Dubai: So what’s it like to be in the British Royal Air Force (RAF)’s aerobatic team that boasts 4,500 fly-pasts in 54 countries since 1965? “Incredible,” said the display pilots.
And what’s it like to fly over the Dubai skies in 2013? “Different,” came the answer.
Speaking to XPRESS on the third day of the Dubai Airshow at Dubai World Central, the nine display pilots of the legendary Red Arrows are raring to go. All fast-jet pilots from frontline squadrons, many of them have recently returned from critical operations around the world. But a display in the heat of a desert has its own challenges.
“The jets don’t respond too well in the heat. We have to be careful with the heights and speed and keep a bit higher and faster. We practice at least 10 times for any show. We underwent special training in Cyprus,” said Red 8 Squadron leader Ben Plank.
The 34-year-old who has conducted operational missions in Afghanistan, joined the RAF after being inspired by the TV coverage of the Gulf War’s fast jets. Red 5 Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris, who took part in Operation Ellamy over Libya, besides exercises in the UK and North America, explained how the Hawk T1 aircraft used in the fly-past are low on power in hot weather.
He said: “The Hawk is quite limited on power. When it gets hot we don’t get excess thrust. So we have to be careful about how much power we use. But every display is a dream come true.”
Red 9 Flight Lieutenant Mike Child said: “When hot temperatures make the engine less powerful, we need to anticipate more. But we have enough practice to handle the situation.” The pilot has served in the UK and the Falkland Islands.
Red 6 Flight Lieutenant Chris Lyndon Smith, who has done three operational tours of Iraq, said the skills needed during display are not much different from frontline exercises. “But we practice a lot to look good. By the time we are commissioned to display, we receive six to seven months solid training.”
The Red Arrows excel in 24 aerobatic configurations ranging from the simple ‘arrival loop’ and ‘eagle roll’ to the advanced ‘gypo break’ and ‘vixen break’. They are also known for their red, white and blue smoke trails. The smoke is used for safety as the trail allows them to judge wind speed, direction and helps them to locate one another during formations.
