Just out of curiosity

[Dangermouse]

We have probably the best known air display team worldwide "The Red Arrows"
But why the Hawk, the yanks use F4s and the Russians use Migs is there any reason why the Brits cant use Typhoons or use some Tonkas to make the display a bit more special

Yes I know the hawk is a bit special at high speed manouverability and so are the rest of the planes here so is it just down to cost of operating the Reds as it cant be cheap flying one of those at an air display let alone 3.4.....12

 

[Dave Stone]

The yanks use F18's & F16's It all comes down to cost.

 

[Nod]

All of 2 minutes' work to look at the Red Arrows' FAQs to find this...


The Red Arrows have always flown whichever aircraft is in service as the Royal Air Force’s advanced fast jet trainer; currently the BAE SYSTEMS Hawk T Mk 1. From 1965 until 1979 the Red Arrows flew the Folland Gnat, the Hawk’s predecessor. The idea of utilising front line operational aircraft for formation aerobatic display teams was dropped in the early 1960s on the grounds of cost.

 

[Dangermouse]

Dave thanks I thought that too, and Nod its not a skit at the reds just a question and yes I put Hawks instead of Gnats, my mistake

 

[fraggle101]

I suspect that these days there would also be the icon factor, the Reds are know by the distinctive Hawk! its also a very nice, stable and easy to fly bit of kit. i bet there is more than one reason to keep the Hawk. id miss it for sure.. but then again! the roar of 9 Tornado's! Mmmm.....

 

[Borats Baby]

I for one, think they should use Boeing 747's

Yes, that would be the plane of choice for me.

9 bright red jumbo jets !!

Picture it......

....now