Eastbourne International Airshow 2016

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RED
Arrows
The RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, is the public face of
the Royal Air Force. Displaying since 1965, with their trademark
combination of close formation flying and dynamic loops and rolls,
they are an Airshow favourite.
The team’s BAE Systems Hawk T1 jets carry
a Union flag-inspired tailfin design that
emphasises the team’s role as an ambassador
for the UK. The Squadron is commanded by
Wing Commander Martin Higgins and the
nine-aircraft aerobatic display team is led by
Red 1, Squadron Leader David Montenegro.
Each of the pilots has previous fast-jet
operational experience flying the Tornado or
the Typhoon.
The team’s 110-strong ground crew are known
as the Blues because of the colour of their
display coveralls and include skilled engineers,
drivers, suppliers and other personnel.
Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, the
Red Arrows had completed more than 4,700
displays, in 56 countries, by the start of
2016 – the team’s 52nd season.
Bringing a display together takes months of
hard work from the aircrew and the support
team alike. The pilots spend the winter months
learning to fly in close formation, starting
with small group sorties. During these winter
training months, the engineers and support
staff work to ensure the jets are maintained
and plan for the busy display season ahead.
FLYING TIMES
Fri 13:00; Sat 12:30
DIMENSIONS
Height: 4m
Length: 11.85m
Wingspan: 9.39m
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Speed: 622mph
POWERPLANT
1 x Rolls-Royce Turbomeca
Adour Mk 861 turbofan
DID YOU KNOW?
See the Red Arrow pilots
on the Western Lawns in
the Tri-Service Exhibition
Zone on Friday 12th August
(afternoon). See page 12
for more.
EASTBOURNE INTERNATIONAL 2016