RAF Valley based No IV(Reserve) Squadron has released photographs of one of its Hawk T2 aircraft painted in a 100th anniversary commemorative scheme.
The scheme has been applied to the aircraft to mark the100th anniversary of the formation of the Squadron at Farnborough on 16 September 1912. Whilst the aircraft will be in day-to-day use undertaking normal training flying, it will attend several air shows and families days this summer, including RIAT and Farnborough, to allow aviation enthusiasts the opportunity to see and photograph the aircraft at close quarters.
Wing Commander Kevin Marsh, Officer Commanding No IV(Reserve) Squadron said: “On behalf ofthe whole Squadron I would like to thank BAe Systems for their support in making the design happen and the highly skilled members of Babcock Defence Services who painted the aircraft. The design deliberately echoes previous schemes worn by the Squadron’s aircraft and I think it looks striking on our new Hawk T2. I hope many people get to see the aircraftin the months ahead.” Retirement of the Harrier in April 2011 saw IV(R) disband before re-forming at RAF Valley equipped with the Hawk TMk2 providing Phase 4 fast jet training for the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). The Squadron officially reformed on 24 November 2011and was presented with a new Squadron Standard by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton.
The motto “In Futurum Videre” (To see into the future, or forward looking) refers to the Squadron’s reconnaissance role.
The badge: ‘A sun in splendour divided by a flash of lightning’ was approved by His Majesty King Edward VIII in May 1936. Thered and black segmented sun suggests “round the clock” operations while the lightning flash indicates speed and is also a reference to the unit’s early use of wireless telephony for artillery co-operation.
Although similar in appearance to the Hawk TMk1, the Hawk TMk2 represents the future of fast jet training. The aircraft is a huge leap forward in capability, providing students with a lead in to operating 4th & 5th generation frontline aircraft, with Head up Display (HUD), three Multi Function Displays (MFD), moving map, synthetic radar and Radar Warning Receiver (RWR). The cockpit closely mirrors that of frontline aircraft and is capable of simulating airborne and surface threats, through leading edge avionics and data linkbetween aircraft. The Hawk TMk2 flew its 2000th hour in July 2011.
The Squadron will celebrate their 100th Anniversary on the weekend of 21/23September with a programme of events, including a families day and evening celebration with many current and former members of IV Squadron and they look forward to sharing in the celebrations alongside Nos II and 3 Squadrons who enjoy their 100th anniversaries this year too.
RAF UK MOD press release
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