Thousands of people attended yesterday’s RAF Cosford Air Show with a stunning air display and entertainment on the ground for everyone to enjoy.
The flying display which is one of the best in the country saw nations including Italy and Switzerland sending a variety of aircraft including the PC-7 9 ship display team who performed an outstanding aerobatic display.
Along with the international participants the Royal Air Force showcased displays from the Red Arrows, Chinook and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The Army Air Corps brought their impressive WAH-64 Apache to the show, with the Attack Helicopter Display Team carrying out a display complimented by stunning ground based pyrotechnics.
The B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe, also stunned crowds with her graceful display.
The United States Air Force also sent a B-1B Lancer & B-52H Stratrofortress which both flew past during the event, making extremely rare public appearances.
Other displays included the RAF Falcons, Avro Anson, The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers and Grob Tutor.
Ground displays included the Space Hangar which showcased the advancement in Space Technology. The Vintage Village took visitors back to the 1960s with vintage cars and music of the decade, while the Battlefield Support Village gave a chance to see what a Forward Operating Base looks like.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Hangar was packed full of immersive experiences which proved popular with all who visited.
Clive Elliott, Air Show Director, said “This year’s event has been highly commended by both members of the public and the Royal Air Force leadership team. The personnel from RAF Cosford are a testament to the RAF and have put in a tremendous amount of work over the past 12 months to put on such a fantastic show.”
The Hartree Memorial Trophy, awarded for the best flying display at the RAF Cosford Air Show, was given to the Swiss PC-7 Team for their immaculately flown formation display. Another display which provided international flair at the event was the A-200 Tornado, from the Italian Air Force, which was recognised with an award for its stunning paint scheme.
As in recent years, the event was ticket only to ease traffic congestion. Traffic queues were of less than a mile at peak times, with all members of the public having left the site by 7pm.
Chief Inspector Keith Gee said: “West Mercia Police was on hand to support RAF Cosford and ensure those attending the event arrived and left as safely and quickly as possible.
“Due to the large number of vehicles entering and leaving the site a degree of congestion on the surrounding roads was expected and I thank drivers for their patience. However, delays were kept to a minimum and I am pleased to report that traffic was generally flowing freely both to and from the event.
“The sun also made an appearance for the occasion and I hope all who attended enjoyed a great family day out.”
The RAF Cosford Air Show 2018, which will be held on June 10th next year, is the region’s official RAF100 celebration and will pay tribute to the past, present and future of the Royal Air Force.