THE RAF has revealed the exact route for today’s Red Arrows flypast for Trooping the Colour – and when and where to watch.
More than 30 aircraft will take to the skies above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace today, weather allowing.
The aircraft are set to fly over the palace at 1pm, entering London about 20 minutes beforehand at 12:40pm.
The formation will be led by Chinook helicopters from No. 7 Squadron of RAF Odiham in Hampshire.
Royal fans in Ipswich can expect to see the aircraft at 12:30pm, with people in Essex seeing them around five minutes later.
They will fly over Buckingham Palace as the Royal Family watch on from the balcony following the King’s Birthday Parade.
The aircraft will come from eight different RAF stations, and 15 Squadrons will be taking part.
Ten of the RAF squadrons were involved in D-Day 80 years ago, a spokesperson said.
Brits on the flypast route will be buzzed by helicopters, training, air transport, air-to-air refuelling, maritime, and fast jet combat aircraft.
They will also be treated to some rarely-seen Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft.
The flypast will end in a spectacular show of red, white and blue from the pilots of the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows.
Following the Chinooks will be three Typhoons from 29 Squadron, RAF Coningsby.
A Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight had originally been slated for this wave.
But the BBMF is no longer taking part after the tragic death of Squadron Leader Mark Long in a Spitfire crash last month.
This formation is using the BBMF radio callsign of “Memorial Flight” in Squadron Leader Long’s honour.
All three pilots are instructors from the unit where Squadron Leader Long also flew Typhoons, and each was a close friend.
Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin said: “It is always a privilege to be part of His Majesty the King’s Birthday celebrations.
“The Flypast is an opportunity for us to honour His Majesty the King, our Commander-in-Chief, on this special occasion.”
More to follow.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
