Air Show 2023

On Sunday 11 June, RAF Cosford held its annual air show. Supported by Lockheed Martin; The RAF Cosford Air Show show celebrated ‘Innovation, Aviation and Next Generation,’ within the RAF and beyond. The weather was exceptionally warm and humid, with storms initially predicted during the afternoon. However, the rain held off and the 2023 RAF Cosford Air Show proved to be a great day out for over 55,000 visitors.

The Air Show also marked the 80th anniversary of the famous Dambusters Raid and the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, with aircraft that flew in historic missions, such as the Dakota DC-3 and ‘Desert’ Spitfire on static display. As well as extensive displays from across the RAF, the RAF Museum also opened its doors and moved some aircraft from their hangars to contribute to static displays on the airfield.

Additional attractions included a 1940s Vintage Village, funfair, simulators, and inflatables for the children. The RAF Air Cadets also brought their collection of simulators and supported the public during the day.

In the air, it was particularly moving to see the RAF Falcons and Phenix Ambassadeurs parachutistes jumping from an RAF Hercules C-130J, which was retired from active service less than a week after the RAF Cosford Air Show 2023. A final salute by Sgt Gabe Coleman-Moffat as the RAF Falcons jumped was a fitting farewell to the aircraft. On the ground, the static RAF Hercules C-130J also proved popular, with visitors queueing for over an hour to explore and view the aircraft up close.

The RAF Typhoon, Chinook, ASK-21 Glider, A400, Red Arrows & RAF F35 once again thrilled everyone with their fantastic displays. Unfortunately, due to a technical issue, the Lancaster was unable to display as scheduled with the Spitfire and Hurricane from the BBMF. However, following the display by the F35, the Lancaster returned to provide a moving finale, uniting over 70 years of iconic aircraft and the next generation within the historic 617 Squadron.

Displays by Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts, Royal Navy Black Cat, Westland Lynx, Yakolev Yak-3, Murdy CAP-10, Rolls Royce Spitfire and Mustang delivered adrenaline pumping aerobatic feats, stunning audiences with their daring routines.

With no less than three international display teams delivering thrilling displays; Performances from our foreign military partners were particularly spectacular this year, with the Phenix Ambassadeurs parachutists and Jordanian Falcons wowing audiences with their jaw dropping routines. The only UK appearance in 2023 by the Patrouille Suisse also proved to be a crowd favourite.

RAF Cosford is the home of RAF engineering, and we are passionate about promoting the range of careers in science, technology, engineering and maths – STEM. The STEM Hangar was full of interactive activities for all the family from our range of partners. The RAF hangars gave visitors a taste of life in the RAF with challenges, exhibits and opportunities to meet people from across the Service.

The RAF Cosford Air Show is the only remaining RAF-organised air show. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the RAF, as well as an exciting summer day out for the whole family. More information about the 2024 RAF Cosford Air Show will be available in Autumn 2023.

You can read some reviews of the RAF Cosford Air Show 2023 here:

UK Airshow Review
Airscene
BritishAirshows
Flightline UK