The Royal Air Force display aircraft includes the Typhoon T1/F2, Tornado F3, Tornado GR4, Harrier GR7/9,
Hercules C-130J, Nimrod MR2, Merlin HC3, Chinook HC Mk II, Hawk T1, Tucano T1, and Grob Tutor T1.
The RAF Falcons are the Royal Air Force's parachute display team.
The RAF Jaguar GR3 along with the Tornado F3 have had their last solo display season in 2005. Changes in how the RAF display their aircraft in 2007/2008 will see a new RAF Role Demo which will include an E-3 Sentry, Tornado F3s, Tornado Gr4s, Hawk T1s, Chinook HC2 (TBC), and Hercules C-130J (TBC). The Nimrod MR2 will not display due to overseas commitments and the gradual run-down of the MR2 in preparation for the new Nimrod MRA4 and the Harrier GR7 will not display in 2008 due to operational commitments. A new display item for 2008 will be the Super King Air B200.
Changes in how the RAF display their aircraft in 2007/2008 are detailed at the bottom of this page which includes the new muti-role demos along with some photos.
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 2010.
Flt Lt Tim Clement has been selected as the Typhoon Display Pilot for the 2010 Season.
See RAF Typhoon Display Team website.
2010 Typhoon Pilot:
‘Home’ to Flt Lt Tim Clement is Aberdeen and the surrounding countryside of Grampian. Though born in Swansea, Tim moved with his family to Scotland at the age of eight with his father’s work in the oil industry. Whilst attending Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen Tim was a keen rugby player and also got out to the Highlands skiing or hiking whenever he could. From school Tim went to Edinburgh University to read Mechanical Engineering. Soon after arriving in Edinburgh Tim joined East Lowlands University Air Squadron based out of RAF Turnhouse and latterly RAF Leuchars. He was awarded a bursary from the RAF in this time and upon leaving Edinburgh in 1997 joined the RAF as a Pilot. Tim was streamed fast jet and following advanced flying training was selected as a first tourist ‘creamie’ instructor. He spent 3 years as a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) on Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire.
In 2003 Tim completed his remaining fast jet training on the Hawk at RAF Valley and was selected to fly the Jaguar on 16(R) Sqn at RAF Coltishall in Norfolk. Following the Jaguar Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), he was posted to 41(F) Sqn where he became Combat Ready and took part in multiple overseas deployments and exercises in Europe, North America and the Middle East including Red Flag and Advanced Tactical Leadership Course. Tim moved to RAF Coningsby and 6 Sqn in 2006 when 41(F) Sqn became the Fast Jet and Weapons (FJW) Operational Evaluation Unit (OEU).
Tim remained on the Jaguar until it was finally disbanded in 2007, following which he was selected to join the Typhoon Force. On completion of the OCU in early 2008, he remained on 29(R) Sqn as a Qualified Pilot Instructor (QPI). Tim has trained many of the current serving Typhoon Force pilots, has taken part in multiple overseas detachments and will remain on 29(R) Sqn following the 2010 display season.
Tim is a keen sportsman and will give most sports a go at least once! He has been involved in a number of fund raising events for charity including a cycling trip with fellow 29(R) Sqn members across the Pyrenees in less than 100 hours; he has not ridden a bike since! Tim also spends as much time as possible with his family. He is married to Emma, they have a one year old daughter called Freya and two cats, Simba and Sabah!
Tornado F3
Tornado F3 2010 Display Dates/Venues
No solo Tornado F3 display in 2010.
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.
Tornado GR4
Tornado GR4 2010 Display Dates/Venues
There will be some Tornado GR4 Demos in 2010.
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.
There will be a limited amount of RAF Harrier displays in 2010. Venues include: Cosford, Waddington, Yeovillton, RIAT, Sunderland, Shoreham, Dunsfold & Leuchars.
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 will be flown in 2010 by Flt Lt Steve Kenworthy IV (R) Sqn.
2010 Harrier pilot
Flt Lt Steve Kenworthy is this year’s Harrier Display Pilot. Steve is 34 and was born in Cheshire and grew up in Guisborough, Cleveland, where he went to Laurence Jackson School and Prior Pursglove College. He then went to the University of Bristol to study physics where he also joined the Bristol University Air Squadron and first discovered his passion for flying. He joined the RAF in 1997 and after completing Initial Officer Training at RAFC Cranwell, Basic Fast Jet Flying Training at RAF Linton-on-Ouse and Advanced Fast Jet Flying Training at RAF Valley Steve was selected to become a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Hawk at RAF Valley. During his time at Valley Steve was the 2003 Hawk Display Pilot and flew over 50 displays across the UK and Europe. In 2004 Steve was posted to fly the Harrier GR9 and after completing the Operational Conversion Unit Steve was posted to IV(AC) Sqn at RAF Cottesmore for 3 years. During this time he flew the GR9 in the ground attack role and took part in exercises in the USA and Europe. He also completed 3 tours of duty in Afghanistan flying close air support and reconnaissance missions supporting ISAF coalition ground forces. In 2008 Steve was posted to 20(R) Sqn at RAF Wittering as a Qualified Flying Instructor where he currently works. Steve currently lives in Stamford and enjoys running, cycling, skiing and travelling in his spare time.
