Portrait of a Red Arrow

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic team, commonly known as the Red Arrows are one of the best aerobatic teams in the World. They regularly display at UK air shows and are often chosen to lead flypasts for commemorative events both Nationally and Internationally. The team feature nine BAE Systems Hawk trainer jet aircraft in their displays and conduct precision displays with large formations and dynamic aerobatics. 

The pilots are all chosen from the Royal Air Force front line fast jet pool and only the best are selected, they must have at least 1,500 flying hours and have conducted at least one operational tour. The Red Arrows support team known as the blues are also selected from within the RAF and once again a rigorous selection process ensures that only the best engineers can serve with the team. 

The Red Arrows currently train at RAF Scampton, where this image was taken. It is the historic home of the famous Dambusters 617 Squadron who conducted the famous bouncing bomb raids during the Second World War. Sadly, the base is scheduled to close soon and the Red Arrows will move to RAF Waddington in a few years’ time.