The Sandbag Times Issue No:31 SBTIssue31 | Page 12

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think this year will be the 8th time I have
visited the RAF Cosford Airshow and I
have to say they never, ever disappoint.. I
have particular interest this year for a few
reasons. Firstly, I go down there in business
for the SBT and secondly, my favourite
aircraft is flying there. The Sea Vixen. Why
am I so attached to this old warbird? I grew
up and went to school by the factory where
these were made in Christchurch.
I
The DeHavilland factory in Somerford,
Christchurch was situated on a very strategic
airfield during the second world war and the
cold war. Anyway, enough about
Christchurch, this is about Cosford.
Yes, I get to see the Vixen but we will also be
treated to some amazing displays.
The Red Arrows will be there in force as
usual although the word ‘usual’ doesn’t
quite seem right when describing the Reds.
They amaze everytime and, so I hear
through the nerdvine, this year will be
spectacular. Can’t wait.
Now lets get down to the serious air displays.
The Typhoon FGR4 will be blowing our ears
out and making us wonder how an aircraft
can do the impossible. The Italian Air Force
will be turning up in a very amazing Tornado
IDS. Always loved them, very loud, very fast
and very beautiful.
Other greats include the Battle of Britain
Memorial Flight, The Blades, Chinook,
Apache and the very crazy Pitts Special. I
feel ill everytime I watch this madman (but
extremely talented) point his little biplane
skywards.
There is an awful lot of other flying displays
on the day but I’d like to just mention some
of the static displays available for us to leer
over. The classic aircraft will be out in force
with a GR1 and a GR4 Tornado, a few
Harriers, A Jaguar, plenty of helicopters but
one in particular I am very keen to get up
close and personal with. The Wildcat. This
aircraft is replacing the trusty Lynx. Not sure
if it was a good idea with what I hear but still
very keen to get a good butchers at it.
If you get fed up of looking at aircraft (as if)
there will be plenty of other things to keep
you entertained. The Trade stands are vast
and have everything aeronautical imaginable
and quite a lot that isn’t. There are great
craft markets (I always look forward to the
cake stalls, yum yum) You may even be
lucky enough to pick up a great souvenier
special of a certain veterans magazine. Lol.
The RAF Cosford Airshow is the one
remaining major airshow ran by the RAF and
they do an absolutely superb job. If you
haven’t been there yet, do not miss out on
this opportunity. It is well worth it. Travelling
is probably the only bind but the good news
is there is a train station very very close by.
Check the train times, plan and leave the car
at home. (You could even have a cheeky
beer or two if you do that).
If you haven’t got your tickets yet,
do not dispair, check out the
website to discover where they are
avialable from. See you there.
www.cosfordairshow.co.uk
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