Whenever the subject of disbandment arises one of the arguments for keeping them is always that industry pays a large portion of their running costs. Can anyone confirm that this is the case and to what extent the costs are subsidised. I have heard that tours are subsidised/paid for….
Yes this is true. Look at the back of the Reds brochure and you’ll see who the Reds are ‘in association with’ or ‘supported by’. BAe Systems pay a huge chunk toward any (sales) tours, and engineering support. It’s true that the MoD payroll the 100 or so people at the Reds and the PT’s. Like them or not, they operate a great British product that continues to be developed 40 years from the first flight. Big sales coups to overseas operators ensure we’ll see the Hawk for a long time yet, its a great export.
The RAF continue to recruit, and while the Force still exists, they always will. If you’re a young person and look up and see the Reds flying in formation, you may well be inspired to strive to become a pilot or to join the RAF, job done. I’ve seen plenty of school kids ignore flying Spitfires because “they’re slow”, “not loud enough” and “boring propeller thing” to quote a few. The Reds offer a bit more pizazz, more inspiration. And don’t get me wrong as I’m an ex warbird engineer too, and love those!
Long may the Reds continue. Long may the general public continue to support the RAFs last formation display team. Éclat!
Sign In
