Red Arrows will display with 7 rather than 9 Hawks this season

[moonstone_laura]

Hmm...

"Pre-season training for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team ‘The Red Arrows’ is well underway and the team is excited to be preparing for a summer full of great events.

This year, the Red Arrows will display with a seven-aircraft formation, rather than nine, as two of our formation pilots have moved to other roles within the RAF. Performing as a seven-aircraft display is something the Red Arrows often prepare for and have carried out several times in the past when a situation dictates, such as illness or aircraft availability. For national flypast events, it is intended that the team will consist of all nine aircraft, with experienced RAFAT pilots completing the formation."

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/ro ... at-in-2022

[reaper493]

I'd heard it was going to be an 8 ship after the departure of one of the team, I guess a 7 was chosen for symmetry and just having an Enid and a syncro - hopefully Hanna (new name for gypo) returns next year.

[baz1]

I'd heard it was going to be an 8 ship after the departure of one of the team, I guess a 7 was chosen for symmetry and just having an Enid and a syncro - hopefully Hanna (new name for gypo) returns next year.

cost cutting on fuel

[pg1610]

More likely two pilots returned to front line roles on Typhoon ?

[teeonefixer]

The Daily Fail is reporting "inappropriate behaviour & alcohol" issues on detachment - I wonder if that is linked ?

[22A]

They operated as an eight ship before. They had not long traded Gnats for Hawks and one went in, so no replacement readily available.

[teeonefixer]

They operated as 7 in 2013-ish which then required the OLM program to be continued into the next season !

[Kiedelday1]

I understand the 7 ship this year is due to one pilot getting drunk and sacked not sure about the other pilot ,Still at least the will have spare aircraft not like last year when they only had 8 available at times.

[C24]

Unhappy news for whatever reason(s). The good news is that there will be displays performed by RAFAT this year.

If the info on the RAF website is interpreted correctly there will at least nine put out for the Queen.

Stay safe

[Supra]

Interesting development NOT seeing the "trademark Diamond Nine Pass". Now to be called "Diamond Cutting Review pass"? It does seem coincident that this announcement (14th May) follows the 'Beergate Two' Greek frenzy?
On the positive side, the Hawk T1 could be stretched-out to last another 5 years with a 22.2% reduced utilisation. Once the Bean-counters see the overall savings there will be free beer at Springhawk every year until we get down to.....Les Deux Flèches Rouges. (a French-inspired Team of just 2)

[downes0106]

I do wonder if we'll ever see a 9 displaying again. Feels like a good excuse to start the downsizing of the Reds.

[Agent K]

More likely two pilots returned to front line roles on Typhoon ?

I doubt that very much. Given 3 pilots rotate through the team every single year, without affecting the 9-ship, then the (poor) excuse/explanation that pilots have "returned" back to other RAF roles doesn't really add up at all............

[cat1]

I do wonder if we'll ever see a 9 displaying again. Feels like a good excuse to start the downsizing of the Reds.

seems that way to me too.....

[POL]

I do wonder if we'll ever see a 9 displaying again. Feels like a good excuse to start the downsizing of the Reds.

Agreed, two pilots (allegedly) being sacked from the team for misconduct does sound like a good reason to seriously reconsider if the "elite" of RAFAT has gone a bit far!

[reaper493]

I don't think they'll reduce to 7 permanently - really hope they stay as a 9.

So this news was announced on the 14th, I heard about 1 departure on the 8th, and RAFAT Facebook posted a video with 8 jets on the 10th as well. Red 8 posted a video on the 5th of the back three (not four). To me this suggests one had already gone by the 5th and potentially a 2nd one after the 10th?

All of RAFAT have been quiet on social media for a couple of weeks, think they're due back end of next week? See if anything else comes out!

[ARFA]

A lot of unsubstantiated rumour here! It could be as simple as pilot injury,I've met a number who have long standing back problems due to high G loads. The truth will be revealed at a meeting at No10,no doubt,involving wine,cheese and dancing girls,.....likely.....

[raptor9]

It could be, but almost certainly isn't

[100arw]

The truth will be revealed at a meeting at No10,no doubt, involving wine,cheese and dancing girls,.....likely.....

Sounds like you work for the Mail :-)

[Nighthawke]

...work for the Mail :-)

Does anyone?

[C24]

. .

“ To lose one may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose two looks like carelessness! “



A rather glib post but lighten up, we will not know the full story and 7 flying in displays this season is better than two years of nothing.
I look forward to their return home to S/W, whichever.