FAMOUS RAF display team The Red Arrows are instantly recognisable with their trail of red, white and blue.
They could be relocating to a new home but where are the Red Arrows based now?
Where are the Red Arrows based?
The Red Arrows are currently based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, which is also home to the Mobile Meteorological Unit.
This is where the squadron practise their heart-stopping routines before jetting off to a display showcase.
When the team was formed in 1965, their first home was at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
A year later they moved to RAF Kemble, where they remained for the rest of the 60s and 70s.
In 1983, RAF Scampton became home to the Arrows and the team has stayed there apart from a five year period in the 90s.
Between 1995 and 2000, they were based at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, while the site was repaired.
The Sun has previously revealed how the government is selling the base and last bids can be placed in August 2022.
Reports suggest the squad will relocate to RAF Waddington, also in Lincolnshire just a short distance away.
It is not currently known what the base will become, although early suggestions were for a museum in the Red Arrows honour.
What are the Red Arrows?
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, more commonly known as the Red Arrows, were formed in the early 1960s to become the public face of the RAF.
They are known for their combination of close formations and precision flying in routines with loops, rolls and daring dips.
Most striking of their displays is the use of coloured vapour trails, which leave red, white and blue across the sky.
They are nicknamed Red for the red colour of their aircrafts, while the Arrows is a nod to the Black Arrows – a popular squadron aerobatic team from the late 1950s.
Currently, the team flies the BAE Systems Hawk T1 jet and can fly as low as 100 feet and reach speeds of up to 600 miles per hour.
Pilots are often some of the most highly qualified and experienced in the RAF, with a team of and last year flew in 4,800 displays in 57 countries.
How many Red Arrows are there?
For a display to take place, nine Red Arrows pilots need to be ready to fly, plus the support team.
Flying with the Arrows are ten aircraft engineering technicians and one photographer – these are known as the Circus.
Their job is to fly in the passenger seat and service the Hawk T1 before and after each show when operating away from home.
In order to become a Red Arrow pilot, they need to have completed over 1,500 flying hours, one full front-line tour and be above the average RAF pilot.
Once they have finished their three-year tour with the team they will return to their Royal Air Force duties.
The Red Arrows also have support team which is made up of a Team Manager, Public Relations Manager, Aircrew Planning Officer, Operations Officer, Engineering Officers, an Adjutant and approximately 85 engineering technicians.
This engineering team are called the Blues due to their distinctive royal blue flying suits, which can be spotted during each display session.
Ranging from weapons technicians to photographers, the Blues cover everything that allows the Red Arrows to take flight.
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