AIR Forces from around the globe have come together at RAF Fairford to wow spectators at another successful Royal International Air Tattoo.

The three day event, said to be the largest military air show in the world, featured aircraft from countries including Australia, Pakistan, Jordan, Croatia, Canada and many, many more.

Between 150,000 and 160,000 were believed to have made the trip to marvel at dynamic air displays and explore aircraft normally kept well out of public reach.

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated inclusion in this year’s show was the state of the art F35-B stealth fighter jet flown by the United States Marine Corps.

It was of particular interest to British onlookers as it is the same plane that will fly, with RAF and Royal Navy insignia, from our airfields and aircraft carriers in the coming years.

The Americans put on a show as was to be expected, with low flypasts, tipping of the wings and steep inclines accompanied by rock music and a cheesy dose of American patriotism from the airfield speakers.

Watching the F35-B roar across the sky in front of the stands, aviation enthusiast Ron Whitehall, 54, from Shropshire, said: “It’s really quite a sight to see, the control and manoeuvrability looks fantastic.

“I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing one of our boys flying it and hopefully pretty soon.”

Of course whatever other countries have to offer, the show would not be complete without a performance from the RAF’s Red Arrows and with red, white and blue smoke streaming from their jets as they danced around the sky they certainly did not disappoint.

Not everyone can take to the skies as a Red Arrow so for many at the show, particularly the children, the flight simulator was the next best option.

“Wow” said Jordan, 10 after his turn on the ride. “We went sideways and everything, it was really fast.”

Jordan’s dad, Tom Blakely, said: “We’ve come across from Northampton, it’s our first time here but it’s been great so far.

“Last time we took the kids to a military show they wanted to be soldiers for months after, I think they’ve changed their minds and want to be pilots already.”

Away from the runway and the viewing areas, there were a whole host of other activities and exhibitions to keep visitors interested.

In the Techno Zone, the leading names in aviation and aerospace were showing off their achievements and their future plans.

NATS, the body responsible for Air Traffic Control across the UK were using virtual reality headsets to take guests up into their world, getting an idea of how the network of thousands of aircraft is controlled.

Even GCHQ were on hand to meet the crowds and talk to the potential young codebreakers of tomorrow.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event which will take place on the 14, 15 and 16 of July.