RAF Cosford Airshow 2025: A Sold-Out Spectacle Awaits
This Sunday, 8th June 2025, the RAF Cosford Airshow will take flight at its namesake base in Shropshire, cementing its status as one of the premier events in the British aviation calendar. With tickets already sold out, anticipation is soaring for a day that promises to deliver a potent mix of aerial excellence, historical reflection, and forward-looking inspiration.
Under the banner of "Commemorate, Celebrate, Innovate," the airshow will weave together a rich tapestry of displays and experiences. The Victory Village will offer a window into the past with historical assets, while the STEM Hangar will spotlight the cutting-edge collaboration between the armed forces and defence sector partners. The event will also honour the enduring legacy of the Royal Air Force alongside its NATO allies and partner nations, captivating attendees of all ages.
The static displays at RAF Cosford will present an eclectic mix of aircraft, spanning decades and roles, each with its own story to tell. Among the historic contingent, Kennet Aviation’s Boeing Stearman N2S-5 Kaydet stands out—a rugged biplane trainer that shaped countless pilots during World War II. Nearby, Mark Bennett’s Supermarine Spitfire IX will draw crowds with its elegant lines and storied combat history, a symbol of British resilience. Aero Legends contributes the Douglas C-47A Skytrain, a workhorse of military transport that saw action in pivotal campaigns. The Historic Army Aircraft Flight rounds out this category with a trio of classics: the Taylorcraft Auster AOP9, de Havilland Canada Beaver AL1, and Agusta/Bell Sioux AH1, tracing the evolution of army aviation through their distinctive designs.
In the civilian realm, Hebridean Air Services will display the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander, a versatile light transport aircraft renowned for its reliability in challenging environments. For a stark contrast, Cartwright Aerobatics brings the Pitts S-1-11B Super Stinker, a compact aerobatic marvel built for precision and performance in the skies.
The military static lineup underscores NATO’s collaborative spirit. The Irish Air Corps will showcase the Eurocopter EC135 and AgustaWestland AW139 from No 3 Operations Wing, both multi-role helicopters integral to training and transport duties. The Royal Netherlands Air Force offers the NH Industries NH90NFH Caiman from 860 Squadron, a sophisticated maritime helicopter designed for modern operations. Closer to home, the UK’s Army Air Corps presents the Boeing AH-64E Apache AH2 from 3 Regiment, a fearsome attack helicopter bristling with advanced technology. Additional aircraft from various operators will further enrich this international display.
The flying programme at RAF Cosford promises to be nothing short of breathtaking, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge aerial prowess. The historic displays kick off with the Great War Display Team, whose Nieuport 17, pair of Fokker Dr1s, trio of RAF SE5as, and Junkers CL1 will recreate the dogfights of World War I with stunning authenticity. Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd follows with the North American P-51D Mustang and Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, two American legends whose speed and power defined World War II’s air war. The Vampire Preservation Group hopes to showcase their de Havilland Vampire T11, a pioneering British jet trainer, though technical challenges may ground it—fingers crossed for a last-minute fix.
North Wales Military Aviation Services Ltd will send up a duo of BAC Strikemaster Mk82s, their sleek profiles hinting at their dual role as jet trainers and light attack aircraft. Hurricane Heritage’s Noorduyn Harvard IIb, a stalwart trainer for multiple air forces, will add to the vintage flair. A standout moment will come with the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight’s Supermarine Spitfire IX, a rare visitor to UK skies that’s sure to thrill purists. Navy Wings caps this segment with the Fairey Swordfish MkI, a lumbering yet legendary torpedo bomber that punched above its weight in wartime.
On the civilian front, Melanie Astles will take the controls of her Extra 330SC for a heart-pounding aerobatic display. Her skill and the aircraft’s agility will leave spectators in awe of what human and machine can achieve together.
The military flying displays will elevate the excitement to new heights. The French Air & Space Force’s Rafale Solo Display will showcase the agility and power of this multi-role fighter, a testament to modern engineering. NATO’s contribution includes a flypast by the Airbus A330MRTT from the Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport Unit, a vital asset for extending the reach of air forces worldwide. Making its Cosford debut, the Polish Air Force’s F-16 Tiger Demo Team will roar through one of only two UK displays this year—the other slated for RIAT in July—offering a rare glimpse of its dynamic capabilities. The Swiss Air Force’s PC-7 Team will bring their trademark precision, their tight formations a visual treat against the Shropshire sky.
The UK’s armed forces will shine brightly. The Army Air Corps marks its Cosford premiere with the Army Helicopter Role Demo, featuring a Leonardo Wildcat AH1 and twin Boeing AH-64E Apache AH2s, amplified by ground pyrotechnics for a visceral experience. The Royal Navy’s Black Cats helicopter display team, flying two Leonardo Wildcat HMA2s, will demonstrate seamless coordination and agility.
As the home team, the Royal Air Force will command the skies with an impressive lineup. The Red Arrows, synonymous with precision aerobatics, will paint the sky with their signature trails. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will evoke the past with the Avro Lancaster B1, Supermarine Spitfire, and Hawker Hurricane IIc, though the Douglas Dakota III’s participation hangs in the balance—it’s yet to fly this year, leaving its Cosford appearance uncertain. The RAF Typhoon Display Team’s Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 will deliver a thunderous, high-energy performance, while the RAF Chinook Role Demonstration will highlight the heavy-lift helicopter’s versatility. The RAF Tutor Display Team’s Grob Tutor T1s will offer a graceful counterpoint, and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team will set the tone with their pinpoint jumps to open the show.
The RAF Cosford Airshow 2025 is poised to be a landmark occasion, seamlessly blending reverence for aviation’s past with a celebration of its present and a bold look toward its future. With its sold-out status underscoring its appeal, this Shropshire spectacle will captivate aviation enthusiasts and families alike. From the roar of vintage engines to the precision of modern jets, Sunday’s event promises a sky full of stories—and a ground full of inspiration.
For more details, visit our preview page by clicking here or the RAF Cosford Airshow’s official website to get more information here.
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