The Red Arrows are set to unveil a new aircraft paint-scheme this week as they leave the UK on a six-week overseas tour.  The change to the world-famous design is thought to be the first major permanent alteration since the Red Arrows took delivery of their Hawk aircraft in 1979.

“The Red Arrows’ Hawk aircraft are known and loved by millions of people around the world.” said Wing Commander Jas Hawker, Red 1.  “We needed to keep a careful balance between making our famous aircraft unrecognisable and reminding people that we are proud to represent the Royal Air Force.  This is especially important when many Royal Air Force personnel are away from home, serving overseas in front line operations such as Afghanistan and Iraq.  We are a visible way of reminding people of our colleagues’ hard work and professionalism in the line of duty.  The change to our aircraft paint scheme will help us to do this more effectively.”

The Red Arrows will leave the UK on Sunday 04 November 2007 for a six-week tour of the Middle and Far East, returning to the UK on 18 December 2007.  They are set to visit 13 countries, including Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, India and Pakistan.  During their 15,000 mile trip they will perform their famous air display a total of 18 times.  Millions of people are expected to turn out to watch the Team display during the course of the goodwill tour.  The tour has been made possible by the support of two UK companies; BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. 

“We are proud to represent the UK overseas.” said Wing Commander Hawker, “We hope to demonstrate the very best of British to millions of people in the countries we will visit, both in terms of the skill of our people and of the quality of the Hawk aircraft that we fly.”

Flying the BAE Systems Hawk, all nine display pilots are operational fast jet pilots from front-line Royal Air Force squadrons.  They will be supported during the six-week tour by a support team of 30 Royal Air Force personnel.  The BAE Systems Hawk aircraft plays a key role within the Royal Air Force and other air forces world-wide.  With a top speed exceeding Mach 1.2, the Hawk is powered by a Rolls Royce Adour engine producing 5,200lb of thrust.  During the Red Arrows’ 23-minute display, pilots pull up to eight times the force of gravity, showing off the aircraft’s power and manoeuvrability. 

2007 is the Red Arrows’ 43rd display season.  Since the Team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.

Source: RAF