2013 UK Airshows

Airshows>> UK: Exclusive Imagery - 2013 RAF Tucano Display Scheme Revealed Global Aviation Resource is delighted to reveal the 2013 Royal Air Force Tucano Display scheme and further information courtesy of display pilot, Flt Lt Andrew Fyvie-Rae. Gareth Stringer reports with imagery courtesy of the Team itself.

As this exclusive set of imagery reveals, this year's Royal Air Force Tucano display scheme sees a return to 72 Squadron's Spitfire heritage, but this time focusing on operations in Africa.

The 2013 airshow season coincides with the 70th anniversary of 72 Squadron’s involvement in North Africa, in support of the Tunisian campaign during World War II, and 72 Squadron also assisted the Allied 8th Army as it advanced through Italy and France, whilst it was based out of Malta and Sicily.

During this period, 72 Squadron flew the Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb, Mk Vc, Mk VIII, and Mk IX; a number of which were painted in Mediterranean Camouflage (Dark Earth, Middle Stone and Azure Blue), which was used to better conceal the aircraft in the more tropical climates of North Africa and Southern Europe.

The early designs of the 2013 scheme were initially produced by designer Jo Gough, while the authentic aircraft paint is currently being produced and supplied by Indestructible Paint Limited. At the moment plans are in place for just a single Tucano (ZF239) to receive the full camo treatment, although discussions are ongoing with regards to an alternative paint scheme for the spare aircraft required for the airshow season, possibly in a similar fashion to that employed last year by the Tucano Team.

There is little doubt that this scheme will prove just as popular as that worn by Flt Lt Tom Bould's two display aircraft during the 2010 airshow season, which commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and will be a true head-turner as it displays across the UK and beyond.

As ever, this year's display pilot is a 'Creamie' QFI from RAF Linton-on-Ouse and that man is Flt Lt Andrew Fyvie-Rae. “Fyvie”, 28, is a Chemical Engineering graduate from Nottingham University and, in May 2010, having successfully completed Advanced Flying Training at RAF Valley on the Hawk T1, was 'creamed off' and selected to return to RAF Linton-on-Ouse, to become a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) on the Tucano. In August 2012 he was awarded his A2 QFI category and was subsequently selected to be the Tucano Display Pilot for 2013. His next posting will be to 4(R) Sqn at RAF Valley to complete Tactical Weapons Training on the Hawk T2, before progressing to a front-line squadron. In the future, Fyvie hopes to fly the Typhoon.

Fyvie will be ably assisted this year by Display Manager Flt Lt Dave Kirby, a former Tornado GR1 Navigator and C-130 pilot (he flew the Hercules role demo as Captain in 2007), now also a QFI at Linton-on-Ouse. Talking to the team this morning, Fyvie told me:

"We are all waiting eagerly in anticipation of seeing the Tucano painted in this historic livery, it will be a great tribute to 72 Squadron’s long and distinguished operational history. Additionally, we're very much looking forward to displaying at the 2013 airshows and all hoping for another very successful year!"

Gareth Stringer would like to thank Flt Lt Andrew Fyvie-Rae and Flt Lt Dave Kirby. GAR would like to wish Fyvie and Dave all the best for the season ahead and we look forward to bringing you more on the 2013 display in due course. In the meantime, stay in touch with the Team via its new Facebook Group.

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