuck in a car park? Or a Greek A-7 that you'll be able to see in a museum soon. Static aircraft are hardly worth crowing about.
Yes, I know all the reasons why RIAT is unable to match the excellence of their older shows but that means nothing. It is what it is. It appears to still attract enough punters to make a profit so that's fine - good luck to them. But wouldn't it be nice if they stopped billing the event as some huge military spectacular for the aviation enthusiast. It's not, and hasn't been for a long time.
But then I guess you can't blame RIAT. It's the enthusiasts that still turn-up and pay the ridiculous amounts of money. Like lambs to the proverbial slaughter. Madness!
While I understand your frustration WH904, it seems a bit contradictory to criticise the non-appearance at RIAT of the Vulcan and then immediately ask what's the point of the A-7 being there because it will be in a museum shortly.
Join Date: May 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Old Days!
Well somewhere out in the ether must be downloads of the old Farnborough Shows.
I remember seeing on a black white tv (405 lines) a Brittania doing a one engine approach and landing, Hunters looping, Lightnings roaring etc.
Of course there were quite a few crashes and the crowd was not immune from death or injury but interesting times.
I remember seeing on a black white tv (405 lines) a Brittania doing a one engine approach and landing, Hunters looping, Lightnings roaring etc.
Of course there were quite a few crashes and the crowd was not immune from death or injury but interesting times.
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Frustration? I don't really care to be honest - I'm just commenting on the sad state of affairs. I'm certainly not going to RIAT - haven't been for years, it's not worth it.
Tabs please !
The 262 was on the original list for Farnborough.
I was looking forward to that. As for the Met Office 146, I can't see the point. I was with Snoopy at Abingdon many years ago and there was a genuine interest from the crowd. A relatively bog standard 146 does not cut the mustard.
Wow ! some serious whingeing on this forum.....why does everyone keep going on about the Vulcan ? Sure it's an iconic aircraft but its far from the most entertaining airshow performer. I went to both RIAT and Waddington last year and there were some stunning displays and in my humble opinion two of the best were from a helicopter: The RAF Chinook and a transport aircraft : The Italian C27 Spartan.
I think RIAT continues to put on a very high quality display every year, despite the obvious challenges so if the F35 doesn't turn up......big deal it was never likely to put on a thrilling display anyway. I'm sure it will be a great day out with or without that ugly lump of tin !
I think RIAT continues to put on a very high quality display every year, despite the obvious challenges so if the F35 doesn't turn up......big deal it was never likely to put on a thrilling display anyway. I'm sure it will be a great day out with or without that ugly lump of tin !
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Closer than you think...
Age: 65
Posts: 390
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anyone else wondering if this is a sign of things to come, I mean the F35 stuck on the ground with the flight characteristics of a slightly used BBQ?
Wonder if it's absence will do anything for the road traffic in the local area?
Wonder if it's absence will do anything for the road traffic in the local area?
Sharpend
Why would I be excited about 3 Bulldogs displaying? That is definately a time earmarked for the beer tent!
Or do I detect a hint of sarcasm in your post?
The B Word
Why would I be excited about 3 Bulldogs displaying? That is definately a time earmarked for the beer tent!
Or do I detect a hint of sarcasm in your post?
The B Word
