RIAT 2024: Aircraft from Serbia, Canada and the UK announced

The organizers of the Royal International Air Tattoo have announced additional aircraft from Serbia, Canada, and the UK that will be taking part 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.

For the first time ever, the Armed Forces of Serbia will be participating in the event, bringing their new Airbus C295MW aircraft for static display. This will also mark the 58th nation participating in the prestigious event.

In addition, the Royal Canadian Air Force will showcase three heavyweights at the Air Tattoo's static display—the CC-130J Hercules, CC-177 Globemaster, and CC-150 Polaris. These will be parked together at the eastern end of the static line, forming an RCAF100-themed area with other ground displays from Canada surrounding the aircraft. This will be a rare opportunity for visitors to see the Polaris, as it may be the last time it will be showcased at the Air Tattoo.

The Royal Air Force has also confirmed a plethora of training aircraft for static display at RIAT 2024. These include the Tutor, Prefect, Texan, Hawk, Phenom, Juno, and Jupiter. Some of these aircraft will be parked in the centre of the showground as part of the Ascent Flying Training showcase, while others will be situated close to the RAF Experience area.

The organizers have also assured that many more aircraft are lined up for the flying display, but they are unable to announce them yet as they are still awaiting approval to confirm their participation.

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

Serbian Airbus C295MW (Photo: Ministry of Defence Republic of Serbia)

Serbian Airbus C295MW

The CASA C-295 is a medium transport aircraft that was developed from the CN-235 medium transport, which was initially designed for the Spanish and Indonesian Air Forces. The C-295 has a stretched airframe and more powerful engines than its predecessor, enabling it to carry a 50% higher cargo load. Its impressive capabilities have been recognized by over 35 militaries worldwide, leading to its widespread use since its first flight in November 1997.

In addition to its primary role as a transport aircraft, the C-295 has been developed or proposed for various other roles, including maritime patrol, search and rescue, AWACS, as a gunship, and as an aerial refueling tanker. These capabilities make it a versatile aircraft that can be adapted to meet the needs of a wide range of missions.

Serbia's recent acquisition of a pair of modernized, winglet-equipped C-295s from Airbus Defence and Space is a testament to the aircraft's capabilities. The two aircraft were delivered to the 138th Transport Squadron at Milenko Pavlovic Air Base in October and November 2023, where they will replace the aging Antonov An-26 in Serbian service. The C-295s will be used for a variety of missions, ranging from cargo to VIP transport, and will provide the Serbian Air Force with a reliable and versatile platform for years to come.

Canadian Airbus CC-150T Polaris

Canadian Airbus CC-150T Polaris

The Airbus CC-150 Polaris is a military aircraft that was developed by modifying the Airbus 310-300 airliner. It is a highly versatile aircraft that can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as transporting cargo and personnel, flying VIPs, and serving as an aerial refueler.

Originally, the five Polaris planes were operated by Wardair as commercial airliners. However, in the early 1990s, they were converted to include a side-opening cargo door, which made them suitable for military use. Since then, all five Polaris aircraft have been operated by the 437 Transport Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

When the Polaris planes were first delivered, they were not capable of air refuelling. However, in 2008, two of the planes were converted into tankers, which gave Canada a strategic air refuelling capability that it had lost when the CC-137 was retired in 1997. This was a significant development for the Canadian military, as it meant that they no longer had to rely solely on the C-130 Hercules for aerial refuelling.

Candian Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III

Candian Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III

The Boeing C-17A Globemaster III is a massive strategic transport aircraft equipped with four powerful engines. It serves as the primary airlift force of the US Air Force and is capable of transporting a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, equipment, and personnel. Developed by McDonnell Douglas in the 1980s, the C-17 was designed to meet the US Air Force's need for a modern transport aircraft that could operate from short and narrow airfields, as well as unpaved airstrips. The aircraft's advanced blown air flaps allow it to achieve excellent Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance, making it ideal for military operations in rough terrain.

