2007/2008 Royal Air Force Display Teams
Typhoon T1/F2
Typhoon T1/F2 2008 Display Dates/Venues
2008 Typhoon Display schedule
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The Typhoon is an agile, single seat, multi-role aircraft optimised for high altitude supersonic air combat but also capable of operating at much lower levels in the air-to-ground roles. It is built by a four-nation consortium comprised of companies from the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. The state-of-the art aircraft is set to be the RAF's major front-line type for many years to come, replacing the RAF's Tornado F3 fighters and Jaguar fighter-bombers in front-line service.
A Typhoon F.2 or T.1 of 29(R) Sqn will display in 2008.
Flt Lt Charlie Matthews has been selected as the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2008/2009 Season. Charlie will pilot a 29(R) Squadron Typhoon and will be supported by the Squadron throughout the Season and the new Typhoon Display Manager, Flt Lt Andy Norris.
See RAF Typhoon Display Team website.
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2008 Typhoon Pilot:
Flt Lt Charlie Matthews, aged 29, was born in Napier, New Zealand and grew up near the beach
before moving to a farm in the south of the South Island. He
was educated at Otago Boys High School in Dunedin from 1991-96
as a border, and then at Otago University for a short while before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1998. His ambition to fly grew from talking to his Grandfather, John Middleton, who flew Corsairs for the British Fleet Air Arm in the Pacific during World War 2 and his uncle, Tom Middleton, who first took him
flying in an Auster and whom he watched display various WW2 aircraft at the bi-annual Warbirds over Wanaka airshow. After finishing basic training on the Airtrainer CT4-E at Ohakea, he was selected to complete fast jet training on the Aermacchi MB339-CB as a member of 14 Squadron. By the end of 2000, Charlie achieved operational status on the Macchi and looked forward to a period of consolidation and advancement in responsibility in the air before converting on to, at that time, the F16 Fighter.
In September 2001 Charlie joined the RAF and after a short orientation phase he continued fast jet training on Tornado F3 Operational Conversion Unit, 56(R) Squadron, at RAF Coningsby which culminated in a posting to
43(F) Squadron at RAF Leuchars. He flew just under 1000 hours on the Tornado F3, travelled to Jordan, Canada, Egypt, UAE, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Iceland, Hungary and Spain on exercise during that time, and carried out Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties in the UK and Falkland Islands. In 2005, Charlie was posted back to 56(R) Squadron (which had moved to RAF Leuchars) as an instructor before converting to the Typhoon in 2006 and training for his current role on 29(R) Squadron at RAF Coningsby. Charlie’s primary job is as a Qualified Pilot Instructor, teaching pilots to operate the Typhoon in both the air-to-air and air-surface role. Charlie enjoys all outdoor sports and pursuits particularly mountain-biking and trail running. Also, watersports like rowing and sailing (not that he’ll have much time for them during the season). At home he is known to dabble with the guitar, DIY and gardening.
Tornado F3
Tornado F3 2008 Display Dates/Venues
No solo Tornado F3 display in 2008 but will take part in RAF Multi-role Demo.
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The Tornado F3 is a 2 crew, variable geometry fighter aircraft and is powered by 2 Rolls Royce / Turbo Union RB199 Mk 104 afterburning turbofans producing thrust of upto 33,000lbs to a speed of 1,480mph. The Foxhunter radar provides an all-weather capability, allowing the use of beyond visual range weapon systems. Originally equipped with four Skyflash radar-guided medium range missiles and four AIM-9L Sidewinder infra-red homing air-to-air missiles, the F3 can now be fitted with Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) and Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAMs). The aircraft also has an internally-mounted 27mm Mauser cannon on the right hand side of the forward fuselage, along with chaff dispensers and flares for protection from anti-aircraft missiles.
The Tornado F3 for the 2007 season is provided by 111 Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, and 25 Squadron, RAF Leeming.
Display Crew for 2007 - To be announced.
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Tornado GR4
Tornado GR4 2008 Display Dates/Venues
No solo Tornado GR4 display in 2008 but will take part in RAF Multi-role Demo.
