Red Arrows Aircraft
From the nimble Folland Gnat to the iconic BAE Hawk T1 — the aircraft that have defined six decades of world-class aerobatics.
BAE Systems Hawk T1
The Hawk T1 has been the Red Arrows' aircraft since 1979 — a highly capable advanced jet trainer designed and built in Britain. Originally developed by Hawker Siddeley (later BAE Systems), the Hawk has proven itself as a reliable, manoeuvrable aircraft perfectly suited to precision formation flying.
The team flies modified T1A variants, equipped with smoke pods under the fuselage to produce the iconic red, white and blue trails. Diesel dyed with powder pigment is injected into the jet exhaust at display altitudes, creating the vivid coloured trails seen at every show.
Despite the Hawk's age — most of the team's airframes date from the late 1970s — the aircraft continues to perform reliably. There have been ongoing discussions about a future replacement, but as of 2026 the Hawk remains the team's aircraft, with the fleet maintained to airworthy standard by the Circus ground crew at RAF Waddington.
Folland Gnat T.1
Before the Hawk, the Red Arrows flew the diminutive Folland Gnat T.1 from their formation in 1965 through to 1979. Despite its small size, the Gnat was an exceptionally agile aircraft perfectly suited to the tight formations that became the team's hallmark from the very start.
The Gnat's compact dimensions — a wingspan of just 7.3 metres — allowed the team to fly formations far tighter than most contemporary aircraft, establishing the Red Arrows' reputation for precision that endures today.
| Specification | Folland Gnat T.1 | BAE Hawk T1 |
|---|---|---|
| Years with Red Arrows | 1965–1979 | 1979–present |
| Engine | Bristol Siddeley Orpheus | Rolls-Royce Adour |
| Max Speed | 695 mph (Mach 0.91) | 645 mph (Mach 0.84) |
| Wingspan | 7.32 m | 9.39 m |
| Length | 9.68 m | 11.17 m |
| Seating | Tandem (2) | Tandem (2) |
| Display aircraft | 7 (later 9) | 9 |
The BAE Systems Hawk T1 fleet is ageing — most airframes are over 40 years old and the Red Arrows are now the only RAF unit still flying the T1. Spare parts, including engines, are increasingly difficult to source. The team is expected to operate the Hawk T1 until around 2030, after which a replacement will be required.
The UK's 2025 Strategic Defence Review confirmed that both the Hawk T1 and T2 should be replaced with a cost-effective fast jet trainer, and a formal open competition is expected. Several aircraft have been publicly identified as candidates or have been evaluated. No selection has been made and no contract has been awarded.
Information below is based on publicly available manufacturer data and reporting. It reflects the competitive landscape as understood in mid-2026 — not an endorsement of any candidate or prediction of the outcome.