Rare U-2 Display Among Latest Confirmations for RIAT 2025
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 is gearing up to thrill aviation fans with a spectacular roster of aircraft, headlined by a very rare flying display from the Lockheed U-2, as revealed in the event’s latest updates. Set to take place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK, this world-renowned military airshow continues to cement its reputation as a must-see spectacle, drawing crowds from across the globe with its blend of cutting-edge technology and historic icons.
Each year, RIAT delivers a breathtaking showcase of air power, and the 2025 edition is shaping up to be no exception. Organizers have pulled out all the stops, announcing a lineup that promises to captivate both seasoned enthusiasts and casual spectators. From the elusive "Dragon Lady" taking to the skies to a jaw-dropping array of static displays, this year’s event is already generating buzz with its mix of rarity and sheer might.
Lockheed U-2S / Royal International Air Tattoo 2024
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Lockheed U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance legend nicknamed the "Dragon Lady." First taking flight in 1955 from the secretive Groom Lake—better known as Area 51—this aircraft has served with the USAF, CIA, NASA, and even Taiwan’s air force over its remarkable lifespan. Designed to peer into Soviet territory during the Cold War, the U-2 has since adapted to roles like scientific research and, more recently, monitoring mysterious balloons over US airspace. Its appearance at RIAT 2025 is a coup for organizers, with the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, based at RAF Fairford, providing two aircraft—one to perform in the flying display on Saturday and Sunday, and another for static viewing all three days. This is a rare treat; the U-2’s operational mystique, underscored by the infamous 1960 Gary Powers shootdown by Soviet missiles, makes it a bucket-list sight for airshow-goers.
Hot on the heels of the U-2 announcement are the static display reveals, each a heavyweight in its own right. The Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy is a colossal presence, its sheer scale almost defying belief. Stretching 247 feet long with a wingspan topping 222 feet, this beast’s cargo bay is longer than the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight—120 feet of aviation history dwarfed by a single hold that can swallow six AH-64 Apache helicopters whole. Operated by the 439th Airlift Wing from Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, the C-5M hasn’t graced RIAT since 2012, making its return a major draw for 2025.
Equally compelling is the Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint, a signals intelligence titan making a scarce European airshow appearance. Rooted in the KC-135 tanker lineage, this aircraft bristles with advanced sensors, serving as the USAF’s eyes and ears in the electronic realm. The 95th Reconnaissance Squadron will showcase one at RIAT, giving visitors a glimpse into its critical role in modern warfare—a fitting nod to the event’s "Eyes in the Skies" theme. With only 29 RC-135s in the USAF fleet, all upgraded with fuel-efficient CFM56 engines for extended range, spotting one outside operational deployments is a privilege.
Then there’s the Rockwell B-1B Lancer, roaring back to RIAT for the first time since 2018. Known affectionately as "the Bone," this supersonic bomber from Dyess AFB in Texas can hit speeds exceeding Mach 1.2—fast enough to outpace a commercial jetliner—and carries a payload that rivals the B-52. Originally conceived to blend the Hustler’s velocity with the Stratofortress’s heft, the B-1B has evolved into a precision strike powerhouse, its external pylons recently re-armed with long-range missiles. Its return is a nostalgic thrill for Fairford regulars who’ve missed its thunderous presence.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. "This week we are very pleased to announce a huge array of American military aircraft which will be participating at RIAT25!" the organizers declared in their official statement, underscoring the scale of this transatlantic showcase. Beyond the headliners, the USAF is bringing a diverse fleet to the static park. The Boeing KC-46A Pegasus, a next-gen tanker from the 108th Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, represents the future of aerial refueling, while the KC-135R from RAF Mildenhall’s 100th Air Refuelling Wing nods to the past—potentially the very airframe (59-1511) that took part at RIAT’s 1985 show, marking 40 years at Fairford. The C-21A, a militarized Learjet 35 from the 76th Airlift Squadron in Germany, adds a sleek contrast, once touted as the fastest business jet in the world by golf legend Arnold Palmer. Meanwhile, the stealthy F-35A Lightning II from RAF Lakenheath’s 495th Fighter Squadron and the rugged MC-130J Commando II from the 67th Special Operations Squadron at Mildenhall round out a lineup that spans the spectrum of air power.
International flair comes courtesy of the Italian Army, which is sending a UH-169B helicopter from the 30th Squadron at Lamezia Terme. Based on the Leonardo AW169, this versatile machine is part of Italy’s Light Utility Helicopter program, designed to replace aging types like the Huey with a modern multirole platform. Joining it are civilian standouts from Gulfstream and Pilatus. The Gulfstream G600, a long-range business jet successor to the G550, will gleam in a showcase spot near the showground’s heart, while Pilatus brings its PC-21 trainer—capable of mimicking jet fighter performance at turboprop costs—and the PC-24, a rugged business jet that blends luxury with utility.
The "Eyes in the Skies" theme ties it all together, celebrating the reconnaissance prowess of aircraft like the U-2 and RC-135V Rivet Joint. The U-2’s ability to cruise at 70,000 feet—once tested by RAF Lightning interceptors in daring trials—pairs perfectly with the Rivet Joint’s electronic wizardry, offering a narrative thread that elevates RIAT 2025 beyond mere spectacle. And there’s more to come: organizers have teased special flypasts for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with details dropping next week. For now, this latest wave of confirmations has set the stage for an unforgettable weekend at Fairford, where the roar of engines and the sweep of wings will once again write a new chapter in airshow history. Keep your eyes on the skies—and the updates—as RIAT 2025 takes flight.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official Royal International Air Tattoo website by clicking here.
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