RNAS Yeovilton International Air Day 2013

The Commando Assault finale at Yeovilton is the best piece of aerial entertainment at any UK show. 2013 did not disappoint with powerful pyrotechnics, spectacular flare firing and continuous varied action from start to finish. This year the Red Star Rebels own display with L29s played the ‘baddies’ air support. It took the combined efforts of the Commando Helicopter Force, the Royal Marines and the Army Air Corps with 7 Seakings, 5 Lynx, Apache and a pair of the new Wildcat helicopters to suppress the ‘rebels’.

The demonstartion included a spectacular release of flares, troop drops, under-slung load transport, rapid extraction of evidence and hostages all supported by locally based Hawks.

Great weather helped EVERY display but the Vulcan and Typhoon deserve especial mention. The flare-firing Belgian F-16 and A-109 and Czech L-159 Alca provided more pyros and the Eastern Airways Saab 2000 and the Czech Gripen were the rare gems.