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The Tornado GR4 is the latest version of the RAF's primary attack aircraft. Capable of supersonic speeds and flight at low-level, the aircraft is one of the most potent in the world today. A major feature of the Tornado is its 'Swing wings' (variable geometry) which when swept fully forward can fly slowly ideal for landing on short runways, or when swept back (68 degrees) can fly supersonically. Another innovative feature of the Tornado is the ability to use thrust-reverse to shorten landings.
The Tornado GR4 for the 2007 season is provided by XV (R) Squadron, which is based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
Display Crew for 2007 - To be announced.
See XV Squadron website.
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Harrier GR7/9
Harrier GR7/9 2008 Display Dates/Venues
No Harrier display in 2008 due to heavy operational commitments.
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The British Aerospace Harrier is used by the RAF in the close air support role. In this, aircraft are usually employed in direct support of ground troops tackling such targets as enemy troop positions, tanks and artillery. The Harrier uses a variety of weapons such as laser and GPS-guided bombs against buildings (Paveway), infra-red missiles against tanks (Maverick), cluster munitions and general-purpose bombs. When required, the Harrier can also be fitted with a pod fitted with cameras to provide reconnaissance of the target and battle areas.
The Harrier display aircraft is supplied by 20 (R) Squadron.
Display Crew for 2008 - No Display.
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Hercules C-130J
Hercules C-130J 2008 Display Dates/Venues
No solo Hercules C-130J display but will hopefully take part in the RAF Multi-role Demo, and be used by the RAF Falcons.
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The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is the most numerous transport aircraft in the West and has been in production longer than any other aircraft in history. The prototype flew in August 1954 and since then over 60 nations have ordered the Hercules. Those in use by the RAF are C-130K versions (known as Hercules C1 and C3), and the new second-generation C-130Js (known as Hercules C4 and C5). The Hercules C4/C5s are optimised for economical operation by the introduction of new Allison turboprop engines, 6-bladed composite propellers and a digital engine control system which increases take-off thrust by 29% and is 15% more efficient.
Based at RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire the C-130J Hercules will be displaying in 2007.
Display Crew for 2007 - To be announced.
See C-130J Hercules Display Team website.
See C-130J 2006 Display Article.
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Nimrod MR2
Nimrod MR2 2008 Display Dates/Venues
No Nimrod MR2 display but MR4 took part at RIAT 2007.
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The Nimrod entered service in 1969 as the MR1 version. Based on the civilian Comet airliner, the Nimrod was, and remains, the only jet powered long range maritime patrol aircraft in military service. Offering the advantages of speed and height during transit, while still capable of long patrol periods and, in particular, stealth in the anti-submarine mission. (Propeller-engined aircraft make a discrete resonance that can be detected by submerged submarines whereas the jet noise of the Nimrod is virtually undetectable.)
As in 2005, and 2006 the RAF will probably not be displaying the Nimrod MR2 for the 2007 airshow season because of overseas commitments and the gradual run-down of the MR2 in preparation for the new Nimrod MRA4. However there may well be a Nimrod R.1 flypast at Waddington International Air Show 2007.
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Merlin HC3
Merlin HC3 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Unfortunately the RAF Merlin HC3 display has been withdrawn from the airshow circuit for 2007 but may still appear in the static display at various airshows.
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The Merlin HC3 is the first of the next generation of medium support helicopters for the RAF. Twenty-two of the aircraft have been delivered and all serve with No 28 Squadron at RAF Benson.
The aircraft can be armed with two general purpose machine guns mounted in port and starboard cabin windows, and can be equipped with a wide variety of role equipment, including a rescue hoist and a roller floor to assist loading cargo via the rear ramp.
The Merlin HC3 display helicopter is from No.28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron based at RAF Benson.
Display Crew for 2007 include: Pilot - TBC, Co-Pilot - Flying Officer Kev Harris, Crewman - Sergeant Steve Thomas, and Sgt Dave Bryson, and Display Manager is Flight Sergeant Gareth Attridge.
See Merlin 2007 Display Article .
