Sights from the Farnborough air show (photos)

The 47th Farnborough International Airshow combined business and pleasure, a mixture of aircraft industry commerce and aerial spectacles for the public. Here are photos of the show.

Stephen Shankland

July 26, 2010 4:00 a.m. PT

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Inverted F/A-18 at Farnborough

A small cloud formed in a low-pressure zone behind the cockpit of this inverted U.S. Navy F/A-18F showing off at the Farnborough International Airshow in England on July 22.

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Stunt parachuting at Farnborough

This member of the Red Devils parachute stunt team whirled so he faced directly down as he swooped to the ground at the Farnborough air show.

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B-52 at Farnborough

Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which became part of the U.S. Air Force fleet in 1955, has been in continuous service ever since. The mammoth Cold War-era craft is designed to carry nuclear weapons and has survived despite attempts to create a more modern replacement. This model made a brief appearance, tearing overhead at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 22.

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Farnborough spectators

Many trade shows feature scantily clad models to draw attention to the products being sold. The Farnborough International Airshow features pilots in flight suits. Here, two relax and watch the Airbus A400M prepare for its flight.

Curvaceous propeller blades at Farnborough

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Curvaceous propeller blades at Farnborough

Propeller-driven cargo planes at the Farnborough International Airshow often feature curved propeller blades. These were on an ATR 42 MP shown by Finomeccanica Group's Alenia Aeronautica division.

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Blades at Farnborough

Former Royal Air Force pilots now offer precision flying shows. The Blades performed at the Farnborough International Airshow amid glowering skies.

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Blades at Farnborough

The Blades perform at the Farnborough International Airshow in England.

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Blades at Farnborough

The Blades perform at the Farnborough International Airshow in England.

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Blades at Farnborough

The Blades perform at the Farnborough International Airshow in England.

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F/A-18 coming in for landing

An F/A-18F Super Hornet flies in for a landing at the Farnborough International Airshow.

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Red Devils parachute stunt team

A member of the Red Devils parachute stunt team leaps out of his plane, and another prepares to do so.

Bloodhound SSC jet-powered supersonic car

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Bloodhound SSC jet-powered supersonic car

The Bloodhound SSC is under development for a planned attempt to reach Mach 1.4--a speed of 1,000 miles per hour, or one mile in just over 3 seconds. A life-size show-car version of the jet-powered vehicle captured attention with its debut at the Farnborough International Airshow.

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Bloodhound SSC

The business end of the Bloodhound supersonic car features the jet's exhaust nozzle.

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Bloodhound SSC support vehicle

This vehicle is designed to support the Bloodhound SSC's attempt to reach Mach 1.4. It was on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.

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Helicopters' tail rotors

These mechanically complex helicopter tail rotors were on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.

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Apache Electronics at Farnborough

Reflecting the nature of modern warfare, this Apache attack helicopter is packed full of electronics modules. It was on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.

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Nigerian aircraft at Farnborough

The Farnborough International Airshow is an international event, with buyers from all over the world. This plane was owned by the Nigerian Air Force.

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Marketing message at Farnborough

Being a defense contractor isn't always an easy business. Finmeccanica Group employs the message of "towards a safer world" to market its wares at the Farnborough International Airshow.