The C-17 is a direct descendant of the McDonnell Douglas YC-15 demonstrator, which won the C-X contract in the US. After merging with Boeing in 1997, McDonnell Douglas continued to develop the C-17, which has since become one of the most versatile and reliable transport aircraft in the world. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 102 paratroopers or 170,900 pounds of cargo and has a range of approximately 2,400 nautical miles. It is equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems, allowing it to operate in any environment, including combat zones.

In early 2007, Canada placed an order for four C-17s from Boeing, which were delivered ahead of schedule by diverting aircraft that were already in production for the US Air Force. The first aircraft was delivered in August 2007, and in 2014, Canada ordered a fifth and final C-17. The fleet is designated as the CC-177 Globemaster III in the Royal Canadian Air Force and is operated by the 429 Transport Squadron based at CFB Trenton near Toronto. Since delivery, the Canadian fleet has been heavily involved in global military and humanitarian operations, including peacekeeping missions, disaster relief efforts, and the transportation of supplies and personnel to remote locations around the world.

Candian Lockheed Martin CC-130J Hercules

Candian Lockheed Martin CC-130J Hercules

The Lockheed Hercules is a highly versatile aircraft that has been in service for over 68 years as a military transport plane. It has been a vital component of various military operations across the globe, serving in conflicts such as the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. The C-130J Super Hercules is the latest version of this aircraft, which is still in production and is highly sought after by military operators around the world.

In addition to its primary role as a transport plane, the C-130 has been adapted for a range of other uses. Some operators have used it as a gunship armed with artillery cannons, while others have used it for search and rescue missions. Scientific research, aerial refuelling, electronic combat, and maritime patrol are just a few of the other uses that have been found for this versatile aircraft.

The RAF was the first to adopt the C-130J Super Hercules in 1995, and it has served them well ever since. They will be retiring their last example of this aircraft shortly before last year's Air Tattoo. The Royal Canadian Air Force was an early adopter of the C-130 Hercules, taking delivery of four C-130B models in 1960. These were later replaced by a larger fleet of C-130E and H model Hercules, which used the common designation of CC-130E/H in RCAF service. This included a number of aerial refuelling capable KC-130s. The remaining CC-130H fleet has since been supplemented by a fleet of 17 C-130Js known as the CC-130J, which are all operated by 436 Squadron from 8 Wing based at Trenton.

RAF Airbus Helicopters H135 Juno HT Mk.1

RAF Airbus Helicopters H135 Juno HT Mk.1

The Airbus H-135, formerly known as the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) Bo 108 and Bo 105, is a light twin-engine helicopter. It was first introduced in 1995 as an upgraded version of the Bo 105 and Bo 108 technology demonstrator. Over 1,400 of these helicopters have been built to date and they have been extensively used for various purposes such as training, police, medical transport, search and rescue, and corporate transport.

The standard H-135 is used by many military and civilian operators, including the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the Jupiter HT1 training helicopter. It has been chosen to replace the Gazelle AH.1 with the Army Air Corps in 2024. The H-135 has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,980 kg and a seating capacity of up to seven passengers. It is equipped with a Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engine, which provides a maximum speed of 287 km/h and a range of up to 635 km.

A specialized military variant of the H-135 known as the H135MM has also been developed. This variant is fitted with ballistic protection, machine gun mounts, and military standard avionics and can use rocket pods mounted on side pylons. The H135MM is used by many military forces around the world, including the German, Spanish, and Swiss Armed Forces.

The RAF uses 29 Juno HT1 helicopters, a variant of the H-135, for its primary and advanced rotary wing training. These helicopters are flown by the No.1 Flying Training School at RAF Shawbury, a tri-service school. Basic training is provided by 660 Squadron Army Air Corps and 705 Naval Air Squadron. Depending on the type of helicopter to be flown, advanced training is provided by 60 Squadron RAF or 670 Squadron Army Air Corps.

Airbus provides these helicopters on lease via Ascent as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS), a 25-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) provided by Lockheed Martin and Babcock. The MFTS is a modern, integrated, and affordable training system that supports all aspects of military flying training for the RAF, the Royal Navy, and the Army Air Corps.

