Group Captain Andy Turner, Head of RAF Public Relations, explained how he believes the RAF is benefiting from this new approach:
"The RAF is extremely busy on operations around the World with some 38% committed to or deployed away from base. Whilst there is no doubt there is a deep appreciation for our efforts and those of our sister Services, it is important that we take the time to explain what we do and why.
Sister Services? Your Brothers in Arms?
Sorry, I must be getting old. That said; I wasn't there at the time but mock attacks with ground pyros were a regular feature of the Air Pageants at RAF Hendon in the '20/'30s, as mentioned earlier. I do remember in the early '60s seeing (and hearing) a mock free fall bomb attack at the Finingley BoB Display. Loads of flame, a very convincing mushroom cloud and a near vertically climbing Vulcan.