All-new aircraft for 2017 air show
VISITORS to the Southport Air Show this weekend will be treated to aircraft never before seen here.
With the Red Arrows unable to attend because of overseas commitments, the organisers have been keen to offer something special to replace the key attraction.
That comes in the form of two planes making their debut appearances – and both of them are likely to be big fan favourites.
The first of those is the B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B.
The Flying Fortress is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe and is now based in the UK, from where she flies regularly at air shows, memorial flypasts and commemorative events as a memorial to the USAAF in Europe.
The B-17 was critical to the USAAF daylight precision bombing campaign and was armed with 13 machine guns, hence the name Flying Fortress.
Flying in formation, the Fortresses battled through German defences in daylight raids, suffering heavy casualties until the addition of long-range escort fighters the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang, and the introduction of the 25-mission limit.
Also making a first appearance is the de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen, a twin boom, twin-engine 1950s–60s British two-seat jet fighter.
Both of these displays will be on Saturday and Sunday of the popular Air Show. Other military favourites include the RAF Typhoon Tutor Display Team, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Official) will display over two days along with the Breitling Wingwalkers and the Blades Aerobatic Team.
Friday night will showcase lights and pyrotechnics on the displays from the Fireflies display team, Twister aerobatic team and the Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team – all three displays will also be on Saturday and Sunday.
Away from the skies, the ground attractions have been redesigned and will feature bungee trampolines, static aircraft and military vehicles.
Due to the increasing assets provided by armed forces the military village has moved, and is now a central feature in the air show village.
A huge array of attractions is also available on the beach, with many providing educational lessons on military history, such as the “living museum” trench.
Mark Catherall, Sefton Council’s tourism service manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the Sally B and the Sea Vixen to debut at this year’s air show.
“The air show caters for all the family and improves year on year. This year’s military village will be bigger and better and the beach explosions are back.”