The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, has revealed a new Union flag-inspired design on its world-famous jets.
Tailfins on the team’s Hawk aircraft have received the fresh look, reflecting British excellence.
The makeover will be seen by millions of people every year, when the Red Arrows display both at home and overseas.
Complete with flowing red, white and blue lines, the design emphasises the team’s important role as a global ambassador for the United Kingdom and Royal Air Force.
The team, which comprises fast jet pilots, engineers and support staff with frontline, operational experience, is currently preparing for its new display season.
Squadron Leader David Montenegro, who will lead the team as Red 1 for the first time in 2015, said: “The new tailfin perfectly illustrates the spirit of the Red Arrows – representing the UK, our engineering excellence and the continuing capability of the Royal Air Force to protect our skies.”
Last year, the Red Arrows celebrated their 50th season, performing more than 80 displays across the UK and in nine other countries.
The milestone was marked with a special, one-off tailfin design on its aircraft, replacing the familiar three-stripe livery the team’s jets had flown since the 1960s.
Now, instead of returning to this original paint scheme following the season-long 50th pattern, the new Union flag design has been adopted for the future.
All of the team’s British-built, BAE Systems Hawk jets will be receiving the new livery, with their distinctive fuselages retaining red and white colours.
As the public face of the Royal Air Force, the Red Arrows assist with recruiting into the Service, contribute to defence diplomacy and support wider national interests by representing the United Kingdom and its industry.
Squadron Leader Montenegro said the Union flag reflects these vital aims of the team.
SOURCE RAF, Read more!..
