RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2017
Celebrating its 70th year RNAS Yeovilton has been staging air shows since the late 1940s with the aim remaining the same, to raise money for service charities and show the public the vital work carried out by the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Navy in general.
Despite continued budget cuts, overseas deployments and last minute cancellations to star attractions 30000 people attended International Air Day 2017 giving testament to the continued popularity of the senior services flagship event.
As the Navy are taking part in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative one of the hangers was given up to displays and exhibits all trying to encourage young people into these vital fields for the future.
Once again Yeovilton Air Day lived up to its international status by hosting participants from the following NATO partners: France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland and USA. The fact that for some of these participants Air Day was the only UK based show in the 2017 season shows the esteem held and close cooperation between the the Royal Navy and its NATO allies.
Here is Yeovilton Air Day 2017 in photos
Static display
USAF Lockheed Martin C17 BAe Sea Harrier FA2
Polish Navy M-28BR1 Bryza Royal Danish Navy Lynx Mk90B
French Navy Westland Lynx HAS4 Yak 52
BAe Hawk T1 (Red Arrows) French Navy Rafale M
Flying display
Westland Whirlwind HAR10 Short SC7 Skyvan
Royal Danish Air Force Lockheed Martin F16AM French Navy Rafale M
Czech Air Force Saab JAS39C Gripen French Navy Rafale M
As well as the static and flying displays a fleet of Bell Jet Ranger helicopters provided by Adventure Helicopters gave the public the chance to view the air show from the air.
Adventure Helicopters Bell 206 Jet Ranger
A full selection of high resolution photos from Air Day 2017 can be found here: RNAS Yeovilton Air Day
Cliff Ibell Images would like to thank Tracey Clempson Yeovilton PAO and Ralph Patel Yeovilton Airday for their help and hospitality.