The 2007 International Air Day at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset took place in glorious British sunshine.

  The main theme for the event was “Falklands to the future” representing the Royal Navy’s involvement in the conflict which took place 25 years ago this year.

  Foreign Navies were well represented at the show.  The French Navy sent no less than 5 participants comprising 2 Super Etendards, a Lynx, Super Frelon and Alouette 3, all rare visitors to these shores.

  Also in attendance was Lynx from the Portuguese Navy and also a Dutch example along with a Eurocopter Cougar.

  The show organisers also managed to secure the only UK appearance this season of the famed Patrouille Suisse displaying there 6 F-5E Tiger II aircraft.

  As always Red Arrows put on a fantastic display despite being down to 8 aircraft due to one of the pilots sustaining an injury earlier in the week.

  Unfortunately a number of participants had to cancel at the last minute.  The show was due to have the only UK flying display appearance of the huge Antonov AN-124 but this was withdrawn due to operational reasons and what would have been the stars of the show for many, two Greek Air Force A-7 Corsair unfortunately had technical problems on route in Italy and could not continue.

  The finale to the show was the well rehearsed Commando Assault which seemed to involve nearly every helicopter operated by the Royal Navy and a pyrotechnic display.  Large numbers of Sea King and Lynx were joined by Harrier GR-9’s, Hawks an RAF Puma and Chinook and a Royal Navy Merlin.

  Once again Yeovilton has proven itself to be one of the Worlds premier air shows.