Posts Tagged ‘Red arrows’
Red Arrows 50p Coin Collection: A Tribute to Britain’s Iconic Aerobatic Team
A new UK 50p has just been released celebrating the legacy and precision of the iconic Red Arrows. Originally featured in this year’s annual coin set, the Red Arrows 50p has now been released individually, with some incredibly limited specifications making their debut in today’s launch.
A Legendary Team Honoured on UK Coinage
Since their inception in 1964, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team—better known as the Red Arrows—have performed nearly 5,000 dazzling displays across 57 countries. Renowned for their precision flying and breathtaking aerobatic formations, the Reds represent the pinnacle of aviation skill. But behind their airborne brilliance stands a team just as crucial—their dedicated ground crew, known as The Blues, who ensure every performance runs seamlessly.
The Red Arrows Silver Proof 50p
At the heart of this new collection is the Red Arrows Silver Proof 50p, which features an iconic depiction of the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 aircraft flying overhead in their signature formation, leaving behind their famous red, white, and blue smoke trails. This stunning coin, available in silver proof and piedfort editions, comes alive with exquisite colour printing that enhances the striking design.
For collectors looking for something even more exclusive, the Red Arrows Silver UK Coin Cover is a must-have. Limited to just 150 covers worldwide, this extraordinary piece pairs the stunning silver proof 50p with four Red Arrows first-class stamps, alongside a technical drawing of the legendary Diamond 9 Formation—a true celebration of the team’s history and expertise.
An Exclusive Gold Coin Release
For those who favour ultra-limited editions, here is something truly special—a tenth of an ounce gold coin, available exclusively through The Westminster Collection. With only 500 pieces released worldwide, this coveted release is set to be a standout in any collection. The Red Arrows have a dedicated fan base, and with coin collectors also vying for these rare pieces, demand is expected to be exceptionally high.
Secure Your Piece of Aviation History
With such limited numbers available, these coins are destined to sell quickly. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a long-time Red Arrows fan, or a passionate coin collector, this collection is a remarkable tribute to one of Britain’s most celebrated aerobatic teams.
My Unforgettable Day with the Red Arrows
Written by Jonathan Patterson.
I’ve always been captivated by the Red Arrows, and the chance to see them up close at RAF Waddington was a dream come true.
Our day began in the early morning as we arrived at the base, passing through tight security checks with a sense of mounting excitement. We eagerly awaited our Red Arrows escort, who would take us to the heart of their operations.
As soon as we stepped off the Red Arrows mini-bus, the deafening roar of jet engines filled the air. We hurried to the viewing point only metres away from the runway, as the Red Arrows formed up and took off in a stunning, orchestrated formation.
For the next 20-30 minutes, the Red Arrows captivated us with their brand-new display for their 60th Diamond Season. Their daring barrel rolls, incredibly close manoeuvres, and crowd favourites like the Tornado left us in awe. The nine Hawk Jets flew overhead in an awe-inspiring sight, the thunderous noise was incredible. Starting with Red 1, each jet gracefully peeled away to land, marking the end of an unforgettable performance.
In need of a moment to absorb the experience, we decided to grab a cup of coffee. Within five minutes, a group of officers entered, with distinct marks around their ears from wearing some sort of helmets. It was then that I realised these were the Red Arrows pilots themselves, casually grabbing their coffees in their Red Arrows mugs. I was in complete awe of these men, who moments ago were hurtling through the clouds at over 500 mph.
Our RAF contact informed us that we only had a few minutes before debrief with the pilots. Led by Red One, Jon Bond, the meeting was a fascinating insight into their meticulous process. Each pilot critiqued their performance, highlighting areas for improvement and discussing how to perfect their manoeuvres for the next sortie that day. I was amazed to learn that the Red Arrows conduct these sorties and debriefs three times a day, every day, to ensure their displays are flawless and maintain their public display authority.
Next, we had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Red 10, Graeme Muscat. He shared insights about the Red Arrows, their intense manoeuvres, their strong focus on teamwork, and how they are a beacon for Great Britain, flying the red, white, and blue all over the world.
We were incredibly excited to show Graeme the brand-new 50p coins specially made to celebrate the 60th Diamond Season of the Red Arrows. His elation was clear as he smiled and said, “I think it’s amazing… I can keep that one, right?”
Our day with the Red Arrows was nothing short of extraordinary. From witnessing their breath-taking display to meeting the pilots and learning about their dedication, it was an experience that left us deeply inspired. The Red Arrows continue to be a symbol of excellence, teamwork, and pride for Great Britain.
To commemorate this special occasion, a brand-new coin range has been released to celebrate 60 years of the Red Arrows.
>>> Click here to explore the complete Red Arrows 60th Anniversary Diamond Season coin range <<<
Exclusive Red Arrow Interview | The pilot in the pandemic
Joining the Red Arrows is a lifelong dream for many, and for Squadron Leader, Nick Critchell (aka Red 3), that dream became a reality following an impressive career with the RAF.
And in this exclusive interview, Red 3 tells us all about how he landed his dream job with the Red Arrows, the technicalities behind the incredibly impressive maneuvers and how COVID -19 affected the team.
Watch our latest video to find out more.
If you’re interested…
