Visitors enjoyed four days of modern jets, historic aircraft, parachute displays and more. There were military displays from the Tornado GR4, Hawk, King Air, Sea King, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring the Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire, Tucano, Tutor and an Army Air Corps Lynx among others.
Historic air displays also include a Spitfitre and Messerschmitt dogfight and a Hurricane and Mustang display. On top of this the Breitling Wingwalkers and the former Red Arrow pilots, The Blades, displayed on each of the four days.
The Vulcan Bomber
The UK’s only functional Vulcan bomber was also flying at Airbourne this year, as organisers seek sponsorship to bring the historic jet to Eastbourne. The Vulcan was first developed in the 1950s as part of a cold war defence programme, and was designed with the capabilities of carrying an atomic bomb, later becoming the UK’s contribution to NATO’s strategic nuclear deterrent. It was used by the RAF until the mid-eighties before it became grounded.
With its deep rumble and imposing image, the Vulcan is a sight to behold, but it is also massive and a particularly expensive display aircraft to operate. It’s recently been serviced and Airbourne organisers are looking for a sponsor to bring the aircraft to Eastbourne.
http://www.vulcantothesky.org/
Airbourne is an Award-Winner
Eastbourne International Airshow was voted the Best Free Airshow in 2011 by visitors to Airscene.co.uk, beating rival Bournemouth to the top spot. Airbourne received the most votes against Bournemouth Air Festival to win the title, with over 380 votes cast.
Images courtesy of SFB579 :) and jamiejohndavies
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