6 July 2016 heralded the start of The Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. Arrivals days were Wednesday through to Friday morning, with the air display beginning Friday afternoon with action continuing through to Sunday evening. Departures was held on the proceeding Monday.
This years main theme was 'The Next Generation', which witnessed the hugely anticipated debut of the most advanced weapons systems platform in the world - the futuristic looking Lockeed F-35A/B Lightning II. The USAF also sent it's F-22A Raptor along with V-22 Osprey.
Royal International Air Tattoo 2016, Great Britain
Demonstrating raw power, the Typhoon of the RAF was put through its paces in the hands of Flt Lt Mark Long. When the F-35 enters service with the RAF a formidable partnership with the Typhoon will be forged, striking fear into any aggressive nation.
The display by the Armée de l'Air Rafale never ceases to amaze for its elegance, shear agility and relentless performance is second to none.
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Demo Team presented the capabilities of the United States Air Force fifth-generation single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft. It is the first operational aircraft to combine super-cruise, super manoeuvrability, stealth, and sensor fusion. It can sustain supersonic flight without the use of afterburners and the two turbofan engines, which each produce a maximum thrust of 35,000 lb, incorporate thrust vectoring nozzles for increased manoeuvrability.
The Polish Air Force were in attendance with Mig-29 Fulcrum, F-16 Falcon and Team Orlik with their TC-I trainers.
RAMEX Delta performed their last display at RIAT 2016 with a tactical demonstration of the Mirage 2000N