Red Arrows to open Olympics

[Winco]

Just been informed that it has now been confirmed that the Red Arrows will feature prominently in the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
Good news I would suggest!

[Madbob]

As a 9-ship?:ok:
or more likely as a 7-ship? :rolleyes:

MB

[Runaway Gun]

Bob, nobody suggested it was in their Hawks. Maybe they'll march :)

[mmitch]

The RAF website says a nine ship formation.
Reds Olympic Flypast (http://www.raf.mod.uk/news/archive/reds-olympic-flypast-18042012)
mmitch.

[The Helpful Stacker]

What happened to the apparent 'ban'* they had that the Forces Favourite Super Soaraway Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/293573/2012-snub-for-RAF-daredevils.html) and other such rags were bleating about?

No doubt Rupert's Rag (as in Murdoch, not as in Army Officer) will claim this as one of their many victories.





*The one later officially denied by both the RAFAT and the London 2012 organisation.

[glojo]

;) I look forward to them cutting the ribbon and declaring the games, "Officially open!"

Here's hoping they do not press any incorrect buttons and get 'buzzed' by the QRA aircraft? (humour):ouch:

[L J R]

...looking forward to their 'dump and burn'...

[Nanook10]

...looking forward to their 'dump and burn'... Perhaps they should stay away from the curry.

[skippedonce]

Well, the rest of the Services are being dragooned into the Olympics as security, carpark attendants and all other manner of 'MACA', so why not the Reds too.

[Pure Pursuit]

They are set up for ceremonial 9 nine ships outside of the standard display format.

[P6 Driver]

I'm hoping the two "add-ons" don't take inspiration from the sporting world and do a "Tevez" during the display season.
:rolleyes:

[Milo Minderbinder]

I assume that for the flypast they'll be fitted with Sidewinders just in case...???

[riverrock83]

Just trying to work out how they are going to light the torch using a Hawk. Sidewinders are Air to Air and 30mm canon might not be very practical...

[Milo Minderbinder]

Air to ground Sidewinder
EXCLUSIVE: Raytheon adapts AIM-9X for air-to-ground mission (http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/exclusive-raytheon-adapts-aim-9x-for-air-to-ground-mission-335762/)

[Coochycool]

Way too technical for my liking. Just napalm the joint :8

[Dan Gerous]

Will they have to get the keys from the guardroom?

[jindabyne]

Not an Olympics fan, but as an opener, the Reds have to be the most stunning British choice. But then I suppose you could build a giant Minaret, with appropriate wailing words that would appease others :rolleyes:

[Melchett01]

Air to ground Sidewinder

Just a software tweek? No change to the blast-frag warhead? Not going to be good for much more than soft skinned vehicles or personnel out in the open. In which case, frankly there are better, cheaper options.

[Milo Minderbinder]

Melchett
Its for targets of opportunity as a backup capability
Not as a primary attack system

[airborne_artist]

So if the Reds are to open the show, which unit of the Armed Forces should close it? :E

[chopper2004]

Maybe the Aldershot and Colchester residents should close the games? :ok::}:\

[Evanelpus]

So if the Reds are to open the show, which unit of the Armed Forces should close it?

The Procurement department at the MOD, they've ended just about everything recently!

[airpolice]

Surely the RN have most experience at bringing up the rear, as they say.

[glojo]

But never the mens rea

[Motleycallsign]

Maybe 'The Chelsea Pensioners' should as we probably won't see the likes of the games again.

[breakscrew]

Please God, don't be as boring as last season.

[Genstabler]

I see from the military photo sites that the Reds are now back from Cyprus. There is no mention on any of the RAF web sites of them getting their PDA. Anyone got any gen? Is there a problem?

[TEEEJ]

Genstabler,

An enthusiast reported on 11 May that he had seen an announcement on Facebook. PDA apparently granted.

[brakedwell]

I just hope they don't get shot down by missiles installed on the roof of Tower Hamlets :}

[Genstabler]

Thank you Teeej. I wonder why they haven't got it up on their team news site. For an organisation whose main purpose is to generate publicity for the RAF they seem to be adopting a very low profile.

[Inshala]

Unfortunately the RAF (HW) now scrutinise every Reds PR update. You see where I am going with this...

[Genstabler]

Micro-management. The sign of risk aversion and weak leadership. Been there and got the T-shirt.