WIREDGOV

To coincide with the start of the RAF100-themed Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, 3 August, the Royal Air Force brings the iconic Vulcan Bomber to people’s fingertips through its ground-breaking RAF100 AR Flypast App, available as a free download for smartphones and tablet devices. 

The Vulcan Bomber has not flown since October 2015, but people can now experience the Vulcan flying above their heads through augmented reality (AR). As well as all the existing planes on the App – including the Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber, the Red Arrows and many more - the Vulcan Bomber, Buccaneer, Canberra and Lightning F1 planes will now be added in a special celebratory formation flypast.

Created in partnership with students from The University of Lincoln, the App aims to inspire and engage younger audiences in aerospace evolution, technology and careers.

Users can capture and collect aircraft in the App, create their own flypasts, and learn about the history and technology of each plane. Through the cameras on their devices, users can view high quality 3D aircraft models against their chosen background, bringing exhilarating Royal Air Force flypasts to life anywhere in the UK.

The App launched in early July to coincide with the spectacular RAF100 Flypast, which saw  103 Royal Air Force aircraft fly over Buckingham Palace and central London and is available to download from the App Store and Google Play.

Air Commodore Chris Jones said: “The Royal Air Force takes centre stage at the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo and to mark the occasion, we present four of our favourite aircraft.  The RAF100 AR Flypast App allows users to experience the wonders of the aircraft involved, which is really exciting.

“Users will be able to find out about the history of each plane through the App, as well as being able to create and collect their own planes. The App is a fun way to showcase the Royal Air Force’s use of innovation and technology, and we hope it will inspire the next generation of aerospace pioneers.”