The largest of the Red Arrows’ three aircraft engineering trades is the 30-strong Mechanical team. They specialise in two main areas; the aircraft structure and the propulsion system.

The aircraft structure includes not only the airframe but also the hydraulic undercarriage and flying controls and the cockpit environmental control system.

In addition to the Rolls Royce Adour jet engine they also maintain the aircraft fuel system and gas turbine starter.

A further responsibility unique to the Red Arrows’ mechanical engineers is the smoke generation system that creates the Team’s famous red, white and blue vapour trails.

I joined the Royal Air Force straight after school, I was pretty open to ideas as to which trade I would choose but always knew I wanted to work closely with aircraft. After looking at the various jobs the RAF had to offer I decided on the mechanical trade. After finishing my training at RAF Cosford I got my dream posting to 1 (F) Squadron working on Harriers where I was privileged enough to follow them to Norway, Czech Republic and America, along with the not quite so glamorous Afghanistan! Being selected to work with the Red Arrows has given me the unique opportunity to work closely with a variety of trades from Personnel Administrators to Pilots, and although hard work, the pride and satisfaction I get from my job is reward enough.

Senior Aircraftman James ‘Smiffy’ Smith