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2023 Families Day

Wattisham Flying Station held its annual Families Day in 2023 on the 24th August.

Red Arrows displaying over the Museum jets in the sun

This is an opportunity for the friends and families of the staff to get an up-close look at the work of the station and the various units and sections that come together to provide the firepower needed at the sharp end.

We were fortunate enough to be given access to what is non-public event, and the following photo report gives an idea of what it was like to be on-base for the day.

Prefect and Apache

Following a very wet summer morning in Suffolk, the sun came out just as the gates opened to welcome in all the friends and families.

Ex Israeli Super Cub from Crowfield

There had been a steady arrival of light aircraft and helicopters during the morning, and these were parked out on the main apron for visitors to wander round and chat with the crews.

Static park

Three aircraft from the Museum had also been towed across from the Northern HAS site, and were proudly displayed in the centre of the static area.

Museum jets getting some fresh air

A number of helicopters were also positioned in the static areas, and the lack of crowd barriers and/or cones around the aircraft was a very notable and welcome feature.

Freshly painted Lynx

Adjacent to the static area was the live flightline, where the flying display aircraft operated from, very close to the public areas.

Spitfire on the Flightline

Flying only items included the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, and these displays were very much appreciated by the attending crowds.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster

Overall, it was great to be able to get so close to a large variety of aircraft in a very low-key and relaxed atmosphere, and also being on the “sunny” side for a change.

A photo gallery of the day is below.

Crowfield based Super Cub Interest in the Phantom Red Arrows Lancaster Red Arrows and Hunter Red Arrows arrive Prefect Red Arrows Love Museum jets P-51 Mustang Yak-52 Hunter and Red Arrows Griffon engine Spitfire USAAF Spitfire Museum Jets Chipmunk Hunter XG194 Phantom XT914 Lynx XZ179 Spitting Fire Freshly painted Lynx Gazelle Middle Wallop based Gazelle Apache Longbow

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Pictures selection……

Interest in the Phantom Red Arrows and Hunter Red Arrows arrive Red Arrows Love Museum jets P-51 Mustang Yak-52 USAAF Spitfire Lynx XZ179 Spitting Fire Freshly painted Lynx Middle Wallop based Gazelle

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