RAF Leuchars Airshow 2013

The last ever show at RAF Leuchars went out with a bang and a ‘skyful’ of Typhoons.

Austrian Air Force Typhoons appeared for the first time in the UK and performed a QRA scramble and dogfight. The home team scrambled too and, showing the multi-role capability of the Typhoon, carried out an explosive airfield attack. More Typhoons flew formations with The Red Arrows, an E3 Sentry and venerable Tornado.

RAF Leuchars history was recalled with the Hawker Hunter and Catalina flying boat that operated from here in WW2. 2013 was the 70th anniversary of the ‘Dams’ raid and a 617 Sqn Tornado flew poignantly with the Lancaster.

Whilst the general public no doubt thrilled to the seemingly dare-devil though accomplished aerobatic routines of several teams and solos the enthusiast was wowed by the menacing shape and thunderous sound of the world’s only flying Saab Viggen.

Thankfully the damp start gave way to sunny but moisture filled air. The dramatic silhouettes and condensation bursts – the theatrical effects in the air – led ultimately to the theatre on the ground, the Sunset Ceremony and the end of an historic era.