The Royal Air Force (RAF) was invited to join the Irish Air Corps in celebrating 60 years of helicopter operations at this year’s Families Day and 2023 Bray Air show, in Dublin.
To mark the anniversary, Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, was hosted by Irish Air Corps GOC, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor. The Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) with their Avro Lancaster, and a 202 Squadron helicopter from RAF Valley, displayed alongside other international allies and partners.
At Families Day, the BBMF flew alongside the Irish Air Corps Aerobatic Display Team, the Silver Swallows, in a crowd-pleasing display. During the day, the public had the chance to experience the history of Irish helicopter aviation, with displays by the incredibly versatile Airbus H135 and Leonardo AW139 helicopters and to engage with RAF and Irish Air Corps personnel.
At Bray, the Red Arrows flew an exciting 20-minute display, inspiring and thrilling the huge crowds that packed the beautiful seaside town.
