Arrows Collision
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 976
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From: Uranus
Both pilots OK. One with a few "bumps and bruises" from Martin Baker's best. I understand that an old soak is being "parachuted" in as the injured chap won't make a recovery in time for this season - rumour only...
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 976
Likes: 20
From: Uranus
Not very up-to-date (as XX233 is on the list) but it would appear that they have plenty...see link
Friends of the Red Arrows -- Reds Hawk Fleet
Friends of the Red Arrows -- Reds Hawk Fleet
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As I understand it there are 20+(?) Hawks in the sheds at EGOS nominated as future Reds. So as long as they can get a new smoke tank bolted on and the stick switches wired up they should have the full 9. It might not be coloured red (initially) but they should have a full set of cabs? Getting an up-to-speed driver is another game, however. Good luck to all concerned and best wishes to everyone involved and they get fit and flying in short order.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,450
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From: UK
It takes a lot more work to modify a standard Hawk to Reds standard than sticking a pod on and wiring up the cockpit. When XX242 was modified it took BAeS many months to plan, manufacture and fit the pipework associated with the smoke system.
) and I'm sure there are a few others.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
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From: Slough, UK
There are (was) 13 hawks for the RAFAT. With one downed and the other crippled, it's now 11.
Red's 1-9 are the display pilots, Red 10 is Road Manager (commentator, coordinates with bos during display, flies hawk for photo ops for the main 9-ship etc.) and then Red 11 (don't ask me what his job is!). No back-up display pilots as they would never be able to replicate the high standards required in each position of the formation.
Hope that answers your question Green Flash. Wasn't sure if you were talking about the aircraft or the pilots
Red's 1-9 are the display pilots, Red 10 is Road Manager (commentator, coordinates with bos during display, flies hawk for photo ops for the main 9-ship etc.) and then Red 11 (don't ask me what his job is!). No back-up display pilots as they would never be able to replicate the high standards required in each position of the formation.
Hope that answers your question Green Flash. Wasn't sure if you were talking about the aircraft or the pilots
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champ/crow
Thanks for the info. Yes, I meant cabs not pilots allthough I wasn't aware that Red11 actually existed! Presume 10 and 11, not being required to be display machines, can be sub'd by standard Hawks for the duration whilst they get another two ready?
Thanks for the info. Yes, I meant cabs not pilots allthough I wasn't aware that Red11 actually existed! Presume 10 and 11, not being required to be display machines, can be sub'd by standard Hawks for the duration whilst they get another two ready?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,450
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From: UK
R11 is the Wg Cdr and not technically a bona fide member of the inner circle. Reds 10 and 11 were spare jets so were, ideally, fully modified although an unmodified XX156 was borrowed from Valley in times of need.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 36
From: Slough, UK
I guess so. The fact that Reds 10 and 11 fly the RA Hawk is simply making use of the squadrons available aircraft so flying a standard one shouldn't hurt too much. The aircraft all get rotated around between flying members anyway as mx checks and technical issues crop up. Specific aircraft are not assigned to each pilot although each pilot has his own preferred ship. There are still enough hawks in the fleet to be able to fly the 9-ship although I'm sure plans are being fast-tracked to bring 1 or 2 aircraft from Shawbury into RA service pronto.
Was it XX253 and 233 involved in the crash?
Was it XX253 and 233 involved in the crash?