The Red Arrows, also known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, are the official aerobatics display flyers of the Royal Air Force.

Red Arrows Hawks in formation

Red Arrows Hawk at speed during a display

The pilots of the Red Arrows line up for an official photo after their display

British Aerospace Hawk of the Red Arrows

They were formed in 1965 as an all-RAF team, replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by various RAF commands. Initially they were equipped with seven Folland Gnat trainers, these being less expensive to operate than the front-line fighters. In their first season they flew at 65 shows across Europe and had been awarded the Britannia Trophy by the Royal Aero Club.

In 1966 the team was increased to nine members, enabling them to develop their trademark 3*3 Diamond Nine formation. In 1979 they switched to the BAE Hawk trainer. The Red Arrows have now given shows in over 50 countries, all over the world.

Since December 21, 2000, the Red Arrows have been based at RAF Scampton, near Lincoln.

See also:

• Red Arrows' predecessors, the Black Arrows

External link

• Red Arrows home page (http://www.redarrows.com/home.html)