Saying it with diamonds
THE Red Arrows are celebrating their diamond anniversary by returning to a nine-aircraft show.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will mark their 60th season of wowing crowds with a manoeuvre where pilots form the trademark gem shape.
Some of the spellbinding routines have not been seen in a generation, says the RAF, whose crack unit have just completed six months’ training.
The Red Arrows now embark on a milestone 2024 tour that includes dozens of shows across the UK, Europe and Canada, with the curtain-raiser in Athens, Greece, today.
Squadron Leader Jon Bond, who leads the team for the first time as Red 1, said: “It was incredibly exciting to design the show back in the autumn of last year.
“While I had to be mindful that we hadn’t displayed as a nine-aircraft formation since 2021, I really wanted to make the display as dynamic, precise and fast-paced as possible.This is exactly what you would expect of the Red Arrows.”
The ex-frontline RAF Typhoon pilot continued: “In celebration of our heritage, we have incorporated manoeuvres that haven’t been seen for many years, while also ensuring staple crowd favourites remain.This aim, to inspire and entertain through precision and teamwork, has been the DNA of a Red Arrows show since that first display season of 1965.
“I’m thrilled to have the chance to continue that legacy in our diamond year and by flying as the Diamond Nine.”
Preparations began at the team’s home of RAF Waddington, Lincs, flying up to 15 times a week to perfect their distinctive displays. Behind the scenes is the ground crew, the operations, business and mission support staff, RAF visual and survival equipment technicians and a team of RAF regular and reserve engineers and civilian contractors.
They look after the Red Arrows’ distinctive BAE Systems Hawk T1 fast-jets, which are carrying 60th diamond season artwork and logos on the fuselage and tailfins this season.
Midlands Air Festival will be the first domestic show on May 31.