Photo and video highlights of Yeovilton Airshow

You tube video here

Commando Assault Yeovilton video 2013

Sworfish and Wildcat joint flypast & Lynx maritime demo video

Flightline UK's review here with all pictures enlargeable. Or their facebook page with 32 images from the day.

Temperatures soared to set off a dazzling flight line up for Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton’s Air Day 2013. 

With crowds flocking in their tens of thousands to the Somerset base, the Fleet Air Arm excelled by providing a day to remember for generations to come.

The Show opened with a regular crowd-pleaser as the Red Arrows took centre stage and impressed the onlookers with their mastery of the air.

'Teamwork' was the theme for this years Air Day and demonstrations from the finest display teams on the circuit entertained the crowds that were well in excess of 35 ,000.

Following on from 2012’s award-winning event - Gold in the South West Regional tourist awards - the 2013 show was again an glittering success, showcasing the Fleet Air Arm intermingled with a comprehensive five hour flying display.

This was underpinned by an abundance of static displays.

The Royal Navy Historic Flight displayed the iconic Swordfish along with the Royal Navy Wildcat; showcasing the old and the new.

Current Royal Navy contributions also included the award-winning Royal Navy Black Cats, the Maritime Merlin and Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force (LWMF), who put on a fast-paced routine along with loud bangs, flares and smoke.

Lieutenant AJ Thompson, one of this years Black Cats pilots said,

“It a great thrill performing in front of your home crowd. We do many flying displays around the county during the season but Yeovilton is special.”

Unique to Yeovilton Air Day, was the Royal Navy’s spectacular ‘Jungly’ Commando Assault. A multi-layered role demonstration, blending flying assets, armoured vehicles, troops and explosions in an all-action set piece that illustrated the vital contribution to the preservation of global stability made by the Royal Navy.

Also on the ground in the specially designed Arena were the exciting Field Gun competition between HMS Heron and their rivals HMS Seahawk, from RNAS Culdrose, and the Band of HM Royal Marines, performed to the obvious delight of the public.

Returning this year was a routine crowd-pleaser: the Vulcan. Majestically slicing through the Somerset skyline it rumbled and roared through the air bringing back memories for many while lots of children watched with their fingers firmly stuffed in their ears.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed a thrilling and memorable day-out at the Royal Navy’s premier Air Station, with a range of family-themed attractions on the ground complemented by the airborne excitement.

Commodore Jock Alexander OBE, RNAS Yeovilton Commanding Officer said,

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic turnout. The sun came out for us this year for our spectacular International Air day. The Crowds have gone home happy and contented.”