Classic Jet Icons For Anniversary Air Day
From the mighty Avro Vulcan to the feisty MiG-15, classic jet aircraft will be out in force at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton International Air Day on Saturday 11 July. Several will help mark the show’s key theme celebrating RNAS Yeovilton's 75th anniversary, none more so than the world's only flying Sea Vixen, based here since September 2014. The former fleet defence fighter in its 899 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) markings will surely take many visitors back to when the Sea Vixen's unmistakable shape speared regularly through theSomersetskies.
Canberras and Hunters also became a familiar sight over the county and there will be an example of each performing a joint flying display at Air Day. Designed as a bomber, theCanberrabecame latterly a photo reconnaissance platform and this example is, like the Sea Vixen, globally-unique. In their very smart silver colour scheme, both jets represent British post-war aviation technology at its classiest.
Representing RNAS Yeovilton's thunderous ‘70s era - the muscular and potent F-4K Phantom FG1 in its newly-applied 892 NAS markings will be on static display. Two examples of the legendary Sea Harrier FA2 will also be on the ground representing the Air Station’s last frontline fixed wing squadrons.
One of the star attractions will be a MiG-15, belonging to the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, making a rare appearance in the flying display. The Cold War classic jet fighter will be the first of its kind to display in this country since the late-1990s. The MiG-15 is well known for its role in the Korean War and engaging Royal Navy Sea Furies where remarkably on one such occasion the piston-engined aircraft gained superiority over the jet.
Finally, in what truly might be its swansong season, Avro Vulcan XH558 is returning to give yet another hugely powerful account of itself. The much loved and strongly supported V-Bomber, named ‘Spirit of Great Britain’, will perform a ground shaking flying display and be present on the ground for guided 'under-wing' tours, perhaps for the last time ever at Yeovilton.
Advance tickets priced at £20 (adults) and £6 (children 5-15 yrs) are available to order from www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday .