2010 maiden flight for Red Arrows 'Diamond Nine'

The maiden flight for 2010, with all nine aircraft flying in formation, took place at the team's base at Royal Air Force Scampton in Lincolnshire and was a proud day for new Team Leader and Red 1, Squadron Leader Ben Murphy.

Squadron Leader Murphy said:

"The first time that we fly as nine aircraft in formation is a big milestone for us. It means that we are a step closer to being ready to perform our display in public this summer.

"I would like to say a big well done to all of the pilots, the engineers and the support team who have all worked exceptionally hard over the winter months to enable us to get to this exciting stage."

Since October, the Red Arrows pilots have been flying three slots a day, five days a week. The process begins with small formations of three or four aircraft as the new pilots learn flying references and formation shapes, slowly building up to larger numbers of aircraft.

The first nine-ship was also a big occasion for first-year pilots Flight Lieutenant Ben Plank and Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore.

Flight Lieutenant Plank, who flies as Red 2, said:

"The training so far has been hard work but really enjoyable. This year there are some new elements in the display sequence. One of them is the 'Spitfire Roll' which will commemorate this year's 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

"Apart from being a Red Arrows pilot, one of my ambitions is to fly a Spitfire, so performing this move to the public will be particularly exciting for me."

Red 3, Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Moore, said:

"It's a great feeling to accomplish our first nine-ship. All of our training is finally coming together. We will soon be departing for our annual detachment overseas to Greece and Royal Air Force Akrotiri in Cyprus. The guaranteed good weather there allows us to put the final polish on the display more efficiently than when we are in the UK so we will be ready for the display season."

The team will leave the UK on 20 March and will return on 25 May. The pilots will be back in the country for a few days (although the aircraft will remain at RAF Akrotiri) to take part in the Virgin London Marathon on 25 April.

They are running to raise money for the Royal Air Force Association's 'Miles More Minutes' appeal. This project is very close to the hearts of the team, as all Red Arrows pilots have served overseas on operations, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and have experienced first-hand that being able to keep in regular telephone contact with your family is one of the most important things in the world.

To pledge your support or to find out more, see Related Links.

2010 will be the Red Arrows' 46th display season. Since the team's creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown over 4,200 displays in 53 countries.

Today, the Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world, acting as ambassadors for Great Britain when displaying overseas. They also support UK industry by demonstrating the capabilities of British equipment and expertise.

The Royal Air Force has some 3,000 servicemen and women deployed overseas on operations at any one time. Many of the Red Arrows' pilots and support staff have recently returned from Afghanistan and Iraq and many will be temporarily sent on operations overseas during their time with the Red Arrows.

As soon as they leave the team, all will return to duties which directly support the Royal Air Force's operational commitments around the world.