Joining the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Her Majesty's Coastguard - part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency - in the static display this year will be a specialist Piper PA-31 Panther operated on their behalf by 2Excel Aviation. Since 2020 this heavily modified aircraft has provided HM Coastguard with additional fixed-wing search capability. Crewed by a single pilot and Sensor Operator controlling the mission system, including an advanced Electro-Optical and Infra-Red camera turret. In addition, the sensors can be used to support counter pollution, fishing and law enforcement missions. The Piper Navajo is a popular twin-engined general aviation aircraft manufactured up until 1984 and was the first model made by Piper to feature a pressurised cabin.

Photo Credit: RIAT Volunteer