Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron MiG-15 – Image © Paul Johnson/Flightline UK
A MiG fighter jet and the Bulldog T1 have been signed up for this year’s Clacton Airshow to add some extra bite to the event.
The fighter jet was developed by Mikoyan-Gurevich OKB for the Soviet Union and achieved fame in the skies over Korea where its swept-wing design outclassed all straight-wing jets.
It will be the first ever appearance of the MiG-15 at Clacton and the aircraft is widely acknowledged as one of the best fighter jets ever made.
It remains in service with the North Korean Air Force as an advanced trainer and it is believed that around 18,000 were produced across the world.
The Bulldog T1 aircraft is used by a number of air forces across the world as a basic trainer – including the Royal Air Force which ordered 130 of them.
The XX543, which will be appearing at Clacton on both August 27 and August 28 as will the MiG-15, was bought by a syndicate of three experienced pilots who operate out of Duxford.
It is a fully aerobatic, side-by-side seating, basic trainer powered by a 200hp flat four engine.
The display follows the usual practice for lower powered aircraft with the start height well above the minimum height. This allows high performance manoeuvres to be completed early and height gradually lost until approaching the base height of 200 feet above the ground.
A Supermarine Rolls Royce Spitfire is also included in the programme on both days and completes the line-up in the skies.
It is one of the best-loved and widely recognised British aircraft of all time and after active duty the PS853 was used for meteorological research before retiring into ceremonial and display mode. She was bought by Rolls Royce in 1996.
Mick Skeels, Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Cabinet Member for Leisure, said that it promises to be an exciting time in the skies over Clacton for the two days.
“The line-up is now in the bag and it is as strong if not stronger than we have ever put together,” he said.
“There is now less than a month to go and the organising team at TDC is busy putting the final touches to the show both in the air and on the ground.”
Other displays confirmed are the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and La Patrouille Reva display team; Autogyro and Team Raven; Vulcan; Typhoon and Tutor; RAF Tigers Parachute team; the Chinook helicopter which is making its first visit to Clacton for around ten years and the Sally B, the UK’s last remaining airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft.
The Sally B, and world famous Red Arrows will appear on both days while the Chinook is included in the line-up for the first day.
The thrills will spill over into the Bank Holiday weekend this year with a Food and Drink Festival for the first time on August 29 and 30.
Anyone wanting information about sponsorship opportunities, hospitality, or trade space at Clacton Airshow 2015 should contact 01255 686683 or 01255 686654.
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