RAPTOROUS RECEPTION FOR F-22s
TWO OF the United States Air Force's top fighter jets, the F-22 Raptors, made a thunderous arrival at RAF Fairford ready for the Royal International Air Tattoo.
The twin-engined stealth jets made the short journey from RAF Lakenheath where they arrived the week before the airshow, having travelled all the way from Elmendorf Air Force Base just outside Anchorage in Alaska.
The Raptors were amongst the stars of the 2010 show: aviation fans have been eagerly anticipating their arrival and the chance to see this state-of-the-art fighter demonstrating its awesome aerial capabilities.
The much-awaited arrival of the Raptors kicked off the busiest day of aircraft operations so far, with around 120 aircraft due to arrive.
And despite this morning's rainfall, the show is very definitely on. Head of Press & PR Richard Arquati said: "Getting the aircraft down in the rain was a challenge, but the RIAT team are extremely professional and used to dealing with everything the weather can throw at us.
