Jets from the Red Arrows had taken off from their base at RAF Scampton earlier in the week for the 2,658-nautical mile journey across the North Atlantic.
It signalled the start of the Red Arrows’ biggest-ever tour of Canada and the United States of America.
More than 25 cities will be visited during 11 weeks, with a combination of displays, flypasts and ground events helping to support a range of UK interests across business, trade, defence, education and other sectors, say the RAF in a release.
Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said:
“The aim of this North American tour is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds through a world-class display of the best of British.
Everyone in the Red Arrows team, whether air or ground crew, together with those joining us from other parts of the RAF in support of the tour, are very excited and privileged to be representing the UK in front of millions of people across Canada and the United States.”
The Canadian city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the intended destination of the crossing and first major location of the tour.
Fantastic ambassadors for our country, do us proud boy’s, the Americans will love them.
Do not see the point of this,we could spend the money on something much better than a jolley for the RAF. I wonder how many higher ranks join the tour?
I do love the Red Arrows, never fail to be amazed when I’ve seen them fly – last time was last year at Weston Air Show.
However, sometimes I feel torn; with all the cuts to the armed forces and possible further cuts to come depending how Brexit goes, I sometimes ask myself whether the money spent would be better used elsewhere in the RAF.
Come on John! Have some sense of pride, these pilots are the very cream of our fighting forces and show the world what the Brits are capable of. The precision, sheer professionalism and commitment necessary to fly as they do is an example to everyone. We need a lot more of their type in all walks of life. Wish them well, it is no jolly! It is hard work!
Agree. I hope the vast majority see their value.
I have pride but for the right thing. Those guys in their red planes will not deter one single aggressor but an extra sqn of Typhoons might help.
Not having the reds will not fund another Typhoon sqn. Get real. The defence budget is in high demand, but things aren’t that bad we cant afford a national display team. Could you imagine the french or the Americans give up there’s? Or the Italian’s or Spanish? No is the answer. They are fantastic ambassadors for this nation of ours, the best of British, and represent the very best of the RAF. Aircrew and ground crew alike.
Spot on Robert.
Their not supposed to deter anyone pal. Their main role is about keeping the RAF in the public eye, and therefore recruitment, and to assist in economic trade. And therefore strange as it may appear, we, you need people to join the military, so they can deter your aggressors, and keep you safe.
Another fan of the Red Arrows here.
@ John – fundamentally, absolutely and totally disagree with this negative outlook. When we have the best we should be proud of (and fund) it. Nothing says ‘Best of British’ better than the Reds ….
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“The aim of this North American tour is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds through a world-class display of the best of British.”
What nonsense. What is this supposed to inspire Canadians and Americans to do? Join the RAF? Emigrate to the UK? It’s not as if Canadians and Americans don’t already have the opportunity to see the Snowbirds, the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels.
Given the fact that the UK Defense Budget is grossly underfunded, it’s a waste of much needed funds.
No, it’s not a waste of funds.
I doubt you’d understand what’s in Brits hearts, being an American.
And the reds are, for many, including me.
Sad considering the patriotism Americans feel about their own, so do let most of us here feel the same about our display team, won’t you?
But i agree insofar as maybe the Reds are wasted on the Americans, with all their military power.
