Things To Look Out For At The Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo 2022
19 May 2022
After two years on standby, The Royal International Air Tattoo is returning in 2022 and will be better than ever! The spectacular three-day event will be back on 15th July with thousands of visitors gathering for this unique adrenaline-fuelled occasion.
Witness the thrilling sights and sounds of fast jets, giant transporters, historic aircraft, and much, much more from around the globe! And with a special celebration in store to mark the United States Air Force’s 75th Anniversary, the Royal International Air Tattoo 2022 is one event in the air show calendar that simply cannot be missed! But what should you be looking out for at the event? Keep on reading to find out!
Where is the Royal International Air Tattoo Show Held?
The village of Fairford in Gloucestershire will become the centre of the aviation world as it stages the largest military air show in the world for RIAT 2022. With aircraft attending from air forces around the globe, and crowds flocking to marvel at the spectacular performances and displays, the sheer size of the RIAT is awe-inspiring!
RIAT 2022 Line up
A special celebration will ensue at this year’s show for the United State’s Air Forces 75th Anniversary, featuring a diverse array of modern and historic aircraft both on display and in the skies! Additionally, the show’s operational theme this year is ‘Training the Next Generation Air Force’, shining a spotlight on all types of training aircraft for first-time pilots.
75th Anniversary of the US Air Force
RIAT 2022 will be celebrating the ‘United States Air Force’s 75th Anniversary” in spectacular style with multiple US Aircraft on display, including the only airworthy example of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe, B-17G ‘Sally B’; the Spitfire LF Mk.IXVIE ‘RW832’, currently known as “The American Spitfire”; the only airworthy example of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt in Europe, P-47D ‘Nellie’; the World War II US military version of the Piper Club, the L-4H Grasshopper, and much more!
In addition, many aircraft attending the show are in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including the Royal Air Force’s Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. Also in attendance for the Platinum Jubilee are a pair of historic helicopters with royal connections. Firstly, a Westland Wessex HU5, used by the Queen’s Flight during the 1970s and 1980s, and secondly a Westland Sea King HAR3, flown by the Duke of Cambridge.
Theme: Training the Next Generation of Air Force
As well as showcasing aircraft for the US Air Force’s 75th Anniversary and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the operational theme for the show will be ‘Training the Next Generation of Air Force’, allowing a focus on training aircraft, with both flying and static displays.
As part of this theme, the Royal Danish Air Force’s ‘Baby Blue Display Team’ will display at the Air Tattoo for the first time with the SAAB T-17 Supporter, and the Finnish Air Force will provide a solo flying display with their specially painted, and rarely seen, Hawk HW-340.
RIAT History
The RIAT has a rich history, with the first Air Tattoo event being held in North Weald, Essex in 1971. The now huge event grew from humble beginnings here, with just 100 aircraft on display in its first year. In 1985, the event was relocated to RAF Fairford, which boasted the longest single line-up that had ever been presented in the UK at the time, with its static display stretching for nearly 2 miles!
Over the years, the RIAT has seen hundreds of different aircraft participate in the event, with highlights including the static line-up of 25 Hercules at the show in 1979 to celebrate the type’s 25th anniversary, the first appearances of Warsaw Pact aircraft types such as the MiG-29 Fulcrum and MiG-23 Flogger in 1991, followed by the first public appearance in the West of the Russian Tu-95 Bear in 1993. In recognition of its unique status, the current title of the event: ‘The Royal International Air Tattoo’ was granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1996.
Today, The Royal International Air Tattoo has a global reputation for delivering the world’s most spectacular showcase of modern military aviation, with over 50 nations from across the world participating throughout the years.
Attractions and Visiting
The spectacle isn’t just in the sky at the RIAT, there are a whole host of activities taking place on the grounds too! From the interactive exhibits at the Techno Zone® to the spectacular shops and live music in the Vintage Village, there’s an activity for everyone to enjoy. There’s even an RAF experience where you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet over 200 RAF personnel and find out about their day-to-day experiences.
Travelling to the Event
Departing 15th July 2022, celebrate the world’s greatest air show and experience the intensity, drama and spectacle for yourself in our three-day break to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. This break includes return coach travel, 2-nights at a selected hotel with dinner and breakfast and admission to the Royal International Air Tattoo on Saturday. All from just £234pp, don’t miss out on this incredible coach holiday! Book now.