Red Arrows flying high

The British Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, put on a thrilling show in Bahrain as part of a five-week Middle East tour.

The team are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors of Great Britain.

They promote the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force (RAF), assist in recruiting into the RAF, contribute to defence diplomacy when displaying overseas and support wider British interests through the promotion of British industry by demonstrating the capabilities of its equipment and expertise.

Squadron leader, Jim Turner, 40, made a second flying visit to the kingdom, having previously showcased his airborne prowess at the last Red Arrows show in Bahrain.

He said: “I was very excited to come back, there was great weather and Bahrain is a great place to display what we do.

“We did some 6,000 feet loops and rolls, left trails of coloured smoke, displayed formation and manoeuvres then we split into two sections for alternating manoeuvres. It’s an exciting and dynamic experience.”

The team, which currently fly BAE Systems Hawk aircraft, consists of nine display pilots, all of whom are from frontline squadrons. Each has previously operated other RAF fast jets, such as the Tornado or the Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft.

There is also more than 100 support staff in the Red Arrows, including operations and flight planners, engineering technicians, photographers, safety equipment experts, drivers, a public relations department, suppliers and administrators.

The Red Arrows’ stunning flying skills are a testament to the determination and teamwork involved.
Jim said: “This show simply wouldn’t work if you didn’t trust the skill and capability of the other pilots around you.

“You build that trust when you spend five days-a-week, seven months a year training together.

“Weather permitting, we spend about 300 hours a year in the air, which is almost double the amount of time as a front-line pilot.”

Aside from the dazzling acrobatic aerial display, the Red Arrows are keen to raise their profile and create lasting ties between them and host nations. The performance was part of festivities marking the bicentenary of the Bahraini-British Friendship Society.

Jim said: “Britain has a relationship with Bahrain that goes back over 200 years and we were very proud to perform for the people of Bahrain again.”

The show could be seen from across the Seef Area, with hundreds flocking to the Bahrain Fort by the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the Red Arrows in action.

During the display, plumes of vibrant coloured smoke were left trailing the aircraft majestically. The smoke trails left by the team are made by releasing diesel into the exhaust; this oxidises straight away, leaving a white smoke trail. Dyes can be added to produce the red and blue colour.

During an aerobatics display, Red Arrows pilots experience forces up to five times that of gravity (1g), and when performing the aerobatic manoeuvre ‘Vixen Break’, forces up to 7g can be reached, close to the 8g structural limit of the aircraft.

Julie Jardine, 37, from Saar said: “It was very impressive. I liked the formations and the colours. I saw the Red Arrows back in Doncaster, UK, years ago and this show brought back good memories.”

Anita Kamath, 32, from Adliya, had also seen the team in action before, during their last performance in Bahrain. She said: “It was excellent. I enjoyed it but I think my kids liked it best.  Her sons Mihir, six, and Mohit, two, were enthralled with the display.

The Barker family, Jane, 34, Matthew, 37, Ella, five-and-a-half, and Alex, two, also took advantage of the opportunity to watch the action.

Jane, from Saar, said: “It was such an amazing show, it just made me proud to be British. The noise, the colours and the formation, it was all great.”

Husband Matthew was especially moved by the show as it brought back fond memories of his grandfather, Christopher Morgan who fought in the Eighth Army, one of the best-known formations of the British Army during the Second World War, fighting in the North African and Italian campaigns.

Matthew said: “I have such respect for people in the services and after watching this display of skill I can safely say whatever these guys are being paid, they deserve it. The noise from the engine really hit me and the formation was incredible.”