Farnborough Airshow - A fond return

 

Last week I went back to Farnborough Airshow for the first time in years. When I last went in 2016 (read my blog here) it was on the chilly and grey side, luckily last week the sun continued to shine on us for a perfect airshow day. 

Unlike RIAT (yes I'm still miffed about it's cancellation) with it's military displays Farnborough is a trade show which means the most up to date aviation technology is on display.

One of the most impressive displays was this Vertical Aerospace VA-1X

 

Joining it in the flying display was BETA Technologies CX300

On the ground there were aircraft to look at including this GE 747 & DHL 777

And a familiar shape of an RAF A400M -

After a wander around the static aircraft I found a spot for the flying display just in time to see the F35 being towed out ready for it's display (more on that later).

The show was opened by a flypast from 2 RAF Typhoons. 

Literally dropping in were the British Army Red Devils parachute team. 

The Red Arrows aren't the only team to perform Tornado!

Flying the flag for Farnborough

The most impressive part of their display is the carrying of this giant union flag.

The Red Devils are coming to Airbourne in a couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to seeing them again. 

After great displays last year at Duxford's Summer Airshow and RIAT the Army Air Corps Display Team were back and better than ever. 

Apache pair

Wildcat

Waves from the Wildcat crew

It wasn't only the military aircraft putting on impressive displays. There was the lovely-looking Bombardier Global 8000 which flew a graceful display and the Airbus A350 which put on the tightest large aircraft display I've ever seen - barely leaving the confines of the airfield.

A350

Global 8000

The noise increased when the Italian Typhoon took to the skies. It flew a brilliant display as you'll see here. 

I loved the art on it's tail

The most colourful display of the day was from Fursan Al Emarat with their howling L-15s which sounded fantastic. 

There was a vintage jet too in the form of the Czech L159 ALCA with a series of flypasts that showed off it's shape perfectly.

The noisiest participant of the day was the USAF F35A Demonstration . From the moment of it's ear-splitting take off the whole display was breathtaking and definitely the highlight of my day. 

 

Kicking up vapour on another tight turn.

The finale to the day came from the RAF Chinook Role Demo who arrived carrying a land-rover and treated us to tight turns, reversing along the runway and of course the iconic waving hands!

Carrying it's cargo

Being photobombed by the RAF A400M

You can find highlights of the show including the A350, VA-1X and Air Corps team here -

Next up is Airbourne in a couple of weeks - keep your fingers crossed for dry weather!

Love Jen

XxxX