More details have been released about the air display planned for Plymouth Armed Forces Day, taking place on Plymouth Hoe on Saturday 30 June.
Aircraft including a Spitfire XIV, Calidus Gyro and Catalina will take to the skies above Plymouth Sound to entertain spectators, who will also be able to enjoy dramatic aerobatic shows.
The Catalina is a flying boat, with a special historical connection to Plymouth. At least two were based at Mount Batten and flown by the Royal Australian Air Force in the early years of Second World War.
Aerobatics team displays will be performed by Team Raven – a group of five pilots flying an RV4 and RV8s – the Muscle Pitts team biplane and the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team.
Solo displays will be performed by Mark Jeffries, who placed in the top ten at the last World Aerobatic Championships and Cornish pilot Corinne Dennis. Corinne will perform a dramatic display in her Pitts Special S-1S G-TWRL, with a combination of rolls and pirouettes, gymnastic manoeuvres and aerial ballet, all highlighted by the trail of white smoke.
Other displays include the Calidus Autogyro – which flies close to the crowd – and the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers; fearless wingwalkers who will perform acrobatics on the top wing of a Boeing Stearman biplane.
The Red Devils, the official parachute display team of the British Army, will end the show with a spectacular parachute show, landing in the water. Formed in 1964, the team is made up of 15 men – all full-time serving paratroopers who return to combat duties when required.
Deputy Council Leader Pete Smith said: “Every year, Plymouth Armed Forces Day offers a great day of free family entertainment, where we can show our support for the armed forces and celebrate our city’s proud military history. This year’s air display is going to be a really spectacular show, with some incredibly talented pilots taking to the skies.”
The air display is due to start at 4.15pm, finishing at 6.05pm. All displays are subject to change and are dependent on the weather.
There will also be three static helicopters stationed on Plymouth Hoe during the day: a Royal Navy Sea King, a Royal Navy Merlin and an RAF Puma (the appearances are subject to operational commitments).
Plymouth Armed Forces Day, in association with Babcock, is an annual celebration of the city’s proud military history. Visitors can enjoy parades, live music and an all-day arena and stage programme.