Pictured above: The Harrier
An iconic aircraft removed from display flying due to its
involvement in operations in Afghanistan is to return to Cosford
Air Show for the first time in four years, bosses revealed
today.
The Midlands event, due to be held on June 13, has become one of
the first major air shows to confirm a display by an RAF Harrier in
2010.
The Harrier, one of the most popular military aircraft in
service with the RAF, last flew at the air show in 2006 and was
then removed from display flying as it was heavily involved in
operations in Afghanistan.
Now, four years on, the Harrier has been replaced by the Tornado
in that task and will return to entertain crowds of more than
50,000 at the annual show at RAF Cosford on the
Shropshire/Staffordshire border.
Norman Branagh, Air Show Co-ordinator, said: "For those who have
missed seeing this iconic aircraft perform its unique display, the
Air Show in June will be an excellent chance to renew your
acquaintance with one of the most popular military aircraft in
service with the RAF.
"In addition, returning to Air Show displays after a two year
gap will be the Tornado. A pair of GR4s from RAF Kinloss will
appear in the Flying Display with a Role Demo."
The Harrier is one of the aircraft in an impressive flying
display line-up at the Summer show, which includes the Battle of
Britain Memorial Flight of Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and
Hurricane, the Red Arrows aerobatics team, pre-war machines and the
latest combat aircraft.
The RAF Museum is also included in the gate price and parking is
free.
Tickets for the show are available at local branch offices of
the Shropshire Star, the Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford, Tourist
Information Centres in Birmingham (Rotunda), Stafford (Gatehouse
Theatre) and Stoke (Victoria Hall), the special air show ticket
line on 0871 230 1083, and an internet booking service at
www.seetickets.com. (Special Events; Air Shows; RAF Cosford).
Tickets are also available from Midland branches of the Mid
Counties Co-Operative Society.
Full information on the show can be seen on the air show web
site - www.cosfordairshow.co.uk - or is available on the show
information line at 0844 561 1897.