ENGLAND 14-20 July 2008 Farnborough Air Show marks aviation landmarks

The emphasis is on the history of aviation at the vast air show as 2008 marks both the 60th anniversary of the first Farnborough International and the centenary of powered flight in Britain. There will be a flypast of iconic and historic planes that highlight the history of flight from its earliest days. It includes aircraft that appeared at the first show, in 1948.

American pilot and designer Samuel Cody made history at the airfield in October 1908 with a flight of 1400 feet. His feat in what was then the largest plane in existence is recognized as the first powered sustained flight in Britain. A replica of the Cody Flyer – the biplane with the 53 ft wingspan in which will be exhibited but not flown. A simulator will provide insight into how the aircraft took to the skies, and the path of Cody’s first flight will also be marked out on the airfield for visitors to share in the history.

The Farnborough show, held every other year and alternating with the Paris Air Show, showcases the latest in military and civilian aircraft.

The Farnborough event had its origins in an RAF Airshow which was held at Hendon in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1932, the Society of British Aerospace Companies held an exhibition at Hendon, which was intended to showcase the British aircraft industry. This show was staged again in 1946 at Radlett, and then moved to Farnborough in 1948, where the show has remained ever since. Sep/07

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Innovation and commemoration (Farnborough airshow web)
http://www.farnborough.com/press-releases/fil/innovation-and-commemoration-–-farnborough-international-airshow-launches-its-60th-anniversary-event.html

CONTACT: Kathryn Bellamy, Head of Communications, Farnborough International Limited Telephone: +44 (0)1252 532824 Mobile: +44 (0)7912 770772 Email: kathryn.bellamy@farnborough.com