One of the biggest attractions, both in size and attendance, is making a triumphant return to the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day – the 679 Squadron, 6 Army Air Corps will be back with their dazzling Gazelle helicopter.
Event organiser, Ian Dore, said:
“The Gazelle presence was a ‘hoofing’ hit last year, and I’m thrilled to say it’s returning.
Article continues below this advertisement “It raised eyebrows on the ferry coming over and was packed throughout the day. It’s not often you get the chance to sit in a genuine army helicopter that has seen active service, so it’s a real treat.
“For the youngsters, it’s a great bit of kit to play around in, plus of course, it’s selfie central!”
The Gazelle, known for its agility, first saw action in the Falklands War and later in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and the first Gulf War. 4 Gazelles were also part of the Army Air Corps helicopter display team, which in 2001 included the very first British female military display pilot, Sgt Julie Wiles.
For TV buffs, a Gazelle, similar to this one, featured in the film and television series ‘Blue Thunder’. The helicopter will be stationed on the eastern side of Ryde Superbowl, accompanied by the Army Air Corps Team from 679 Squadron.
Ian adds:
“This really is a hands-on attraction and is fully intact. The cyclic, collective, pedals, console, knobs, radios, buttons, dials — they’re all there to get hands-on with.
“For those of a certain generation, and if ‘Blue Thunder’ wasn’t your cup of tea, you can also hop in and pretend to be Stringfellow Hawke, flying around the Solent in ‘Airwolf’.
“For youngsters who see flying or air operations as a career, this is as good as it gets on the ground, and we are chuffed to have them back.”
Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day takes place on Sunday 29th June at Ryde.
More details will be released over the coming weeks on the official website and Facebook page.
Looking forward to the great day, never forget
our armed forces.