Festival-goers can expect to see yet another impressive aerial display at the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight, as South Ayrshire Council announce that aerobatic display team, Team RaVen will join the line-up.
Put together one of the world’s best-selling self-build aircraft and six hugely experienced pilots, and what you have is Team RaVen!
The formation aerobatic display team formed in 2014 and has displayed all across Europe.
The team will carry out precision formation flying and dynamic rolls, and close ‘opposition passes’ as part of their dynamic display at Ayr.
The name ‘RaVen’ came from a play on the letters ‘RV’. RV refers to the aircraft they display, the amazing Vans RV-8. It’s an all-aluminium tandem two-seater, fully aerobatic with good ‘g’ limits.
The RV-8’s 180hp engine has an excellent power-to-weight ratio, which combined with an efficient airframe, gives the aircraft the performance and fighter-like handling that make it perfect for formation flying.
The team’s aircraft have been modified with smoke systems, greatly adding to their dynamic display which exploits the RV-8 capabilities to the full.
Team RaVen will take to the skies over Ayr on Saturday 9 September.
CEO of theSKYLAB, Dr Geoff Coxon, said: “We are very fortunate to have such a skilful display team at the air show. Before forming the team in 2014, and switching to the more efficient RV-8 aircraft, the team used to display Hawker Hunter, Strikemaster and L29 Delfin jet aircraft where they were known as Team Viper and, latterly, the Red Star Rebels. So, we know that we are in for an absolutely blistering display.”
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: “The list of aerial displays we have booked for The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight keeps getting better and better. We’re pulling out all the stops to make this an unforgettable event, so to now have Team RaVen confirmed for the Saturday display schedule is superb!”
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: “As excitement continues to build ahead of the new air show, Team RaVen is another great addition to our display programme. I’ll look forward to welcoming them to the festival on Saturday 9 September.”
Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Martin Dowey, said: “With another aerial display booking confirmed, and still more to come, we’re going to put on a sensational show for all the family to enjoy this September. I can’t wait to see Team RaVen in action at the festival.”
The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight will take place at Ayr shore front between Friday 8 – Sunday 10 September 2023.
You can keep up to date with preparations for the new air show at www.ayrshow.co.uk
*Images by Team RaVen and Paul Johnson/FlightlineUK with kind permission of Team RaVen.