See Team Merlin website & on-line shop.
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2007 Merlin HC3 Crew:
Display Pilot:
To be confirmed shortly.
Display Co-Pilot:
Joining the team this year is 26 year old Flying Officer Kev Harris, who originates from Southampton. After joining the RAF in 2001 and completing Initial Officer Training he was posted to RAF Church Fenton for Basic Flying Training. Upon completion, he was streamed to the Rotary fleet and arrived at RAF Shawbury in early 2003. Kev received his Pilots Wings in November 2004 and then joined the Merlin Operational Conversion Course on 28 (AC) Squadron. Since then he has achieved over 700 hours on the Merlin and during this period he has been involved in many different exercises in the UK and abroad. More recently he has completed several overseas detachments including Operations in Iraq.
Crewman:
One of the Crewmen on the team this year is 29 year old Sergeant Steve Thomas, who returns for a second season after his stint on the team in 2005. Originating from Liverpool, he joined the RAF in 2000 and after training at DHFS Shawbury, he joined 28 (AC) Squadron in 2003 and converted to the Merlin Mk3. In this period of time has managed to accumulate over 1300 hours including tours in Bosnia and recently in support of Op Telic in Iraq. Steve is currently a Crewman Trainer on one of the Squadron’s Operational Flights.
Crewman:
Sharing the duties of the Crewman is 37 year old Sgt Dave Bryson. Originating from Stranraer, Scotland, Dave joins the team for the first time this year. After joining the RAF in 1999 as an Air Loadmaster, he was one of the last crewmen to be trained on the Wessex helicopter where he served with 72 Squadron based at RAF Aldergrove. Following the retirement of the Wessex, he joined 28 (AC) Squadron in 2002 and has currently achieved over a 1000 hours on the Merlin Mk3. This has included several overseas detachments including Bosnia and more recently the Gulf region. Dave is a Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructor (QHCI) on the Operational Conversion Flight.
Display Manager:
The Team Manager is 36 year old Crewman instructor Flight Sergeant Gareth Attridge. Hailing from Middlesex, this is Gareth’s third year on the team. He joined the RAF in 1990 as an Air Loadmaster and after completion of training was posted to the C130 Hercules Wing at RAF Lyneham. He spent six years on 47 Squadron before transferring to the Support Helicopter Force. This was followed by four years on the Puma helicopter with 230 Squadron in Northern Ireland before moving across to his current position at RAF Benson. He is a Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructor (QHCI) on one of 28 (AC) Squadron's Operational Flights. During his career so far, he has been on operational tours in Northern Ireland and the Balkans and more recently in the Gulf. Currently Gareth has achieved 4500 flying hours on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
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Chinook HC2
Chinook HC2 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Chinook 2008 Dates & Venues
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The RAF operates the largest fleet of Chinook support helicopters after the US Army. The Chinook Wing, which forms the heavy-lift element of the Joint Helicopter Command, is based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire. Odiham supports three operational squadrons, No 7 Squadron, No 18 Squadron and No 27 Squadron, and the Operational Conversion Flight (OCF). Two aircraft are also flown by No 78 Squadron from Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands on support helicopter tasks.
The Chinook Display Team is based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire and is made up of personnel from Nos 18 and 27 Squadrons, both of which are based on the station.
Display Crew for 2008: - Captain – Flt Lt Rich Simpson,
Co-pilot/Captain – Flt Lt Russ Norman,
Co-pilot – Flt Lt Matt Evans,
Co-pilot – Flt Lt Rob Paul,
Crewman – Sgt Darrell Harding,
Crewman – Sgt Scott Todd,
See Chinook Display Team website.
See Chinook 2007 Display Article.
