re the P1127 (RAF) DB airframes – it’s surprising so many of these survive:

XV277 – East Fortune (Much modified, pseudo GR3 nose and production intakes – once carried mock up radar nose as part of SHAR sales project)
XV278 – Germany (ex-4 Squadron ) – still in P1127 (RAF) state with early intakes
XV279 – Wittering, still in P1127 (RAF) state
XV280 – Nose, Yeovilton – again, still in P1127(RAF) intake config

Not sure what happened to XV281, but it was in full production standard intakes. Why do I mention this? Because there was ANOTHER P1127 (RAF) fuselage at Shoeburyness very recently (It may still be there). A friend photographed it whilst examining TSR2 parts (and numerous Scimitar fuselages). It was pretty shot up, but in one piece and definitely a DB aircraft with the original intakes – must be XV276 – anyone know anymore?

There is also a TAV-8A preserved in the US in fake NASA markings at Oakland Airport BuAEr no 159381

There is one question posed though – what WILL equip the Red Arrows beyond 2010?

Will they keep using the original Hawks or will they move to the new Hawk T2 (127)? I suspect not, as there will not be very many of them.

And the Tucanos are scheduled to be replaced as part of the ‘new’ military training scheme (if that every happens!!)