Red Arrows

The Red Arrows—officially the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team—have been the RAF’s ambassadors since 1964, performing their first season in 1965. Renowned worldwide for the Diamond Nine formation and red, white and blue smoke, they have flown thousands of displays across dozens of countries, representing the RAF and the United Kingdom at home and abroad.

The team is based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, following the move from RAF Scampton in late 2022. A typical season features nine display pilots and a large specialist support team who keep the Hawks serviceable and the show on the road.

Pilots are experienced fast-jet aviators selected from frontline RAF squadrons. Eligibility includes at least 1,500 flying hours, an operational tour and an above-average assessment. They usually serve a three-year tour with the team, with up to three pilots changing each year to maintain continuity.

The aerobatic sequence blends tight formation flying by the front section with dynamic, crossing manoeuvres from the synchro pair, all choreographed around precise timing and smoke cues for both spectacle and safety.

Type & role. The Red Arrows fly the BAE Systems Hawk T.1/T.1A, a British advanced jet trainer adapted for display duties. It is a compact, agile aircraft powered by a Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour turbofan, with tandem seating and robust airframe margins suitable for sustained aerobatics.

Display configuration. For shows, the Hawks carry under-fuselage pods and plumbing for the smoke system, which produces white vapour and the team’s signature red and blue trails used for visual effect and to aid judgement of wind and geometry in the sequence.

Heritage. The Hawk replaced the Folland Gnat for the 1980 season and has remained the team’s mount ever since, supporting the move to modern radio/engine monitoring fits while retaining the classic lines of the original T.1.

In 1964 the RAF consolidated several display teams into one premier unit—Red Arrows—flying Folland Gnats. The first season in 1965 saw 65 displays, and by 1968 the team had nine jets in the air, cementing the Diamond Nine as its signature formation. Permission to adopt the motto “Éclat” (“brilliance/excellence”) followed in 1980 as the team transitioned to the BAE Systems Hawk.

After decades at RAF Kemble and then RAF Scampton, the team relocated to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire in late 2022, continuing to display across the UK and overseas while supporting defence engagement, UK industry and recruitment.

• The team’s motto is Éclat, meaning “excellence” or “brilliance”.
• The Red Arrows’ public debut season (1965) featured 65 shows across Europe.
• The team permanently increased to nine display aircraft in 1968—origin of the Diamond Nine.
• The vivid trails come from a smoke system that uses diesel and coloured dye for red and blue effects, assisting both safety and showmanship.
• Display pilots usually serve a three-year tour; up to three new pilots are selected each year to replace those rotating out.