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2008 Chinook HC2 Crew:
Flight Lieutenant Rich Simpson - Captain
Flt Lt Rich Simpson is 30 years old and was born in Bridgend, South Wales. He joined the RAF in 2000 following 3 years at Portsmouth University, and was a member of Southampton University Air Squadron. Following his commissioning in 2001 he was posted to the DHFS at RAF Shawbury. In 2002 Flt Lt Simpson was selected to attend 18 (B) Squadron’s Chinook OCF at RAF Odiham before beginning his operational career in 2003 with B Flight, 27 Squadron. Since then he has completed Operational Detachments in Iraq and more recently 3 detachments to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Other exercises and detachments include the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Norway, USA, Poland, Morocco, Cyprus, Europe and the Middle East. More recently Flt Lt Simpson has held the role of OC HQ Flight on 18 (B) Sqn.
Flt Lt Simpson is now an Air-test Captain and Deputy Flight Commander of B Flight 18 (B) Sqn and has so far amassed around 1500 hours flying. He was the 2007 Chinook display Co-Pilot and this year takes on the role of Display Captain.
Flight Lieutenant Russ Norman - Co-Pilot/Captain
Flt Lt Russ Norman is 29 years old and was born in Manchester. He spent 3 years at the University of Sheffield, graduating with a BSc(Hons) degree in Chemistry and he was also a member of the Yorkshire University Air Squadron. Joining the RAF in 2000, Flt Lt Norman was posted to the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury. Streamed to fly the Chinook, he was posted to RAF Odiham in late 2002, graduating from the Operational Conversion Flight in 2003. Beginning his operational career on 27 Sqn, Flt Lt Norman has operated around the world, including deployments to the Falklands and Iraq. In November 2005 he deployed to Pakistan as part of the UK Earthquake Relief mission. Having now moved to 18(B) Sqn, he has just completed his third detachment in Afghanistan. Flt Lt Norman has recently taken over as the 18(B) Sqn Standards Pilot and has 1700 hours total flying. He will be taking over as Display Captain for the second half of the season.
Flight Lieutenant Matt Evans - Co-Pilot
Flt Lt Matt Evans is 24 years old and was born in Pembroke, Pembrokeshire. He joined the RAF in Apr 2002 as a direct entrant after completion of A Levels. Following his commissioning in 2002 he undertook basic flying training on the Tutor at RAF Cranwell. He was selected to fly helicopters and was posted to RAF Shawbury to undertake his rotary training. In 2005 Flt Lt Evans was selected to attend 18 (B) Squadron’s Chinook OCF at RAF Odiham before beginning his operational career in 2006 with 18 (B) Squadron. Since then he has completed Operational Detachments in Northern Ireland and more recently Afghanistan. Other exercises and detachments include the Falkland Islands and Morocco.
Flt Lt Evans has so far amassed around 1000 hours total flying. In his spare time he enjoys rugby, golf and swimming.
Flight Lieutenant Rob Paul - Co-Pilot
Flt Lt Rob Paul is 27 years old and was born in Brighton, Sussex. He joined the RAF in Oct 2002 following 3 years at Swansea University, and was a member of Wales University Air Squadron. Following his commissioning in 2003 he was posted to the DHFS at RAF Shawbury. In 2004 Flt Lt Paul was selected to attend 18 (B) Squadron’s Chinook OCF at RAF Odiham before beginning his operational career later that year with 27 Squadron. Since then he has completed Operational Detachments in Northern Ireland and more recently 3 detachments to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Other exercises and detachments include the Falkland Islands and Morocco. Flt Lt Paul is now an Air-test Captain and has so far amassed around 1000 hours total flying. In his spare time he enjoys windsurfing, surfing, and playing tennis and squash.
Sgt Darrell Harding - Crewman
Sgt Harding is 39 years old and was born in Southend-on-sea; he joined the Royal Air Force in 1986 and has served at RAF Odiham for the last 4 years. He is currently serving on 18 (B) Sqn, B Flight and returned from his fourth detachment to Afghanistan in April of this year. He was a member of the last 18 (B) Sqn crew to operate the Chinook in the Falkland Islands prior to its withdrawal in 2006. He is a Crewman Trainer with over 1000 hours on type and this is his first year as part of the display team.