RAF Airbus Helicopters H145 Jupiter HT1

RAF Airbus Helicopters H145 Jupiter HT1

The Airbus H-145 is a light helicopter with twin-engines that was co-developed with Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan. It made its first flight in 1999 and has since been used for a variety of roles, including Search and Rescue, police, and corporate transports. Over 1,500 units have been built to date, making it one of the most popular light helicopters in the world.

The standard H-145, also known as the EC145, is operated by many countries' military forces, including the RAF and the US Army. In the UK, the RAF operates the Jupiter HT1 variant of the H-145 as an advanced rotary wing training helicopter as part of No.1 Flying Training School at RAF Valley and RAF Shawbury. The Jupiter HT1 is used for maritime, mountain, and Search and Rescue training. As part of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS), Airbus provides the RAF with seven Jupiter HT1 helicopters on lease via Ascent. MFTS is a 25-year PFI provided by Lockheed Martin and Babcock to deliver training to all three UK armed services.

A specialised military version of the H-145, known as the H145MM, has also been developed. This variant is equipped with ballistic protection, machine gun mounts, military standard avionics, and can use rocket pods mounted on side pylons. The H145MM is designed to meet the requirements of military forces for a light attack and utility helicopter.

The H-145 has been widely used by the military forces of different countries thanks to its versatility and reliability. It has proven to be an excellent platform for a range of missions, from training to combat and humanitarian operations. The future looks bright for the H-145, with more orders expected in the coming years, and it will continue to serve as a vital asset for military and civilian operators around the world.

RAF Beechcraft T-6 Texan T.1

RAF Beechcraft T-6 Texan T.1

The Beechcraft T-6 Texan II is an advanced turboprop trainer aircraft that has been designed to replace the T-37B Tweet and T-34C Turbo Mentor in the US Air Force and US Navy. The Texan II is a licensed development of the Swiss Pilatus PC-9, which has been modified and upgraded to meet the requirements of the US military. Compared to its predecessor, the Texan II is around 22% heavier and is equipped with modern avionics and advanced systems that enable it to provide better training to pilots.

Over 850 units of the Texan II have been produced for 11 nations across the world. The aircraft has also been proposed for use in armed combat and has been modified accordingly. The proposed armed combat versions of the aircraft are known as the Wolverine. Besides, the base Texan II has been upgraded for export purposes, with the inclusion of external wing hardpoints for long-range fuel tanks and other stores. This variant is known as the T-6C.

The RAF operates 14 T-6C Texans as the Texan T.1, which is primarily used for advanced pilot and basic fast jet training. These aircraft are flown by No.72 Squadron as part of No.4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley. The Texan T.1 has been modified to meet the specific requirements of the RAF and is equipped with advanced avionics and systems. As part of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS), a 25-year PFI provided by Lockheed Martin and Babcock, the aircraft are supplied by Ascent.

RAF BAE Systems Hawk T2

RAF BAE Systems Hawk T2

The BAE Systems Hawk is an advanced jet trainer that was designed and built in Britain. It is one of the most successful trainers in the world and has been used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) since 1976. The Hawk was originally designed by Hawker Siddeley and first flew in 1974. It was introduced to replace the Folland Gnat T.1, which was used as a trainer and a light fighter aircraft.

The Hawk has been very successful in terms of export, having been purchased in various forms by 19 countries. It has undergone several upgrades over the years to keep up with evolving technology and requirements. During the late 1980s, a more advanced version of the Hawk, known as the Hawk 100, was developed. This version featured a revised airframe, modern avionics, new wings, and greater combat capabilities. Deliveries for this model began in 1993.

The Hawk 100 was later developed into the 120 series, which was also known as the Lead-In Fighter, in the late 1990s. This model was ordered by South Africa and Australia. The Hawk 120 was designed to provide more advanced training to pilots who would be flying fighter jets.

Since 2008, the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer has been produced under license in India and flown by the Indian Air Force display team, the Surya Kiran. This has allowed India to develop its own aerospace industry and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers.

