Formula One presenter Suzi Perry went supersonic last week, blasting her way into the launch heralding this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in one of the most awesome aircraft in the RAF’s current line-up.
Having made the trip from RAF Coningsby in a two-seater Typhoon T3, piloted by Wg Cdr Richard Wells, Officer Commanding 11 Sq, and going supersonic on her 90-minute flight, Suzi then took the controls of a Caterham 7 sports car. The Caterham Driving Experience is just one of the new features at this year’s airshow, and the sports car made its mark at the press launch, helping to create a ‘fast and furious’ atmosphere reflecting all the excitement and thrills planned for RIAT 2013.
She says, “Flying in the Typhoon was the ultimate experience: I can’t remember a bigger adrenalin rush! And to go supersonic – I just can’t get my head around watching all the instruments show how fast we were travelling, and it’ll probably take days for it to sink in.”
She adds, “The Typhoon is the modern-day aviation classic, but the Caterham is the all-time motoring classic. If you’re keeping your wheels on the ground, it’s the ultimate fun machine.”
Air Tattoo Chief Executive Tim Prince says, “It was wonderful to meet Suzi and hear her support what we do. Her presence and her enthusiasm was a great accolade for the volunteer team which makes our great airshow what it is.”
The world’s biggest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo will take place on July 20 and 21 at RAF Fairford when, alongside seven-and-a-half hours of display flying each day, the emphasis will be on entertainment for all the family plus an enhanced visitor experience.
Three new zones – the Techno Zone, the Adrenalin Zone and the Vintage Village - will offer attractions and activities; Service Stations will provide everything the customer wants, including shelter, catering, information, merchandise, free Wi-Fi, toilets, seating and cash points; and our Air Tattoo CREW will be on hand to provide information and ensure visitors have a great time.
Held in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, the Air Tattoo has raised over £2 million for the charity since it was formed in 2005: the money is used to give grants to promote the RAF, support its people past and present, and to encourage air-mindedness in young people.
• www.airtattoo.com/airshow
