Usa Kc 46 Peter March

22nd June

  • 22nd Jun 2023

Starting this week with more aircraft from the United States Air Force! Joining the SKYTANKER23 line-up will be their newest tanker, the KC-46A Pegasus. Also joining the static display will be the Dragon Lady, currently deployed to RAF Fairford with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Finally, an exciting addition from Air Force Reserve Command, in the shape of their special 'Hurricane Hunters' Hercules!

Visitors on Saturday & Sunday will get the rare chance to see the Gloster Meteor, operated by Martin Baker, in the air at RIAT 2023. Whilst the Gloster Meteor won't be performing a display, it will be performing as part of our special SKYTANKER23 flypast, with the BBMF's Lancaster. This is representing the first air-to-air refuelling operations by British military aircraft, in 1949, between a Lancastrian & Meteor.

More fast jets for the static display next, with the Hungarian Air Force providing a JAS-39C Gripen, which will be arriving on Friday.

This week we also have a huge update of civilian aircraft on static display, the majority of which are being provided by our shows' corporate supporters. There are a myraid of interesting types including the debut of Draken's new Honey Badger jets, return of Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight, Pilatus PC-21, Airbus H175M and the RIAT debut of the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Guardian 400 aircraft.

We have added two support aircraft to the participation list, from the UAE Air Force Airlift Wing. We expect to add more support aircraft to the participation list in the coming weeks, which can be viewed by our FRIAT members as they arrive/depart RAF Fairford carrying support equipment and personnel to the event.

This week we have been informed by the Finnish Air Force that due to the extended grounding of their Hawk fleet, it will not be possible for their Hawk Mk.51 to participate at RIAT 2023 as previously planned.

This week we have also updated the participation list, based on the current static aircraft parking plan, to show which aircraft will be on display on Friday. This is why the majority of the participation list appears as 'new' as they have been updated with their Friday display status.