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.
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.
No Nimrod MR2 display but MR4 took part at RIAT 2007.
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.
Merlin HC3
Merlin HC3 2010 Display Dates/Venues
Unfortunately the RAF Merlin HC3 display has been withdrawn from the airshow circuit again for 2010 but will still appear in the static display at various airshows.
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.
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.
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 2009: -
Sqn Ldr Lee Turner - Captain
Flight Lieutenant John Walmsley - Captain
Flight Lieutenant Marc Heal DFC - Co-Pilot
Lieutenant Jay Berry - Co-Pilot
Sgt Craig Fairbrother - Crewman
Sgt Rebecca Nicholls - Crewman
Sgt Chris Campbell - Crewman
2010 Chinook HC2 Crew: Sqn Ldr Lee Turner - Captain
Sqn Ldr Turner is 36 years old and was born in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. He spent 3 years at the University of Southampton, graduating with a BEng (Hons) degree in Aeronautical Engineering and was also a member of the Southampton University Air Squadron. Joining the RAF in 1995, Sqn Ldr Turner was posted to the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury. Streamed to fly the Chinook, he was posted to RAF Odiham in 1998, graduating from the Operational Conversion Flight in 1999; beginning his operational career on 18(B) Sqn before transferring to 7 Sqn. Sqn Ldr Turner has operated around the world, including deployments to the Balkans, NI, Iraq and Afghanistan and became a Qualified Helicopter Instructor in 2003. He was posted to the MOD on promotion in 2006 and returned to 18(B) Sqn in 2008 as OC B Flt. After completing 2 operational tours as OC 1310 Flt he is now the 2ic of 18 (B) Sqn. He has some 3000 hours total flying.
Flight Lieutenant John Walmsley - Captain
Flt Lt John Walmsley was born in Edinburgh in 1980. He first started flying with the RAF at the age of 17 with an RAF Flying Scholarship. He continued flying as a member of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron while studying Modern Languages at Glasgow University. After being commissioned in 2003 he attended the DHFS at RAF Shawbury. In 2005 John was posted to RAF Odiham to the Chinook OCF, and then to B Flight on 18 (B) Squadron. His operational experience has been gained in Afghanistan, and other exercises and detachments include Northern Ireland, the Falkland Islands, Jordan and Morocco. With around 1300 hours of flying Flt Lt Walmsley is looking to become a Training Captain. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano, hill walking and travelling.
Flight Lieutenant Marc Heal DFC - Co-Pilot
Flt Lt Heal is 30 years old and was born in Brighton, East Sussex. After graduating from Nottingham University with a BA (Hons) degree in Business Administration he joined the RAF in 2001. Flt Lt Heal was posted to RAF Shawbury after completing JEFTS and was then streamed to fly the Chinook; he was posted to RAF Odiham in 2003 and graduated from the Operational Conversion Flight the same year winning the Pegasus Trophy. His operational career consists of a tour in NI and 5 tours in Afghanistan. Flt Lt Heal was posted to the Central Flying School (Helicopter) in 2009 in order to train as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor and on completion was posted back to the Chinook Operational Conversion Flight the following year. He has 1200 flying hours.
Lieutenant Jay Berry - Co-Pilot
Lt Jay Berry RN is 32 years old and was born in Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey. He joined the Royal Navy in September 2001 following 3 years at Cardiff University and 2 years working for a Housing Association in Bristol. Following his commissioning from BRNC Dartmouth in 2002 he was posted to RAF Barkston Heath to complete Elementary Flying Training on the Slingsby Firefly. The DHFS at RAF Shawbury followed and he was then selected to become a 'Junglie' flying the Sea King Mk4 at RNAS Yeovilton on 846 NAS. Whilst on the Commando Helicopter Force Lt Berry served 3 tours in Iraq, was involved in the evacuation of Beirut, completed a large scale Amphibious and Jungle deployment to Sierra Leone on HMS Ocean, became Arctic trained with 3 months in Northern Norway and was in the first flight of Sea Kings to deploy on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan in November 2007. Lt Berry was then selected for a transfer to fly Chinooks with 18(B) Squadron at RAF Odiham with whom he has completed 2 tours of Afghanistan. He is now the Deputy Flight Commander of B Flight and a Training Captain. He has a total of 1650 hours and is the first Naval Aviator to be a member of the Chinook Display Team. In his spare time he enjoys playing rugby, considers himself a film buff and represents the Royal Navy at badminton.