@ pkcasimir – Once again I find your comment insulting to my country and rather poorly researched. The ‘inspiration to others’ is to appreciate what Britain is, what it can offer and what your greatest ally looks like and how good we are as they fly to different locations across the USA. Your sarcasm shows your ignorance. So its OK for the USA to have myriad display teams while 45,000 Americans a year die through lack of health care funding but we shouldn’t have the best in the world (healthcare and display team) We never expect thanks or respect because… Read more »
Nothing more pathetic than somebody who has to live in a world in which his empire is gone and all he has left are delusions of grandeur. You can’t get more pathetic than arguing that the US spends too much on defense and not enough on health care to justify sending an aerobatic display team thousands of miles away from home on an ego trip. Perhaps you don’t understand that if one accepts your argument about health care than the US should immediately cease subsidizing the defense of the British isles, bring its troops home from Europe and let the… Read more »
@ pkcasimir – Hmmm typical Yank when challenged. Not one word on the subject matter (AGAIN) just more abuse on the person challenging. Thats OK I get Yank ignorance. Now as to your rather inane points: * The UK stopped having an Empire in 1947 the year I was born so I never experienced any ‘Empire’ and really don’t give a rats arse. However I do rejoice in the 53 nation Commonwealth that followed and the fact that 15 other Nation States admire us, our way of life and our shared history so much they CHOOSE to share the same… Read more »
It’s a different display though isn’t it? Different types of aircraft, different colours, different formation sizes and routines. Even the commentary will have a different accent. It’s “soft power” rather than “hard power” and we have been pretty successful at soft power as I witness every day…It may even inspire some young American child to become a pilot and join the US military
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Soft power. Exactly. The Great Britain brand has pedigree, from our scientific achievements to the English language to the Royal family to our history. All have a part to play, including the Red Arrows.
Sadly many Scots and some Welsh do not feel the pride in being a part of Great Britain as most do.
Get serious. You obviously have never been to the United States except perhaps to Disneyland. The young American child sees the respect afforded to those who serve in the US military and to its veterans very single day. The US flag flies from every porch. A level of respect not seen in the UK for generations, if ever. The last thing that’s going to happen is for that young American child to see the Red Arrows and join the US military. Another delusional Brit. Embrace reality.
@ pkcasimir – Well its a shame that young American child also fails to see any respect given to anyone else and especially it’s country’s longest, biggest and often ONLY ally – the UK. No that young child is raised to only see Muricaaa and the US military. After all you lot call the USA ‘The World’ so that young child is taught that nowhere else exists and will eventually graduate from the University of Hollywood History. Oh and don’t confuse the lack of Union Flags on porches with a lack of patriotism let alone love of country. Its just… Read more »
Some people would be surprised at the respect many educated US citizens have towards the UK. When Tony Blair, for all his faults, stood in Congress right after 9/11 and told the US it would not have to fight this battle alone, he could have been elected president. The names Newton, Faraday, Maxwell, Churchill, and others are well known to many Americans. Informed Americans know who the SAS are, and MI-6. Better stop.
@ David Flandry – With respect I am responding to someone who is clearly not one of those ‘educated US citizens’ and pointing out HIS failings in his arguments and criticisms because of the basic hypocrisy demonstrated. I worked in the USA for some time on assignment from the UK side of an American company so I understand very well the US culture and admire greatly the ‘can do’ attitudes if not their lack of attention to detail. But generally in their own backyard they are generous and welcoming people especially to us Brits. Some 20 years later I still… Read more »
Chris H: I was responding to PK Casimir. The system stuck me behind your post. Sorry.
@ David Flandry – oops my bad as well then sorry. To be honest that is why I always do an ‘@’ thing.
