23-26 July 1999 – RAF Fairford
That of the 1999 was my first (and, at the moment, last) Tattoo.
The RIAT is one of those events that aircraft enthusiasts ABSOLUTELY must see at least once in a lifetime: see dozens and dozens of military aircraft from around the world, presented on static display and in flight, virtually out of sight does not show every day.
I was lucky enough to see what the 1999. On September 11, he could not even imagine anyone, as no one could imagine the economic crisis, shortly thereafter, He would upset much of the world. It was the 50th anniversary of NATO, the winning power of the Cold War, and he wanted to celebrate the occasion in style.
For the occasion they gathered together around 360 planes (the complete list can be found which) from all over the world. Planes from all ages and all sizes: by biplanes of World War I to transport giant L0ckheed C 5 Galaxy e Antonov 124. From the stealth fighter Supermarine Spitfire F 117. From Lancaster bomber to the super secret (then) Northrop B 2 Spirit.
Then again I photographed with the rollers slide. In 3 days (Saturday and Sunday and Monday Airshow dedicated to startups) I have consumed 80 rolls of 36 pose!!
The stars of the event were, clearly, the USAF invisible aircraft. But even the F 8 French Crusader dell'Aeronavale and Sukhoi 27 Ukraini have made them look good. And who can forget the Italian Starfighter Department of Flight Test with the black livery stars: perhaps the most beautiful of all time.
In the 1999 camouflage monogrigia standard was already widespread but not as prevalent now: the color was still widespread and the planes seemed not all equal.
No more chatter…. Enjoy the times that were