Sgt Craig Fairbrother - Crewman
Sgt Fairbrother is 41 years old and comes from York. He joined the Royal Air Force in July 2002 having previously served for 12 years in the Army. Having completed flying training and operational conversion to the Chinook in 2004 he was posted to 18(B) Sqn, where he has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and the Falkland Islands. Sgt Fairbrother is a Crewman Trainer, Air Gunnery Instructor, SERE Officer and Physical Training Leader. This year he has completed the Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructor (QHCI) course at RAF Shawbury and now instructs on the Chinook Operational Conversion Flight (OCF).This is his second year as part of the display team.
Sgt Rebecca Nicholls- Crewman
Sgt Nicholls is 30 years old and was born in Bedford. She joined the Royal Air Force in 2004 after completing a degree in Sport and Exercise Science at The University of Bath and a PGCE at DeMontfort University. She has served at RAF Odiham for the past two years. She is currently serving on 18 (B) Sqn, B Flight and is about to undertake her 4th operational deployment to Afghanistan in August. This year she has qualified as a Crewman Trainer and Survival Instructor. This is Rebecca's second season on the display team. She enjoys swimming, netball and surfing.
Sgt Chris Campbell - Crewman
The youngest member of the team Sgt Chris Campbell is 23 years old and was born in Gosport. After completing his A-Levels he joined the RAF in July 2006. Since then he has progressed through 55(R) Sqn, RAF Cranwell and 60 Sqn, DHFS RAF Shawbury to be selected for the Chinook OCU in October 2008. His operational career began in 2009 when on completion of OCU he joined up with 18(B) Sqn B Flt to deploy to Afghanistan. This is his first year with the role demo team while he continues his Combat Ready work-up and prepares for another deployment to Afghanistan in August. In his spare time he enjoys football, snowboarding and fast cars.
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.
2010 Display Hawk T1 pilot:
Flight Lieutenant Tom Saunders, "Cinders" aged 29 grew up in Oxford and is the eldest of 4 children. He was educated at Reigate Grammar School in Surrey where he was a member of the Combined Cadet Force. He was awarded an RAF sixth form scholarship and flying scholarship which provided him with flying hours towards his Private Pilots License (PPL). He completed his PPL aged 17 and completed further training to become a civilian flying instructor 2 years later.
Between 1999 and 2004, Tom flew over 3500 hours in Europe and the Caribbean on a variety of different types including business jets and turbo props. He chose to pursue a military flying career and began Initial Officer Training at Royal Air Force Cranwell in 2004. Following Elementary Flying Training on the Grob Tutor with Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron at RAF Church Fenton he was selected for fast jet training on the Tucano and Hawk aircraft. In between flying courses, Tom spent 10 months with the RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows working in the Public Relations department whilst flying in the back seats during display practices wherever possible!
Following completion of Advanced Flying Training at RAF Valley, Anglesey he was selected for instructional duties and remained on 208 Sqn where he currently works teaching RAF and Royal Navy student pilots to fly the Hawk. After the 2010 Display season, Tom will commence Tactical weapons training on 19(F) Squadron and hopes to fly the Typhoon on his next tour.
Tom currently lives in Anglesey with his wife Josephine. He enjoys a variety of sports including squash, wakeboarding and skiing and is also a keen amateur dramatist!
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 2010.
The 2010 RAF Tucano display pilot is Flt Lt Tom Bould.
See Tucano Display website.
See Tucano 2003 Display Article.
2010 Display Tucano T1 pilot:
Flight Lieutenant Tom Bould, aged 28, grew up in Bradford and is the younger of 2 children. He was educated at Woodhouse Grove School in West Yorkshire. His interest in aviation started from an early age and Tom was awarded an RAF sixth form scholarship and flying scholarship.
After leaving school he took a year out to travel round the world before going to Manchester University to study Aerospace Engineering. Tom joined Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron where he completed Elementary Flying Training on the Grob Tutor and was awarded an RAF university scholarship.
Tom completed Initial Officer Training in 2005 where he was streamed to fly Fast Jets. He undertook Basic Fast Jet Training on the Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse where he was awarded his wings. Tom then moved on to RAF Valley to fly the Hawk during Advanced Fast Jet Training. After completing 60 hours on the Hawk he was selected to attend Central Flying School to instruct on the Tucano.
Tom was posted back to RAF Linton-on-Ouse in 2008 where he instructs trainee Fast Jet pilots on 72(R) Squadron. Tom currently lives in Leeds with his girlfriend Danielle and when he is not busy flying he enjoys playing cricket and taking too many shots on the golf course!
Tom is delighted to have been selected as the Tucano Display Pilot for 2010 and is looking forward to presenting the Tucano Display throughout the coming season.
