Yeovilton Air Day 2009

RNAS Yeovilton will be celebrating 100 years of Naval Aviation at its annual Air Day on Saturday 11th July with an expected audience of over 35,000 people. 

In 1909 the Admiralty placed its first order for a Naval Airship which, at the time, was a radical shift in military thinking that was to lead to the formation of the Royal Naval Air Service, later renamed the Fleet Air Arm.  This marked the beginnings of the formidable versatility and capability of Naval Air Power as we know it today.

This significant milestone will be marked within Air Day’s extensive flying and static displays. 

The centrepiece of this year’s flying display will be a mass flypast of up to 50 current naval aircraft and their historic counterparts. Types such as the illustrious Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber - famed for its attack on the German battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz - the potent, Korean War - era Hawker Sea Fury and the world’s only flying example of a De Havilland Sea Vixen will take to the skies, evoking nostalgic memories of 100 years of Naval flying in service to the nation.

Swordfish of the Royal Navy Historic Flight

Seafire and Sea Hawk - picture by Lee Howard

Their modern equivalents like the iconic Harrier and the Lynx and Sea King helicopters operated by resident squadrons will complement the older types, demonstrating the capabilities currently in extensive use around the world.  The stoic Sea King helicopter has now been with the Fleet Air Arm for 40 years – a longevity of service that Air Day’s static display will mark with a large-scale gathering of types in various marks.

The flying display will also feature no less than four world class military aerobatic teams - the Royal Jordanian Falcons, the Spanish Air Force's Patrulla Aguila, the Italian Air Force's Frecce Tricolori and the RAF's Red Arrows.  Solo fast jet displays will be given by aircraft representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology like the French Air Force's Rafale - a UK airshow debutante, the Dutch Air Force's F-16 - which is returning for the first time in seven years, and the Eurofighter Typhoon - the most up-to-date combat jet in RAF service.  We will also be welcoming the roar of the mighty Vulcan bomber after an extensive 15 year restoration programme.

The finale to the event will be the renowned Commando Assault Demonstration, incorporating RAF and Army Air Corps assets along with plenty of pyrotechnics!

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.  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. A large display of static aircraft is planned with arena displays from the Royal Marines Band and HMS Heron’s Field Gun Crew.  The day will also include side shows, funfair, vintage, classic and military vehicles, service demonstrations, picnic areas, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands and much more.

TICKETS                             ADVANCE               ON THE DAY
Adult                                    £17                         £21
Senior Citizens                      £14                          £21
Children (3-15 yrs inclusive)    £5                           £8

Tickets are available from our website www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk or our Ticket Line 08445 781 781.


For serving personnel and for veterans special entrance rates apply.  Members click on to the Members Area and select News/Fly Navy 100 Events and News and use the special application form.