AIR TATTOO
RAF FAIFORD
ENGLAND
Saturday July 17 and Sunday 18 2004
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2004, held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, was one of the most anticipated aviation events of the year. The edition brought together thousands of enthusiasts and over 300 aircraft from all over the world, confirming itself as the largest military air show on the planet. The main theme of RIAT 2004 was "50 Years of the Jet Age" – a tribute to fifty years of the jet age, celebrating the evolution of military aviation from the post-war period to the most modern aerospace systems. Many of the exhibitions and static displays were organized precisely to show this historical transition.
Dassault Super Etendard Flottille 11F France - Navy
The event offered an exceptional variety of aircraft, from historical icons to the latest generation fighters.
British Aerospace Hawk T.1A United Kingdom - Royal Air Force (RAF)
The display area hosted a wide variety of exhibitions, from demonstrations of the power of modern fighters to the acrobatics of aerobatic teams. Among the most applauded moments: Red Arrows (RAF): one of the most anticipated performances, with the classic synchronized figures and the British tricolor smoke bombs. Frecce Tricolori (Air Force): precision aerobatics and compact formation, with great feedback from the public. Patrouille de France: typically French elegance and coordination. Demonstration of the F-15E Strike Eagle, with high angle of attack maneuvers. Combined display of the historic aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Lancaster).
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet United States - US Navy (USN)
The star of the event was the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet of the United States Navy, one of the most popular aircraft by the general public. The F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft present was of the U.S. Navy's VFA-2 "Bounty Hunters" Strike Fighter Squadron unit, with tail code NE-101 and serial number 165917. It was one of the first F/A-18F Super Hornets to participate in an airshow in Europe after its operational introduction (2001), with a demonstration that included: high angle of attack passes, tight radius maneuvers, afterburner accelerations, "square ring" and "minimum radius turn", typical of the Super Hornet.
British Aerospace Harrier GR.7 United Kingdom - Royal Air Force (RAF)
The more than 160,000 visitors from all over the world were able to admire one of the most important and interesting flight programs in Europe and the world Numbers that confirm the Air Tattoo as the main European aeronautical event. A typically British weather characterized by some brief showers with clouds alternating with sunshine allowed the normal course of the scheduled performances. The prestigious "Best Flying Display Award" 2004 was awarded to the Saab JAS 39 Gripen – Swedish Air Force. His performance was characterized by dynamic and spectacular maneuvers. Its great maneuvering capabilities and the speed of the aircraft impressed the public and experts.
GALLERY Air Tattoo04 Arrivals
