Duxford Airshow 2003

These photos were taken by Daniel Butcher on Oct 20 2003

 

Duxford once again opened the 2003 airshow season in the UK holding it’s May airshow on Sunday the 4th. A decent turn out from the RAF and strong warbird participation are what we’ve come to expect from these shows, and this was to be no exception. Making a rare appearance at Duxford was the RAF Jaguar display, joining Duxford regulars the Tornado GR.4, and Harrier GR.7. Further RAF participation was in the form of the RAF Falcons parachute team, and their C-130J Hercules which made a few low passes, and flying displays from the RAF trainer aircraft, the Tucano and Hawk.

 

Warbird participation this year was in the form of the superlative Breitling Fighters, flying a Spitfire, Mustang, Corsair and Kittyhawk, although the Kittyhawk was unable to make the display. Joining them were the Aircraft Restoration Companies Bristol Blenheim, the sole flying example of this type flying yet another tremendously graceful routine, with a few low passes over the airfield thrown in. Resident B-17G Sally B was once again one of the top attractions. Joining these were a T-28 Fennec, Avro Anson, Percival Pembroke, P-47 Thunderbolt.

 

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A fly past was planned for the show from the BBMFs Lancaster, in formation with a 617 Sqn Tornado GR.4, to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Dambusters raids, however strong winds at RAF Coningsby put an end to this, the GR.4 making several solo passes along the display line.

As ever with Duxford, the flight line is accessible for photographers, and there are the hangars and museum exhibits all included in the ticket price. A solid start to the show season, blessed by warm weather and plenty of sunshine!

Daniel Butcher

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Photos and text © by Daniel Butcher