If you’re following the iconic RAF Red Arrows in flight, live tracking can add a thrilling real-time dimension. But not all flight trackers are equally suited to monitoring these military jets, which often have unique transponder behaviors and call signs.
Below is a focused review of popular live trackers from the perspective of tracking the Red Arrows specifically—highlighting how well each works, what challenges you’ll face, and practical tips for filtering their flights effectively.
1. Flightradar24 (FR24)
Best for: Casual fans who want easy, pretty maps and quick Red Arrows ID.
How well it tracks Red Arrows:
FR24 is the most widely used global tracker and often shows Red Arrows flights when their ADS-B transponders are active. However, military jets like the Red Arrows sometimes switch off or encrypt transponders during displays, causing gaps.
- Pros:
- Clean, intuitive interface makes spotting Red Arrows easy.
- Search bar lets you type “redarrow” or “RAF” to quickly isolate Red Arrows flights.
- Flight details include aircraft type (Hawk T1) and live position updates when available.
- Cons:
- Red Arrows aircraft occasionally go “dark” if transponders are off, so tracking is not guaranteed throughout a display.
- No direct URL filter for Red Arrows — you have to manually search each time.
- Free version has limited filtering, which can frustrate frequent trackers.
- Filter setup tips:
- Enter “redarrow” or “RAF” in the search box after the page loads to highlight relevant flights.
- Zoom into UK airspace or airshow locations to narrow focus.
- Consider upgrading to premium for better filtering and no ads.
Website: Visit Flightradar24
2. ADSB Exchange
Best for: Hardcore Red Arrows followers wanting raw, unfiltered military flight data.
How well it tracks Red Arrows:
ADSB Exchange excels at showing military flights that other trackers often hide. This means it’s often the most reliable for spotting Red Arrows movements—provided their transponders are on.
- Pros:
- Shows nearly all military aircraft, including Red Arrows, without filtering them out.
- More frequent updates and broader receiver network than many trackers.
- Allows manual filters to isolate military jets.
- Cons:
- User interface is more complex and less polished.
- No direct link or URL filter for Red Arrows; you need to manually apply filters or search by aircraft type (Hawk T1).
- Can show lots of other military traffic, requiring patience to find Red Arrows specifically.
- Filter setup tips:
- Use the filter panel to select “Military” to show all military aircraft, then look for Hawk T1 models.
- Zoom tightly around typical Red Arrows display areas or RAF bases.
- Use aircraft tail numbers or squadron codes to identify them if known.
Website: Visit ADSB Exchange
3. PlaneFinder
Best for: Mobile users and those wanting straightforward Red Arrows call sign tracking.
How well it tracks Red Arrows:
PlaneFinder tracks Red Arrows flights by call sign, usually “REDARROW.” It’s a good choice if you want a quick way to find Red Arrows without sifting through other military flights.
- Pros:
- Easy to search for the “REDARROW” call sign.
- Clean mobile app that works well on the move.
- Good map clarity helps identify Red Arrows jets.
- Cons:
- Military filtering isn’t as deep as ADSB Exchange, so you might miss some flights if call signs are not broadcast.
- No URL parameters to pre-filter to Red Arrows—manual search is necessary each time.
- Coverage depends on ADS-B signal availability.
- Filter setup tips:
- Search “REDARROW” in the app or web search box to highlight relevant flights.
- Focus on UK airspace or major event locations where the Red Arrows typically perform.
- Use the PlaneFinder app for easier tracking on your phone.
Website: Visit PlaneFinder
*Please remember this site has no affiliation to or responsibility for content on external sites. They are linked as I found them useful for tracking Red Arrows Live Flights on a map.