Sgt Scott Todd - Crewman
Sgt Todd is 32 years old and is from Portadown, Northern Ireland. He joined the Royal Air Force in May 2004 having previously served 9 years with the Royal Irish Regiment. After completing flying training and Operational Conversion to the Chinook, he was posted to 18 (B) Sqn where he is nearing the end of his first tour. With 18 (B) Sqn he has served in Northern Ireland, Morocco and has recently returned from his fourth detachment to Afghanistan. In his spare time he enjoys playing rugby and skiing. This is his first year as part of the display team.
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Hawk T1
Hawk T1 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the 208 Sqn Hawk T1 2007 schedule.
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In the current RAF training programme, the Hawk T1 is the first jet aircraft that a student pilot will fly. An advanced, and very successful trainer, Hawk is used to teach operational tactics, air-to-air and air-to-ground firing, air combat and low-level operating procedures. Hawks are also flown by 100 Squadron from RAF Leeming in a wide variety of very specialised roles such as target facilities and specialist electronic warfare training. The Joint Forward Air Controller Training and Standards Unit (JFACTSU) (also based at Leeming) use Hawks for their training requirements, as well as by many test establishments and the Royal Navy.
Flight Lieutenant Dave Davies is the 2008 display pilot.
See Hawk Display website.
See Hawk 2005 Display Article.
The solo Hawk T1 Display aircraft has a new paint scheme for 2008 which can be seen here.
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2008 Display Hawk T1 pilot:
Flight Lieutenant Dave Davies (33) was born in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. He was educated at Ysgol Bryn Elian, Colwyn Bay before reading Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester for Science and Technology (UMIST).
In 1998 Dave commenced Initial Officer Training at Royal Air Force Cranwell and then went on to begin flying training on the Slingsby Firefly. Shortly after, he was selected for fast jet training which he undertook on the Tucano and Hawk aircraft. Following the Tactical Weapons Training at NATO Flying Training in Canada, he was posted to the Tornado F3, a two-seat fighter-interceptor aircraft, in 2002. On completion of the Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Conningsby he was posted to 111(Fighter) Sqn at RAF Leuchars, Fife. After 6 months he was declared Combat Ready and played an active part in the Air Defence of the UK with Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).
During his 3 year tour Dave participated in exercises in North America, Canada, France, Cyprus, Denmark, Gibraltar as well as conducting QRA duties in the Falkland Islands. In 2005 he completed the Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI) course and currently teaches fast jet training with 208 Sqn at RAF Valley, Anglesey.
In his spare time Dave enjoys many outdoor sports especially skiing, sailing, golf and kite surfing.
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Tucano T1
Tucano T1 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the Tucano T1 2008 schedule.
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The Tucano was selected in 1985 to replace the RAF's Jet Provost basic flying training aircraft which had been in service since 1955.
Some seventy percent cheaper to operate than the Jet Provost, the Tucano used by the RAF differs from the version originally developed by Embraer of Brazil and used by many air forces across the globe. The main difference is the engine - the RAF choosing a Garrett turboprop over the standard Pratt and Whitney powerplant.
No 1 Flying Training School at RAF Linton-on-Ouse provides the aircraft and support for the RAF's Tucano Display for 2008.
The 2008 Tucano T1 Display pilot is Flt Lt Stew Campbell.
See Tucano Display website.
See Tucano 2003 Display Article.
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2008 Display Tucano T1 pilot:
Flight Lieutenant Stew Campbell, aged 28, was educated at Peebles High School in the Scottish Borders. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he gained a BEd in Physical Education and spent much of his time flying the Tutor training aircraft with East Lowlands Universities Air Squadron (ELUAS).
Having completed his Initial Officer Training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, in July 2003, he was posted to RAF Linton-On-Ouse, where he undertook Basic Fast Jet Training (BFJT) on the Tucano. Graduating and receiving his wings in October 2004, he then moved to 208 (R) Squadron, RAF Valley, to fly the hawk.
In November 2005, he successfully graduated from Advanced Flying Training and was selected to return to RAF Linton on Ouse, to become a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI). This continued a long RAF tradition of selecting a small number of graduating trainees for this role. This selection process is known as being "creamed off", giving rise to the rather unusual title of "creamie" instructor. He is currently part of the Central Flying School at RAF Linton on Ouse, and teaches pilots how to instruct on the Tucano.
