RIAT 2024: Aircraft from Portugal, Lithuania and NATO announced

The Royal International Air Tattoo organisers have announced additional aircraft from Portugal, Lithuania, and NATO that will participate in the static display at this year's show. The event is scheduled to take place at RAF Fairford from July 15th to July 17th, 2024.

The Portuguese Air Force has confirmed that it will participate in RIAT 2024 by providing a pair of F-16s for the 'Viper Line' static display as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the F-16 aircraft. Alongside the F-16s, the Portuguese Air Force will also present its new Embraer KC-390 transport aircraft for the first time at RIAT, exclusively for static display purposes. This marks an exciting opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to witness these impressive aircraft up close and learn more about their capabilities.

The Lithuanian Air Force has also announced that it will be sending two aircraft to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) to participate in the NATO 75th Anniversary celebrations. Both the Mi-8 Hip helicopter and the C-27J Spartan will be on static display, allowing attendees to get a close look at these impressive aircraft. This is a great opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to see these aircraft up close and learn more about their role in the Lithuanian Air Force.

This week's final addition to the static display is an additional C-17 Globemaster, a large military transport aircraft. This Globemaster will come from the multinational Heavy Airlift Wing, part of the Strategic Airlift Capability based at Pápa Air Base in Hungary. The crew is preparing to have the aircraft open and available for tours throughout the entire weekend, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore this impressive aircraft up close.

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

Portuguese F-16

Portuguese F-16

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is the most numerous combat aircraft within NATO's arsenal. Initially crafted as a day fighter for the USAF, the F-16 has transformed into a versatile multi-role combat platform over the years. Despite its maiden flight dating back to 1974, the aircraft continues to be actively manufactured.

With a production tally exceeding 4,500 units across almost five decades, about 3,000 F-16s are operational, serving 25 countries globally. The latest iteration, known as the Block 70/72, boasts enhancements such as a revamped cockpit, upgraded computer systems, and a cutting-edge AESA radar derived from the technology integrated into the F-35.

Portugal joined the F-16 community relatively late, securing 20 brand-new aircraft in 1990 as partial compensation for granting the US military access to Lajes AB in the Azores. Deliveries commenced in 1994, followed by a subsequent procurement of 25 retired USAF F-16s in 1998. These planes underwent modernization to meet MLU standards and currently operate under the auspices of two squadrons stationed at Monte Real Air Base.

Portuguese Embraer KC-390 Millennium (Credit: Embraer@fabiomfoto)

Portuguese Embraer KC-390 Millennium

The Embraer C-390 Millennium, an indigenously developed twin jet engine cargo transport, was designed to succeed the C-130 Hercules in the Brazilian Air Force's fleet. This versatile aircraft comes in two variants: the C-390 transport and the KC-390 tanker-transport version, equipped for aerial refuelling missions.

While boasting similar airfield performance as the C-130, the Millennium stands out for its speed, extended range, and increased cargo capacity. Brazil's export success with the Millennium is evident through orders from several countries like Portugal, Hungary, Austria, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the Czech Republic.

Portugal was the first international buyer, securing five NATO-compliant aircraft in 2019. These aircraft achieved initial operational readiness in 2023, and they were delivered and deployed at a steady rate of one per year from Brazil to Baja, where they are operated by the 506 Squadron.

Lithuanian Spartan

Lithuanian C-27J Spartan

The Leonardo C-27J Spartan, an upgraded iteration of the Aeritalia G.222 or C-27A in the United States, came to fruition through a collaboration between Alenia Aermacchi (now a part of Leonardo) and Lockheed Martin. Equipped with engines akin to the C-130J Hercules and a contemporary glass cockpit, this medium tactical transport aircraft took its inaugural flight in 1999 before entering service with the Italian Air Force in 2006.

Since then, over 15 countries, including Australia and the USA, have welcomed the versatile C-27J into their inventory. In 2006, Lithuania acquired the first of three Spartans to enhance its air force's capabilities and complement its existing transport fleet, featuring a pair of Let L-410 Turbolets. The Lithuanian C-27Js have been actively engaged in various NATO missions, including deployments to Afghanistan and recent humanitarian efforts to deliver aid to Ukraine.

Lithuanian Mi-8

Lithuanian Mi-8

The Mi-8, a legendary helicopter that took off for the first time in 1960, remains in active production, boasting an impressive production count of over 17,000 units, thus earning the moniker the world's most numerous helicopter, also known as the Hip. The latest iterations, such as the Mi-171, come equipped with enhanced attributes like robust engines, expanded cargo capacity, and updated avionics. Noteworthy among these is the Mi-8AMTSh variant, tailored for assault operations, armed with a diverse array of weaponry and cutting-edge satellite-guided navigation systems.

Lithuania has long leveraged the Mi-8T for critical missions like Search and Rescue, Fire Fighting, and Organ Transport. This role will transition to the UH-60 Black Hawk in the upcoming shift from late 2024 to early 2025. In a display of solidarity, Lithuania lent a pair of Mi-8s to the Ukrainian Air Force in 2023, underscoring the helicopter's versatility and international collaboration.

NATO C-17A Globemaster III

NATO C-17A Globemaster III

The Boeing C-17A Globemaster III is a four-engined large strategic transport aircraft that plays a vital role within the US Air Force's strategic airlift forces. Its lineage can be traced back to the McDonnell Douglas YC-15 demonstrator of the early 1980s, ultimately securing the C-X contract in the US. Originally developed by McDonnell Douglas and later integrated into Boeing following a merger in 1997, the C-17 is notable for its ability to operate from short and narrow airfields, thanks to advanced blown air flaps that grant it exceptional STOL capabilities. Moreover, the aircraft can even navigate unpaved airstrips, a skill regularly honed by the USAF in the Nevada desert.

Within the Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC), the Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW) oversees a trio of C-17s stationed at Papa AB in Hungary, these aircraft proudly donning the insignia of the Hungarian Air Force. SAC, an autonomous multinational entity with reliance on NATO for support, draws manpower from 12 member nations. Through their C-17 fleet, the HAW offers strategic airlift services to SAC members, along with NATO partners lacking this specific capability. Notably, the HAW stands out as the sole non-US unit qualified to leverage the entire spectrum of capabilities inherent in the C-17.