US MILITARY PROMISE AIR TATTOO A SHOW OF FORCE
The F-16Cs come from 52 Fighter Wing at RAF Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and will be on static display. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, highly manoeuvrable multi-role fighter aircraft.
It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to operate during non-visual bombing conditions.
The C-5B Galaxy, one of the largest transport aircraft currently flying, will come from the 312th Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, California, part of the USAF Reserve Command. The C-5 can carry fully equipped combat-ready military units to any point in the world on short notice and then provide field support to help sustain the fighting force.
Also participating in this summer's airshow will be two US Air Force Special Operations aircraft – the MC-130H Combat Talon II and the MC 130P Combat Shadow. Based at RAF Mildenhall, both aircraft have the capability to deliver troops and supplies into hostile territory as well as carrying our low-level refuelling missions.
Other US Air Force aircraft on static display include a KC-130T Hercules refuelling aircraft from Fort Worth in Texas; a special operations MC-130E Combat Talon from Elgin Air Force Base in Florida; a B-52 bomber from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Base, North Dakota and an RC-135 from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron, based in Nebraska.
Already confirmed for the flying display is an A-10C Thunderbolt II, from the West Coast Demo Team, making their only appearance in the UK this year.
The US Navy will be sending a P-3C Orion from the Maritime Patrol Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and a Mercury E-6B command and control aircraft for static display. The FRS provides flying training to naval aviators and naval flight officers prior to them joining the fleet whilst the Oklahoma-based Mercury E-6B, provides command and control communications. Both are for static display.
Air Tattoo Deputy Director of Air Ops Rob Windsor said he was delighted that once again the US military felt able to support the Air Tattoo.
"The US Air Force and US Navy rarely display in the UK in such numbers and thanks to them the Air Tattoo has become known as the place to come to see many of their assets. We are hugely grateful."
