Air Tournament International 92 - Boscombe Down by Chris Muir

The early nineties were a golden era for European aircraft enthusiasts. The air forces of Europe were transitioning from classic aircraft such as the F-4, F-104, Lightning, Mirage, Victor and Vulcan, to the new electric jets like the F-16 and F-18. In addition, the Berlin Wall had recently crumbled and previously hidden types from Eastern Europe such as MiGs and Sukhois were becoming familiar as former enemies turned into friends.

There were only a few short years where the old and new were able to mix with East and West, yet during this brief time a number of airshows provided a line-up that could not be repeated. The 1992 airshow at Boscombe Down (or Air Tournament International ’92, to give it the full title), was one such show. Not only was public access granted to one of the most secretive RAF airfields, but also there was an exceptional variety of aircraft in both the static park and the flying display. To top it all, for the weekend the south of England was blessed with most un-typically clear skies.

In what has become the norm nowadays, many enthusiasts attended on the Friday to watch the arrivals. In a very relaxed atmosphere we sat at the eastern end of the runway as a continuous stream of aircraft broke into the circuit and landed. Where else could you see a four-ship of Tornados, followed by Luftwaffe RF-4Es, French Navy F-8s, an RC-135, and a B-1? A few display aircraft also did the validation flights for their display routines to liven up the day. Unlike the crowded RIATs of today, there seemed to be a relatively small number of enthusiasts taking advantage of the viewing facilities on offer.

The main show on the Saturday was equally as impressive. The static park was laid out on the secondary, north-south runway, with plenty of space between aircraft. There were many gems to be found as you wandered about. On display were many of the Raspberry Ripple-coloured fleet of the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment based at Boscombe, including the Phantom FG.1, Lynx and Sea King. There were plenty of F-4s from the RAF, Luftwaffe & Turkish AF; a Saudi E-3; a Czech An-12 and Su-22; a US Navy F/A-18 and S-3; a Tiger-striped CF-18, an F-111D and F-15s from the US and a solitary Lightning F.6 from the British Aerospace test fleet at Warton. All these aircraft were in addition to the more standard airshow fare of Tornados, F-16s, Harriers and Mirages.

The flying display included a rare (for the UK) demonstration from a US Navy F-14B, a Royal New Zealand Air Force MB-339 (a long way from home!), a Czech Air Force MiG-29 and Su-25s, and plenty of the normal European fast jets. Several of the major European display teams were on show, including the Swedish Team 60 with their Saab 105s and the Spanish Team Aguila with their Casa 101s. In the midst of the display, a Luftwaffe Tu-154 arrived – another unusual sight!

A further highlight of the flying was the collection of World Ware Two aircraft assembled, which included the Confederate Air Force’s B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil,” in a special visit across the Atlantic, as well as UK regulars such as the Mosquito, P-38, B-17 “Sally B”, P-47, P-51s and Spitfires.

However, what really made this show stand out were the events towards the end of Saturday’s flying display. All weekend there had been rumours of Russian Su-27s attending, but when they didn't show up on the Friday most enthusiasts had forgotten about them. Throughout the afternoon on Saturday the commentary team kept the show up to date with developments, but to be honest most didn't hold out much hope for the Russians to make an appearance. Then, late in the afternoon, on approach from the west appeared a Tu-134 and a large fighter. The fighter was an Su-27P flown by famous Russian test pilot Anotoli Kvotchur (well known after his last-second ejection from a MiG-29 at the Paris air show), and he had lost none of his showmanship. The Tupolev landed, but the Su-27 continued down the runway, at about 15ft (!), and as he passed us at the eastern end he lit the ‘burners and pitched the aircraft up into a conventional circuit.

Sadly we weren't able to stay for the Sunday and see the full display from the Sukhoi, at the one place where most would never have expected to see Russian fast jets!! As we left Boscombe Down, you knew it would be hard to beat as one of the best shows ever. Personally I think it was only Oceana 2004 that has managed to come close.

All the accompanying photos were taken on Kodachrome 64 film, with a Pentax SF-7 and a variety of lenses, and scanned using an Epson Perfection 3200 Photo.

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