U2

Farnborough is perhaps the world's most famous aviation trade event and attracts the biggest, best and newest, plus some significant historic types on the public days.

Alconbury base is now home to the USAF's Special Forces units flying the C130 equipped with the FUlton Rescue System. It flies with the giant MH53 helicopter for deep penetration missions. It was a rare treat to see these aircraft displayed jointly with paratroopers.

Also resident at Alconbury is the Lockheed TR1, a development of the infamous U2 spyplane. It is a rare airshow performer and even more unusual to see it fly.

1991 was a special year for Alconbury marking the impending departure of the A10 yet celebrating the type's success in the Gulf War. A big static line up showed off imaginative nose-arts and kill markings and they were joined by many other Gulf 'veterans' USAF and RAF. The DVD, however, concentrates on the flying display with US types prominent. The A10, F15 and TR1 are particularly impressive as is the A7 Corsair II of the Portuguese Air Force performing an extremely rare display.