Swedish Draken & D-Day Formation Leads Historic Anniversary Line-up For Eastbourne Airshow

The supersonic Swedish Draken, Jet Provost, Bronco, Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight and a D-Day Memorial Display will lead an historic line-up at this year’s Airbourne: Eastbourne International.

The 30th anniversary of the airshow will be held from August 15 - 18.

Joining the flying programme is the return of Rich Goodwin’s incredible Jet Pitts with added jet turbines, the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers and brand new displays from The Starlings Aerobatic Team - flown by two British Aerobatic Champions.

PHOTO: D-Day Memorial Display by Paul Johnson - Flightline UK

The newly announced displays join the RAF Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor and a Diamond Season 60th anniversary display on Thursday by the Red Arrows just before they depart on their overseas tour.

Not only the first Western European built combat aircraft capable of breaking the sound barrier, but also the first known aircraft to perform the now famous Cobra manoeuvre, the Draken Cold War fighter jet can reach speeds of up to Mach 2. It is flown by the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight and is, they say, one of the few remaining examples in the world.

Over the weekend the Blenheim, Mustang and Spitfire will provide a poignant moment with a D-Day Memorial Display to commemorate 80 years since this key date in history. The aircraft will fly together in formation and also perform solo displays in an extended set piece.

Ex Tornado pilot and fan favourite Rich Goodwin will be bringing his high energy gyroscopic aerobatics in the world’s first jet powered Pitts Special biplane. New to the show, The Starlings Aerobatic Team will also be showcasing their credentials which include a string of championship titles, flying in NGs which provide an advancement in aerobatic aviation technology.

PHOTO: Bronco Demo Team by Paul Johnson - Flightline UK

A spokesperson from Eastbourne Borough Council said:

“After the much anticipated 60th anniversary Red Arrows display we have a really interesting mix of aircraft this year of warbirds, advanced aerobatics using new technology and some early fast jets.  The Draken is a rare treat this season and will certainly grab everyone’s attention.”

Flying starts at 2.30pm on Thursday and Friday and 2.15pm on Saturday and Sunday, ending at 5pm each day. 

Airbourne opens at 10.30am each day with Military displays, children’s entertainment, a shopping village and more, with a firework finale on Sunday evening.

The full flying line-up includes:

RAF Red Arrows (Thurs)

RAF Typhoon (Fri - Sun)

RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Thurs – Sun)

RAF Grob Tutor Display (Fri - Sun)

Swedish Air Force Historic Fight: Draken (Thurs – Fri)

D-Day Memorial Display: Blenheim, Mustang & Spitfire (Sat – Sun)

Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts (Thurs - Sun)

The Starlings Aerobatic Team (Sat - Sun)

Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight: Mustang & Spitire (Thurs – Sun)

Jet Provost (Thurs – Sun)

Bronco Demo Team (Thurs – Sun)

AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers (Thurs – Sun)