Great start for RIAT 2006!

[Mr. Bones]

The V-22 Osprey is coming!!! With Farnborough being held the week after, it's really realistic for the Superhornet demo to come back this year too!  8)

[quote]There will be an unusual sight in the skies above RAF Fairford next year when a truly unique aircraft makes its UK airshow debut and appears at the Royal International Air Tattoo.


A cross between a helicopter and a fixed wing aeroplane, the V-22 Osprey represents the future of rapid aerial military transport. Its rotor blades can tilt mid-air enabling it to take off vertically like a helicopter and then reconfigure to fly like a normal aircraft. Not only does this allow it to reach speeds twice as fast as a helicopter but it also enables it to carry heavier payloads and fly at higher altitudes.

The aircraft, which is currently being introduced into the US military, is a joint venture between aircraft manufacturers Bell and Boeing and its appearance at the Air Tattoo represents a major coup for the organisers.

Air Tattoo Director Tim Prince said it was a great bonus to have one of the stars of next year

[Craig.]

Now all we need is an F-22 to be added to the list and I might be tempted to fork out the rather high entrance fee.

[Mr. Bones]

Now all we need is an F-22 to be added to the list and I might be tempted to fork out the rather high entrance fee.

Hmmm, probably in 2007 as the USAF announced to have a full F-22 demo team by then. The shows the F-22 does now, are not entire displays but more zoom climbs and flat fly by's (except for Nellis). It's also not likely that any other nation wants to buy a Raptor so no need to send one to Farnborough.  :(

[Tweek]

They said the V-22 was coming to Cottesmore when the RIAT was there for a couple of years. Lies!

Though I'm not saying this one is a lie

[Mictheslik]

Great News! Just hope it is true. Anyhow this is the last year I can get in for free so lets make the most of it.

[beefhole]

It's also not likely that any other nation wants to buy a Raptor so no need to send one to Farnborough.  :(

It is also far, far, far less likely that we would actually SELL a Raptor to another nation

So long as they can keep it upright and it doesn't kill any more marines, I'm sure the V-22 will be a great addition.