The Royal Air Force Red Arrows display team flying over their base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire with its welcome sign and BAe Hawk jet on show
The Red Arrows pass over their base at RAF Scampton with its Welcome sign. 2014 is the team's fiftieth display season The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Scampton. The team was formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team, replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by RAF commands. The Red Arrows badge shows the aircraft in their trademark diamond nine formation, with the motto Éclat, a French word meaning "brilliance" or "excellence". Initially, they were equipped with seven Folland Gnat trainers inherited from the RAF Yellowjacks display team. This aircraft was chosen because it was less expensive to operate than front-line fighters. In their first season, they flew at 65 shows across Europe. In 1966, the team was increased to nine members, enabling them to develop their Diamond Nine formation. In late 1979, they switched to the BAE Hawk trainer. The Red Arrows have performed over 4,000 displays worldwide in 52 countries.
Size: 2524px × 3799px
Location: RAF Scampton, Lincs, UK
Photo credit: © Avpics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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