Same objective achieved though shining some light on a lot of ignorance…
@PKCasmir – I don’t know why you use this site since you’re full of hatred and negativity of every article and posting. But since you do – The point I’m making is the young American child may develop an interest in aviation. I live in the USA so I see the flags, the veteran caps and all THAT stuff everyday. Very showy isn’t it – no modesty whatsoever. What you confuse with pride is actually narcissm which exists here in bounds. If America is so good and respectful, then why do I step over literally 10s of homeless military veterans… Read more »
Well it seems quite a few seem inspired by our Royals so why not the Red Arrows? I can remember vividly journalists in American schools, bars, hotels etc speaking to yanks about the Royal wedding (both Royal weddings btw) they the kids were gushing with kind comments and excitement putting on their British accents, and then they were watched by a combined total of nearly 60 million, I think only a select few American football games have had larger audiences, more people in America watched our beloved Royal weddings than the Oscars, and a staggering 1.8 billion people around the… Read more »
I can also remember attending a ceremony honouring NYC’s service dead and injured on USS Intrepid in 2016. I was there because my wife’s cousin (NYorker) was in the USMC and was killed in Anbar in 2006 – bless him – he was originally a Latin American immigrant. Anyway, the point I’m making is that there was also a British Army team there simply as they had canoed down the Hudson Valley to NYC and had been invited to attend. It was a platoon sized team from one of the Scottish Regiments – can’t remember which one now. Anyway, the… Read more »
Get real. The US Super Bowl averages over 100 million viewers. Harry and Megan’s wedding drew 23 million viewers. The idea that all of America was interested in it is just off of the mark. It was a spectacle and a certain type of spectacle attracts people. It has nothing to do with “love of the Queen” or Royals. The idea that there is some type of affection or bond for Americans former “colonial masters” is just ludicrous. Americans of English ancestry comprise only 12.6% of the American population, less than African Americans. I’m sure you are totally unaware of… Read more »
?? This is why you stand out and look a fool on here, you don’t understand the British art of taking the piss Oh and btw, poor research from yourself, 23m was William and Kate, Harry and Meghan was actually 29m And I did say “quite a few” not “all” and I even said only watched more by American football games, so your whole reply was not only amusing it was pointless Ahh the famous US census, when the people claiming English/British heritage dropped 20 million from the last ? “In the 1980 census, 26% of United States Citizens cited… Read more »
Just to add to that because I’ve been laughing to myself, there are currently 25m plus white Americans, that even though they learned in school about American history, they must know they live in a melting pot of heritage, they share a country with “native” Americans, by their very definition the ones that are native, and still when asked in a census under ancestry/heritage they put American ??
All i can say is I’m glad those dumb f***s left this island ??
@ SoleSurvivor – Once again a cracking and accurate destruction of an idiot who is clearly a few cents short of a dollar. But sadly he does represent the majority of Americans (I emphasise majority not all) who think ‘the world’ is actually the USA. Indeed their military call it such when they are shipped back. And what other country calls the championship of its one nation game of Baseball ‘The World Series’? A tad presumptive methinks.
Such a shame really.
My, my talk about Lost Empire Derangement Syndrome. The world has passed you and your tiny little island by and no longer pays any attention to you so like a spoiled child you cry and moan and lash out at those who have supplanted you. An island nation with a Navy that can’t even handle Iran. An Air Force that can’t even take on Libya and an Army that can’t even take on a Shiite militia unit in Iraq. Enjoy your lost glory and delusions of grandeur while the world moves on.
@ pkcasimir – Oh look he has found a new trigger phrase: “Derangement Syndrome”. Bless! No Sweetcheeks the world has not passed us by we are the 5th largest economy, we are the largest inward investor in YOUR country and the USA is the largest inward investor in OUR country so business disagrees with you and its their money. The UK is the largest recipient of foreign inward investment in Europe and not only that but its bigger than the rest put together. We are not crying and moaning we are just pointing out what a stupid, ignorant dumb schmuck… Read more »
If ever there was a display of Lost Empire Derangement Syndrome it’s your screed. Trying to convince yourself that the UK is naught but an insignificant player on the World Stage with some rather unconvincing trivialities. Huff and puff all you want and refuse to accept reality. The World has moved on from you. Bye bye!
@ pkcasimir – ….and the trigger phrases keep right on coming. You utter gimp.
Bye bye. And close the door after you leave. You won’t be missed …
Now where were we before we were rudely interrupted?
Wait until he finds out why his countries flag is red, white and blue, his head will explode!
@SoleSurvivor – Sweeeet! I wonder what else will explode when he realises the 50th and last State to join, in 1959 by force of course, (Hawaii) has the full colour British Union Flag in the prime corner and has red, white and blue stripes for the same reason as the Stars & Stripes. Because they admire and like us! Further eruptions will occur when he realises they stole their first National Anthem from us and while we still sing the same tune (with different words) they call it ‘My country, tis of thee’. To compound the exploding parts they then… Read more »
Oh yawn here we go again, Iqbal with another avatar methinks! Boring, negative and rather limited view of the role and capabilities of the reds. Never mind son, get yourself back to the save the Royal Navy website and continue trolling on there as usual.
They are following a similar route to a 1943 Spitfire Mk IX which left Goodwood on the 5th and is flying round the world with Canada and USA being its first displays at various airshows. Its been restored in silver polished aluminium and sponsored by IWC watches. Two pilots are taking her round.
https://www.silverspitfire.com/about/what-is-the-expedition/
Interesting mix of views emerging. I would be delighted to see another squadron or two of Typhoons, and a bigger better equipped Army, not to mention more ships for the Royal Navy. We NEED to be able to respond to the variety of skirmishes that are arising all the time around the world, which just goes to show how short sighted the Defence cuts were a few years ago. Yes, Defence is expensive, but so is red tape, over burdening beaurocracy and mis- management. How about addressing those factors. The “Reds”? Oh yes, as mentioned earlier, they and their ground… Read more »
Given the comments so far on this topic, it would be interesting to find out how much it actually costs to keep the Red Arrows flying. Anyone know? And would this come out of the RAF budget or are they funded separately by the MoD or something?
Comes out of the RAF budget. I don’t know the figure, but it’s peanuts compared to the running costs of 10 Typhoons for a year.
£9 million per annum running costs (2014). The Hawk used to have the record for least maintenance hours to flight hours of any jet aircraft & probably still does.
I confess to a certain anger in reaction to some comments which has made me quote from the Red Arrows website to show the naysayers, doom merchants, doubters and those just out to insult our country precisely WHY the RAF are doing this tour. And I quote: “The tour aims to promote the best of British and deepen partnerships with close friends and allies. The 11 week deployment is an indication of the UK’s continuing commitment to enduring relationships, mutual prosperity and extensive security cooperation. With stops across the continent, the tour comprises aerobatic displays, flypasts of well-known landmarks and… Read more »
Well said Chris H. You are right, of course, to highlight that quote.
Queue deafening silence.
Yes and meanwhile in the gulf we have what,should have sent them there,that would help safe guard the tankers.
You know nothing John Snow ?
@John – Oh well not much really John. Just the Typhoons in Cyprus which have been annoying ISIS in Iraq and Syria. But guess what? Air power will do you no good over international shipping lanes that are 80% oil tankers. Unless you want an environmental disaster. No we had and have the best assets there in the form of a T23 and now a T45 as well. The only UK ships stopped by the Iranians were two that failed to notify the RN where they were and their route and one got nabbed. I am not sure what 10… Read more »
Oddly enough the T1A that the reds use is weapons capable -with the center line gun replaced with the smoke system.
Oh dear, tactical and strategic thinking is well past your capability pal isn’t it. Never mind, leave it to those who know and just maybe try to learn something.
My only question is should I attend the Atlantic City event or New York Stewart event? AC is free and over the beach so perhaps it offers a little more for my family. I would be interested to know the basing/staging plans too. The Reds seem to be a big hit, they are certainly the “Headline Act” of the shows. I think American enthusiasts would probably find them a little exotic since they are unusual and rare visitors to the US and will most likely bring a uniquely British (understated) style to any of the shows. I went to school… Read more »
@ Julian1 – I hope this helps (have a good scroll down):
https://www.raf.mod.uk/display-teams/red-arrows/news/red-arrows-reveal-more-locations-on-north-american-tour/
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Well said Chris
I have personally seen the Red Arrows many times and they are indeed very impressive and are a great showcase for the UK along with all the mounted horsemen that ride through London and other showcase units still keeping up appearances. But in an era of cuts in the front line our senior military leaders have missed a huge opportunity and should publically and as professionals be putting these units up first for cuts before any front line forces. Our politicians I am sure would be far more reluctant to see these cuts though given the very public support we… Read more »
I think the costs of running the Reds in comparison to a Typhoon or F35 sqn are miniscule. what is the cost per hour to fly a Hawk T1? As Scampton closes and the Reds move to Leeming or Valley, you will be reducing costs there too. Its not like the money saved would go very far to the purchase of (15?) more Typhoons or F35s
Your right, We should buy the reds another dozen new upgraded ones. From my house I can see the Bae site over at Brough & they are in desperate need of some new orders. We have an opportunity to export more Hawks as
lead-in trainers for F35 & Typhoon. I don’t think its wasted money at all.
