The 2023 edition of the Shuttleworth Military Airshow held at Old Warden in Bedfordshire was an aviation feast of classic shapes and sounds, and a smorgasbord of ground vehicles and aircraft to fit the Military theme – whilst a few had some slightly loose tangible links to military aviation, all of the flying was, as usual at Old Warden, superb. There were some notable highlights, including a return of one of the most popular warbirds in Europe, plus the ever-loved cast of familiar types from the hangars of the Shuttleworth Collection. A mention must be made too, of the much-improved organisation of this event, compared to the Season Premiere I reviewed a few months ago, with entry being much simpler, far better communication, more advanced information and a better overall experience from that point of view – great work from Faris and all the team who were on that side of things.
The show began under some warm summer skies, with a few dotted clouds gently drifting across the skies – this was not to last, as the forecast was unforgivingly unkind to the show weekend, with some high winds causing issues at various events around the country. Early morning access to the showground meant it was filled with the buzz of the amazing Shuttleworth Veteran Aircraft Society (SVAS) volunteer crew wheeling both ground and aircraft across the showground and airfield, and the ground recreation teams setting up. At half past Nine the general entry opened, and the crowds poured into the car park and the photographers made the do or die dash to the fence for their ideal spots! One of the biggest selling points of visiting a Shuttleworth airshow is the ability to park up, uninterrupted and be able to view the entire showground and the flying display from your car – something the collection took advantage of during the Covid-19 pandemic at its height in 2020 with their popular drive-in format.
Early entrants were treated to a shake down flight and short display by the Shuttleworth Collection’s jewel (in my opinion); the de Havilland DH.88 Comet ‘Grosvenor House’. The ruby red racer took off down the runaway and swiftly climbed into the dramatic sky, before disappearing behind the hangars, only briefly seen being put through some banking and climbing manoeuvres in the distance. As the chatter of the growing number of people continued, it was soon drowned out as we heard the throttle pick up, and the famous shape of the Comet speed back in for a few graceful topside passes and turns. After a couple of attempts at landing in the growing wind, the aircraft touched back down and was taken off to be parked up for its full display later in the day with the help of the SVAS volunteers. A short while later we were informed by the volunteers that some noisy birds were due in, and to hold on to our hats – both figuratively and literally! Of course, this was the Gazelle Squadron, and today they had made the trip up from down south in five cabs, and a full support team. I had been informed prior to the show that these guys would be landing up by the tower, and thus set myself up for their arrival, and it was a hold your hat moment, with the team arriving in a very impressive sequence – even their landing was synchronised! A quick photo together, and the team wandered off to get sorted for pilot chats and briefings with the other pilots. Superb start to the day!
Part of the event was a parade of historic Military vehicles, these include a healthy number of Willy’s Jeeps – with these came some classic trucks and staff cars, include some donning the guise of World War Two ambulances. These 4-wheel vehicles were joined by a selection of Motorcycles as part of the parade. Following the conclusion of the ground element of the show, things shifted to the air and some alterations and move arounds as the weather played some chaos with the flying display. One of these was to be the change of appearance time for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which would now be much later at the close of the event. However, the show still kicked off at 2pm with some high-power Merlin might with the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight in their North American P-51D Mustang which dived in from behind the tree line for a low pass down the runway. The Mustang flown with the flight is not the most eye-catching aircraft, as so many preserved Mustangs are, and the slightly grey skies didn’t help showcase it – however, the flying was exceptional in the hands of Alastair Williams, with plenty of topside and that iconic, synonymous “whistle” from the wing-mounted gun ports. A slight moment towards the end of the display, when the engine went silent as the Mustang climbed away from the crowd, but this was due to a small in-cockpit mishap, and nothing serious – one final topside pass and away into the skies above.
