February 17, 2012 12.03 pm This story is over 144 months old

Australian Air Force come to Lincoln for Waddington Airshow

New attractions: The RAF Waddington Airshow preparations are underway, with some exiting new attractions.

Royal Air Force Waddington International Airshow will be back from June 30 to July 1, and new attractions are already being announced.

As well as the usual trade show and exhibitions, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has confirmed its Boeing 737 AEW&C Wedgetail aircraft will be on static display.

The Wedgetail, based at RAAF Williamtown in Australia, is the equivalent of the RAF Waddingotn’s E-3D Sentry aircraft.

It is capable of lasting 10 hours without the need to refuel and can fly up to 41,000 ft (passenger planes generally cruise between 30,000 and 39,000 feet).

The airshow will be the first time the aircraft has been displayed in the UK since it was sent to Australia in 2009.

Another new international participant is the Swiss F18 Hornet after 10 years of absence from the airshow, alongside the Swiss Super Puma display, which has now been in the UK since 2001.

The overall theme for the Waddington Airshow will be Combat ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance), as this is RAF Waddington’s primary role.

This means the base provides support for allied forces at home for national security and also in operation theatres.

Due to the theme, visitors will be able to get an insight into ISTAR operations in the UK and internationally, which is why the Wedgetail is a welcome addition to the schedule.

Source: Waddington Air Show