Red Arrows could be replaced by second-hand American jets to keep them flying on the cheap
THE Red Arrows could fly in secondhand American jets if suggestions by a senior RAF officer are taken up by the Ministry of Defence.
F-16 combat aircraft that could be flown in for the Red Arrows[GETTY]
As the squadron’s British Hawk jets near the end of their working lives, the officer responsible for training aircrew has suggested they could be replaced by US-built F-16 Falcons. The move would allow the Government to fulfil its promise to keep the Red Arrows flying on the cheap.
However, aviation experts last night criticised the plans, saying replacing Hawk T1 jets with a US version would damage the image of the Red Arrows as a British display team. The squadron, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, needs to replace its ageing aircraft by 2020.
That means the MoD has 12 months to choose a new model. Delays over finding an alternative have led to fears that the squadron could be axed as part of the defence cuts since many in the ministry think they are an expensive luxury.
One contender, already being used by the RAF in a training role, would be the Hawk’s successor, the T2. Now, however, Lt Commander Tim Flatman, the Commanding Officer of 736 Naval Air Squadron which trains pilots for the Fleet Air Arm, has entered the fray, saying that defence chiefs should consider the F-16.
In an article for AirForces Monthly, Lt Cdr Flatman said: “The out of service date is only six years away and the requirement to fi nd a replacement is ongoing. As yet no decision has been made but there are several options being evaluated. We could have some Hawk T2s. There is also the possibility of buying some older F-16s.”
F-16s have been used by America’s Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron since 1982 and the option might prove too tempting to resist for cash-strapped defence chiefs. The Sunday Express has learnt that the Danish air force hopes to replace 30 of its F-16s with a new combat jet, possibly the £60million RAF Typhoon.
The Red Arrows Aerobatic Team performing at the RAF Waddington Airshow [STEVE HILL]
The Danes are understood to be keen to replace their F-16s by 2020, the same year that the Red Arrows’ Hawks are due to be replaced. It is believed the aircraft could be purchased from the Danish air force for about £18million each, a relatively cheap option for a combat jet.
One military source said: “The F-16 would be a real boost for the Red Arrows. It is a fantastic looking aircraft and can fly at supersonic speeds. The Danish aircraft are quite old ... but the very fact this is now being discussed within the MoD is great news for the Red Arrows.”
However, aviation expert Elizabeth Quintana, of the Royal United Services Institute, said: “The whole point about the Red Arrows is that they represent Britain abroad. “They show the skills of British pilots, certainly, but also showcase British engineering.
“The message that buying F-16s would send is that F-16s are better than Hawk T2s. They may be cheaper to buy but they would be older. It would be like buying a second-hand car.” Her views were echoed by Air Cdre Andrew Lambert, who served in Iraq.
He said: “This is a ridiculous idea. Red Arrow Hawks are currently available for both training and a war role. If we bought the F-16s, it would be much more diffi cult and expensive to convert them to a war role.”
The MoD said: “The out of service date for the Hawk TMk1 is currently 2020, which offers plenty of time to consider replacement options but a decision has yet to be made.”
Daily Express
