My previewing actually started last week when I wrote a letter to our local newspaper in response to a column worrying about the future of the airshow. I was really surprised and pleased that they published my letter ! It was nice to know that I'm not the only person who feels that the airshow is incredibly important to the town and a highlight of the airshow calendar.
This year is looking pretty good with the F-16 & BBMF flying every day and the Red Arrows and Typhoon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Naturally I had my programme pre-ordered way back in July and it arrived with it's shiny cover and fresh airshow programme smell (for some reason airshow programmes have a unique smell).
So sit back, relax, adjust your flying goggles to a comfortable angle and enjoy !!
First up we have the mighty Red Arrows.
 |
| 2016 |
 |
| 2016 |
If you decide to watch from the downs any of the days that they're performing then be prepared for low-flying encounters!
 |
| 2015 - No zoom lens needed! |
Belgian F16
The F16 is always nice and noisy (the highest compliment I can pay a jet!) and it's the first time we've welcomed it back to the show since 2013. I had a sneak preview of the display at the Air Tattoo (see above) last month and the display is fast-paced and dynamic.
 |
| 2011 |
 |
| 2013 |
 |
| RIAT last month with a wicked new colour scheme |
 |
| RIAT |
Chinook -
Here comes the blade slap! The Chinook is always a favourite here at Eastbourne and will be even more anticipated this year after the team having to retire early from the airshow season last year due to air frame fatigue. Listen out for the famous 'Wocka Wocka' created by the rotor blades.
 |
| 2015 |
Typhoon -
It's time to #BringTheNoise! The Typhoon will be screaming over and rattling everything for miles around. It's fast, loud, incredibly maneuverable and responsible for defending the UK skies. Wherever you are in the town you'll hear it coming!
 |
| The Typhoon kicked up a lot of vapour at the show last year, meaning I got some interesting shots |
Flying - Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) -
The BBMF displays this season are even more special than usual since they are celebrating 60 years since the formation of the team. There's nothing to beat the sound of Merlins over the sea, listen and enjoy.
Flying - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) -
The BBMF displays this season are even more special than usual since they are celebrating 60 years since the formation of the team. There's nothing to beat the sound of Merlins over the sea, listen and enjoy.
 |
| Lancaster over the pier |
 |
| Spitfire |
 |
| Hurricane |
The Blades -
I've not managed to catch The Blades yet this season so I'm looking foward to their display even more than normal. The team are made up of ex-Red Arrows pilots and they really push the planes to the limit. A really fun display that'll make you gasp in awe!
 |
| 2016 |
 |
| 2015 |
Flying - Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Battle Of Britain re-enactment -
This year we're being treated to a Battle Of Britain re-enactment featuring a Catalina flying boat, ME109 Buchon and Hurricane. They will perform the very real scenario of the Catalina coming under attack from the 109 during a rescue mission with the Hurricane fighting off the 109. I've seen a similar display both here (in 2010) and at other shows and it really brings home the everyday reality of what pilots faced during the war day in day out.
Flying - Saturday & Sunday
Solo Spitfire -
There's nothing I can add that hasn't already been said for reasons to watch this beautiful aircraft. Close your eyes and take in the beautiful sound of that Rolls Royce Merlin Engine.
Flying - Saturday & Sunday
P51 Mustang -
Arguably the most successful fighter ever built the Mustang is a gorgeous looking and sounding plane. The distinctive 'whistle' is caused by air rushing over the gun turrets.
Flying - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Strikemaster -
To my knowledge we've not had a Strikemaster at Airbourne before (Please do correct me if I'm wrong!). Strikemasters are basically an armed version of the Jet Provost trainer that we've seen at the show on previous years. For a 'small' jet they're pretty impressive.
 |
| Taking to the skies at Shoreham 2013 |
MIG 15 -
The MIG 15 comes to us courtesy of the Norwegian Air Force Historic Squadron. MIG 15s operated for a variety of airforces across the Soviet Union right up until the late 80s. It's a classic 50s jet shape, this particular aircraft wears the markings of a MIG flown by Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.
 |
| 2016 |
 |
| 2016 |
Twister Aerobatics Team
Planes. With. Fireworks ...... need I say more?
Flying - Sunday evening
Those are my top picks from a whole variety of different aircraft flying over the four days. If you make it to the airshow then have a great time (and do try to chuck some shrapnel in the donation buckets if you can) and do let me know what your favourite displays were!
Love Jen
XxxX
No comments:
Post a Comment