The Red Coats Were Here

Red Arrows Helmets lined up on wing. Image Credit: Defense Imagery OGL (2017)

The Red Coats Were Here
By: Brandon O'Brien

On August 7th a British invasion took place starting at Halifax, Nova Scotia and over the past 60-days this small force of highly trained specialists have moved through Canada and the United States making their mark.

The invasion I speak of was by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team better known as the Red Arrows. Flying their red painted aircraft sporting the Union Jack on the tail they are similar to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and the Canadian Snowbirds promoting the service and the country they are associated with.

Red Arrows No 1 Squadron Leader Martin Pert the Executive Officer next to Wing Commander Andrew Keith Officer Commanding. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

It was the biggest visit by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team to Canada and the United States and the first to the two countries in more than a decade. It included 108 personnel, 12 Red Arrow aircraft, and one Atlas A400M support transport. The aim of the tour was to promote the best of the British and to deepen partnerships with close friends and allies.

The RAF Red Arrows have used the British Aerospace Hawk T.1 since 1979. The Hawk is a two-seat "fast jet" trainer. The RAF is currently using the Hawk T.2, which differs in having a "glass" cockpit for all of it's "fast jet" training and expects to keep the type in service until 2030.

British Aerospace Hawk T.1 aircraft in Red Arrows livery. Image Credit: Defense Imagery OGL (2017)

RAF Red Arrows over MCAS Miramar during their California debut. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The weather at MCAS Miramar, a week ago Saturday, was more typically British than SoCal. Dark cloud, drizzle, and some rain occurred through the day.  Instead of the anticipated "full" show they were only able to perform the "rolling" display that precluded any looping maneuvers.  Also, only eight of the nine display aircraft performed on Saturday.  Even with the dreary sky and minus one member their southern California debut was spectacular.  On Sunday the weather was better and this weekend at the Pacific Airshow over Huntington Beach it was perfect.  The team was able to demonstrate the "full" show with all of their maneuvers.

RAF Red Arrows over MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 perform a rolling head-on pass seen at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 completing the Double Rolls Pass.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

The Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7 performing the Carousel at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

RAF Red Arrows performing the Tornado during the airshow at MCAS Miramar.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

RAF Red Arrows performing at MCAS Miramar.  I>mage Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Concorde Formation minus one aircraft.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

Reds 6 through 9 Break.  Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images (2019)

This writer has made numerous trips to England to view Battle of Britain events in the fall and also watch the Red Arrows perform.  Having them perform in our own backyard was a privilege.  Hopefully it will not be another decade before they return.




TAGS: Bae Hawk,  Blue Angels, Brandon O'Brien, British Aerospace, Motor Driven Images, Royal Air Force, RAF, Red Arrows, Thunderbirds, Snowbirds, MCAS Miramar, Pacific Airshow, Hawk