22 FLYPAST September 2018
AIRSHOW COSFORD
O
rganisers of RAF Cosford’s
big day on June 10 are to
be congratulated once
again for putting together an
excellent event for all the family.
Cosford differs from most
airshows by always producing
an interesting set of aircraft
to see at close quarters on the
ground. This summer’s event
was blessed with the presence
of Phantom ‘Black Mike’,
Lightning ‘XR768’ (visiting fromCosford Classic
The RAF Cosford Air Show is renowned for showcasing a good variety
of fl ying and ground attractions. This year’s event was no exception,
as Jamie Ewan discovered
Cornwall) and the rarely
seen Gloster Meteor DG202,
among others.
Naturally the flying programme
was every bit as attractive, and
included four aircraft from the
RAF Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight (BBMF). The Coningsby-
based Avro Lancaster PA474 was
joined by Douglas Dakota ZA947,
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX
MK356 and Hawker Hurricane
Mk.IIc PZ865.Rotary flight is arguably
overlooked at some shows, but
certainly not at Cosford, thanks
to the appearance of two classic
helicopters – the Flying Bulls’
Bristol 171 Sycamore OE-XSY
and privately owned Westland
Whirlwind HAR.10 G-BVGE. Visitors
also witnessed what is likely to be
the last ever public display by an
in-service Panavia Tornado GR.4.
This combination of old and new
included something for everyone.Right
Four aircraft from the BBMF fl ying at Cosford.
ALL JAMIE EWAN