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Red
Arrows' Silver Anniversary Airshow, Scampton 1989
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In celebration of
the Reds' 35th anniversary, here is a reminder of the 25th birthday
bash held at Scampton on 4 October 1989. A ticket only affair,
it was one of the highlights of the year for many with plenty
of autumn sunshine welcoming the various display teams from around
Europe. |
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As commitments
to the airshow season had finished, the event was graced by
Spain's Patrulla Aguila,
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Portugal's Asas do Portugal,
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Switzerland's Patrouille
Swiss, |
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France's Patrouille
de France
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& Italy's Frecce Tricolori.
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A good selection
of NATO hardware was also in evidence, ably supported by BAe's
EAP and Hawk 200, operating out of the company's facility on
the north side of the base. Amongst the RAF types on view were
a 45 Squadron TWCU Tornado GR1, 229 OCU Tornado F3 and Tucano
accompanied by a Hunter and Meteor of the resident training
schools.
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A Gnat in full Red Arrows scheme
provided a bit of history to proceedings, it being ten years since
the type had provided the necessary inventory. 1999 also marks
the 20th anniversary of the team receiving its first Hawk, although
it was not until 1980 that the type was used for official display
flying. XX251 was the first Hawk to be dedicated to the team,
being delivered on 17 August, 1979 in readiness for the winter
training season. The remaining eight followed through until November
when the ninth, XX266, was delivered on the 15th. Of the nine
original Hawks delivered, four are still current in January 1999. |
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Perhaps the most
unusual participant at Scampton was the cargo version of the
BAe 146 that the company tried to develop as a short to medium
haul military workhorse, unfortunately ultimately without any
success.
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Items of particular interest
to the enthusiast included the Canadian CF188s,
one of which performed a sparkling display incorporating the
famous 'square loop', the Portuguese C130 accompanying the Asas
do Portugal and BAe Hawk demonstrator ZH200, making a rare
appearance away from Warton.
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Although initially cloudy, the
day brightened considerably just prior to the flying display
commencing at 13:00, and with the low sun behind the crowdline
some spectacular photography was to be had.
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Starting with the venerable Bulldog,
all the visiting teams gave a full routine, interspersed with
contributions from a Belgian Alpha Jet, the CF188 and regulars
such as the Jaguar, Tornado F3, Tucano, Harrier GR3, Battle
of Britain Memorial Flight and Vulcan B2 XH558.
It was left to the home team to close the show, the setting
sun at 17:30 providing a memorable backdrop to their final performance
of the season.
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Led by Squadron Leader Tim Miller,
the team comprised of Red 2 Flt Lt Al Hoy, Red 3 Flt Lt Martin
Cliff, Red 4 Flt Lt Guy Bancroft-Wilson, Red 5 Flt Lt Dom Riley,
Red 6 Flt Lt John Rands, Red 7 Flt Lt Steve Johnson, Red 8 Squadron
Ldr Jeff Glover and Red 9 Flt Lt John Newton. Team Manager (or
"Mange") was Squadron Ldr Andy Stewart.
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