International Ayr Show 2023: Team RaVen pumps up to fly its all-aluminium tandem aircraft RV-8

The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight will feature an amazing aerial display by Team RaVen, who will be joining the event's line-up, according to South Ayrshire Council. Team RaVen is composed of six skilled pilots, and they showcase one of the world's most popular self-built aluminium aircraft.

RaVen got its name from the letters "RV", which stands for the Vans RV-8 aircraft they showcase. The RV-8 is a tandem two-seater made of aluminium, fully aerobatic, and has great "g" limits. Its powerful 180hp engine and efficient airframe give it outstanding performance and fighter-like handling, making it perfect for formation flying.

We have seen automobile and aviation brands slowly creeping into the world of aluminium for better material circularity along their production lines. Aluminium is 100% recyclable and can retain its original form even after going through rigorous recycling processes. Production of low-carbon aluminium or recycling aluminium practically saves 95% of the energy primary aluminium production requires, inducing a carbon-free economy in the long run.

Since its formation in 2014, RaVen has performed precision formation flying and dynamic rolls, including close "opposition passes," across Europe. Their aircraft are equipped with smoke systems, enhancing their dynamic display and showcasing the full capabilities of the RV-8. What strikes us the most, the International Ayr Show also started its journey in 2014, which gives both organisations a whiff of nostalgia.

Dr Geoff Coxon, CEO of theSKYLAB, exclaimed: "We are very fortunate to have such a skilful display team at the air show. Before forming the team in 2014 and switching to the more efficient RV-8 aircraft, the team used to display Hawker Hunter, Strikemaster and L29 Delfin jet aircraft, where they were known as Team Viper and, latterly, the Red Star Rebels. So, we know that we are in for an absolutely blistering display."

Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, pointed out: "The list of aerial displays we have booked for The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight keeps getting better and better. We're pulling out all the stops to make this an unforgettable event, so to now have Team RaVen confirmed for the Saturday display schedule is superb!"

Councillor Brian Connolly, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure, narrated: "As excitement continues to build ahead of the new air show, Team RaVen is another great addition to our display programme. I'll look forward to welcoming them to the festival on Saturday, 9 September."

On Saturday, 9 September, Team RaVen will perform at the International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight, taking place from Friday, 8 September, to Sunday, 10 September 2023, at Ayr shorefront.

Councillor Martin Dowey, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, announced: "With another aerial display booking confirmed, and still more to come, we're going to put on a sensational show for all the family to enjoy this September. I can't wait to see Team RaVen in action at the festival."