Yeovilton Air Day - Tickets for June 2012
Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton will be commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign at this year’s International Air Day on Saturday 23 June. When Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands on the 2 April 1982 all the Yeovilton Squadrons were brought to immediate readiness and four resident Squadrons, 800 NAS and 801 NAS (Sea Harrier) and 845 NAS and 846 NAS (Wessex/Sea King) were joined by the newly created 809 NAS (Sea Harrier) and 847 NAS and 848 NAS (Wessex). Lynx helicopters from 815 NAS were already embarked in many of the surface ships dispatched almost at once to the South Atlantic. By the end of May 1982, 126 aircraft and over 1400 men from RNAS Yeovilton were deployed in ships in the South Atlantic. The Falkland Islands could not have been retaken without air power. The Sea Harrier defeated the Argentinian Air Force in scoring over twenty air combat victories; the Commando Squadrons provided support to ground forces with troop insertion and resupply; Lynx helicopters provided anti-ship capability and were used successfully in that role in coastal waters. Over the whole operation 90% availability of all aircraft embarked was achieved demonstrating the quality and reliability of the equipment and the skill and dedication of the Fleet Air Arm support crews.
An extensive flying and static display will take place to mark this significant anniversary with historic naval aircraft such as the Swordfish, Seafire, Sea Fury and Sea Vixen coming together with their modern counterparts to highlight the role that RNAS Yeovilton Squadrons have played, and continue to play, in operations throughout the decades to the present day.
Air Day will also feature world class military aerobatic teams such as the RAF Red Arrows and the Royal Jordanian Falcons. Undoubtedly, the stars of last year’s show for many were the exceptionally rare display by a Polish Air Force MiG-29 and the UK debut of the French Navy Role Demo comprising of Super Etendards and Rafales representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology. Invitations have been sent out to many foreign nations and we hope to have significant support from our allied partners once again. The home team consisting of the Royal Navy Black Cats, Royal Navy Historic Flight and the awesome Commando Assault Finale will showcase the Fleet Air Arm’s assets past and present. It is hoped, subject to its own successful fund-raising campaign, that Vulcan XH558 will grace the skies once again at Air Day. There will be plenty of light-hearted fun packed displays as well to entertain all the family.
The Fleet Air Arm Museum will also be open on Air Day with a 25% discount to Air Day ticketholders. It houses the largest collection of Naval aircraft in Europe and it includes 14 aircraft which cannot be seen anywhere else in the World, as well as the Fly Navy 100 exhibition. Visitors can go on-board Concorde or be transported by a simulated helicopter flight to the replica flightdeck of the aircraft carrier HMS ARK ROYAL.
Throughout the day there will be plenty of entertainment on the ground for all the family including side shows, funfair, vintage, classic and military vehicles, service demonstrations, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much more.
Note tickets available from March.
TICKETS - ADVANCE - ON THE DAY
Adult - £18 - £23
Senior Citizens - £16 - £23
UK Armed Forces (Serving & Veterans)* - £16 - £23
(if booked by 14th April the booking fee of £2.00 will also be waived)
Children (3-15 yrs inclusive) - £5 - £8
Tickets are available from March 2012 from our website www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk or our Ticket Line 08445 781 781. Discounted group and coach rates available on request by calling 08445 780 780.
* Please download UK Armed Forces Booking Form from here