RIAT 2024: Aircraft from France, Greece and the UK announced

During the Thursday update, the organizers of the Royal International Air Tattoo announced some exciting news for aviation enthusiasts. They announced that additional aircraft from France, Greece, and the UK will participate in the event this year.

The Hellenic Air Force will send a pair of its Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 52+ jets to join the F-16 50th-anniversary celebrations. The aircraft will come from the 336 "Olympos" Squadron and will wear an attractive "Aegean Blue" colour scheme. Both aircraft will be equipped with Conformal Fuel Tanks, which will showcase this impressive capability that can be used on the newer blocks of F-16s. The F-16s will be part of the "Viper Line" on static display at RIAT 2024.

The French Air & Space Force will also be participating in this year's RIAT by showcasing the Mirage 2000-5, which is a classic air defence fighter that has not been seen for many years. The aircraft will be part of the static display section, allowing visitors to view this iconic fighter jet up close.

Furthermore, the FAAM Airborne Laboratory will return to RIAT for the first time since 2012. The aircraft, a specially modified BAe 146, is used for a wide range of scientific research projects by the Natural Environment Research Council, the UK Met Office, and the UK university community. The organizers have planned to park this aircraft alongside other Flight Test/Scientific Research aircraft in the central area of the showground. Moreover, FAAM intends to offer guided tours inside the aircraft, which will provide a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the aircraft's advanced scientific equipment and research capabilities.

If you're interested in attending the event, you can visit airtatto.com to learn more about it and purchase your tickets.

The Hellenic Air Force F-16C

Hellenic Air Force F-16

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a highly capable multi-role combat aircraft that is currently the most widespread combat aircraft in NATO. It was originally developed by the United States Air Force (USAF) as a day fighter but has since evolved into a versatile combat aircraft that is still in production, despite its first flight taking place in 1974. With over 4,500 F-16s produced over the past 49 years, 3,000 of which are still in service with 25 nations worldwide, the aircraft has proven to be a reliable and effective weapon system. The latest version of the F-16, called the Block 70/72, includes a new cockpit, computers, and an advanced AESA radar based on the one installed in the F-35, making it even more capable than its predecessors.

The Hellenic Air Force acquired its first batch of F-16C Block 30 in 1987 to replace their ageing F-5A Freedom Fighters, which were delivered from 1989 onwards. Over the next 20 years, Greece ordered a total of five batches of F-16Cs, divided between the Block 30, 50, and 52 variants, resulting in a fleet of 170 aircraft. The Block 30s were upgraded with new targeting pods during the late 1990s, allowing them to share equipment with newer aircraft. Additionally, these aircraft underwent structural modifications that doubled their useful life, making them even more capable and cost-effective.

As part of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) celebration of the 50th anniversary of the F-16's first flight, the Hellenic Air Force will provide a single-seat Block 52+ Advanced F-16C and a two-seat F-16D for static display. These aircraft will be provided by 336 Squadron from the 116 Combat Wing based at Araxos. The 336 Squadron aircraft are painted in their rarer Greek Aegean Blue paint scheme, which makes them stand out in any crowd. Visitors to the RIAT will have the opportunity to see these impressive aircraft up close and learn more about their capabilities and history.

BAE 146-300 FAAM Airborne Laboratory (FAAM Copyright)

BAE 146-300 FAAM Airborne Laboratory

The British Aerospace 146 was a regional airliner with four engines, developed to provide exceptional short airfield performance and operate with minimal noise from regional airports. The aircraft was fitted with a full airbrake in the tail, which enabled it to be marketed as the Whisperjet. The British Aerospace 146 was one of the first jet airliners to be cleared to operate from London City Airport. In 1992, Avro International Aerospace began marketing an improved and updated version of the 146 as the Avro RJ series, equipped with modern digital avionics and more efficient engines. However, production of the aircraft ended in 2001.

The Meteorological Research Flight of DERA (now QinetiQ) and the Met Office used a heavily modified C-130 W2 as their airborne atmospheric research aircraft between 1974 and 2001. The aircraft was affectionately known as ‘Snoopy’ due to the large air data probe in the nose. After its retirement, The Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements was established by the Met Office, Natural Environment Research Council, and UK universities. They contracted BAE Systems to heavily modify the prototype of BAE 146-100 and operate it as an Atmospheric Research Aircraft. The aircraft is now owned by the Natural Environment Research Council and undertakes approximately 400 hours of airborne research each year. It has conducted missions over 30 different countries, carrying up to 4 tonnes of scientific instruments while flying at altitudes as low as 50ft and as high as 35,000ft. In 2016, the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements was renamed the FAAM Airborne Laboratory.

FAAM will showcase their specialist BAE 146 aircraft at this year’s Air Tattoo as part of the Pushing the Boundaries theme. The aircraft will arrive from its base at Cranfield. The aircraft's versatility means it has been used as an airliner and VIP transport, and it has become a successful water bomber in the USA for use against wildfires. The BAE 146 is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and scientific instruments to help researchers conduct airborne atmospheric research, providing valuable insights into our planet's climate and weather patterns. The aircraft's ability to fly at various altitudes and carry heavy loads of scientific instruments makes it an invaluable tool for researchers, and its presence at the Air Tattoo will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the important work that it does.

French Mirage 2000-5

French Mirage 2000-5

The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French-made multirole fighter aircraft that traces its origins back to 1976 when the French government placed a request for an interceptor aircraft. The Mirage 2000 was developed as a result of the cancellation of the Super Mirage G8A program, which was a complex aircraft similar in concept to the Tornado. The first flight of the Mirage 2000 took place in 1978, and deliveries of the production Mirage 2000C and two-seat 2000B variants began in 1983.

The Mirage 2000 was designed to replace the aging Mirage III in French Air Force service and was also developed into the Mirage 2000D ground attack and 2000N nuclear strike variants. The Mirage 2000 has been a successful export for France with eight other countries ordering the aircraft, including India and Brazil. The final production aircraft was delivered to Greece in 2007.

The Mirage 2000C is a single-seat aircraft and has been constantly upgraded throughout its service life. The definitive Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 features a modern radar, glass cockpit, and the ability to carry a wide variety of smart weaponry. The French Air and Space Force currently operates a mixed fleet of Mirage 2000C and 2000-5F single-seat aircraft alongside the two-seat 2000B conversion trainer and the two-seat 2000D strike variant. The Mirage 2000N nuclear strike version was retired in 2018.

The Mirage 2000 has been steadily replaced in service by the Dassault Rafale, which is a newer and more advanced aircraft. The French Air and Space Force plans to retire the Mirage 2000 by 2030.

As part of the 75th anniversary of NATO celebrations, the French Air and Space Force will be sending a Mirage 2000-5F for static display at this year's Air Tattoo. The aircraft will be provided by Escadron de Chasse 1/2 Cigognes, which is based in Luxeuil, Eastern France. The Mirage 2000-5F is a single-seat variant that is an upgraded version of the Mirage 2000C. It features a modernized avionics suite, improved weapons capability, and enhanced performance.