I’m not sure the Hawk will be that competitive anymore with trainer jets like the Boeing Saab offer coming online. I think we should be taking the same approach as the navy with our jets, a hi low mix in order to build numbers and resilience. I would like to see Government back a new hawk that has more fifth generation features and maybe some limited stealth so they are more relevant to training for the F35 and future Tempest. Order new trainer jets but also set up a few squadrons of armed front line Hawks to offer close air… Read more »
@ T S – Some nice ideas there and I of course endorse the idea of steady drumbeat orders. Someone in the DoT one day will come from a production engineering background and pass on that pearl of wisdom. Maybe. I would have to part company with anyone suggesting we buy Boeing trainers even if SAAB are involved. We can build perfectly capable trainer aircraft here based on the Hawk and put glass cockpits with HUD in them to image whatever we like to raise the level of advanced training. The US Navy T-45C Goshawk does just that. The trainer… Read more »
Chris, I agree we shouldn’t be buying the Boeing trainer. I was just saying that it will probably surpass the Hawk now and will feature more modern tech akin to Fifth gen fighters. I think we should be modernising the Hawk with a basic ‘stealth’ body, and features such as the helmet visor tech we now have to act as a more realist training experience. Nothing that would make the jet too expensive though. Those features could make a viable active mini fighter that could be used to take the strain off our primary assets, reduce running costs, and create… Read more »
@ T S – Not much to argue with at all there although I feel we are looking at what trainers do from different perspectives. I think (and the T-45C somewhat shows this) that the trainer aircraft should bring a new pilot to where he can fly safely and effectively whatever it is they are training for. Simulators are now a real additional asset in advanced aircraft training as I said. So yes the Hawk replacement should be ‘all things to all pilots’ in regard to the cockpit, avionics, radar and how the aircraft responds to whatever input. And yes… Read more »
Still think there’s a lot of life in the Hawk. BAE/HAL Advanced Hawk has only been in the air a few years & it has been proposed that the new Wing (25% better agility) & glass cockpit could be available as an upgrade for older aircraft. -Over 1,000 Hawks have been manufactured.
Hopefully new British company Aeralis will get the order for the replacement R.A.F. trainers and Red Arrows https://aeralis.com/
Hi Julian, sorry but my thoughts are not that any great saving would be realised by scrapping these types of units to pay for other hardware but they should have been used to make our politicians make the hard decisions and the choices. Why should the head of the armed forces scrap front line units when out of the same budget we maintain cavalry for London tourists. Let the PM and politician cronies be seen to make these choices. Whilst I understand and admire the military’s can do attitude it has been abused and they need to be clearly saying,… Read more »
Having seen the Reds perform at Atlantic City yesterday (on the beach) and then having seen them complete a fly-by up the Hudson River today together with the USAF Thunderbirds, USN Blue Angels, I can confidently say this tour is definitely worthwhile. Not only have the Reds proven themselves with the most impressive and skillful displays, but the opportunities to foster relations with their US counterparts can only be beneficial. I look forward to reading reviews as the remainder of the intensive tour plays out. The Reds took 12 Hawks with them – the schedule is absolutely grueling and airframe… Read more »