ORGANISERS of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford have unveiled a number of star aircraft as the countdown to the world's largest military airshow begins.

Enthusiasts have welcomed the news that rarely-seen Russian aircraft such as the Su-22 from Poland, an An-2 from Estonia and MiG-21s from Romania will be taking part in the Tattoo on July 16 and 17.

Also confirmed is the RAF's world-famous display team the Red Arrows, heavy metal in the form of a B-1B 'Lancer 'and C-5 Galaxy from the USA plus the legendary Lancaster bomber and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. There will also be one of the first full displays of the futuristic Eurofighter Typhoon by an RAF pilot.