Tornado to appear at this year's Cosford Air Show
The action in the skies above Libya and Afghanistan will be recreated above RAF Cosford by the Tornado display team at this year’s Air Show.
It had been feared the Tornado, which has been on operation in the Middle East and Afghanistan, would be unable to appear at the 2011 show due to its commitments.
But bosses have now confirmed a Tornado GR4 of 15 Squadron will be available to take part in the five-hour flying display at the event on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border on June 12.
The Tornado GR4 returns to the display circuit with a special performance by two aircraft, demonstrating some of the roles and manoeuvres currently used on operations in Afghanistan and Libya.
A spokesman for the team said: “Earlier this year, the Tornado was called upon to use its deep strike capability using Stormshadow missiles in support of operation Ellamy in Libya.
“This was followed by the deployment of Tornado to Italy to protect civilians in support of the continuing operation in Libya.
“GR4 crews are still operating in support of British and coalition ground forces over Afghanistan, supported by our all-important engineers and technicians, as well as playing a lead role in the protection of civilians in Libya.”
The Tornado GR4 is a two-seater, day or night, all weather aircraft and is capable of delivering a wide variety of weapons.
It will appear at the Cosford Air Show alongside a raft of top aircraft including the Tucano Display Team and a King Air of 45 Squadron.
Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on RAF Cosford for the air show which also boasts a wide variety of entertainment on the ground with a fun fair, craft fair, market and aircraft exhibitions – as well as entry to the RAF museum.
Tickets will be £25.00 on the gate, only cash can be accepted, and are £19.00 in advance, free for children under 16 when they are accompanied by an adult.
Postal bookings should be received on or before June 5, 2011, and all major credit cards are accepted on the 24-hour Cosford Air Show Ticket Line on 0871 230 1083.
Tickets are also available from the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Shropshire Star offices in Shrewsbury, Hereford, Newport, Bridgnorth, Oswestry and Ludlow, Tourist Information Centres in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Birmingham and in Mid Counties Co-Operative stores.
Full information on the show can be seen on the air show web site – www.cosfordairshow.co.uk – or is available on the show information line at 0844 561 1897.
