The Turkish Stars in the spotlight…….
This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford is proud to be the host of a UK exclusive flying display from the world famous Turkish Stars. Last seen at RIAT in 1996, and as famous for their commentator and colourful support aircraft as their impressive flying display, the team makes a welcome return to Fairford.
The Turkish Stars are one of the newest international display teams having been officially formed in 1992 at Konya Jet 
Base. Flying 7 Northrop NF-5 A Freedom Fighters the team underwent months of intense preparation and training and in June 1993 the “Turkish Stars”, as they had been christened, stepped into the airshow world as one of very few supersonic aerobatic teams.
The NF-5 aircraft used by the Turkish Stars have been in service in the Turkish Air Force since 1987 and were selected as the most suitable aircraft for aerobatic displays due to their avionic systems and aircraft performance. However, several modifications were made to the aircraft to optimise their aerobatic display capabilities. These included:
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Structural modifications, including the removal of gun barrels and chaff/flare dispensers, to reduce aerodynamic drag.
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Instrument panels were redesigned to increase the pilots’ visual awareness and ease of use.
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For greater awareness during close formation flying, the original mirrors were replaced with larger ones from F-4 Phantoms and an additional mirror was installed.
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Tip tanks were converted into ‘smoke tanks’ by disconnecting the fuel lines from main fuel system and mounting hydraulic pumps inside to transmit the dye to the nozzles at the rear of the aircraft.
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All aircraft were repainted with the now famous red and white scheme.
Now flying 8 NF-5As, the Turkish Stars are the largest supersonic aerobatic display team displaying in the world. Performing a mix of 8-ship and 4-ship formations, along with a solo aircraft and 3 aircraft, the team fly some 20 formations and manoeuvres during their 25 minute display.
In much the same way that the Red Arrows highlight the professionalism of the Royal Air Force, the Turkish Stars represent the abilities and level of training of all Turkish Air Force pilots and act as Ambassadors to Turkey when they perform overseas.
In 1996 the Turkish Stars finished their display to a standing ovation at the Royal International Air Tattoo, a glorious finale that will no doubt be repeated at this year’s show.
The Grob 115E Tutor 2008 Display in the spotlight…….
Display Aircraft
The Grob 115E Tutor was made and equipped especially for the RAF in Mattsies, Germany between 1999 and 2002. The Aircraft is 96% Carbon fibre and of semi-moncoque construction and is fully aerobatic. Powered by a single 180hp Textron-Lycoming engine, it has accommodation for 2 crew members sitting side by side and is used for Elementary Flying Training, University Air Squadron and Air Experience Flying. The Grob Tutor completed its 250000 flying hour in RAF service in February 2007 and is due to remain in service for the foreseeable future.
Grob 115E Specifications
| Engine: | 1 Texton-Lycoming |
| 10-360 piston engine | |
| Rated to 180 Hp | |
| Length: | 24ft 9in (7.59m) |
| Wingspan: | 32ft 8in (10.00m) |
| Top Speed: | 185 Kts |
| Aircraft Limited: | +6 to -3 G |
| Roles: | Elementary Flying Training |
| University Air Squadron | |
| Air Experience Flying | |
| Recognition: | Single-engined, low wing monoplane |
Fixed tricycle undercarriage, short nose with large glazed area cabin with two windows each side. Tapered wings with square tips. Large fin and rudder with rectangle tailplane with square tips, set at base of the fin.
Display Pilot
The 2008 RAF Tutor display pilot is Flt Lt Andy Preece. He joined the RAF in 1991 after working for several years at Bulmers Cider. He graudated from Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell in September 1991 and began flying training, as a Navigator, at RAF Finningley. On successful completion of Navigator training, Andy was posted to the Tornado GR1. Following a successful operation and weapons conversion, he served 3 years in Germany at RAF Bruggen with No. 17(F) Sqn.His next tour was as an instructor at the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE) at RAF Cottesmore where he taught Italian and German Pilots and Navigators as well as RAF Students. Whilst instructing at TTTE, Andy re-trained as a pilot. Since changing branch to Pilot, Andy has flown the Tornado GR1, Hawk, Tucano, Harrier GR7/T10 and the Grob Tutor. His last tour was as a Qualified Pilot Navigation Instructor at the Navigator Training Unit (NTU) flying the Hawk. The NTU is part of No. 100 Sqn, RAF Leeming. Whilst there, he taught both future Tornado GR4 and F3 navigators their future skills. When not displaying the Tutor, Andy’s full time job is as a Qualified Flying Instructor at No. 1 Sqn, 1 Elementary Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell. Andy is in his second year displaying the Tutor.
2008 Tutor Full Display
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Run in B AXIS Barrels / aileron rolls as required for wind Display arrival = Avalanche into break to land Departure = Flypast into best angle climb |