Although the original Hawk is no longer used by the RAF, the heavily updated Mk.128 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer is currently being used by 4 and 25 Squadrons at RAF Valley as the Hawk T.2. This updated version features a more powerful engine, modern avionics, and a redesigned cockpit. It is used to train the next generation of fighter pilots and is operated alongside the Texan T.1 as part of No.4 Flying Training School. The only exception to the retirement of the original Hawk is with the Red Arrows, which still use it as their display aircraft.

RAF Embraer Phenom T1

RAF Embraer Phenom T1

The Embraer Phenom 100 is a light business jet that was first introduced in 2007. This aircraft is designed to provide a comfortable and efficient means of transportation for between four and seven passengers. With a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles, it is perfect for short to medium-range flights. It has also been marketed as an air taxi, allowing individuals or groups to quickly and conveniently travel to their destination.

Since its introduction, the Phenom 100 has undergone continuous development to enhance its performance and reduce its weight. These enhancements have resulted in improved fuel efficiency, increased speed, and extended range. The aircraft has received a lot of positive feedback due to its reliability and low operating costs.

The Phenom 100 has been a popular choice for military organizations as well. The Pakistan Air Force has chosen this type of jet as a VIP transport, while the Brazilian Air Force operates a pair of them as the U-100. The Royal Air Force (RAF) also operates five Phenom 100s, known as the Phenom T.1, for multi-engine air crew training. These aircraft are flown by No.45 Squadron as part of No.3 Flying Training School, based at RAF College Cranwell. Affinity Flight Training Systems provides the aircraft on behalf of Ascent, as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS). This is a 25-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) provided by Lockheed Martin and Babcock, which aims to deliver world-class training to military personnel.

RAF Grob Prefect T1

RAF Grob Prefect T1

The Grob G 120TP is a modern training aircraft that boasts a twin seat, side-by-side seating configuration, and full aerobatic capacity. This aircraft is constructed with composite materials, which makes it lightweight and durable, and features a fully retractable undercarriage for enhanced performance.

One of the most notable features of the Grob 120TP is its advanced controls, which are similar to those of frontline military planes. Pilots operate the aircraft using Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) controls, which provide precise and intuitive control over the aircraft's systems. This makes it an ideal choice for pilots who are looking to transition to military aircraft.

The aircraft's performance capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of training scenarios, including basic jet training, if required. Its high maneuverability and excellent handling characteristics make it an excellent choice for pilots who are looking to develop their skills in more challenging environments.

The Grob 120TP has been in production since 2010 and is currently used by 13 different militaries worldwide. The Royal Air Force (RAF) is one of the aircraft's most prominent operators, with 23 G 120TPs in service. These planes are known as the Prefect T.1 and are used for elementary flight training. They are operated by No.57 Squadron, as part of No.3 Flying Training School, which is based at RAF College Cranwell.

The aircraft are provided by Affinity Flight Training Systems, on behalf of Ascent, as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS). This is a 25-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) that is provided by Lockheed Martin and Babcock. The program is designed to provide military pilots with the highest quality training available and to ensure that they are prepared to meet the challenges of modern warfare.

RAF Grob Tutor T1

RAF Grob Tutor T1

The Grob G 115 is a light aircraft that is widely used as a private aircraft and military basic trainer, thanks to its exceptional aerobatic capabilities. This versatile aircraft has been in service since 1985 and has undergone several upgrades, including a more reliable propeller and advanced avionics that enhance its performance and safety. The cockpit is spacious, with enough room for the pilot and student to sit side by side, which provides excellent visibility during flight operations. Additionally, the aircraft's design ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, making it an ideal option for beginners and seasoned pilots alike.

In the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Grob G 115 is known as the Tutor T1, and it is named after the Avro Tutor trainer that was used during the 1930s and early 1940s. The Tutor is widely used by the RAF's University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights to provide elementary flight training under the No.6 Flying Training School. The Tutor is also used by 115 Squadron, which provides Instructor Training for 6 FTS, and 16 Squadron, which assesses 6 FTS's training standards and evaluation. Both squadrons are based at RAF Wittering.