The theme for the 2007 Kemble Air Day was the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sir Frank Whittle and 70 years of British Jet aviation.

  In typical United Kingdom airshow tradition the weather leading up to the show was terrible with the country being lashed by rain and encountering severe flooding. On the day fortunately it remained dry although the display took place under heavy grey skies.

  First thing in the morning a special line up was staged to chart the 70 years of British Jet Aviation from the Gloster E28/39 through to Martin Bakers ejection seat tests airframe the Meteor to the ubiquitous Hawker Hunter and finally onto the RAF’s premier frontline jet the Eurofighter Typhoon.

  Kemble’s layout is very crowd friendly with many of the flying participants being available for close up inspection as they are parked up on the cross runway and taxiways, the flying and static display aircraft being very much one and the same.

  The RAF boasted a large presence at the show with three special scheme Tornado F.3’s, 2 Eurofighter Typhoons and examples of the Hercules, Tucano, Harrier and Merlin all present. Their fantastic airborne role demonstration was the centrepiece of the flying display and comprised no less than an E.3 Sentry, a Hercules, two Tornado F.3’s, two Tornado GR.4’s and two Hawks taking the role of the enemy. With pyrotechnic explosions and lots of low-level passes it was enjoyed by everyone despite the difficult weather conditions.

  Kemble has a long tradition for hosting impressive displays of classic jets and this year was no exception. Numerous examples of the Hunter were present around the airfield with examples from the based historic jet restorer Delta Jets taking centre stage. The Canberra, Meteor, Strikemaster and Gnat were also well represented.

  The RAF’s display team the Red Arrows put on a full display and kicked off the classic jets section of the flying display with a formation fly past with a Gnat and Hunter.

  Both the Army and Navy were also represented with their respective helicopter displays teams the Blue Eagles and Black Cats.

  The Cotswold Classic Airshow was once again a varied display of historic and modern aircraft and the event returns again in 2008 on the 15 June.