THE WORLD'S biggest military air show is coming home after a two year absence.
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2002 will take off from RAF Fairford from July 17-22, following major airfield renovations which led to the air show being staged at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland in 2000 and 2001.
More than 450 aircraft from 35 nations will take part in the eight-hour display.
Organisers are predicting that the return to Gloucestershire will again boost the local economy with hotels and guest houses filled to capacity.
Many other businesses are also set to benefit from the spending power of the 200,000 visitors expected to attend the event.
In a high-flying celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, the Red Arrows will perform a special Royal Routine.
The flying display will open with a unique flypast of Hunter, Harrier, Nimrod, Tornado and Eurofighter aircraft representing each decade of Her Majesty's reign.
RIAT 2002 will also stage a Salute to Bomber Crews on the 60th anniversary of the Mighty Eighth, formed by the US Army Air Force to fly from World War II bases in England.
The theme of the show is Global Ability which highlights multinational expeditionary force operations as one of the biggest challenges facing today's military planners and personnel.
Spectators will see how tankers, transport aircraft, fighters and ground support come together to form an effective 21st century international air expeditionary force.
RIAT director Paul Bowen said: "It is a great pleasure to be back at RAF Fairford, and we are planning an exciting home-coming.
"RIAT 2002 promises to be one of the best ever, with around 450 aircraft from at least 35 countries flying in for a mini-united nations of aviation."
The show will also pay tribute to bomber crews from around the world as East meets West.
Former adversaries from both sides of the Iron Curtain will meet in peace as US Air Force B-52s and B-B18s line up with the Russian-built Tu-22M Backfire and Tu-95 Bear.
Ground and flying displays will also feature vintage bomber aircraft and state-of-the-art Stealth technology.
The Royal International Tattoo is held in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
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