Show Report
Royal International Air Tattoo 2003
RAF Fairford
| Date | 15th - 21st July 2003 |
| Weather | Variable |
| Comment | Not a classic RIAT but enjoyable all the same. The changeable weather provided both some good and frustrating lighting conditions from a photographic point of view. |
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE NOTE: I retain copyright to all photographs on this site. Should you require to use any then please contact me first. Thank you.
The following photos were taken on Friday 18th July 2003
The two seater RAF Eurofighter Typhoon put up an impressive and very tight display that used a remarkably small amount of sky compared with many other fast jets.
It was good to see the Belgian Air Force display this Fouga Magister still in the markings of the 70's aerobatic team, 'Les Diables Rouges'.
The Belgian Air Force Fouga Magister completes its display to land.
The RAF BBMF Avro Lancaster arrives in style.
The Patrouille de France aerobatic display team arrive at the tattoo in their 50th anniversary year. Note the celebratory tail markings.
RAF 1It was good to see the two seat version of the SEPECAT Jaguar displayed by the RAF for a change, as this 16(R) Sqn T4 taxies in after completing its display.
Proof if it were needed that interesting photos can be obtained when conditions are marginal (for both flying and photography!), as this RAF Nimrod MR2 cuts short its display rehearsal as the weather deteriorates. Here the camera lens aperture is opened right up to use what available light there was. Accurate focussing and a good 'panning' technique are also required to get a decent shot, especially when using 100 ISO slide film and 1/125 second exposure as here. Here
As usual, a lot of the best flying came from the Italian Air Force 'Frecce Tricolori' aerobatic display team.
The historic Junkers JU-52 arrives for the tattoo to take part in the huge static display celebrating 100 years of powered flight.
At the more advanced end of the spectrum, the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk 'Stealth Fighter' performs an overshoot during its display rehearsal.
More American muscle arrives in the shape of a 48th Fighter Wing Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Bringing things right up-to-date, is the Airbus demonstrator for the proposal based on the A330 airliner to meet the future strategic transport and flight refuelling tanker needs of the RAF and other European air arms.
The A330 returns with two German Navy Tornado's in tow that would be typical of the aircraft the new tanker variant would need to supply fuel for.
The following photos were taken on Monday 21st July 2003
A nice departure from Fairford by two RAF Tornado F3's, the nearest from 43 Sqn and the farthest from 111 Sqn, both based at RAF Leuchars. This type of photo opportunity is over in a split second, so if you're not ready you'll miss it!
A nicely marked U.S. Navy Lockheed P-3C Orion keeps low on take off.
A French Air Force Mirage IVP departs Fairford and probably for the last time before these impressive jets are finally retired.
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE NOTE: I retain copyright to all photographs on this site. Should you require to use any then please contact me first. Thank you.