The Royal International Air Tattoo

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is the world’s largest annual military airshow, and with almost 140,000 visitors enjoying the spectacle of over 300 aircrafts, it’s also one of the UK’s top outdoor family events. The 2011 event – which marked the 40th anniversary - was held at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, and as the event’s main sponsor, BAE Systems played their part in entertaining and educating spectators throughout the weekend.

BAE Systems steal the show

Not only were BAE Systems staff on hand to meet members of the crowd and answer any questions they had, but Brains also made a special appearance and proved to be hugely popular with visitors of all ages. But the real star of the BAE Systems show was a Typhoon jet, flown by our chief test pilot of combat aircraft, Mark Bowman. The RAF had originally planned to fly a Typhoon jet at the event, but unfortunately had to pull out. At the last minute BAE Systems stepped in, and Mark’s amazing eight minute demonstration thrilled the crowd, as the Typhoon was put through its paces in a series of breathtaking and daredevil manoeuvres.

It wasn’t just the crowd that was impressed…

Every year at RIAT the most outstanding flying displays are rewarded, and we’re proud to say that Mark so impressed the judges that he walked away from the 2011 Air Tattoo as winner of the RIAT Steedman Display Sword for Best Flying Demonstration by a UK participant. Well done, Mark.

And it’s all for a great cause

In addition to being a fun celebration of the very best in aviation from around the world, and a fantastic way of getting kids hooked on a love of planes and flying, RIAT also has a more serious purpose. The Air Tattoo is staged in support of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, a charity set up in 2005 to support the wider RAF family and promote excellence with the Royal Air Force. And this is why everyone at BAE Systems is so delighted to continue to support this great event.