Waddington Airshow 2003 by Daniel Butcher

RAF Waddington is the home of the RAF’s premier air show, used as a showcase to the public, and the biggest recruitment event of the year.

As you’d expect, strong support from the RAF is always the mainstay of the participation, with everything in the inventory except a Chinook making an appearance at this years show, either on the ground or in the air.

A clash with another major European airshow, and the recent conflict meant that foreign participation wasn’t up to the usual standard, but there were still appearances from a German F-4F, Belgian F-16 and Spanish EF-18 Hornet in the flying display, as well as an array of foreign types on static display, including Tornados, F-16s and star item for many were the pair of F-104s from the Italian Air Force.

The flying display saw a welcome return to the circuit to the C-130 tactical demonstration, as well as a stunning performance from the Red Arrows at possibly their most important venue of the year for the team. The F-4F and EF-18 proved to be the starts of the show, with two fantastic routines. This coupled with scorching weather and the rest of the seven hour flying display made for a top draw airshow.

Daniel