ORGANISERS of the Royal International Air Tattoo have unveiled several star aircraft to appear at the show in July.

The show, which will be held at RAF Fairford on July 16 and 17 will feature rare aircraft including two Romanian Mig-21 fighters as well as two Polish Sukhoi Su-22 Fitters, both of which would have been considered formidable foes by NATO fighter pilots during the Cold War.

Tattoo director, Tim Prince said that while a number of exciting aircraft have already confirmed they will be taking part in the tattoo, it was still early days.

He said: "The first participation list, posted on our website on Monday, always creates a stir and the list will now be updated regularly right the way up to the week of the air show.

"It is quite unusual for us to confirm quite so many Russian-made aircraft so long before the tattoo and I am quietly confident that we shall see more added by the summer." Also confirmed is the world famous, RAF aerobatic team, the Red Arrows and a full display from the RAF's latest fighter, the noisy and highly manoeuvrable Eurofighter Typhoon.

The Americans will also be in attendance with the enormous C-5 Galaxy transport plane one of the biggest aircraft in the world and the awesome B-1B Lancer bomber.

The tattoo's

main theme is Surveillance 05 Eyes In The Sky, which will feature a number of state-of-the-art spy planes. The aim of the theme is to lift the lid on the secretive world of aerial reconnaissance, which was one of the earliest uses of military aircraft.

There will also be a colourful display of Tiger and Big Cat aircraft from international squadrons which have a feline theme in their crests.

People have until February 28 to buy tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo at the special discounted price of £25.95. From March 1, advance tickets are priced £29.95. Tickets on the gate are £35. Children aged 15 and under go free.

Tickets can be bought either online at www.airtattoo.com or by calling 0870 758 1918.

Meanwhile the former RAF station at Kemble will be holding its annual airshow in June.

The event, which is expected to feature the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Team will be held on Sunday, June 19, just a month before RIAT.

The show will also feature classic jets and aircraft from the Second World War as well as the soon-to-be-retired RAF Jaguar jet fighter, which will fly one of its last ever displays at the show.

Tickets for adults are £15 in advance or £20 on the day. Children aged 15 or younger are admitted free.

To find out more about the show, call the Kemble event information line on 09063 023320.

Anthony Osborne