Courtney,
Sounds like you're the chap to ask.
Every time this raises its head the argument gets bogged down mainly in myth and rumour. As the expert from Group can you give a data burst on how much the reds actually cost?
At about this time in the argument we usually get told that BAE pay for them, sponsors pay for them, defence sales pay for them...but no-one ever backs this up with any fact.
I'm thinking that fuel, actuals, LSA must be significant for the team as is pay, flying pay etc...which surely we still do pay for? How big a unit is RAFAT? Could we close a tower or airfield if we got rid of them, i.e. are there related costs as well?
I quite like the reds but I have to agree with SASless to be honest. Having watched a few Blue Angels displays recently - and the Thunderbirds last week - I certainly prefer the grunt of Hornets and Vipers to the reds' (perfect,elegant, flawless) airborne ballet.