Wings of desire A fly-by history Farnborough international airshow will mark its 60th anniversary this summer with a celebration of aviation's history

By the time Farnborough held its first public air show in 1948,the town was already well established as the cradle of British aviation.In the early 20th century,the British had established a ballon school and factory in the town.But Farnborough's place in history was truly secured in 1908.Thanks to Samuel Franlin Cody.This flamboyant American aeronaut was the builder and pilot of the British army aeroplane no1-a biplane with a 53ft.In Sept.1908,on a grassy field outside Farnborough,Cody took off in the plane,and managed to stay airborne for 304ft-the U.K's first sustained powered flight.Later that year,Cody flew for 1390 ft.The flight ended with a crash-landing.caused by a wing touching the ground as Cody attempted to turn the plane.Cody was slightly injured in the crash,and went on to achieve a world distance record of 40 miles the following year.



As well as celebrating aviation's rich past,the Farnborough international Airshow has always looked forward to the aircraft of tomorrow.The world's first jet airliner-the de Haviland Comet-premiered at the 1949 show,while Concorde mede its first U.K. flight at Farnborough in 1970.The show is still synonoymous with high-profile launches.In 2006,the Airbus A 380 superjumbo-the world's most advanced ,spacious amd eco-efficient airliner-made its air show debut at Farnborough.With a 525 passenger capacity and an operational range of 9320 miles,the double decker airbus a380 wowed the show's 370000 attendees.Its green credentials also impressed.Not only does the Airbus A380 produce less noise than any of its predecessors,but it also burns only o.76 gallons of fuel per passenger per 60 miles.That less than an average medium-size car,which also mean less CO2 emissions.Cements airbus's reputation for innovation and cutting edge technology,allowing the world's lead airlines to do more with less,explains John Leathy,Airbus's chief operating officer.More passengers with less fuel,more comfort and less noise,more travel with less environmental impact-it's why Airbus is the world's leader in commercial aviation.



Airbus representatives will set out the company's ongoing drive for eco-efficiency at this year's now.As well as producing more efficient,less polluting aircraft,the business has set ambitious targets to shrink the environmental impact of its manufacturing activities.By 2020,it intends to have reduced the amount of energy used in manufacturing by 30%,and halved CO2 emissions,water consumption and waste production.And,as an example of Airbus consideration of the full life cycle of an aircraft,the company will showcase its recycling techniques at the airbus exhibition stand on the Pamela process for advanced management of end of life aircraft project.





The 2008 Farnborough International Airshow will mark the centenary of this pioneering flight with a display featuring a full-size replica of the Cody Flyer.A specially designed flight simulator will also give visitors the chance to experience what it was like to pilot this revolutionary biplane.



In the years following Cody's breakthrough,a fleet of innovative aircraft-from the airships and biaplanes of WWI to the Spitfires and Hurricans that served in WWII-were developed and tested in Farnborough's hangars and wind tunnels.It was this aviation pedigree that led to England's premier air show being moved from Hendon-a north London suburb-to Farnnorough in 1948.At this year's show,Farnborough will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a display by 14 aircraft that took part in the inauguarl exhibition.This historic flyover will include the Fairey Swordfish,Supermarine Spitfire,SC Seahawk,Hawker Sea Fury as well as a pair of Chrislea Super Aces-the last two planes of their kind still flying.




U.S. firm Sikorsky Aircraft are expected to exhibit the militarized version on their S92 Helicopter,the H92 superhawk,The twin engine,medium-lift helicopter has been adapted for the rigors of military missions.and is capable of performing troop transport,combat search and rescue,medical evacuations as well as head of state missions throughout the world.Over the past 60 years,Farnborough has served as the premier showcase for the international aerospace industry.But the event has also come to symbolize the adventurousuntamable spirit of flight.Generation pf attendees have been stunned by daring displays of aerobatics carried out by teams of pilots from around the world.And this year's event will follow in the Farnborough tradition,with daily,adrenalin-raising performances from stunt flyers.The show will culminate on July 14 with a breathtaking display of glider acrobatics,extreme parachutingand a daredevil show from Britain's legendary Red Arrows.All of which sould provide you with enough excitement until Farnborough returns in 2010/