THE display pilot of a Typhoon fighter jet has described the the thrill of flying a craft that travels faster than the speed of a bullet – and how he plans to wow crowds at one of the largest free events of its kind.

Flight Lieutenant Mark Long Tutor spoke during a visit to the region to help launch this year's Sunderland International Air Show from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24.

The Northern Echo: DISPLAY: An RAF Typhoon Picture: TOM BANKS.

An RAF Typhoon Picture: TOM BANKS.

He said: “The team are really looking forward to coming back to Sunderland this year. Our display manager Jonny Dowen was the Typhoon pilot who flew here last year and he’s told me to expect a huge crowd and a fantastic Sunderland welcome."

He added: “To me it is the thrill of the power of the jet. It is sensational how much performance is available. I have designed this year’s show to demonstrate the power and the profile of the Typhoon GR8.

“My aim is to turn the jet as quickly as I can, keep the noise pointing at the crowd for as long as I can and keep them captivated by doing manoeuvres that other jets cannot do."

The RAF Typhoon Display Team are at the Airshow on the evening of Friday, July 22 and part of the full daytime flying programme on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24.

Organised by Sunderland City Council, the airshow, is now in its 28th year. It regularly attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to the city’s award-winning coastline at Roker and Seaburn.

In addition to the Typhoon, the Red Arrows are due on Friday and Saturday. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flies on the Friday evening, as well as on Saturday and Sunday.

Other teams taking part on Saturday and Sunday are: RAF Falcons; Royal Navy Black Cats; The Blades; Norwegian historic Flight MiG 15 and Vampires; OV-10 Bronco; Curtis P40 Warhawk and P51 Mustang and the stunning Fairey Swordfish from the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

A programme of supporting events, attractions and funfair and the new Food Village will also be onsite. There will be a launch event at Cliffe Park from 6pm on Friday.

The weekend continues with the site open from 10am on both Saturday and Sunday with the event closing at 6pm on both days.

Airshow director Sue Stanhope said: "This year's airshow line-up is really shaping up with some premier teams.

"There will of course be lots of attractions on the ground and there will even be a mock up Typhoon to sit in so you can see what it’s like from the inside."