RIAT Fairford Air Show 2012

Introduction

The Royal International Air Tattoo 2012 took place at RAF Fairford, uniting military delegations and aerospace spectators worldwide. Staged as a premier military showcase, the edition honored the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and presented the Skylift operational logistics theme, featuring global transport assets, frontline fighter jets, and historic airframes.

General Information about the Airshow

• Official Title: Royal International Air Tattoo 2012 (RIAT 2012)
• Airfield / Venue Address: RAF Fairford, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4DL, United Kingdom
• Event Dates: July 7 – July 8, 2012
• Weather Conditions: Variable conditions characterized by persistent overcast cloud cover, brief localized rain showers, and cool summer temperatures ranging between 16°C and 20°C.

History

RIAT 2012 drew over 130,000 visitors and featured nearly 270 aircraft from military and civil operators.

Aerobatic teams included the Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles flying the KAI T-50 Golden Eagle, the United Arab Emirates Air Force Al Fursan flying the Aermacchi MB-339A, the Swiss Air Force Patrouille Suisse, and the Royal Air Force Red Arrows. A mass 27-ship BAE Hawk flypast formed the EIIR royal cypher.

Solo flight demonstrations included the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale C, Saab JAS-39C Gripen, Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet, Mikoyan MiG-29, Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey, and the historic Avro Vulcan B2. Static park highlights featured the Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit stealth bomber, a JASDF Boeing KC-767J, an Airbus A400M Atlas, and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

Specifications

• Showground Dimensions: Airfield site area encompassing approximately 514 hectares (5.14 km²), featuring a 3,046-meter asphalt runway and a static aircraft line exceeding 3.2 kilometers in length.
• Operational Nature: Exclusively military-focused aviation showcase with selective civil cargo flight contributions (e.g., DHL logistics aircraft).
• Participating Countries: 24 nations (including the United Kingdom, United States, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Colombia, Poland, France, Germany, and Switzerland).
• Stars of the Show: The KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (Black Eagles display debut), the Northrop Grumman B-2A Spirit, the Boeing KC-767J, the Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey, and the Avro Vulcan B2.