This is his first year as the Tucano Display Pilot.
Stew's next posting will be to 19(F) Sqn at RAF Valley to complete Tactical Weapons Training, before progressing to a front-line squadron.In the future, he hopes to fly the Harrier.
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Grob Tutor T1
Grob Tutor T1 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the Grob Tutor T1 2008 schedule.
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The Grob Tutor T1 replaced the Royal Air Force's fleet of Bulldog primary training aircraft from 1999 onwards. Ninety of the new aircraft are used by University Air Squadrons and Air Experience Flights at 14 locations around the country. But unusually, the aircraft are not owned and maintained by the RAF, but carry civilian registrations and serviced under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Bombardier, the contractor, will own and maintain the aircraft, and at some sites also provide such essential flying support services as air traffic control and fire cover, saving the MoD an estimated £30 Million over the life of the 10 year contract.
The 2008 Grob Tutor T1 Display pilot is Flt Lt Andy Preece.
See Tutor Display website.
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2008 Grob Tutor T1 pilot:
The 2008 RAF Tutor display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Andy Preece. Andy joined the RAF in 1991 after working for several years at Bulmers Cider. He graduated from Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell in September 1991 and began flying training, as a Navigator, at RAF Finningley.
On completion of Navigator Training, Andy was posted to the Tornado GR1. Following a successful operational and weapons conversion, he served 3 years in Germany at RAF Bruggen with No. 17(F) Squadron. His next tour was as an instructor at the Tri-National Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE) at RAF Cottesmore where he taught Italian and German Pilots and Navigators, as well as RAF students.
Whist instructing at TTTE, Andy re-trained as a pilot. Since changing branch to Pilot, Andy has flown the Tornado GR1, Hawk, Tucano, Harrier GR7/T10 and the Grob Tutor. His last tour was as a Qualified Navigation Instructor at the Navigator Training Unit (NTU) flying the Hawk. The NTU is part of No. 100 Sqn, RAF Leeming. Whilst there, he taught future Tornado GR4 and F3 Navigators their future Skills.
When not displaying the Tutor, Andy's full time job is as a Qualified Flying Instructor at the recently formed 1 Squadron, 1 Elementary Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell. Andy is in his second year displaying the Tutor
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Beech King Air B200
King Air B200 2008 Display Dates/Venues
King Air B200 2008 schedule - TBA.
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The Beech King Air B200, the newest training aircraft in the RAF inventory, is a twin-engine turboprop monoplane, which first entered RAF service in 2004. It is used as an advanced, multi-engine pilot trainer by No 45(R) Squadron, which is part of No 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell, in Lincolnshire. It is a well liked aircraft by it's crews and trainees.
No 45 Squadron formed at Gosport on 1st March 1916. During it's history it served in France during the first world war, Egypt and Iraq between the wars and the western desert and far east during the second world war. After the second world war the squadron stayed Asia seeing action in Maylaya. The sqaudron then reformed back in the UK with Hunters in 1970 before moving on to the Jaguar and Tornado.
In 1992, the squadron plate moved on the Jetsream multi engined training aircraft at Cranwell before converting onto the King Air in 2004.
See Beech King Air B200 webpage.
See 45 Sqn webpage.
The Beech King Air B200 is making its display debut in 2008.
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RAF Falcons
RAF Falcons 2008 Display Dates/Venues
Click here for the RAF Falcons 2008 schedule.
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The Royal Air Force Falcons are renowned as the UK's premier military parachute display team. Each year, from May through to September they perform their unique and colourful aerial display at numerous venues nationwide. All the Falcons are selected from the RAF's qualified Parachute Jumping Instructors. Team members receive further intensive training to ensure that together, they are abe to perform the highly skilled freefall and canopy manoeuvres that culminate in the Team safely landing, in quick succession, in front of the spectators. The RAF Falcons are primarily supported by the C130 Hercules aircraft and crews from RAF Lyneham.
