The Royal Navy International Air Day has attracted superb support from the Czech Air Force, which is sending five aircraft types this year. Included are three flying display items, one making its show debut.
The air arm’s Mi-35/24V ‘Hind’ and Mi-171 ‘Hip’ CSAR (Combat Search and Rescue) will perform a joint display, new to Air Day. This powerful routine will see the fearsome Hind battlefield helicopter provide simulated air support while the Mi-171 utility helicopter works with ground forces below.
The dashing Saab JAS 39C Gripen is a past Air Day flying display award-winner. This very capable multirole fighter will give an electrifying account of its power, speed and agility. The Czech Air Force has 14 Gripens in service, which are mainly used for air defence.
Two Czech L-159 ALCAs, light multirole combat aircraft, are set to perform a superbly synchronised role demonstration that returns to Air Day for the first time in three years. Both this and the Gripen display should include spectacular flare launches.
Supporting these three dynamic flying displays will be one of the Czech Air Force’s four CASA C295M transport aircraft. Confirmed as Air Day 2020’s first participating ‘heavy’, it joins the previously-announced Royal Danish Air Force Seahawk and French Navy Lynx pair in our international static display.
Air Day organisers are looking forward to welcoming the Czech Air Force to RNAS Yeovilton in July and are extremely grateful for their contribution at Air Day. RNIAD takes place on 11th July and further information available from the event’s website: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/airday
