|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RAF Waddington International Airshow 2004 - 26th-27th June 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
The static line-up at this years Waddington was perhaps it's strongest feature aviation wise. Despite the lack of US involvement it remained a varied affair with some notable highlights. The RAF, though impressive, lacked many important types from their current inventory. Most noticable was the complete absence of the RAF's transport fleet from the static park - a reflection on just how busy the fleet has been of late. French participation was also noticable by it's absence. Only a solitary EMBRAER Xingu made it, hardly the most impressive aircraft in the world. However, we should not be so negative, there were some show stars. Perhaps the best of the bunch were the three Phantoms - two Turkish Air Force F-4E Phantoms and a Luftwaffe F-4F(ICE) Phantom. Germany's Army Air Corps also sent a massive CH-53G Sea Stallion to dominate the helicopter park. In recent years we have come to expect eastern european participation at the major military shows, particular their spectacular fighters. Sadly, times are changing, many of these countries are subject to severe financial constraints and to send their front line jets is just too expensive. As a result Poland only ever sends it's Navy's PZL M-28MR Bryza. A very welcome return visit came from the Latvian Air Force after it's RIAT debut with a L-410UVPT Turbolet. Departure days prove an excellent chance to capture many of the static stars and some rare visitors. This year was no exception with a NATO Boeing 707 joining a Belgian Air Force EMBEAER EMB-145 and F-16BM Fighting Falcon visiting the airfield.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
copyright Flightline UK 2004 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
