July 8, 2013 2.14 pm This story is over 128 months old

Strong turnout for RAF Waddington Airshow 2013

Top class action: RAF Waddington pulled out all the stops at this year’s airshow, bringing in more visitors than usual.
Chinook HC2 variant ready to display. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The 2013 RAF Waddington International Air Show managed to pull a huge crowd and great weather, with better turnout numbers than in previous years.

Over two days, 145,000 visitors attended the event to watch 14 hours worth of displays and lots of interesting ground exhibits.

The figure tops last year’s attendance of 125,000 visitors, with tickets on the first day selling out completely before 10am.

View our photo galleries from day one and day two.

This year’s Waddington Airshow had the theme of the 95th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force and the 70th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid and ISTAR 13.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s (BBMF) Lancaster PA474 had a new nose art to identify the anniversary of the founding of 617 Squadron. The raid was marked by a BBMF flypast by Tornado Gr4’s from the present-day 617 Squadron.

Other displays including new art was 5 Squadron’s ISTAR 13 Sentinel, which had new tail art to mark its centenary — also the opener to the airshow’s display.

ISTAR 13 is vital for communications to the battlefield, and the RAF has a number of aircraft using world-leading reconnaissance systems, including 5 Squadron’s Sentinel and the Waddington-based E-3D Sentry of 8 Squadron.

Overall, RAF Chinook managed to come away with the prize for the best display, which showcased the Chinook’s manoeuvrability.

In the static category, the Belgian F16 won first prize, followed by the Loach OH-6A.

Paul Sall, Airshow Director, said: “This year’s RAF Waddington International Airshow has once again been an exciting opportunity for all members of the family to view fantastic flying displays, equally engaging were the variety of ground exhibits showcasing the work of the RAF and its partner organisations.

“I hope our visitors had a great day out at the Royal Air Force’s premier airshow and I look forward to welcoming everyone again to next year’s Airshow on July 5th and 6th 2014.”