Hawks of the Red Arrows ‘escort’ a Spitfire to mark centenary of the Royal Air Force
How time flies (as do aeroplanes)! This Journal’s first foray to the hallowed airfield at Farnborough was for the 1976 Air Show, when the skies above Hampshire also witnessed an exciting new shape from America which was then subject to intense evaluation by nations of the NATO alliance, seeking a new lightweight fighter. The (then) General Dynamics F-16 was to eventually beat the competition and be ordered by Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Norway, in what was termed as ‘contract of the century’. Early model Fighting Falcons flown by GD test pilots carried out awesome aerial displays, and four decades later, the much evolved F-16 wowed visitors again, however only on penultimate day of this edition. The F-16 has remained a contender for the IAF’s MMRCA requirement now for 14 years – and counting!
But back to Day 1 of the Farnborough Air Show 2018 and there was palpable excitement in the shuttle bus from the station to the site as a bright-eyed US industry executive could barely contain his enthusiasm as this was to be his first international air show. 42 years later, the same grounds, airfield layout, black hangers as always, but this time, fewer combat aircraft on the ground and virtually none in the air (sans the lone F-16 as mentioned earlier).
AH-64 Apache seen below the wing of an USAF Hercules
The Main Hall has been much spruced up, the facilities truly 21st century, the air conditioning effective (very much needed during this unusually hot summer) but one missed the thunderous air manouveres by fighters (and bombers) as too the formation aerobatic displays by world renowned teams. One had hoped that, 2018 being the 100th Anniversary of the RAF’s foundation, there would have been terrific presence at Farnborough of the world’s oldest independent air arm, but it was somewhat anti-climatic to witness only this sedate flypast by a pair of RAF Typhoon alongside the Service’s first Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Hawks of the magnificent RedArrows however had heralded start of theflypast, lovingly escorting an iconic Spitfire(just declared absolutely the most beloved fighter of the British century).
The Saab display focused on their next gen Gripen E and the GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft
There were some 60 aircraft on static display at Farnborough, ranging from the Antonov An-124 to the Thales Watchkeeper. The American arena had a posse of aircraft types, including the F-15E, C-130J, P-8 Poseidon, AH-64 Apache, Boeing Chinook and Sikorsky S-92. Single models of the Tornado GR.4 and Eurofighter Typhoon remained on ground although visitors flocked around the full scale models of the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen outside their respective company chalets.
However, it was model of the sixth generation Tempest in the BAE Systems Hall that startled the visitor, even if this nomenclature has been recycled, with Hawker Tempest IIs having been frontline RAF fighters in the mid-1940s (so, in its new avatar, should this not be correctly designated as Tempest III ?)
Shape of the future ? The sixth generation Tempest full scale model as proposed by BAE Systems
Back to the flying displays, these were decidedly civil-aircraft oriented, ranging from the never-say-die Dornier 328 which flew twice, once also to drop display parachutists, to the magnificent Airbus A350-1000 whose sleek shape (but very silent) flight was a show stopper. The Lockheed Martin LM-100J (Civilian Super Hercules) had visitors gawking as the pilot actually looped the loop with this magnificent aeroplane, whose prototype first flew 64 years back !
Boeing’s 787-8 Dreamliner was followed in the air by a Boeing 737-700MAX but it was the cute Japanese Mitsubishi MRJ which was really adorable. The Sun is again rising from the East ! From the South (of America) came the Embraer E2 and Legacy 500 which preceded display by the military KC390 tactical transport aircraft. Bombardier’s C-Series regional jet is now the Airbus A220-300 and this carried out a silent but impressive display. Not to forget the Turkish delight in shape of T129 ATAK helicopter which performed with much aplomb (and has recently also been ordered by the Pakistan Army).
EJ200 engine which powers the Eurofighter Typhoon
Airbus A350-1000 takes off for its display
And what of India’s aviation prowess ? Visitors could be forgiven if they never got to see even models of HAL’s products as the PSU’s chalet was hard to find let alone visit, being tucked away in a corner well beyond the rows of chalets and halls to which 99.99% of show attendees would flock. The HAL stand-alone building (double storied) was virtually empty of any display apart from two models of the light combat helicopter (LCH) and Dornier 228 light transport aircraft (LTA). Whiffs of curry upstairs attracted more than these aeroplanes downstairs, the HAL chalet was more like an oasis for wandering Indians (including this writer) when he felt a little homesick.
A350-1000 of Qatar Airways under a magnificent canopy of cloud which did not hamper the flying display
Boeing 787 of Biman Bangladesh Airlines being readied for flight display
Models of the HAL Dornier 228 and light combat helicopter (LCH) at the HAL chalet, both types having considerable export potential
Last word: a great enthusiast of India and its Air Force wanted to meet with Indian aviators but found little interest even after presenting his splendid books on the IAF and HAL. Asking for a cup of masala chai, he was given a cup of tepid, mostly milky tea and that about sums up the Last last word: impression that international visitors were given of India’s aerospace endeavours!
it wasn’t always like this. HAL has put its best foot (wing ?) forward at previous Farnborough Air Shows, not only displaying the Gnat/Ajeet light fighter but Kiran Mk.II jet trainer but also a flock of Dhruv ALHs to potential customers. Alas, those were the days and hopefully actual aeroplanes in the form of HAL-built Dornier 228s, Dhruv ALHs and LCHs will be present at future Air Shows and visitors will have more than just a cup of tea !
The Dornier 328 continues to attract special attention even years after its production ceased in Germany. This 30+ seat regional airliner was subject of much Indian interest in the past and could well have been workhorse of the present regional air connectivity scheme