From the iconic Red Arrows to historic aircraft from around the globe, there are a whole host of spectacular air shows during 2022 that showcase a range of astonishing aviation! Amongst these are the RAF Cosford Air Show and the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show. But what should you expect to see and do at both shows? Keep reading to find out!
RAF Cosford Air Show 2022
RAF Cosford is the centrepiece of the UK air show calendar, attracting over 50,000 people annually. From an action-packed six-hour flying display to a captivating static exhibit of iconic vintage aircraft, there’s something for every budding aviation fanatic!
Returning to the skies after a year’s absence due to COVID-19, the RAF Cosford Air Show 2022 will take flight on Sunday 12th June with a focus on celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Discover a 70-year-old story of aviation and royalty and learn about the many landmark achievements in aviation through spectacular flying action and across the showground.
History of RAF Cosford
RAF Cosford was built in 1938 as a training, storage, and maintenance base, and remains a training base for several RAF and general aviation schools today. Cosford trained armourers, radar technicians and engine and airframe fitters throughout wartime. These trainees included French, Poles, Czechs, and Romanians. Other uses of the airfield have been a major RAF hospital from 1940 until 1977 and an RAF POW repatriation centre after WWII.
Today, RAF Cosford is the only Royal Air Force air show that occurs now that RAF Leuchars has become an Army base, and RAF Waddington has cancelled their show. Past shows have seen spectacular flying feats from RAF Chinook, Panavia Tornado, Hawker Fury Mk 1 and many more!
What's On at RAF Cosford?
Throughout the airfield at the RAF Cosford Air Show, there will be an array of fascinating things to see and do.
Originally called the Vintage Village, this charming area at the show will be transformed into the Coronation Village to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Take part in an all-day street party with quintessentially British tea and food, and sing along to a variety of live musical entertainment. There will even be historical figures and reenactors mingling amongst the vintage aircraft and vehicles to tell you a story or two!
The RAF Zone will showcase the very best of today’s Royal Air Force with hands-on displays and exhibitions to explore. Find out what training to become a qualified RAF Technician and Engineer looks like with a host of RAF and STEM Hangar displays and take part in interactive activities including physics experiments, coding and more! There’s something for the whole family to enjoy and learn about!
Participating Aircraft
Amongst the participating aircraft that will tackle death-defying heights are:
- Red Arrows
- RAF Eurofighter Typhoon
- BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane
- Dassault Rafale C Solo (French Air Force)
- RAF Chinook
- RAF Grob Tutor
- Saab JAS-39 Gripen (Hungarian Air Force)
- Agusta A109 (Belgian Air Force)
- F-16AM (Belgian Air Force)
RAF Cosford Air Show Two-Day Break
A fantastic two-day break for aviation and train lovers, join us as we experience the annual air show at RAF Cosford and enjoy a journey on the scenic Severn Valley Steam Railway. See some of the world’s leading military aircraft and aerobatic displays teams as they dazzle with their magnificent speed and manoeuvres in the sky. Additionally, enjoy unspoilt views and breath-taking panoramas only visible by steam locomotive as you meander through the 16 miles of countryside on the Severn Valley Steam Railway. Book now and don’t miss out!
Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show 2022
Another top air show you are sure to enjoy is the infamous Duxford Battle of Britain! Look to the skies and watch in awe as dozens of historic aircraft engage in an unforgettable display at the two-day Battle of Britain Air Show starting on September 10th. Capturing the vibrancy and energy of the period, this event brings together planes from WWII as well as music, entertainment, and exhibitions featuring over 200 planes, tanks, and boats in Duxford’s award-winning museum! Complete with live air shows and a chance to get up close to some of the planes, this is an experience you’ll want to get onboard with!
Historical Significance of the Battle of Britain
The Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show brings to life RAF Duxford’s finest hour as an important Second World War fighter station, where dozens of carefully restored and maintained historic aircraft take to the skies and pay homage to the fliers of the day.
Often referred to as “The Home of the Spitfire”, IWM Duxford’s historic airfield was the base of the very first RAF fighter squadron to receive the iconic Spitfire in 1938. Spitfires were the dominant RAF aircraft flown in the Battle of Britain and, ultimately, helped Britain to win the battle due to their unrivalled and ground-breaking design. Consequently, the Spitfire has become the most famous fighter aircraft in history due to its role in the victory of the Battle of Britain and the rest of WWII.
What's on at the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show 2022?
From vintage aviation and the stories of those who served at RAF Duxford, to living history groups and entertainment from the era, see historic Duxford come to life and immerse yourself in the 1940s. With Spitfires, Hurricanes and more, witness daring air displays, dogfights, and aerobatics during the show, with a spectacular Spitfire flypast in the skies where history happened as the grand finale.
Duxford Battle of Britain Two-Day Break
Take the stress out of travel and join us for a fantastic two-day coach break to the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show! Enjoy return coach travel, an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast included and admission to the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show, all from just £164pp. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event, book now!