THE world's biggest military air show will stage its own special tribute to the thousands of people who served during the Gulf War.

Several of the aircraft flown by Coalition Forces will be putting in an appearance at this year's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 19 and 20.

The organisers say it will be a unique opportunity for the expected 200,000 visitors to have a close up view of the aircraft.

And as a bonus many of the crews who flew on missions to bomb and attack Saddam Hussein's forces in Iraq will also be on hand to talk about their experiences and the challenges they faced.

RIAT director Paul Bowen said: "It is generally agreed that the Combined Forces Air Component performed their task with great skill, teamwork and accuracy.

"This was achieved because some of the world's most highly trained air and ground crews were operating some of the world's most hi-tech aircraft in existence.

"The aim of RIAT is to recognise the skills and professionalism that were involved in pulling together each air arm's particular strengths into one single, highly effective Coalition force."

Aircraft flown by US, UK, Australian and Canadian pilots will be at Fairford. They will include USAF MC-130s and an MH-53 which were used by US Special Forces during the conflict.

Also on display will be the deadly "tank-buster" A-10 Thunderbolts, F-15 Eagles, F-16s, F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighters, a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber and a B-1B swing-wing supersonic bomber.

RAF Fairford was used during the war as a launch pad for 14 USAF B-52 bombers for attacks on Saddam's military positions and one of those planes will also be at RIAT.

Among the aircraft representing the RAF will be Harriers and Tornados together with Chinook and Puma helicopters which all played important roles in the war.

More than 400 aircraft are expected to be at RIAT and the flying displays will include daredevil turns by several aerobatic teams including the RAF's Red Arrows.

One of the main themes of RIAT will be a celebration of 100 years of flight.

There will also be special tributes paid to RAF Coastal Command and the vital part they played in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War Two.