Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September 2024

Air Attractions 2024

View our flight schedule & some of the stars you can see at this year's show!

BBMF Lancaster

The Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) operates from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. It’s mission is to maintain the priceless artefacts of national heritage in airworthy condition in order to commemorate those who have fallen in the service of their country. 

The Avro Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two. With an impressive performance and excellent flying characteristics, it soon established its superiority over other allied four-engined bombers operating in Europe.

There are only two airworthy Lancasters left in the world – 7,377 were built. Lancaster PA474 was built at the Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory at Hawarden Airfield, Chester on 31 May 1945, just after VE day. The war in the Far East ended before she was deployed and she did not take part in any hostilities.

RAF Typhoon

The fast and furious Typhoon will appear both days, demonstrating its rip-roaring power with a collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres.

The Typhoon FGR.Mk 4 is a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed for the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high-intensity conflict.

The pilot performs many essential functions through the aircraft’s hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) interface which, combined with an advanced cockpit and the Helmet Equipment Assembly (HEA), renders Typhoon superbly equipped for all aspects of air operations.

The Starlings

‘The Starlings’ are comprised of former British Aerobatic Champions Tom Cassells and Michael Pickin, performing high-octane close formation aerobatics including gyroscopic tumbles. Tom is a current Display Authorisation Evaluator and Michael is the youngest person ever to be British Aerobatic Champion.

The display showcases the performance, skill and abilities of both pilot and aircraft. The first half of the routine demonstrates formation aerobatics, opposition manoeuvres and provides some great chances for photographers to capture the team doing what they do best.

The aircraft used are the latest design from Germany, the Extra NG and the classic, world championship winning, Cap 232. Both aircraft are capable of unlimited aerobatics; roll rates in excess of 420 degrees per second and plus/minus 10G. The aircraft will carry the livery of new Sponsors Nuii Ice Creams.

Norwegian Historic Squadron Vampire

The Vampire was a first generation jet fighter which saw service in the immediate post-war period with Royal Air Force front-line fighter squadrons in the United Kingdom and Germany, followed by further service with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

Work on the design of the DH100 began in May 1942 and the prototype made its first flight on 20 September 1943. Originally called the Spider Crab it was re-named Vampire when ordered into production for the Royal Air Force. The first aircraft did not become available until 1945 and the Vampire did not enter service until the early summer of 1946.

The Vampire F3 was a long-range version of the basic F1, with a re-designed tail unit. On 14 July 1948 six Vampire 3s of No.54 Squadron became the first ever jet aircraft to fly across the Atlantic under their own power.

The Vampire will be flying with the RAuxAF 502 Sqn colours.

RAF Vampire fighter jet in the air with a blue sky behind

Calidus Autogyro

AutoGyro’s Calidus is a closed-cabin two-seat tandem model, certified as the world’s first factory-built gyroplane in 2009. Loved for its aesthetics and flight experience, Calidus is a popular choice for flight schools, sightseeing, and law enforcement.

The sharp aerodynamics mean that Calidus is a fast cruiser. With a fuel tank of 74 liter, it has a great range. Improved further with the latest extended range 100ltr. tank option. The huge clear canopy gives both the pilot and passenger an amazing 360 view; yet keeping them both warm, dry, and comfortable.

The nimble handling characteristics are perfectly balanced with its extraordinary stability, especially when coping with turbulence. Pilots adore the “Fighter Jet” feeling, with the slim cockpit, compact yet effective instrument panel, and fabulous visibility.

As a workhorse, this aircraft has an excellent pedigree. With over 500 released to service since 2009, AutoGyro has a huge depth of reliability experience around the world, whether operated for fun or reward.

OV-10 Bronco

The OV-10 Bronco flown by the Bronco Demo Team is a former German Air Force Bronco. It is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. 

Developed in the 1960’s for counter insurgency (COIN) combat, it’s primary mission was as a Forward Air Control (FAC) aircraft. It was specifically designed for the Vietnam War and deployed successfully during the Cold war and Gulf War I (Operation Desert Shield).

The display will show the excellent flying characteristics and agility of the OV-10 Bronco. The short takeoff and landing performance and the maneuverability of the airplane are highlighted. The airplane’s agility allows for the display to be performed in a relatively small “box” right in front of the public, providing continuous entertainment without gaps.

Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers

The World’s Only Aerobatic Formation Wingwalking Team

Since 1984, UK based, AeroSuperBatics Ltd have been operators of famous airshow teams including the Crunchie Flying Circus, The Utterly Butterly’s, Guinot Wingwalkers and the Breitling Wingwalkers. They are Guinness World Record holders and have featured in numerous TV shows wingwalking with world renowned athletes and celebrities.

The professional wingwalkers perform breathtaking acrobatics and handstands whilst strapped to the top wings of 6 beautiful 1940’s Boeing Stearman biplanes, as the pilots fly through a choreographed and energetic routine of dazzling aerobatics and close formation flypasts. These manoeuvres include loops, rolls, stall turns and inverted flight – all reaching speeds of up to 150 mph and ‘G’ forces of up to 4G’s!

Jet Pitts High Energy Muscle Biplane Aerobatics

The original Pitts Special was designed by Curtis Pitts and first flew in 1945. The muscle Biplanes are based on the S2 designed in the 1960’s for competition Aerobatics. They have become iconic aerial entertainers, with many incremental improvements and modifications added over the years.

The biplane gets its strength from the box like structure on the top and bottom wings, connected by diagonal steel wires to give it rigidity.  

The G-EWIZ and G-JPIT have been modified specifically for aerial entertainment at air shows. Hot Rod Biplanes. Bigger engines, better control surfaces and enormous smoke systems.

All this gives them enhanced aerobatic capability to fly many unique manoeuvres such as the Double Hammer Head (or Pin wheel) Tower of Power, (Torque roll and backwards flight) and High Alpha Knife edge Flight. 

RAF Tutor

The Grob 115E, known as the Tutor T Mark 1 in RAF service, was built and equipped especially for the RAF in Mattsies, Germany between 1999 and 2002. It equips UASs and Air Experience Flights (AEFs) throughout the UK, providing flying instruction to university students and air experience flying to the Air Cadet organisation.  

For display flying, the Tutor is not as powerful as purpose-built aerobatic display aircraft, however, this makes for an interesting and challenging display as ‘energy’ (a combination of speed and height) must be maintained between manoeuvres; only possible through smooth and precise handling by the pilot. 

The Tutor display will often begin with a dive from height in order to build up the speed necessary to perform its opening manoeuvres. It may not be the largest, loudest or fastest aircraft on the circuit, but this gives the pilot opportunity to show their skill and finesse. 

Irish Air Corp

Prepare to be amazed at the Irish Air Corps aerobatic antics.

Approximately 750 men and women serve in the Air Corps, which operates 17 fixed wing aircraft and 10 rotary wing aircraft. Their role under the Defence Act is to contribute to the security of the State by providing for the Military Air Defence of its airspace. However, in times of peace, it is more usual for the Air Corps to deliver a broad range of air supports to other government departments and agencies.

The Air Corps continues to operate a range of rotary and fixed wing aircraft within existing organisational structures.

Irish Coast Guard S-92 S&R Demo

The popular air and sea role demo from the Irish Coast Guard S-92 S&R and RNLI Lifeboat returns for 2024!

The Sikorsky S-92 is an American twin-engine medium-lift helicopter built by Sikorsky Aircraft for the civil and military helicopter markets. The S-92 was developed from the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter and has similar parts such as flight control and rotor systems.

A number of safety features such as flaw tolerance, bird strike capability, and engine burst containment have been incorporated into the design. Adherence to FAA FAR part 29 has led the FAA certification board to call the S-92 the “safest helicopter in the world”.

Airborne Pyrotechnics Team (Saturday evening only)

The Airborne Pyrotechnics team, consisting of a remarkable father-and-son duo, is led by Tim Dews, an experienced pilot with over 30 years of flying the Grob 109b worldwide. Joining Tim is his son Tom, who achieved his solo flight in the Grob on his 16th birthday, following in the footsteps of his brother Ben.

The Grob G109 is a light aircraft developed by Grob Aircraft AG of Mindelheim Mattsies in Germany. It first flew (G109 prototype and then production G109A form) in 1980. The G109B followed in 1984. It is a two-seat self-launching motor glider in which the pilot and passenger or student sit side by side, with good visibility provided by large windows.

The team’s pyrotechnic offerings range from mesmerizingly quiet to thunderously loud displays featuring one, two, or three aircraft formations.

Heard about the STEM village?

At the STEM Village (located in Village South) you will find many interactive, fun and engaging STEM employers and educators waiting to help you discover what interests you. Whether you’re still studying, picking subjects or considering a career change, come and open your eyes to a whole new world of exciting STEM orientated careers.

Scroll to Top
Skip to content