RAF CENTENARY FLYPAST 2018

The RAF Centenary Flypast was an aerial event commemorating 100 years of the Royal Air Force. It showcased 103 aircraft from 25 squadrons over London and was the largest formation of military aircraft over the capital in nearly 30 years.

RAF

Centenary Flypast

Although the weather was not the sunniest of days, a large number of people gathered in Hainault Forest to witness the aircraft flying over on 10th July, 2018.

Helicopters gathered over Hainault Forest. Leading the way were three Puma HC Mk 2 and six Chinooks HC Mk 4/Mk 6...

...closely followed by two Juno HT Mk 1 and a Jupiter HT Mk 1.

The Douglas C47 Dakota was widely used by the Allies during World War Two as a military transport. It conducted paradropping operations on the eve of D-Day, plus missions to evacuate casualties and re-supply forces. D-Day planners ordered that the aircraft of the Allied Expeditionary Air Force and supporting units be painted with alternating black and white stripes on wings and fuselage to prevent planes being shot down by friendly fire. This plane is part of Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

More aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight included a Lancaster, three Spitfires and two Hawker Hurricanes. Hurricanes do not always get the same recognition as Spitfires but were vital and are the unsung heroes of the Battle of Britain. They were the first RAF aircraft to fly over 300mph. Over half of every enemy aeroplane destroyed in the Battle of Britain was by a Hawker Hurricane, not a Spitfire.

Three Prefects. These are two-seated training and aerobatic low-wing aircraft with a carbon composite airframe.

Tucanos are used for training fast jet pilots and navigators. They are due to be retired from the RAF in 2019.

The Shadow uses sensors to gather intelligence which is particularly valuable to commanders on the ground.

Hercules have been involved in numerous humanitarian relief operations around the world, including air dropping some 2,000 tons of cereals to remote villages in Nepal.

The Atlas has the ability to carry heavy loads over 2,000 nautical miles. It can carry as many as 116 fully-equipped troops; vehicles; helicopters (including a Chinook) and mixed loads up to a payload of 37 tonnes.

The Globemaster C-17 is a long range, heavy-lift strategic transport aircraft has operated on combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions across the globe. The BAe146 is a four-engined transport. It has transported members of the Royal family, senior government ministers and Ministry of Defence personnel.

The Sentinel is a surveillance aircraft.

Voyager is an air-to-air refuelling tanker and operates as a strategic air transport. It is also used as a passenger aircraft.

Rivet Joint is an electronic surveillance aircraft.

The Sentry is designed to cruise at 29,000 feet whilst detecting air and surface contacts using its surveillance radar. Information is then transmitted to interceptor aircraft and ground-based units.

Hawks are used in flight training and are excellent for formation aerobatics.

Hawks in a diamond formation.

Tornados are fast fighter jets that have been in operation for four decades but will soon be replaced.

The Lightning is a stealth aircraft, capable of conducting air-to-surface, electronic warfare, intelligence gathering and air-to-air missions simultaneously.

Typhoons in formation to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Air Force. Typhoons are multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in a full range of air operations.

The Red Arrows are one of the world's most famous aerobatic display teams. They normally take the last spot in every Flypast.

Flying distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the Red Arrows consists of pilots, engineers and essential support staff with frontline, operational experience. The Red Arrows have been displaying since 1965.

Hainault Forest car parks were full to capacity. Many visitors left as soon the display by the Royal Air Force ended. A queue of cars formed along Foxburrow Road as some people waited over an hour to drive out the forest. 

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