Scottish Success

Leuchars International Airshow 2004 - Saturday 11th September 2004

Steven Hadlow / aircraftinaction.co.uk reports from RAF Leuchars home to F3 Squadrons 43, 56(R) and 111. All photos by author

Leuchars, like Waddington is an RAF show which means the majority of its participants come from the RAF and it was no different this year. However the static display did contain various gems. One of the major things of this show was the large participation of four Typhoons which was a rather remarkable feat by the organisers. Two examples were seen parked tail to tail in the large aircraft park. Another nice participant was seen in the RNAF P3 Orion with its very friendly crew. It was also nice to see an appearance by the USAF as appearances have been rare in the UK this year however they supported Leuchars well with the B52 being a particular star.

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate for the vast majority of the displays with grey skies and high winds battering the crowd. Inevitably this led to the cancellation of the BBMF however it was refreshing to see the bravery of the Utterly Butterly team as they attempted to display despite the potentially hazardous conditions. Congratulations must go to the organisers for managing to arrange repeat displays by the Typhoon, F86 Sabre and Gnat keep the crowd interested in the odd occasion when there wasn’t much happening, a great show of organisation.

Inevitably the displays that made the most impact in the grey skies were the fast jets however the RAF Hercules also made a very enjoyable appearance with some nice turns which are quite amazing for an aircraft of this size.

Both the Belgian and Dutch F16 were present at the show which lead to an interesting chance to see both displays in action. Both were of an equal standard although the Dutch display was enhanced by the slightly improved weather when it displayed. A slightly more sedate display was presented by the German AF in the shape of a C160D Transall however it was still nice to see if only for the spectacular prop vortexes seen on its takeoff. Another rare display came from the Dutch Navy with their Westland Lynx which showed some unique capabilities although this display was a little distant at times it was still nice to see.

But of course Leuchars is an RAF airshow and as such the main attractions of the flying display came from the RAF. Before the show the organisers had planned to hold a spectacular tactical demonstration of the role of the RAF involving Hawks, Tornado GR4’s and res unfortunate ident Tornado F3’s. However unfortunately this potentially spectacular demonstration had to be cancelled due to the weather on the Friday not being sufficient for a rehearsal. However not to be beaten we still saw a powerful set of flypasts by the GR4’s and some nice passes from the F3’s. Well done to the organisers for presenting that rather than giving up. As ever the regular RAF displays including the Red Arrows were present and displaying to the usual high standard you come to expect from the RAF. Typhoon flew twice and gave a superb demonstration each time and certainly it seemed that the typhoon crew are more confident in their mount as the demos at Leuchars seemed even more powerful than those seen at RIAT and Waddington. 

However the highlight of the day was the final display. As the Dutch F16 came to the end of its display the skies miraculously cleared and gave way to beautiful sunshine just in time for the final act which fittingly was the resident Tornado F3. The display which was followed was superb. The moist air also meant that the condensation seen on the F3 was some of the most spectacular seen this year. The final power climb up is something which will be etched into the minds of the people who witnessed it as the F3 proceeded to create what looked like its own personal condensation rainbow!

The weather was unfortunate for the organisers who must have been disappointed that they couldn’t perform what was sure to be a memorable tactical demonstration of RAF power. Better luck next year if they try again. However the organisers and pilots adapted to the difficult conditions admirably and succeeded in showing how well the RAF works. Well done to the organisers for another good airshow and fingers crossed the weather will help more next year.

This airshows official website - http://www.airshow.co.uk/

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