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Monday, 06 September 2010
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Bournemouth Air Festival: Red Arrows
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Written by Nigel Bywater   

Bournemouth Air Show: Red ArrowsAcknowledged as one of the world's premier aerobatic teams, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, is the public face of the Royal Air Force.

 

The team are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors of Great Britain.

 

They promote the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force, assist in recruiting into the Royal Air Force, contribute to Defence Diplomacy when displaying overseas and support wider British interests through the promotion of British industry by demonstrating the capabilities of its equipment and expertise.

 

2009 is the 45th display season for the Red Arrows in which they will continue to enthral, captivate and inspire millions of people both in the UK and around the world with a series of over 90 displays and flypasts at a wide variety of events.

 

Commanded by Wing Commander Jas Hawker, the Red Arrows consists of over 100 officers and airmen drawn from throughout the Royal Air Force.  Officially formed in March 1965, the Team have now performed over 4,100 displays in 53 different countries.

 

The Red Arrows team, based at Royal Air Force Scampton in Lincolnshire, consists of nine Red Arrows display pilots and Red 10, Road Manager.

 

They are all fast jet pilots from front-line Royal Air Force squadrons.  In 2009, the Team has pilots from all four front-line fast jet types; Jaguar GR3, Tornado GR4, Tornado F3 and Harrier GR9.

 

All Red Arrows pilots have previously served as front line fast jet pilots around the world and many of the 2009 have recently returned from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. On completion of a three-year tour with the Red Arrows, the pilots either return to the front line, instructional or staff duties.

 

 




















 

 

Reds 1 to 5 form the front section known as Enid, and Reds 6 to 9 are known as Gypo.  The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7, perform the highly popular, dynamic manoeuvres during the second half of the display sequence. Road Manager, Red 10, flies a tenth Hawk aircraft to display venues ready for use in case one of the other nine becomes unserviceable. Red 10's two primary roles on the ground at every display are acting as the Team's Safety Officer, maintaining two-way radio contact with the Team Leader throughout the display, and being Team Commentator at displays venues.

 

Efficient planning and organisation are vital if ten aircraft, support staff and equipment are to arrive safely and fully prepared at a display venue. Apart from the pilots, there are approximately 90 support staff who cover a variety of roles, including engineering technicians, photographers, safety equipment technicians, drivers, supply, flight planning and administrative staff and a public relations team. The Junior Engineering Officer and nine engineering technicians form a small team known as the Circus, who fly in the rear seats of the Hawk aircraft to display locations so that essential servicing can begin before the main support team arrives.

 

 

 

The Red Arrows website, www.raf.mod.uk/reds, is full of interesting and useful information about the Team. The website is regularly updated with news and features on the team. Requests for displays and flypasts can also be submitted via the Team's website.

 

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