RAF’s famous fighter aircraft, past and present, take to the skies for The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show
To mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, a Eurofighter Typhoon from 29 (R) Squadron and a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take to the skies together for a remarkable flying display as part of The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show on Saturday 19 September.
This award-winning display presents the iconic fighter aircraft that defended Britain’s skies 75 years ago alongside the contemporary fighter aircraft that has the same role today.
The state-of-the art Typhoon fighter jet is painted, for 2015, in a Battle of Britain-era colour scheme to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of the aircrews who took part in the battle 75 years ago.
RAF Coningsby Station Commander, Group Captain Jez Attridge said, “This fully operational Typhoon will be a dynamic reminder to all that see it over the summer of the link between the modern Royal Air Force and The Few that defended our nation 75 years ago during the battle. Today that mission endures with Typhoons on Quick Reaction Alert, every minute of every day. The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons defend the UK against potentially hostile aircraft approaching the UK sovereign airspace.” Group Captain Attridge added: “The technology has changed since the Battle of Britain but the mission for the RAF to protect the UK remains unchanged”.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict.
The Typhoon Display is flown by 29 (Reserve) Squadron from RAF Coningsby. It showcases the incredible performance of the aircraft and also demonstrates the dedication, professionalism and excellence of the RAF personnel who fly, maintain and support Typhoon operations in the UK and across the world.
The agility, power and aerodynamic styling of the Supermarine Spitfire made it the best-known fighter aircraft of the Battle of Britain. The Spitfire is synonymous with Duxford, as it was here that the first Spitfires came into service in 1938. The Spitfire was produced in greater numbers than any other fighter aircraft of the Second World War and was the only fighter aircraft to be continuously produced throughout the Second World War.
The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show (Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September) will be an immersive and poignant experience for everyone. Flying displays, including a massed flypast of Spitfires, will be combined with wartime music and the voices of men and women who served. Living history groups will recreate the daily life of RAF Duxford as a Battle of Britain Fighter Station in 1940.
The flying display explores the development of the Battle of Britain and its significant role in the Allied victory of the Second World War. The beginning of the Battle of Britain is commemorated by a Spitfire scramble. Hispano HA-112 MIL (Buchon) aircraft fly in and as the scramble bells sounds, living history interpreters representing RAF fighter pilots race to the airfield and Supermarine Spitfires chase off the enemy aircraft.
Visitors will hear the audio memories of Battle of Britain pilots, recalling waiting to scramble and the exhilaration of the dogfight.
The sacrifice made by Battle of Britain pilots and the feat of winning the Battle is commemorated with contemporary displays including the Red Arrows (Sunday only) and the Aerostars (Saturday only).
The Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September and tickets are only available in advance. Tickets are now only available for Saturday 19 September. Online booking will close on Sunday 13 September. Tickets can be purchased in person at IWM Duxford and IWM London until Friday 18 September.
Editor: Esther Blaine
Photograph: Ben Dunnell
© MOD Crown Copyright 2015
