100 YEARS OF THE RAF

CHINOOK

SPITFIRE

VULCAN BOMBER

EUROFIGHTER/TYPHOON

THE RED ARROWS

As we celebrate the centenary year of the RAF, we thank them for defending our skies and defending our country. From the supersonic jet planes to the 1918 tri-planes, they are all part of the RAF.

Since being formed on the 1st April 1918, it is now the oldest independent air force in the world. From its establishment during World War 1, to saving our country in World War 2 with their outstanding Spitfires used to win the Battle of Britain.

During the Cold War era,the Vulcan Bombers were the strategic bombers used. More recently, the RAF have been involved in large scale operations in the Gulf, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Another key role of the RAF is to support the British Army by ferrying troops and equipment. The double rotor Chinook is particularly useful for carrying heavy loads.

The RAF Aerobatic Display Team The Red Arrows continue to amaze crowds around the world since their inception in 1964.

The aim of today's RAF is to provide the capbilities needed to ensure the security and defence of the United Kingdom and overseas territories. It does so with an operational fleet of "leading Edge" (in terms of technology) aircraft.