- Red Arrows unveil new tail-fin based on Union Jack
- Watch the famous flying team in action from last year’s air display
- Meet the Jerseyman who was in charge of the Red Arrows’ last visit
- The ‘diamond nine’ have been to Jersey every year since they formed
THE Red Arrows have revealed a new design inspired by the Union flag on the tail fins of their world-famous jets.
Jersey is the only destination which has received an annual visit from the famous flying team since it was formed in 1964.
Complete with flowing red, white and blue lines, the makeover was created last year to mark the team’s 50th season.
This one-off design has now replaced the three-stripe livery the jets had flown since the 1960s.
The team of fast-jet pilots, engineers and support staff, who performed more than 80 displays across the world last year, are currently preparing for their new season.
Squadron Leader David Montenegro said: “The new tail fin perfectly illustrates the spirit of the Red Arrows – representing the UK, our engineering excellence and the continuing capability of the Royal Air Force to protect our skies.
“The Red Arrows have a major ambassadorial role. When we go abroad, it’s not just defence we are representing, or the armed forces in isolation, it’s all of the UK’s industry.
“To have this ability, to keep spreading the message and promoting the UK in this unique, powerful way around the world, is invaluable.”
The Red Arrows’s 2015 display season is expected to begin in May.
A PILOT who grew up in Jersey took command of the world famous Red Arrows when they took to the skies over the Island during last year’s International Air Display.
Group Captain James Hunter, who is responsible for maintaining the flying standards for the whole of the RAF, flew in a supervisory role with lead pilot Red One during the display.
As Commandant of the Central Flying School – where he is involved in the selection and training of Red Arrow pilots – Group Captain Hunter occasionally flies as a passenger in some to ensure their impeccable standards are maintained.
The former Victoria College student, who lived in the Island from the age of 12 until he was 21, began learning to fly in Southampton before completing his qualification at Jersey Aero Club at the age of just 17.
Since then he has served with the RAF in Iraq, Kosovo, the Balkans and Afghanistan.
And the highly-decorated serviceman retains affection for the Island.
‘I really look forward to coming back to Jersey and I come back regularly to see my mother, who lives in St Ouen.’
Speaking about flying in the jets the pilot, who believes he is the highest ranked serving member of the RAF to have lived in Jersey, said:
‘It’s extremely tiring, you have to work very hard to stay focused or even conscious,’ he said.
‘You have to work your leg and stomach muscles to keep the blood flowing and to stop you passing out – it feels like you have gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson.
THE Red Arrows unveiled a new tailfin design last year mark the team’s 50th display season.
While the majority of the plane remained painted in the iconic red colour, the tailfin design aimed to reflect the Red Arrows’ role as ambassadors for the UK by incorporating the Union Jack.
Team leader Jim Turner said at the time: ‘The Red Arrows are extremely proud of our heritage and we hope this tailfin design brings with it a sense of pride for both past members of the team and for members of the public.
‘The Red Arrows capture both the spirit of British excellence and the quality of its engineering and I hope we are able to continue inspiring young people to join the Royal Air Force in the future,’ he added.
