Timbo Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 The sight of the Red Arrows practicing in the skies overhead is a familiar one here in Lincolnshire. We call them 'Gracie's Planes' as they always seem to come and perform overhead for any trip we make with our granddaughter Grace. I noticed last Wednesday just gone that the Red Arrow Spotters were out in force on the Tillbridge Lane. The Red Arrows jets themselves seemed to be different this season. Their silhouette seemed larger and more angular than the usual Gnat trainers they fly. Are they due to change aircraft? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockham Admiral Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 I'm afraid you're living in the past, Tim.......... they changed from Gnats to Hawks back in '79! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQ Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/aboutus/hawkaircraft.cfm The RAF were flying the Hawk T1 trainer aircraft they are moving to the T2. It is likely the Arrows will also move to the T2 but what the differences are for the Arrows I have no Idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbo Posted March 3, 2017 Author Share Posted March 3, 2017 2 minutes ago, Hockham Admiral said: I'm afraid you're living in the past, Tim.......... they changed from Gnats to Hawks back in '79! Occupational hazard I guess But the silhouette was very different to the HAWKS. Very angular they seemed, none of the curves...almost boxy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheQ Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Hawk T2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockham Admiral Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 22 minutes ago, Timbo said: Occupational hazard I guess But the silhouette was very different to the HAWKS. Very angular they seemed, none of the curves...almost boxy. Here's the Folland Gnat like which I used to fly. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Bring back the Jet Provost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regulo Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 The world's moving too fast - why can't they use Sopwith Camel 5e's? I suppose the displays would be an all day affair! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 2 minutes ago, Regulo said: The world's moving too fast - why can't they use Sopwith Camel 5e's? I suppose the displays would be an all day affair! Especially if they hit a brisk headwind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockham Admiral Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 31 minutes ago, ChrisB said: Bring back the Jet Provost. Like this, Chris? (My 1000 hours instructing on JP's). 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaughan Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 44 minutes ago, ChrisB said: Bring back the Jet Provost. Or better still, the Hawker Hunter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 46 minutes ago, Hockham Admiral said: Like this, Chris? (My 1000 hours instructing on JP's). I remember the Jet Provost because of it's Armstrong Siddeley Viper engine. My father was an Armstrong Siddeley Motor fanatic. To his dying day he morned the passing of the cars. When they were available he would drive nothing else. His last one was a Star Sapphire with a straight six 4 litre coupled to a Rolls Royce Hydromatic auto box. In the 60s he transfered to 3.8 Mk 2 Jaguars but always said that the handling of the Armstrong was so superior. It was a luxury saloon that truly had the handling and performance of a sports car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadAmbition Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 I well remember the JP's being stationed here at the former RAF Finningley. Nowt was as impressive as when we had squadrons of Vulcans though Griff 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockham Admiral Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 43 minutes ago, Vaughan said: Or better still, the Hawker Hunter. Like this, Vaughan? The Boss and I taking Cadets up for a Hunter Formation Flight. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 For those too young to remember Armstrongs. The Mascot on the bonnet was a Sphinx. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadAmbition Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 I knew the odd 'sphinx'. 'Cougars' were much more fun though Griff 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baitrunner Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Can't beat a harrier. In fact don't think anyone has 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockham Admiral Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 For a CAS aeroplane I'd agree, Mark but it was rather limited to the amount of ordnance that it could carry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPEEDTRIPLE Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 9 hours ago, Hockham Admiral said: Here's the Folland Gnat like which I used to fly. 9 hours ago, Hockham Admiral said: Here's the Folland Gnat like which I used to fly. Hi John, I had no idea you flew Gnats, I thought you flew Hunters and Buccaneers?. I love most military jets, but the Gnat is special, small enough to fit in our back garden, but I don't think Karen would b we too pleased with a Gnat as a toy?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelsea14Ian Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 I have said this before but will do so again. A number of years ago we were on the cut.Then saw the Reds flying overhead I waved.All of a sudden the two wing men dipped there wings.For sure that made my day.I have been lucky over the years to see them many times.For me the best display team in the world.I would love to fly with them 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baitrunner Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 7 hours ago, Hockham Admiral said: For a CAS aeroplane I'd agree, Mark but it was rather limited to the amount of ordnance that it could carry. But it was still blooming technically brilliant. You can't beat a bit of good old British engineering. Im envious of your flying record though. Cant get me a back seat pillion ride in a jet can you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockham Admiral Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 10 hours ago, Baitrunner said: Cant get me a back seat pillion ride in a jet can you? Sorry, Mark, but you're second in line! (Behind ME) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockham Admiral Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 12 hours ago, SPEEDTRIPLE said: Hi John, I had no idea you flew Gnats, I thought you flew Hunters and Buccaneers?. I love most military jets, but the Gnat is special, small enough to fit in our back garden, but I don't think Karen would b we too pleased with a Gnat as a toy?. If you find a spare one, Neil, it will fit on a plinth on our front lawn! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPEEDTRIPLE Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 12 hours ago, Hockham Admiral said: If you find a spare one, Neil, it will fit on a plinth on our front lawn! Some while back, there was one for sale at Bournemouth airport. I think it was a spares plane, as there was quite a bit missing, and went on sale when the museum moved from inside the airport grounds to the other side of the airport road. I think it was being advertised for about £5,000 ish. There`s a complete flying example at the airport, very close to our old hanger, and is in Red Arrows livery, though i don`t know if it`s a genuine ex Arrows plane. I`l take my camera to work one day and get a photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grendel Posted March 4, 2017 Share Posted March 4, 2017 when I went to Bournmouth airport while on holiday down that way we were lucky enough to view the red arrows on the runway from the museum tea garden, at the same time they had the red arrow gnat out in front of the hangers doing an engine test - Bonus. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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