RIAT celebrates 100 years of flight (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

RIAT celebrates 100 years of flight

ABOUT 200,000 people are expected to descend upon RAF Fairford at the weekend for an extravaganza of aeronautics.

Some 300 aircraft dating back through the last 100 years will fill the park as the Royal International Air Tattoo celebrates a centenary of flight.

Hot air balloons, 600 stalls and exhibits, road shows, entertainers and virtual reality rides will also contribute to a feast of fun for all the family.

A Skyhigh Aviation Boeing Stearman will open the weekend event. The classic 1930s aircraft will tow a 120ft 100 Years of Flight banner, the length representing the distance travelled in the Wright brothers first manned flight 100 years ago.

The celebration of 100 years of powered flight will feature a living history of aircraft from the last century, and will include a replica of the Wright Flyer, the forerunner for today's aircraft used for the inaugural manned flight completed by Orville Wright in 1903.

A big-screen display of the evolution of planes, including the Battle of Britain and dawning of the jet age, will be complimented by a chance for the public to see the world's most advanced combat aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon, in action for the first time.

Ocean Watch 2003 will highlight the vital and perilous role played by maritime aircrew who cover the globe's seas and oceans flying search and rescue sorties, combat and anti-submarine operations and patrols to prevent illegal arms and drugs smuggling.

Maritime squadrons and units from around the world will fill the static display park as the show celebrates the crucial part played by the RAF Coastal Command in winning the Battle of the Atlantic 60 years ago, and their involvement in subsequent conflicts such as the Korean War and Malayan emergency.

Visitors will have the chance to meet members of the RAF, Royal Navy and Army for hands-on experience of life in today's armed forces in the central display area, where inter-active displays will feature virtual reality missions and special operations challenges.

At the close of each day's flying Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture, accompanied by army cannons, will mark the beginning of a two-hour military bands musical extravaganza, featuring 1940s swing and hits from the last century, culminating in the release of hot air balloons.

Perennial crowd-pleaser the Red Arrows, together with aerial display teams from Italy, France, Jordan and Poland, will be wowing audiences.

Following last year's popular appearance the Italian Air Force's II Frecce Tricolori, the world's only ten-plane aerial acrobatics team, will be returning.

The US Air Force will provide enthusiasts with a chance to see the futuristic F-117A Stealth Night Hawks both on the ground and in action in the sky.

Aircraft which saw active duty in the recent war with Iraq, will also appear, including two MH-53M Pave Low helicopters and three specially equipped MC-130P Hercules aircraft.

Shopping malls, with lifestyle exhibits, food courts and lawns, together with an array of stalls, exhibits, performers and corporate promotions will add to the diversity of attractions on offer for the crowds expected to flock to this year's event.