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Red Arrows: All about the RAF's famous flying squad

Red Arrows: All about the RAF's famous flying squad

BBC News07-05-2025

There are currently nine aircraft that make up the Red Arrows team, with additional aircraft for support.
The nine pilots who fly the planes need at least 1,500 hours of experience in the RAF, and must be considered exceptional in their role.
Back in 1965, when the team was first formed, there were only seven aircraft.
The team then scaled up to a nine display aircraft in 1968.
It's not just pilots who make up the Red Arrows though, there is also a whole support team known as the "Blues".
The Blues are made up of 120 people, including engineers and support staff who ensure the planes keep working and the team is run successfully.
The team are based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.

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