Red Arrows Aerobatic Team Display History and Profile

History and Formation of the Red Arrows

The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams. Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, England, the Red Arrows were formed in 1964 as an all-Royal Air Force display team to help promote the service and assist with recruiting.

The Chief of the Air Staff at the time, Air Chief Marshal Sir Thomas Pike, outlined requirements for a new RAF display team after the disbandment of the Black Arrows. Several Royal Air Force units were tasked with providing pilots and ground crew for the prospective team, which initially operated as the "Red Pelicans" and flew four Folland Gnat trainers.

Choosing the Team Name

The name "Red Arrows" was selected in a vote by the pilots from suggestions submitted by RAF personnel. The team adopted their now world-famous red, white and blue smoke trails when displaying at their first public appearance at the RAF Farnborough Airshow in 1965.

Aircraft and Facilities

Since 1979, the Red Arrows have flown the British Aerospace Hawk T1 advanced fast jet trainer. The team currently has nine Hawk T1 aircraft, each specially adapted for aerobatic displays.

The Hawks are modified with smoke canisters to produce their colorful trails and painted in their iconic red, white and blue livery. The jets are also equipped with dual braking parachutes to enable short, steep landings into the compact environs of display venues.

World-Class Training and Facilities

The Red Arrows are based at purpose-built facilities at RAF Scampton. This includes their own hangar with office space, workshop and storage areas to house the aircraft and associated equipment. The on-site facilities also feature crew rooms, a gymnasium and briefing rooms.

RAF Scampton has an airfield ideally oriented for training vertical aerobatic maneuvers. Red Arrow pilots typically fly up to six sorties per week to practice both solo routines as well as the full team's complete display program.

Composition of the Display Team

The team is made up of nine display pilots, all of whom have served as operational fast jet pilots with the Royal Air Force prior to joining the Red Arrows. There are also over 100 supporting ground personnel covering engineering, logistics, communications, transport and administration roles.

The two team leaders fly as Reds 1 and 2 in the display, with Reds 3 to 9 trailing behind in their iconic diamond formation. Pilots must have accumulated at least 1,500 fast jet flying hours and served a frontline tour on an operational squadron before applying.

Selection and Training

Only a handful of exceptional pilots are chosen each year to join the Red Arrows after a demanding series of assessments. If successful, they then undertake a two-year tour with the team, during which they will perform aerobatics and fly passes. Every display consists of around 50 different elements involving 15 different shapes and takes months of intensive winter training for the pilots to perfect.

Displays and Performances

The Red Arrows are the public face of the Royal Air Force, attending over 20 airshows and events per year around the UK and overseas. Each display lasts around 20-25 minutes and showcases the team's incredible skills and co-ordination.

Some of their signature aerobatic maneuvers include the Diamond Nine formation loop with spectacular red smoke, the Vixen Break (where the jets split from the main formation), the Big Battle climb and a stirring red, white and blue pass finale.

Appearances Around the World

Such is their prowess that the Red Arrows have been dubbed "Britain's best diplomats". As well as wowing millions across Britain at annual occasions like Trooping the Colour, the team makes regular deployments across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

Their professionalism, precision and approachability makes them immensely respected representatives of the RAF wherever they fly. The display team thoroughly deserves its ranking as one of the top military aerobatic teams on the planet.

FAQs

How many pilots are in the Red Arrows?

The Red Arrows team is made up of 9 display pilots - Reds 1 to 9 - as well as over 100 supporting ground personnel.

How long does it take to train to become a Red Arrows pilot?

Pilots wishing to join the Red Arrows must have at least 1,500 hours flying fast jets operationally and then undertake a thorough selection process. If selected, there follows an intensive winter training program to perfect the flying skills and maneuvers required for displays.

What airshows do the Red Arrows perform at?

The Red Arrows fly displays at over 20 airshows and events in the UK and overseas every year. This includes appearances at major occasions like the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough Air Show in Britain, as well as international deployments across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

How long does a Red Arrows display last?

A full Red Arrows display routine lasts around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. This consists of around 50 different elements and 15 different shapes and formations, requiring extraordinary skill and concentration from the pilots.