The Falcons are the RAF's Parachute Display Team which are made up from 3 officers and 10 senior NCOs who are all Physical Training Instructors from the Physical Education Branch at RAF Brize Norton.
Team for 2008:
Officer Commanding and Team Leader - Flight Lieutenant Mark Colebourn
Team Coach - Flight Sergeant Nick Brooksbank
Sergeant Garry Wotton
Sergeant Mike Maguire
Sergeant Jon Keast
Sergeant Rich Cross
Sergeant Steve Spencer
Sergeant Ceri Marshman
Sgt Jimmy O'Brien
Sgt Matt Allen
Sgt Tony Brookes
Cpl Chris Morgan
Cpl Shaun Copland
Support Staff - Jeanette Gavin (Team Administrator), Graham Liggins - (Commentator (Voluntary)), Flight Lieutenant Kylie Clark-Smith (Commentator (Voluntary)), and Flight Lieutenant John Dale (VR)T (Media support Officer).
See RAF Falcons Display website.
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2008 RAF multi-role Demos:
2008 will see the Royal Air Force performing a Role Demo again at selected airshow venues, utilising various aircraft to show their operational capability rather than solo aircraft performing aerobatics. Last year saw the successful introduction of an RAF Role Demo at Biggin Hill, RAF Cosford, Kemble, RAF Waddington, Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, and the Spirit of Adventure show(s) using :- x2 Tornado F3s, x2 Tornado GR4s, x2 Hawks, x1 E3-D, x1 C-130, x1 Chinook, ground troops, and pyrotechnics for the explosions.
Changes continue to take place in how the Royal Air Force will display its aircraft at events in 2008. There will be a change of emphasis away from displaying aerobatics and performance to the operational capability of front-line types. At large shows and seafront displays, multi-ship demos including both air and ground assets showing a cross-section of aircraft types representing the roles that are undertaken by the RAF during current operations will take place along with a full commentary. However, apart from the multi-role demos, solo displays will also be available to airshow organisers in 2008 depending on where the RAF can gain best coverage for recruiting and PR purposes. In 2007 the demo lasted approximately 25 minutes and represented real RAF air power roles such as air defence, offensive support, ISTAR, troop insertion and close air support. Narrative and special effects were used to assist in bringing the scenario to life.
The new RAF multi-role demos will take place at the following venues in 2008:
- RAF Cosford (1 June 2008)
- Biggin Hill (7-8 June 2008)
- Kemble (15 June 2008)
- RAF Waddington (5-6 July 2008)
- RAF Fairford (RIAT) (12-13 July 2008)
- Sunderland (26-27 July 2008)
- Southport (6-7 September 2008)
- RAF Leuchars (13 September 2008)
Aircraft so far confirmed to take part in the 2008 Role Demos:
- x2 Tornado F3 +1 Spare
- x2 Tornado GR4 +1 Spare
- x2 Hawk
- x1 E3-D
- x1 Chinook
There may also be an Army Air Corps Apache taking part in the demo.
The C-130 Hercules has not yet been confirmed.
2008 RAF Solo Displays:
There will be solo displays in 2008 (similar numbers as in 2007) by the RAF Tutor T1, RAF Tucano T1 and Hawk T1. There will also be a solo display by the RAF Typhoon (similar numbers as in 2007). Note that the RAF Hawk T1 will take part as a solo display in 2008 but it is doubtful for 2009.
Despite efforts made to get the RAF Harrier GR7, it will not be part of the Role Demo or as a solo display in 2008. This is because of heavy operational commitments, and Royal Navy pilot conversion to the GR7/GR9.
The RAF Chinook will be making some airshow appearances in the Role demo and as a solo display but the Merlin HC3 will be in the static only.
Super King Air B200 which is making its debut on the display circuit this year.
2008 Special Displays:
There will be a number of special displays by the Royal Air Force similar to last year such as the Red Arrows in formation with x4 BBMF Fighters, Spitfire and Typhoon etc.
Photos of the new RAF Multi-Role Demo at Cosford & Kemble in 2007:
For further information please visit the official Royal Air Force website.
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