This year’s International Air Day at RN air station Yeovilton is to celebrate the evolution of maritime aviation.

The event, on Saturday September 18, will also pay tribute to the personnel and aircraft of the Royal Navy and the part they have played in shaping history over the past century.

An extensive flying and static display is planned for the Somerset air base, with military and civilian aircraft, historic and modern, flying in from around the world.

Organisers are awaiting a full list of confirmed participants from both NATO and non-NATO countries.

As the heart of the Fleet Air Arm, and one of Europe’s busiest military airfields, Yeovilton is home to a number of Naval squadrons, including Sea Harrier fighters, Sea King, Lynx and Gazelle helicopters.

Many of the aircraft, including the small ship’s flights (which supplies Lynx helicopters for destroyers and frigates on deployment), saw action in the Gulf last year.

The Royal Navy’s own veterans of the RN Historic Flight, such as the Swordfish and Seahawk, will also be contributing to the display.

There are plans for a parade of vintage aircraft flying in during the morning, with other time slots being set aside for flying displays such as the RAF’s Red Arrows.

The grand finale to the show is due to be a massive commando helicopter assault demonstration, featuring more than 25 aircraft from all three Services.

There will be plenty of entertainment on the ground, with a large display of static aircraft, a funfair, side shows, vintage, classic and military vehicles, Service demonstrations, helicopter pleasure flights, simulator rides, trade stands, crafts, West Country produce and exhibitions, with areas set aside for picnics and refreshments.

The Fleet Air Arm Museum will be open for Air Day ticket holders at reduced rates, allowing visitors to look round the museum’s extensive collection – including a tour round the award-winning Flight Deck presentation which recreates a working aircraft carrier.

Air Day tickets go on sale on May 1, and will cost £16 in advance for adults (£20 on the day), £2 in advance for children under 16 (£5 on the day) and £14 in advance for senior citizens of 60 and over (£20 on the day).

The air station is close to the A303 and A37, five miles north of Yeovil, and can be reached from Junction 25 of the M5.

Car parks open at 8am, and the gates to the base open at 9am. Arena displays run between 10am and 11am and 12.15pm to 1.15pm, with flying displays at 11am and 1.30pm. The airfield closes at 5pm.

The air day website is at www.yeoviltonairday.co.uk