Navy flypast celebrates 100 years

The Royal Navy is celebrating 100 years of the Fleet Air Arm

40 aircraft will take part in a unique flypast along the River Mersey this Friday.

Aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious will be berthed in the river to celebrate the centenary of British naval aviation.

Current and historic Royal Navy aircraft including Harriers, Sea Kings and the Seafire will fly in formation over the carrier at 2pm.

HMS Illustrious is in the city for a six day visit from 22 to 27 October.

Public opening

The Duke of York, who served as a helicopter pilot in the Falklands War, will be the guest of honour on board HMS Illustrious during the flypast and will meet current serving members of the Fleet Air Arm along with veterans including Don Ridgway who flew as an observer in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Aircraft taking part in the flypast include Merlin, Sea King and Lynx helicopters, Falcon and Hawk jets, 2 GR9 Harriers, 4 Fireflys, a Seafire and Sea Fury.

The aircraft will fly from south to north along the Mersey passing directly over HMS Illustrious and in front of Liverpool's Pier Head.

The flypast takes place on the River Mersey at 2pm

An exhibition of naval aircraft will be open daily at Liverpool's Pier Head from 1000 to 1600 from 23 to 26 October, aircraft featured will be Sea King, Lynx and Wessex helicopters and a Merlin flight simulator.

HMS Illustrious will be open to the public on Sunday, 25 October from 1230 to 1700 GMT and on Monday, 26 October from 1000 to 1600 GMT.

Aircraft on the carrier throughout her stay will include Merlin, Sea King and Lynx helicopters and Harrier Jets from the Naval Strike Wing.

The Fleet Air Arm started life on 7 May 1909, when the Admiralty placed an order for an airship, the Mayfly.

The Centenary Flypast of Naval aircraft on the River Mersey is at 2pm on Friday, 23 October, 2009.