From 18-20 July 2025, Leonardo is supporting the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) hosted at RAF Fairford, playing a central role in the STEM Techno Zone. Several Leonardo aircraft will be flying over the weekend, while a number of them will also be on static display.
Discover the latest in UK combat air technology, explore cutting-edge STEM innovations and meet the brilliant minds behind the Team Tempest partnership at the newly dedicated UK Combat Air area in the Techno Zone, where innovation meets excellence.
Members from the Tempest Early Careers Network (TECN), including those from Leonardo, will also be on the Team Tempest stand to answer questions about the how the technology behind the UK Future Combat Air System will help bring to life the next-generation aircraft being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as well as the associated early career opportunities available as part of Generation Tempest.
Over the past 100 years, Leonardo has designed and built some of the UK’s most iconic aircraft and developed a range of sensors that help guide them on their missions, identify their targets and protect them against incoming threats.
This is only possible because of the skills and passion of the talented people who choose to work with us.
At this year’s RIAT Techno Zone, visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of our young engineers, hearing why they chose a career in STEM and learning about some of the technology behind many of the aircraft on display, through our hands-on interactive activities including:
Thermal Camera – Visitors will have the opportunity to take a selfie using our thermal imagery cameras which have been used to capture amazing footage on several BBC nature series, including Planet Earth 2, The Great British Year, Earth Unplugged, Springwatch and Big Cats. Come and see how cool (or warm) you really are! You will also receive a print out of your selfie!
Wind Table & Rotor Blade Design – Discover how helicopters work. Using our wind table, you can experiment with different blade designs to improve your lift. Challenge family and friends to find out whose blades will be the best! Just try and ensure the weight, aerodynamic properties and wind remain stable.
Cyber Escape Room – test your computer hacking skills in our game which will challenge you to hack into the user’s laptop account in the quickest time possible. Clues are hidden in the physical space around the exhibit. Have you got what it takes to crack the password and log in within five minutes? If so, see how high you can get on our leaderboard!
Flying Display
Throughout the RIAT weekend, many planes and helicopters from around the world – including several that Leonardo manufactures or significantly contributes to – participated in incredible flying displays.
RAF Typhoon Display Team
Piloted by RAF Typhoon Display Team pilot Flight Lieutenant Nathan Shawyer, the Typhoon will wow crowds with its incredible agility and awesome power throughout the RIAT weekend. Leonardo provides over 60% of the Typhoon’s avionics and is incredibly proud to sponsor the RAF Typhoon Display Team.
The Italian Air Force's Leonardo C-27J Spartan aircraft – the world’s most effective multi-mission medium turboprop airlifter – will fly during the weekend.
T-346A
The Italian Air Force's T-346A jet trainer will also fly at RIAT. The M-346 is a twin-engine, tandem-seat jet aircraft with fully digital flight controls and avionics, optimised for advanced military pilot training, offering a broad range of training capabilities combined with long-term reliability, at the heart of a complex and integrated training system. The wide flight envelope, high thrust-to-weight ratio and ‘carefree’ manoeuvrability at high angles of attack make the M-346’s handling similar to that of next-generation combat aircraft, like the Eurofighter Typhoon or the F-35. This maximises training effectiveness and reduces flight hours on front line aircraft.
JAS-39C Gripen
The Swedish Air Force’s SAAB Gripen combat aircraft will showcase its power and manoeuvrability during the weekend's flying displays. Leonardo’s association with the Gripen programme dates back to 2009, since when the aircraft has been equipped with several of the company’s radars, sensors and avionics systems.
Other aircraft flying
Over the weekend, the Czech Air Force will fly their PZL-Świdnik medium-size twin-engine W-3 Sokol helicopter.
Static Display
More than 100 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft will be on display in the static area during RIAT, including the Royal Navy's multi-role AW101 Merlin helicopters, the Italian Air Force's T-346& jet trainer and the Qatar Emiri Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon.
Leonardo's multi-mission AW139 will also be in the static display. It brings an unrivalled pedigree, as the best-selling twin-engine helicopter in its class with more than 1,000 units in service with customers worldwide.
Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) & Generation Tempest
Discover the latest in UK combat air technology, explore cutting-edge STEM innovations and meet the brilliant minds behind the Team Tempest partnership at the newly dedicated UK Combat Air area in the Techno Zone, where innovation meets excellence.
Take on exciting challenges, learn about the latest advancements in STEM, and get hands-on with the tech powering combat air – from helicopters to next generation fighter jets. Whether you’re passionate about engineering, aviation, or just curious about the future of flight, there’s something for everyone.
As part of Team Tempest, Leonardo is focused on developing the programme's advanced defence electronics, working alongside the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and MBDA UK to provide the technologies, knowledge, skills and expertise to develop the technologies and capabilities necessary to see a new combat air system go into service in 2035.
Members from the Tempest Early Careers Network (TECN) will be on the Team Tempest stand available to answer questions about GCAP and the associated career opportunities for Generation Tempest.
