Public given an early glimpse of RAF's early warning Wedgetail with Red Arrows at RIAT
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford has celebrated its 40-year anniversary with displays of fast jets, helicopters, transport planes and historic aircraft from countries around the world.
The Red Arrows wowed airshow-goers with their latest aerobatic routine - and they also performed a flypast for the first time alongside the RAF's new E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Despite some heavy rainstorms and sweltering conditions, a crowd of more than 50,000 people turned out for the spectacle, with dramatic skies adding to the flying displays.
The Red Arrows flew in formation on the wings of the new Boeing E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 aircraft, as they trailed red, white and blue smoke over the Gloucestershire countryside.
The flypast was followed by the Wedgetail performing a "touch-and-go" – which involves landing on the runway and immediately taking off again without stopping.
"The Wedgetail appearance at RIAT not only reinforces the hard work and collaboration of all those contributing to the project, but also reflects the importance of delivering the next generation of airborne surveillance and control capabilities to support the RAF's operational effectiveness in the years to come," said Group Captain Richard Osselton, the director for the E-7 programme.
The RAF says the E-7 Wedgetail is the most capable airborne early warning and control aircraft in use today and has the potential to tackle any future threats for the next 20 years.
"Today's flight is an amazing testament to the work of our integrated Boeing and UK supplier team, in partnership with the RAF," said Stu Voboril, who is Boeing's vice-president and the E-7 programme manager.
"Our work reflects the pride we take in supporting the strategic alliance among the UK, US, and allies, and the role the E-7 plays in strengthening global joint force mission advantage."
The Wedgetail is the RAF's successor to the E-3D Sentry and will serve under No. 8 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
The appearance of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft at RIAT not only created a buzz in the crowds, but was also welcomed by the Red Arrows team.
"With an international audience of aviation enthusiasts, the Air Tattoo is always a great occasion at which to formally welcome a new addition to the Royal Air Force's fleet," said Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader and Red 1 of the RAF Aerobatic Team.
"Whether it's the Red Arrows history-making, world-first use of sustainable fuels at this year's RIAT, or the introduction of E-7 Wedgetail, both showcase the RAF's commitment to constant, cutting-edge innovation."
About the Wedgetail
The E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 is the RAF's successor to the E-3D Sentry and will provide a 5th Generation Airborne Early Warning and Control capability (AEW&C), with a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA), that is interoperable and interchangeable with key allies.
The Wedgetail is the most technologically advanced AEW&C system available and will provide UK defence with eyes in the sky, for at least the next 20 years, to see far beyond ground-based systems and fighter aircraft sensors.
Capable of generating a 360° view of the airspace and as a force multiplier, it will provide advanced warning of approaching threats to enable commanders to fight effectively in complex environments.
Already in service and proven with the Royal Australian, Republic of South Korean, and Turkish Air Forces, the UK's Wedgetail will serve under No 8 Squadron.
It will be located at RAF Lossiemouth alongside the Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft, both of which are based upon the widely used Boeing 737 Next Generation airframe, allowing the RAF to take advantage of synergies between the fleets.
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