A prior departure to the Mustang soon appeared behind the crowd, and the smooth-as-silk purring Cheetah engine revved up, and the Collection’s Avro Anson graced the crowds with its presence as it began a spirited display of passes and topsides. The Anson was donated to the collection from the Bae Heritage Flight along with a selection of vintage types, and really makes a special addition to the Shuttleworth Collection. Following the lovely Anson display conclusion, above us the elegant ETPS Olympia glider was freed to begin a gentle descent to the grass, which with the windy conditions did allow for a little more flight time than usual, as the pilot navigated his way back to terra firma. There was supposed to be a second glider display from the EON Primary glider, but the winds were too much for such a fragile airframe, and it, like a number of the early types stayed safely on the ground.
With the Olympia landing up close to the hangars, it made it a smoother transition to the next display, which was most definitely not a serene, graceful jaunt from the clouds – this being the four-ship Gazelle Squadron with their selection of Westland Gazelles, in different operational guises and schemes. Known as the “whistling chicken leg” due to its Fenestron tail design and that incredibly high pitch whistle (trust me, standing in front of the four of them on take-off was something else!), the helicopters lifted off in synchronised fashion, moving as one, like a flock of birds they took to the air and went off to form up before beginning their incredibly well polished routine at Old Warden. The team came through for some formation passes before performing their dynamic crowd break which led into some opposition passes and wing overs. More of the same followed, with more opposition passes and solo passes, as well as a selection of four ship passes, leading to the crescendo of a second crowd break to conclude their routine. The whole routine was dynamic and well-coordinated, and It was by far my favourite display of 2022, and is still just as good this year.
A special little formation of trainer types took off next, led by the Collection’s Avro Tutor, the de Havilland Tiger Moth and Chipmunk were joined by the delightful Miles Magister. The four trainers gave a handful of passes together, before they copied those that came before them and performed a crowd break for a tail chase and individual passes. Following the gentle aerobatics of the trainers, more Merlin magic was conjured up, with the Hawker Sea Hurricane IB performing a solo routine in the hands of Roger ‘Dodge’ Bailey – this was meant to be joined by the Supermarine Seafire from Navy Wings, but a technical issue meant the aircraft was grounded at RNAS Yeovilton. The Collection’s Hurricane is one of the favourites at any Shuttleworth show, and being the only one of its kind makes it even more special to see in the air where it belongs! There was supposed to be a display by the Supermarine Spitfire owned by the Shuttleworth Collection, however the high winds meant it was outside the constraints which the operator felt was safe to fly it, and it remained on the ground.
More warbird action was soon to follow the Hurricane, as things really began to ramp up as we saw the instantly-recognisable silhouette in the distance – the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’. Returning to the skies only a week before the show, following an extended period of being grounded whilst important checks were done regarding wing spar issues noted in the USA, ‘Sally B’ was making her triumphant return to Old Warden with a stunning display. Obviously, a hulking bomber isn’t going to be thrown around like the smaller types, but a couple of energetic wing overs and topsides really showed off all the angles of the Flying Fortress. Earlier in the year, the BBMF gave one of the all-time great topsides at Old Warden, in their Lancaster – it was expected that the crew in ‘Sally B’ would attempt to match it, and they gave it a good go! It was a showcase of excellent flying from her crew. Maybe not quite as jaw dropping, the display was still a beautiful one, and I’m sure many will be hoping to see her back at Old Warden soon.
As we watched the B-17 depart, we heard the sound of the de Havilland Comet fire up and move to the end of the runway. The Comet is the aircraft many newcomers to Shuttleworth want to see (and seasoned visitors too!) as it is such an iconic aircraft – and whilst not an aircraft with much of a link to the Military, there was a tangible link with the type being considered as a special operations type at some point during its time as a prominent air racer – perhaps not the best link that the organisers have ever come up with to excuse the inclusion of an aircraft, but it’s the Comet, I think we can all forgive them for wanting to include her! As usual, there was plenty of topsides, plenty of close ups through the lens and it was an as usual, lovely routine by the Comet at Old Warden – I say it often, but its worth the entry, if you haven’t been before, just to see the Comet in action. We were spoilt for Merlin types at the Military Airshow, as the next visiting aircraft came over from nearby Duxford in the form of the IWM owned Supermarine Spitfire MK.1 N3200. This is the movie starring Spitfire from “Dunkirk”, and has been well documented for its rescue, restoration and ownership. Flown by John Gowdy, this was one of the best fighter displays I have seen at Old Warden, with the genesis Spitfire being flown through some elegant high loops and barrel rolls, and, of course, plenty of photographic topsides. One thing I noted was the whistle coming from this particular Spitfire, which is not something you get often from the numerous displays of other Spitfires – it certainly added to what was already a high-quality routine.
