The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is held yearly in July and is one of the largest Military Air Shows which is usually held at Fairford Gloucestershire UK. RIAT supports the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund charity. RIAT usually has a particular theme and this years was “SkyLift”.

Air Tattoo 2012
Air Tattoo 2012

The operational theme SkyLift showcased modern, versatile and long-range aircraft such as the KC-30, C-17 Globemaster III, KC-767, A400M, A330 as well as the more venerable types such as the C-5 Galaxy, KC-10, KC-135 and C-130 Hercules which have been the mainstay of airlift and refuelling operations worldwide for more than 30 years.

The US Air Force sent one of their Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit stealth bombers to RIAT also The Republic of Korea Air Force sent their display team The Black Eagles who fly KAI T-50B Golden Eagle aircraft also the UAE Air Force sent their display team Al Fursan who fly Aermacchi MB-339NAT aircraft.

Robert Hodgson

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