Team History

Aerobatics have always played a prominent part in Royal Air Force pilot training, for the RAF has long recognised the great value of display flying in pilot training as well as for prestige and recruiting purposes, and the standard of its aerobatic teams has always been high in comparison with those of other nations. Aerobatics are an essential step in the training of a pilot, allowing him to develop complete confidence in himself and his aircraft. Formation aerobatics give him the added factor of confidence in his leader and other members of the team.

The Earliest Days

Since the first RAF pageant at Hendon in 1920, the original formation aerobatics by the old biplanes have been replaced by sophisticated shows by jet aircraft. The last RAF biplane teams consisted of Gauntlets and Gladiators drawn from front line squadrons. In 1938, No 87 Squadron displayed with three Gladiators tied-together at the wing-tips. The Second World War deprived spectators of seeing many interesting types of aircraft in formation aerobatics, but in 1947 the Odiham Fighter Wing provided the RAF’s first jet team of three Vampires.

The Three Gladiators of No 87 Squadron
Displaying Tied Together

             1. The Early Days                   2. Into the Jet Age

          3. A Plethora of Teams            4. The "Reds" Arrive

Team Photo Archives – 1965 to date

Countries in which the Reds have Displayed

Previous Red Arrows pilots

Click on the headers above to visit each section

[ Team Members | News | Contact Us | Manoeuvres | Macmillan Appeal ]
[ Display Dates | Downloads | Information | Return to the RAF Site ]
[ Fan’s Photos | Virtual Press Office ]

[ Home ]

© Crown Copyright, 2005 and Copyright © 2005, DeltaWeb International Ltd