Richard Ellingworth had brought his newest toy for a display next, this being the very unusual SOKO J-20 Kraguj (a Serbian word for Sparrowhawk). The J-20 was a counterinsurgency and reconnaissance aircraft built in the former state of Yugoslavia and powered by its six-cylinder Lycoming piston engine made a rather loud racket too! To me it sounded like a Merlin with a good shovel of gravel throw into it. With a top speed of 180mph, it was designed to be able to fly slow and low (it certainly wasn’t for stealth with that noisy powerplant!), and with that came the ability to take off and climb fairly quickly from unprepared airstrips and in a good headwind the aircraft could theoretically fly at very slow speeds indeed once airborne. The aircraft has two hard points for its aforementioned roles, and was used across the former Yugoslav states, such as Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. As a rare type, it was typical Shuttleworth to have something so unusual as part of the flying display, and it was definitely just that!
Following that was another small, single piston vintage type from the USA, this time in the hands of Simon Tilling in his Ryan/North American Navion. A bit of a marmite aircraft in terms of looks, but personally quite an interesting looking aircraft, painted up as a US Army aircraft. Similar in size to the J-20, this type has a retractable undercarriage and was used as a staff transport, liaison and communication and forward air control platform both post-World War Two and during the Korean War. The display was elegant and sleek, much like the aircraft – Simon is no stranger to airshows in trainers having displayed other types, including the de Havilland Chipmunk. The Navion, much like the Kraguj was something special at this year’s Military Airshow and both fitted in perfectly with the atmosphere of Old Warden and all the displays on show.
Navy Wings were unable to bring the Seafire as mentioned, but credit to them as they flew up from Yeovilton in their North American Harvard IV for a solo display instead. Painted up in the bright yellow with the corporate sponsorship logo on the fuselage side, it cut a striking shape and style compared to most of the stuff flying on the day, but it was an elegant display with lots of aerobatics and the soundtrack of the large wasp radial at full chat really energised things. It isn’t that often you see solo Harvard/Texan displays these days as many are used as warbird trainers for the Spitfires and other tail draggers, or in busy use as passenger experience flights – so to see one on show was an unexpected treat. Some of the Shuttleworth classics were in the air next with the Westland Lysander and Percival Provost taking to the skies in two individual displays. The Lysander flew, of course, in grey and darkening skies which made a dark painted aircraft such as that very difficult to photograph, meanwhile it’s the first time I had seen the Provost in a flying display for a while! The angry sounding radial up front, pulling the aircraft through the Bedfordshire skies is always nice to see – after all, like most of the Collection’s aircraft, the Percival Provost is a rare airframe.
A late addition to the flying programme was the Polikarpov PO-2 – something of a tractor sounding Russian bi-plane. Although a Russian type, the Shuttleworth airframe carried a pair of Ukrainian flags on the wing struts as a nod to the world events. To me, the PO-2 is overlooked by many, but the display was as good as any on the day, and whilst not the most glamorous looking bi-plane, nor the most impressive power-wise, it represents an interesting period of aviation, with the type being used in a wide variety of roles within Soviet Russia. It is certainly an Agricultural type of aircraft, and a change of pace to most of the types that were on show at the Military Airshow. Another technical snag took hold of the next flying participant who, upon take off and getting ready for its display, suffered a rough sounding engine and aborted – this was the much-anticipated Supermarine Spitfire MK.IV TE517. The Spitfire was due to fly with the aforementioned Collection Spitfire, which was grounded by the winds – so unfortunately, we didn’t get to see either the unique Czech squadron pair, nor the debut display by TE517, maybe in the near future they will try it again?
