The RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day – 8 July 2006

The Royal Naval Air Station at Yeovilton in Somerset hosts an annual international air show with a reputation for providing a variety of interesting and unusual displays. This year was no exception, with the finale to the show including a large number of helicopters in a set piece battle scenario, supported by Harriers and Hawks. The helicopters included RAF, RM and RN Merlins, Commandos, Sea Kings and Lynxes. A huge and spectacular display, the aircraft strafing and bombing runs were accompanied by very large pyrotechnics. At the end of the battle, the entire complement of helicopters came to the hover in tiers at the crowd centre, literally filling the sky! Not all the action took place in the air, the ground arena and static park were packed with stands and display aircraft. The Army Air Corps recruiting team had a stand next to the static park’s Apache, which attracted many visitors. The Blue Eagles display stand was also very busy, the Gazelle cockpit proving again to be one of the most popular attractions on the ground, particularly with younger visitors. By the time the Blue Eagles were due to display, a very strong and gusting wind had arisen, blowing straight at the crowd and directly across the runway and display axis. The wind was so strong the Hercules had to curtail his display for safety’s sake, as the gusts were ouside the aircraft’s display limits! Despite these conditions, the Team went on, and flew an amazing display considering the strength of the wind. All the vertical manoeuvres were pushed a long way by the wind, so all the pilots were working very hard indeed to maintain the display line. This they did, despite the conditions, flying a wonderful display which was enthusiastically received by the crowd with a long round of applause. With Culdrose and RIAT next week, followed by Farnborough, this is the beginning of a very busy period for the Team, but what a great way to start!

Early in the morning, the Army Air Corps Recruiting Team was also at Yeovilton.	The SAAB win a flight competition is very popular, the stand always had visitors filling in entries. Team Leader BJ and Andrea were busy answering questions too.
The Vowles family visited the stand, and Samuel and Sophie were shown around the Gazelle by Alex.	Blake hard at work giving out the new Team poster, which is proving incredibly popular. At Waddington, the stand Team ran out!
Running in to the display, by which time the clouds had gathered and the wind had really picked up with strong gusts.	The first cross by Tony and Mark, really close in a crosswind!
Pulling hard round a loop, the Lynx blades really deflect.	Tony and Mark cross again, apparently with rotors overlapping!
The fore and back breakout, with the Lynx just catching the weak sun.	BJ and Graham in the Lynx, not a view you want if you are a tank commander!
The Lynx runs out between the incoming Gazelle pairs….	….who pull up for simultaneous pedal turns in pairs….
….and despite the strong wind, the turns were spot on!	BJ and Graham in the Eagle Roll, a dramatic and powerful manoeuvre.
Stu and Colin pull into the centre for the carousel, amazingly difficult in the on-crowd wind.	The finale Corkscrew was incredibly well balanced around the Lynx! It must be said that this was one of the best displays this year, Bravo!