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Southport Air Show 2015
- Part 1
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.
THE Southport Air Show took place over
19 September and 20 September 2015, on Southport's Beach. It was a very
historical event, as it marked not 1, but 2 ends to eras in Aviation History.
The show was the very last show in which you
would have seen the Royal Navy Search and Rescue Flight, as UK's search and
rescue service is being privatised. It is not just the end of 70 years of the
UK's military search and rescue, but the familiar sight of a Sea King Helicopter
might also be vanishing for good, from the sky. Most of them are likely to be
ending up in scrap yards, as they are retired, leaving just the Lynx and Merlin
flying. The crew on the Westland Sea King Helicopter, on both days, conducted
demonstrations with the crew of Southport Lifeboat. They did an amazing job
showing off the incredible capability of the British designed, licensed and
built aircraft. Interestingly, a number of Sea Kings were deployed during the
Falklands War, providing a major strategic advantage to UK forces. The next and
final display, came from an aircraft that was also British designed and built.
This aircraft was no other than the very last airworthy Avro Vulcan, XH558. Over
it operates with the Royal Air Force from 1956 until 1984, it took a major role
in the UK's Cold War operations and took part in the Falkland's War. During
Falkland's War, conflict, this once top secret aircraft made headlines after it
made the record longest continuous bombing runs in history, at the time. A
record that has only recently been broken. If it was not for that fact, the
aircraft would have probably never got the credit for having such a major impact
on aviation design. The Vulcan XH558, has been owned in recent years and
operated by Vulcan to the Sky Trust, who have done the impossible over the years
in order to get her back in the air and then to keep her in the air. But all
things have to come to an end, and what an end to an amazing life in the sky! As
the jet powered delta wing strategic bomber soared over head for the last time.
Her engines roaring, with thousands below watching, many aircraft enthusiasts
could not keep a clear eye. She will now go on static display, now she can no
longer fly again. d; An emotional experience for many. Pease see the Vulcan to
the Sky Trust website for more information. Other fantastic displays included
the Red Arrows, who also escorted the Vulcan to the show, while cheers and
clapping rose from the crowds on the beach, as she disappeared up the river,
with the commentator using plaudits like:- "Feel the Pride" an,
”There goes 'The Spirit of Great Britain'", as it passed; an emotional
experience for many.
There were many other displays. Sadly, the
ground was too wet for the small planes to land, but what did fly and take part
put on a stunning show. On the ground, the crowds could see historic military
vehicles, from American, German and Russian tracked and untracked vehicles to
British military vehicles. Flight Simulators, food and drink stands. Lego
displays and even a The Ferguson TE20 is an agricultural tractor, along with the
author of the book:- 'Meet
Fergie.' Other activities
included an Army Assault Course and the chance to be photographed in 1 of 2
replica Spitfires.
To see Part 1 of our photographic and video
coverage from this amazing show please click on
here now.
More photos and video will be in the next
issue as well, but for now please enjoy the photos in this week’s edition. |
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