Closing the flying display was handed over to the Royal Air Force. This was firstly with the Falcons – the RAF’s primary parachute display team. Normally these guys drop from high altitude and perform a sequence of special formations as they descend, however due to the limitations at Old Warden with height, they had to compress their display into 3000ft. The team dropped behind the crowd (meaning we were all staring into the bright sun) due to the wind and squeezed in the iconic spiral descent which is so famously linked to the RAF Falcons. It wasn’t the best display I have seen, the display lacked punch and was over far too quickly due to the height restraints, and I feel personally this type of display is a struggle at Old Warden as the commentator himself said, its hard to do what they do in such a tight air space. The second, and final display of the show was much later than planned, and the crowds had to be very patient to enjoy it – as she was flown up from a late appearance at Headcorn for their show. But, at dusk, as the diehard enthusiasts waited patiently, we finally got the glimpse in the far distance of the iconic Avro Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. This was always due to be a trio of flypasts, but those who know, know – the BBMF enjoy Old Warden because they can put the aircraft on some tight banking angles and really give her a good showing off! And of course, they did. The Lancaster was flown through for a tight topside, followed by another even tighter pass and the final pass caught a glint of sunlight and the airframe was illuminated. The dark skies and stormy clouds with the warming light just made the wait worth it. The Lancaster is by far the best thing I have seen this year at both the Military Airshow and the Season Premiere – this is something you only get at Shuttleworth, this type of topside and that display flying by such an iconic aircraft.
And that was it. The Shuttleworth Military Airshow – another cracking afternoon of flying which just highlighted the eccentric and the eclectic, as well as the absolutely superb array of historic and wonderful aircraft which the UK has to offer. Old Warden remains the venue where you can enjoy this vintage flying in a way which few other places can offer, and its simply a must for anyone with even a hint of “avgeekery”. The Military Airshow was great as it was, the weather and technical hitches for a few aircraft didn’t alter that – and it would have been even more spectacular if they’d made it. I hope the changes planned for 2024 at Old Warden for the Shuttleworth Collection airshows don’t change that atmosphere and feeling you get when you attend, and they only encourage new visitors to see, experience and create new, lifelong, diehard fans who will support, donate and enjoy what this vintage airfield and its classic, British summer style of show can capture. The venue does need to keep the visitors coming, and I hope all those who are on the fence about the travel, or the style of show will take the leap and buy a ticket and attend – I promise you wont regret it! Here’s to the next Shuttleworth shows in 2023, and I look forward to the plans for 2024.
Words and Photos by Matt Silvaire.
The flying display at the Military Airshow was strong once again for a Shuttleworth show. The display featured all of the Collection highlights, and a really varied selection of classic and vintage military types such as the Kraguj and B-17. The Mk.1 Spitfire was one of the best displays of the day, and highlighted once again how special the display line at Old Warden is. Perhaps the only very minor disappointment was the weather which hindered some of the flying such as the Gladiator and Spitfire, and a few tech issues all out of the control of the organisers.
Much improved from my last visit in May. The organisation from both my personal experience and the overall experience of others I have spoken to suggests there has been lessons learnt and a lot of improvments. Entry was swift, tickets checked easily, parked smoothly. Very little to fault, perhaps the only complaint remains facilities such as toilets being limited still.
Its subjective i suppose, but objectively speaking you get a 4 hour flying display (usaually) for far, far less money than a 2 hour concert, or a 90 minute football match. The venue at Old Warden is not like any others, and you do get what you pay for. Even with weather being tricky, there is something that can fly most often. Optional insurance on your ticket is offered too if the show is cancelled, there is very little to complain about at any Old Warden show. Again, basic things like enough facilities (food and toilet outlets) on site is an issue, and I do think the organisers need to address this - to me, this is a fundemental and should be addressed for future events, its signifigantly less than last year.
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