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 2010 Grob Tutor T1 Display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Bill Ramsey.
See Tutor Display website.
2010 Grob Tutor T1 pilot:
The 2010 RAF Tutor Display Pilot is Flight Lieutenant Bill Ramsey. Having retired in 2008 after 36 years of Regular RAF service, Bill is a Full Time Reservist Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) at the No 1 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) Instructor Training Squadron, recently allocated the title of 115 (Reserve) Squadron. Utilising the Grob Tutor aircraft, the Squadron trains qualified pilots of all 3 Services to become QFIs in the Elementary Flying Training role and gives post-graduate training to those already qualified. The primary role of No 1 Elementary Flying Training School is to give ab-initio student pilots their first steps on the road to becoming operational pilots.
During his career Bill has flown around 5500 hours in some 35 or so aircraft types – mainly Vulcan, Jet Provost, Tornado GR1 and Hawk but was also lucky enough to fly the Lancaster and Dakota with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1999. Apart from the UK he has served overseas in Germany and Saudi Arabia as well as visiting more countries than he can count in various appointments. His last flying tour was as the senior supervisor to the Red Arrows, accompanying the Team on many memorable occasions, particularly tours to Canada, the Middle and Far East. He is very much looking forward to renewing old friendships and making new ones during the 2010 Display Season.
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.
See King Air 2009 article.
The Beech King Air B200 made its display debut in 2008. The King Air display is flown by Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) from 45(Reserve) Squadron based at Royal Air Force Cranwell in Lincolnshire. For the 2009 display season, the aircraft will be flown by Flight Lieutenant Leon Creese.
AIRCRAFT AND ROLE INFORMATION
The Beechcraft King Air B200 is a twin-engine turboprop which entered RAF service in 2004. It is used as a multi-engine advanced pilot trainer by No 45(Reserve) Squadron, which is part of No 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. Prior to flying the King Air, students who have been streamed to fly multi-engine aircraft at the end of elementary flying training undertake survival training and personal development training to prepare them for the rigours of operational service. They then join No 45(R) Squadron where they complete an additional 30 hours training on the multi-engine lead-in (MELIN) course, flying Firefly M260 aircraft. During the MELIN course, students are taught crew co-operation and procedural flying skills to prepare them for their advanced flying training on the King Air.
King Air students learn essential multi-engine techniques such as general handling, asymmetric flying, emergency handling and radio-aids navigation, and consolidate the multi-crew skills acquired on the MELIN course. As the course progresses, the emphasis shifts towards developing captaincy, crew resource management, and managing the King Air's advanced avionics systems. Students also learn advanced skills such as formation flying, low-level flying and airways navigation, and are expected to plan and manage composite missions involving several aircraft. On completion of the course students are awarded their coveted pilot's wings, and then undertake conversion to their frontline aircraft type at an Operational Conversion Unit. A variety of shorter King Air courses is available, with students' previous flying experience determining which course they undertake; this experience can be as little as 100 hours for a student arriving straight from elementary flying training, to several thousand hours for a qualified pilot transferring to the multi-engine role from fast jets or helicopters.
The King Air has performed extremely well throughout its first five years in RAF service, and has proved popular with students and instructors alike. In addition to its flying training role, the King Air can be used to carry up to 6 passengers or freight. Its combination of a well-proven airframe with advanced cockpit and systems make it an ideal training platform for the new generation of multi-engine aircraft entering RAF service. In 2008, the fleet of seven King Air B200s was augmented by two B200GTs which feature improved high level cruising performance and a fully electronic 'glass cockpit'. These can be identified by the red line on their fuselage side.
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 2010:
Officer Commanding and Team Leader - Flight Lieutenant Rory Jackson - Falcon 11
Deputy Officer Commanding - Flt Lt Michael Burch
Team Manager - WO Andy Stalker
Team Coach - Flight Sergeant Toby Goodchild - Falcon 1 Sgt Jimmy O'Brien - Falcon 2 Sgt Matt Allen - Falcon 3 Sgt Tony Brookes - Falcon 4 Cpl Brian Wright - Falcon 5 Sgt Matt Thomas - Falcon 6 Sgt Martin Peace - Falcon 7 Sgt Niel Flanagan - Falcon 8 Cpl James Bruce - Falcon 9 Sgt Mark Clayton - Falcon 10 Cpl James Dempsey- Survival Equipment Fitter Cpl Jonathan Lloyd - Survival Equipment Fitter
Support Staff - Graham Liggins JP - Commentator (Voluntary).
The RAF multi-role demo displayed in 2007 and 2008.
It has been decided, for a variety of reasons including resource availability, that there will not be a Role Demo in 2009.
There will be a Tornado GR4 x2 Role Demo and Harrier GR9 Role Demo in 2010.
Photos of the new RAF Multi-Role Demo at Cosford & Kemble in 2007:
