RED ARROWS

Background Information Acknowledged as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team is the public face of the Royal Air Force. The Red Arrows promote the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force, assist in recruiting into the Royal Air Force, contribute to Defence Diplomacy, and support wider British interests through the promotion of British industry overseas.

Commanded by Squadron Leader Jas Hawker, the Red Arrows consists of over 100 officers and airmen drawn from throughout the Royal Air Force. Officially formed on 1 March 1965, the Team have now performed over 4,000 displays in 52 different countries. The Red Arrows are based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

All nine Red Arrows display pilots are fast jet pilots from front-line RAF squadrons. In 2007, the Team has pilots from all four front-line fast jet types; Jaguar GR3, Tornado GR4, Tornado F3 and Harrier GR9. To apply for selection to the Red Arrows, pilots must have amassed a minimum of 1,500 flying hours, one front-line tour and be assessed as above average in role. Each year competition is stiff; over 30 pilots apply for the three vacant positions on the Team. On completion of their three-year tour with the Red Arrows, the pilots either return to 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. There is one other qualified Hawk pilot: Red 10, who 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 as Team Commentator.

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 two Engineering Officers, a Team Manager, an Adjutant, a Public Relations Manager (the only civilian on the Team), and approximately 85 ground technicians and administrative staff known collectively as ‘The Blues’. The Blues represent 9 out of over 60 RAF trades. Before each display the Team Manager and Adjutant will have provided the organiser with a document showing timings, transit routes, personnel involved and equipment required. The Junior Engineering Officer and nine engineering technicians known as the ‘Circus’, fly in the rear seats of the Hawk aircraft to display locations so essential servicing can begin before the main support team arrives.

Typically, more than 300 requests for Red Arrows’ displays are received annually but only about 100 can ever be fitted into the programme. The Team also complete many flypasts each year as they transit from display to display.