Um, have you seen the lettering along the fuselage?

I think it's the first time they have changed the tail design since 1979 (Red/white/blue stripes) - they have had commemorative numbers on the stripes as well in the past

Someone showed me a guide to the Red Arrows that one of the modelling clubs (IPMS?) did, which detailled all the minor variations in their schemes over the years.

Would be nice to see the Union Flag painted under the wings.

Mmmm, that was my first reaction too!:uhoh:

It's like Marmite - some will like it and some won't. I'm a "glass half full" type and like what they've done as opposed to some who it seems, automatically rally against such changes regardless of what it may be.

On a not-very-serious aviation website, when someone announced the change unveiling for today, the first reply included the phrase "preparing to be underwhelmed". Glass half empty there, I think!

What I've NEVER seen from anyone who knocks these designs is their own version, which they would consider to be better - so how about it this time? Go on, surprise me!

;)

Maybe companies could sponsor a design on the tail and then write off against tax, seems like the in thing just now. There are some amusing possibilities that spring to mind.

Hope they have a good season

While waiting in line to pay in a cheque in B*******s Bank this morning I saw pictures on BBC News TV of the Arrows in flight. The furthest from camera had a plain red fin-and-rudder. Painter's day-off?

Hardly...
The Hawks are being used during the week - 2 are being done each weekend. Red fin, blue rudder, then stickies for the rest when time allows...

Blessed Margaret T, then still UK Prime Minister, when the then "new" Concorde Chatham flag tailfin paint scheme was pointed out to her whilst aboard the Classic 747 in the cul-de-sac at JFK, replied:


"Can't they paint straight lines anymore?". Sums it up methinks!!


Not quite the hankerchief over the tail, but not far off?


How much did this exercise cost, bearing in mind the lack of dosh available for the troops in the sandpit(s) during the last 2 fruitless ventures?

New Reds fin design...
 

Barkingmad.
And there it is. It took until your post for the sordid topic of the coin to be raised. I can't be bothered to explain what many of us already know.
This website never changes.
BV

Reds.
 

Cheer up chaps.
Worry when they run out of paint or time on the airframes or MOD deciding that admin is much more important than effective kit,(or have they already gone and dunnit)..?
Solo Aeros in a Chippy?

I think the new fin looks great!

For the record, I didn't think Maggie minded the Chatham livery; it was the ethnic mosaic patterns that famously got the handkerchief treatment.

And +1 to following two posts; it's OUR bl**dy flag!

I think it's really sad that any use of our nations' flag is considered reminiscent of the EDL etc.

It's our flag for goodness-sake. Why can't we use it. The best way to stop it being over-associated with the right-wing bigots is to use it more, not use it less!

OH

How can the fleeeg of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland be reminicent of the Englandshire Dopey Loons ? ;)

SORDID TOPIC OF THE COIN.
 

I understand from Ledwidges book "Investment in Blood" that the last troops out of the sandpit ran out of the right type of explosives to destroy the remaining surplus ammunition which would otherwise fall into the hands of the enemy.

When the ordinary soldier was reported as having to buy their own kit for their time in the same sandpit, then it must hurt those who lost mates or bits of themselves, driving around in ex Northern Ireland 'snatch' Landrovers which were vulnerable to tinpot IEDs planted by the resourceful local populace!

So I will happily push the cost of such cosmetics and leave it to those who think it's not right, to discuss with the veterans of the recent campaigns why any more money should be diverted to tarting up the Arrows' mounts in times of fiscal austerity!

Slightly off-topic I know, but wasn't it nice when display teams used to fly the best aircraft in their air force's inventory at the time and actually provided an exciting, very noisy spectacle ! Now, where is my time machine ?

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7023/6...b6cf8208_z.jpg

http://aerobaticteams.net/images/thu...rds-f-4-35.jpg

http://www.fhms.gr/gallery2/main.php...serialNumber=1

http://www.cavok-aviation-photos.net...05/Drakens.jpg

http://www.carlosghys.be/photographs...67_600x409.jpg

http://aerobaticteams.net/images/bel...fighter-05.jpg

http://aerobaticteams.net/images/raf...ghtning-10.jpg

Re post #37
 

Dammit, those Lightnings look good! Pity it's not a colour piccy!

BV, can't help but agree with you there (my bold).

I know we're all entitled to our opinions but this site is increasingly populated by grumpy old men who can do nothing else but rant on about how much better things were in their day with no apparent knowledge of the issues faced by today's air force (nor how much better as individuals and operators they are today).

If I ever get like that, please feel free to shoot me! :ugh:

DaveF
The booklet was published by IPMS but collated & written by the Aerobatic Display Teams Group (shameless plug there). There have been numerous small additions and changes, mostly celebratory logos applied since the original paint scheme was unveiled in 1980. Aside from the 'Royal Air Force' on the flanks & last years anniversary Paint scheme, this is the first major change.
If you want one, search a well known online auction site whose last 3 is 'bay', the author sells them directly for a reasonable sum. If they are presently unlisted send me a PM and I'll forward it to him.