After months of planning, design and consultation with colleagues and aviation enthusiasts, Flt Lt Tom Saunders has given GAR the green-light to publish the paint scheme that he has chosen to adorn his 2010 display airframes. The scheme has been approved by senior commanders at RAF Valley and subject to some final administration, the paint shop will start work on the two jets within the next few weeks.
A variation on those which have been the subject of lively debate on the internet for the past few weeks, the scheme commemorates the 50th Anniversary of 4 FTS (Flying Training School) at RAF Valley. Special display schemes have become a long-standing tradition for the solo Hawk display and some older readers may even recall the Union Jack tailed jets which displayed on the airshow circuit as far back as 1986. There have been many variations over the years but the Union Jack itself has featured on many of the Hawk's display schemes and that chosen for 2010 is no exception.
Speaking exclusively to Global Aviation Resource, display pilot Flt Lt Tom Saunders said:
"I'm delighted to finally confirm the proposed colour scheme for the aircraft and I'm confident that the finished product is certain to turn heads this season.
"The 50th anniversary of 4 FTS is a hugely significant one for everyone at RAF Valley and my job now is to ensure that my display shows the artwork in its best light and also pays a suitable tribute to everyone involved with 4 FTS over the past half century. It's a big responsibility but one that I am looking forward to meeting.
"It's a very special priviledge to be able to design your own paint scheme and it has been very difficult to find something original that lives up to the schemes we have seen in previous years - especially Matt Barker's 2009 scheme.
"I wanted my design to echo the red white and blue that was seen on the 1970s and 1980s Hawks whilst remaining modern and exciting. I was keen to ensure that there was something special to look at from every angle and you will also notice a tribute to the unofficial emblem of 208 Squadron - the 'Eye of Horus' or 'Flying Shufti'. It is a shame to lose the logo of the RAFBF this year but we will continue to dedicate our fund raising effort to the worthy charity."
Global Aviation Resource recently published a lengthy feature on a day in the life of 208 Squadron at RAF Valley after a visit to the Station in December; a feature which took a close look at Tom's 'day job', namely that of an instructor on the RAF's training programme for future fast jet pilots. We're now looking forward to following Tom's progress throughout the 2010 airshow season and wish him and the members of his team all the best for a successful year.
GAR wants to interact with its readers so if you have a question for the author or a comment to make on this feature, please click on the button below. The best comments will appear right here on GAR.
2010-04-14 - Roo Boi
How cool is that?!? How about a visit Down Under with your programme!
2010-03-11 - David BFPO
Hello.
Really brilliant!
Regards
David BFPO
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/ROCAVeterans
2010-02-18 - Duncan Truro
Excellent - wouldn't it be great to 'persuade' British Airways to paint up an A319 in this new scheme, to promote the Valley boys (and girls) and to properly 'fly the flag'!
2010-02-03 - Cameron
Looks good from the side but poor upper and lower surfaces
2010-02-03 - HAWK FAN
It's going to look absolutely bloody fantastic!
And to those who think it's a 'back of a fag packet' design, I really would like to see if you could do better...?
I doubt it.
2010-02-02 - John G
One word "fantastic"
2010-02-01 - Tim Felce
It certainly gets my vote. The design is stunning, and it is about time we showed off the Union Jack in all its glory !
2010-02-01 - Linda
Excellent design Jo - can't wait to see the planes in the air.
2010-01-30 - Trevor Reoch
Another very nice scheme for the display Hawk. 2 great schemes in 2 years I think is great, plus we did also have the Camo Hawk a couple of years ago. I just hope like a few others that have commented that we see a few more topside passes this year. Well done to all concerned.
Another great article from GAR!
2010-01-30 - Peter Fleetwood
Thank you, GAR, for this. It is great to have a look at the paint scheme so early on in the year. No doubt it will become familiar to many of us very quickly.
It is also good to have Tom's explanation of it.
Keep up the good work, guys. It is very much appreciated.
2010-01-30 - G-spot
Looks very fine to me, I just hope we will see more of the top side this year as last year we saw that 'RAFBF heart' a little too much.. ;-)
2010-01-29 - Machloop
Don't knock it. It took them years before they remembered to paint the underside!
It looks OK to me.
2010-01-29 - Damien Burke
One of the best Hawk schemes for a long time - nice one chaps. Look forward to seeing it for real this year.
2010-01-29 - Adrian Balch
Superb! Can we have NINE in this scheme please, with smoke?
2010-01-29 - phil
Well I have to agree with several others - I like it!!
Too often we manage to go all out and produce a extremely mediocre design, but this is a bright, colourful and certainly eye catching design, like the Tucano display design, something which has been sadly lacking on all but a few airframes since the RAF retired the Lightnings and Phantoms and became dull and boring.
I too look forward to seeing it in flight.
2010-01-29 - Richard Flagg
Awful, looks like a kid came up with it. Why can't we get it right with a decent scheme - it is not much to ask for is it??? The blue will blend in with the sky and make it harder to photograph well. As Roger says, the Dutch have got it right with their eye catching schemes. The Brown/Green camo hawk that was on the circuit a year or so back was the best scheme on a hawk if you want my opinion.
2010-01-29 - Paul
I think the design is excellent and eye catching, the Dutch can do what they like Mr Smith, I for one will be supportive of our forces.
2010-01-29 - Roger Smith
The Dutch get this right year after year. In comparison this is a "back of the fag packet" job, lacking imagination in my opinion.
Regards Roger
2010-01-29 - David Mather
Very bright and eyecatching I look forward to seeing it
2010-01-29 - Team Merlin
Very 'eye' catching and patriotic. Should present some very nice photographic opportunities.
2010-01-29 - Baz Manning
As a professional artist this gets my vote of approval immediately. A knock out design. The best scheme I have ever seen for a Hawk. It makes me wish I was back in the RAF still painting them myself.
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