Göteborg Aero Show Report

Saturday 28th August - Sunday 29th August 2010

Gothenburg City Airport Säve was host to the 2010 Aero Show. Celebrating 100 years of aviation in Sweden the event was organised by the Aeroseum, who's unique underground collection is another reason for visiting this splendid show. Ease of travel from the UK using Ryanair means this airshow is do-able for people able to travel from Stansted. Unusually for a Ryanair destination Säve is closer to the city of Gothenburg than the main international airport, making a short weekend break even more attractive and additional reason to travel to the show.

Michael Hall reports for UKAR. Photos by the author and Steve Buckby.

On arrival at the airfield on the show day it was evident that the conditions underfoot were a tad spongy so fingers were crossed that the weather would play ball.As it turned out there was only a couple of showers over the weekend which lasted about twenty minutes or so and did not adversely affect the flying programme.The added benefit of the weather was that the air was clear with no heat haze and the light when the sun came out was well nigh perfect for photography.

The static aircraft were arranged on two separate aprons and free ramp tours were organised, two each day, for enthusiasts who registered before the show.Historic airliner enthusiasts were catered for by two DC-3s resplendent in polished natural metal schemes. The catering for the event was good quality - burgers, hot dogs and the like but like most things in Sweden fairly expensive. I wonder what state the ketchup and mustard "udders" would be in after a weekend at a British show?

The flying display was kicked off by the formation flying by four Danish T-17s of the Baby Blue. The strong rotary wing element was enhanced by the arrival on the Saturday of a splinter camouflaged HPK-4 making its final flight on delivery to the Aeroseum. A minor disappointment was that it flew straight in to land out of public view on the Northernmost point of the hard standing.

A pair of Harvards performed a very low level sneak pass on the Saturday which was tamed down a bit for Sundays show. Unfortunately they were parked directly in front of the Spotters enclosure after their display hampering photography of taxiing aircraft but that was the only major hardship of the show!

The flying display was continued by a spirited display of the aptly named J-29 "Tunnen" or "Barrel". This was followed by four colourful Tiger Moths first in formation then performing individual aerobatics. Overseas participation was limited for the static but there was a superb display by the Danish F-16 using flares. Obviously there was little chance of a grass fire. Mikael Carlsson brought along his "Tummelisa" replica biplane and Bleriot monoplane. His performance in the Bleriot looked like the aerial equivalent of rodeo bull riding in the gusty conditions. He appeared to be enjoying it though!

The Swiss PC-7 display team performed some very precise formation aerobatics despite the blustery wind. The Frecce Tricolori brought some Italian colour to the show during their celebratory 50th year. The "Crazy" flying sequence being memorable for a couple of heart in mouth experiences. Visitors to Sundays show were treated to a couple of passes by an immaculately painted Tp84 Hercules from the TSFE at Satenas making an all too brief appearance.

The non appearance of the Viggen was an obvious disappointment for some but that was soon forgotten with superb displays from the other historic Saab jets. The Draken display in particular was flown vigorously pulling vapour off its unique double-delta wings. The two historic jets of British origin that served with the Flygvapnet, the Vampire and Hunter, also performed admirably. It is understood the Hunter had a few problems with its radio over the weekend.

The Gripen performed a sprightly solo display and on the Sunday teamed up with the Tunnen, Lansen, SK 60 and Draken to round of the weekend with a unique Saab formation. All in all a well organised event and a great way to spend a Bank Holiday weekend.

Thanks must go to Daniel Karlsson and his team for organising the spotters enclosure and facilities and even helping to arrange transport for some visitors from the airport terminal. Thanks also for keeping us all informed through the UKAR forum.