Military Jets Photography: 2006 05 28 Southend Airshow

The airshow of Southend is traditionally held during the bank holiday weekend in late May. Although the 21st Edition of the show pulled no surprises this year, it offered a nice selection of UK military offerings plus a smattering of civilian types ranging from warbirds to modern aerobatic types.
The lack the Red Arrows seemingly didn't dent the crowd numbers that filled the seafront promenade.
Opening the show on the Saturday was the Sea King HAR3A, the first part of a very impressive RAF contingent. Being by the sea is always an advantage for SAR helicopters as they can demonstrate what they do that much more effectively. Another example of the Sea King was involved in the flying display, this time a Sea King HC4 from the Royal Navy carrying a troop of commandos in a daring rescue on board the local police barge. Both the RAF and Royal Navy had two more rotary displays in the programme. The Black Cats flying a pair of Lynx HMA8 helicopters put on their new display for 2006. The RAF's Chinook HC2 display was as impressive as ever over the sea at Southend and really has become a highlight of any show it appears at.
The RAF was present with all fast jet types currently being displayed. Making the biggest noise and getting the most faces looking up was the Typhoon F2 making the single seaters public debut. Not to be outdone were the Tornado GR4 and Harrier GR7A displays both of which impressed. Training was represented by the Tucano T1 and by the 208(R) Squadron Hawk T1 display in it's striking new display scheme.
An unusual military participant for a seaside show is the C-130J Hercules display. The Herk also acted as the transport for the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team.
Older historic aircraft were slightly fewer in number for 2006. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was reduced to just it's fighter pair after the Lancaster had engine problems at Southend Airport. The only civilian warbirds in the display were B-17G Flying Fortress Sally B and a pair of P-51D Mustangs.
Two slightly younger historic aircraft were also included in the programme. Air Atlantique's Twin Pioneer put on a display of STOL capabilities pretty early in the display. De Havilland Aviation's Sea Vixen was the replacement item of the Canberra flown by Brian Grant and was the only classic jet in the flying display.
A family show such as Southend always has a good mix of civilian items. Largest team display of the day was provided by local team, the Aerostars in six Yakovlev Yak-50 with their usual mix of formations and solo aerobatics. Aerobatics were provided by an Extra 300 and a Pitts Special. The Utterly Butterly Barnstormers returned with their fourship routine.
As ever, Southend provides a varied and entertaining display by the side that everyone can enjoy. The weather was very kind on Sunday. The large crowd certainly seemed appreciative of the displays despite many late changes.