Plymouth Armed Forces Weekend Air Show
Some of the world’s greatest - and bravest - pilots will be taking to the skies over Plymouth to thrill visitors in this year’s Armed Forces Weekend Air Show.
A combination of speed, extreme manoeuvrability, synchronised air acrobatics and split-second timing will keep the crowds on the Hoe cheering for more.
Daredevil highlights include the six-aircraft Yakovlevs Team, flying authentic cold war Russian war-birds, the Muscle-Pitts aerobatic biplane and the amazing Red Devils Parachute team.
And the world-famous civilian team the Blades - which is made up entirely of former RAF Red Arrows pilots - will be roaring across the city’s skies with their breathtaking manoeuvers.
Plymouth City Council cabinet member for culture Councillor Glenn Jordan said: “We have pulled out all the stops this year and there will be almost as much to see in the air over Plymouth as there will be on the ground.
“The action will have everything from beautiful, lovingly restored and still flying vintage favourites to nail-biting, heart-stopping synchronised aerobatics.
“Many of the pilots are serving, or former servicemen, and the Armed Forces Weekend Air Show will demonstrate the flying skills that have saved countless lives all over the world.”
Vintage planes taking part include the Strikemaster Jet, the 1940’s designed Pitts biplane - used by the world-famous TRIG Aerobatics Team - and the Russian MIG-15.
It’s not just the men who will be showing us their nerves of steel with popular show favourites the Brietling all woman wing walking group making a welcome return.
And it doesn’t have to be fixed wing aircraft to make the cut with the Royal Navy’s four-man helicopter team the Blackcats showing the flying skills they have deployed in countless war zones all over the world.
The event is sponsored by Plymouth based UTC Aerospace Systems. Managing Director Kevin Pindard said: “Once again we are delighted to be sponsoring the excellent Plymouth Armed Forces Weekend air show.
“It gives us such a great opportunity to show our commitment to, and pride in, our armed forces.
“The guidance technology developed and manufactured by our 270-strong team here in Plymouth supports UK forces around the world and our TERPROM® digital terrain system makes life safer for RAF pilots in their everyday operations. We wish everyone in Plymouth a wonderful Armed Forces Weekend!
On the ground throughout the high octane two days - being held on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 - their will also be displays of some of the military’s greatest hardware, from tanks to submarines.
More than 50,000 visitors took to the Hoe in 2015, breaking records for the annual celebration and prompting organisers Plymouth City Council and Babcock to add an extra day.
The first Armed Forces event was held in 2008 to celebrate the city’s naval and military history and to allow the people of Plymouth to say a big Thank You to the Armed Services, their families and veterans. This year’s Armed Forces Weekend is brought to you in association with Babcock.
