‘Iconic’ 100-aircraft display planned for RAF centenary

The flypast to mark the RAF’S centenary will be a “once in a lifetime” experience where the F-35 will be debuted in the biggest display since the Queen’s Coronation.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the Air Staff, yesterday hailed the event, which will take place on July 10 over Buckingham Palace, as an “iconic centrepiece”.

Crowds will also get their first glimpse of the F-35B Lightning since it arrived in the UK earlier this month.

Up to 100 RAF aircraft from across several generations will roar in formation through London’s skies. The display is due to pass over Buckingham Palace at 1pm and will contain the most varied range of RAF aircraft in an aerial formation since the Queen’s coronation in 1953. A range of aircraft will be featured, marking different eras of the RAF’S history, including the Spitfire, the Hercules, and RAF Chinooks.