Expectations for the 2001 RAF airshow at RAF Waddington had been running high. By the time the aircraft began their arrivals, the atmosphere among spotters and photographers alike had reached a frenzy of rumours. In fact, unlike today, this is a rumour that has become an actual piece of folklore.
This is how I remember people telling it. The then-prime minister of Britain, Tony Blair, had been briefed that an Israeli Air Force detachment of F-15s, Boeing KC-707s and C-130 Hercules was airborne from Israel and headed for the UK. In reply to his shocked response, he was informed that they were participating in the RAF Waddington Airshow on Saturday, June 30, 2001, and Sunday, July 1, 2001.
Whether that is true or an old wives' tale, there is no disputing that they certainly did appear and what a great moment for all of us enthusiasts.
The RAF Waddington airshow team had once again pulled off a mega coup. Still, as time had proved, 2001 would feature a multitude of great military aircraft types, including USAF B-2Bs, E-8A, Spanish Navy AV-8s, Greek and French Mirage 2000s, P-3 Orions from Norway and the Netherlands, and more, marking a truly memorable moment in UK airshows.
It is all captured here on the Fuji Velvia slide film.
