AIRCRAFT PICTURES FROM ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO 2002 RAF FAIRFORD UK AND CLAIRE SWEENEY

ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATTOO 2002
RAF FAIRFORD

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One of the biggest airshows also boasted one fo the biggest traffic queues!!	Security was higher than previous years but everyone appreciated the reason why.	Once into Fairford the problem was where to start - there was certainly more than a days viewing
	60 YEARS OF THE MIGHTY EIGHTH

The B-17 bomber was used in large numbers by the 8th AF in WWII and flown from several airfield within Northamptonshire. more details	The relatively small bomb load the B-17 could carry was one reason why missions had to be undertaken in such large numbers, with such large loss of life	The bombers relied heavily on fighter protection. These P51 Mustang and Thunderbolt WWII fighters are typical of those flown at the time

P51 mustangs such as this were flown by 20th Fighter Group from Kings Cliffe Airfield in Northamptonshire	Another view of the Thunderbolt (top) and P51 Mustang fighters	The fighters preparing for the flypast with the B17

The WWII B-17 bomber 'Sally B' is the only remaining airworthy example of the bomber in the UK and relies heavily on donations to keep flying	One side of her fuselage still sports the 'Memphis Belle' artwork from the film	Present day F16's of the USAAF performed a 'missing man' flypast in memory of those airmen who lost their lives in WWII

The present day equipment of the Eighth Airforce is very different, as shown by this B1b bomber	Another view of the B1b Bomber	The 8th AF also flys the futuristic B2 'Stealth' bomber which again put in an appearance
	SALUTE TO THE BOMBER CREWS

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster is one of only 2 remaining airworthy examples of this famous bomber	It was joined in the air for a memorial flypast by a Spitfire - famous for its part in the Battle of Britain...	and one of the few remaining examples of the Hawer Hurricane fighter - equally important to the Battle of Britain victory

The flypast was watched by surviving members of 617 'dambuster' squadron	A rare sight in the form of a WWII Blenheim bomber which joined the Lancaster for a flypast	The flypast was followed by a minutes silence in memory of those young WWII bomber crews who lost their lives
	PLANE ART

There's always an opportunity for artistic expression, as shown by this B1b Bomber's 'nose art'	Far from being dull pieces of metal, the planes often make a colourful spectacle	The tail of the Hawker Harrier

It's unlikely that this headgear is still worn when 'The Fyling Vikings' take to the air!	The B-17 still sports the 'Memphis Belle' nose art from the film of the same name	As well as the salute to the bomber crews, the display contained all the elements the crowd expect

Il Frecci Tricolore again painted the Italian flag in the sky to the strains of Pavarotti	This DC3 Dakota on static display is similar to those flown from Spanhoe Airfield in Northamptonshire in WWII by the 315th Troop Carrier Group	The F117A stealth fighter gave a glimpse into the future of military aircraft design