RIAT Update 18-APR-2024

Starting this week with another F-16 for the flying display, with the return of the popular SOLOTÜRK Demo Team! This display flies an impressively painted F-16C Fighting Falcon, which we last saw at RIAT 2018, and therefore is a very welcome participant as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the F-16 at the show. In addition, the Turkish Air Force will also contribute to the NATO 75th Anniversary static display line-up with a pair of their F-4E Phantoms jets. These aircraft, locally upgraded and known as the F-4E Terminator 2020, will be a very welcome sight for aviation enthusiasts at the show.

This week we can confirm another addition to the 50th Anniversary celebrations for the F-16, with the Belgian Air Component contributing one of their F-16AM for static display at RIAT. The aircraft will be provided by the 10th Tactical Wing at Kleine Brogel Air Base, although at this stage we are unable confirm which squadron will provide the aircraft.

The final additions for this week come from Draken Europe. They will be bringing examples of their Falcon 20 & Honey Badger for static display, which will be parked in a showcase parking location near the centre of the showground, so will be viewable on all three days of the show.

Also this week, we have received information from Joint Helicopter Command that they plan to send a number of aircraft to RIAT 2024, including a Chinook to perform a ""capability demonstration"" in the flying display. However, we await further details and formal confirmation before we can add to the participation list. We hope to receive the required paperwork for this, and other British military helicopters, in the coming weeks.