The Southend Airshow 2003 blasted off with a daredevil display of acrobatic wizardry from the Red Arrows.
Their spectacular performance saw the RAF's top guns wow the crowds with a breathtaking mixture of speed and agility.
Onlookers gasped as the Hawk jets made sling-shots - passing each other at colossal speed with what seemed like inches to spare.
Rescue squad : an RAF Sea King helicopter staged a mock rescue from mudflats near the Westcliff Casino
Onlooker Jean Artis, 67, of Birchdale, Hullbridge said: "It was very good, excellent. My favourite part must have been the crossovers, they really make you hold your breath."
John Burston 53, added: "We are aeroplane enthusiasts and always like to see the Red Arrows. "They put on three manoeuvres that we haven't seen before. We're going to stay for the whole day, it's great."
The RAF Falcons parachute display team didn't let the rain dampen their performance when they leaped from a Hercules aeroplane and descended in formation leaving trails of coloured smoke behind them.
The Hercules then roared past the crowds of spectators at low level after the display team had landed on the beach. Another highlight of the day saw a bright yellow RAF Sea King helicopter mount a mock rescue on the mudflats next to the Westcliff Casino.
An orange distress flare was set off and the hovering crew winched up two men from the sands.
The search and rescue chopper then made a pass of the sea front as the crew waved to the crowds.
The distinctively shaped Sea Vixen provided a mesmerising performance as the aeroplane majestically rose and then seemed to hang in the air. Its display marked an improvement in the weather and as the cloud cleared the sun glinted off the plane's bodywork, providing a stunning sight.
The professional wing-walking team of the Utterly Butterly team drew gasps from the crowd as they performed their death-defying stunts.
One of the most exhilarating performances of the day came from the RAF's Hawk trainer aircraft.
The pilot made a series of tight twists and turns showing off the agility of the aircraft. It then spun around so the plane was upside down, its engines booming as it made a pass of the seafront.
Published Monday, May 26, 2003
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