The Red Arrows aerobatic display team has unveiled a new paint scheme for its Hawk aircraft, the first change to the world-famous design since the Red Arrows took delivery of the aircraft in 1979.
The Red Arrows leave the UK on Sunday 4 November 2007 for a six-week goodwill tour of the Middle and Far East, returning to the UK on 18 December 2007. They are set to visit 13 countries, including Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Malaysia, India and Pakistan.
Flying the BAE Systems Hawk, all nine display pilots are operational fast jet pilots from front line Royal Air Force squadrons. They will be supported during the six-week tour by a support team of 30 Royal Air Force personnel. The aircraft play a key role within the Royal Air Force and other air forces worldwide.
With a top speed exceeding Mach 1.2, the Hawk is powered by a Rolls Royce Adour engine producing 5,200lbs of thrust. During the Red Arrows' 23-minute displays, pilots pull up to eight times the force of gravity showing off the aircraft's power and manoeuvrability.
2007 is the Red Arrows' 43rd display season. Since the team's creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have performed over 4,000 displays in 53 countries.
Source - RAF
