LIVE coverage of todays events in Central London
0800 - Good Morning everyone!
It’s the big day – the centrepiece of our RAF100 celebrations.
Make sure to keep tuned into this page for live updates of the parade, flypast and events across London.
The events will also be covered on BBC One from 0930 until 1320, and across our RAF Social Media channels.
What's happening when?
0940 – Wreath laying at the RAF Memorial
1030 – Service of commemoration, remembrance and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey
1125 – Ceremonial Parade sets off
1230 – Consecration of new Colour for the RAF
At approximately 1255 today, the Royal Air Force Facebook page will start a Facebook Live broadcast, which will show the flypast scheduled at 1300.
1300 – Mass Flypast
1310 – Feu de Joie and three cheers for Her Majesty
1430 – Reception at Horse Guards Parade for invited guests
Stay tuned for further updates!
Story so far...
1645 - What a day it has been!
Over 1000 personnel on parade, over 100 aircraft in the flypast and approximately 70,000 members of the public on The Mall, all to mark the Centenary of your Royal Air Force.
A warm thank you to everyone who has been involved in the preparation of today’s events.
We hope that you all agree it has been an exceptional day.
We are signing off our live article now – which will remain available on the RAF Intranet to view at any time – thank you to everyone who has been reading.
Our Big Week isn't over yet! From here, the RAF is off to The Chief of the Air Staff's Air Power Conference 2018 on 11 and 12 July, which this year to discuss 'Building the Next Generation Air Force'.
Later this week, the RAF is off to RIAT 13-15 July. RIAT 18 will be the key international event in the RAF’s Centenary year. New for this year, RIAT will be open to the public for three days instead of two. On the Friday, one of every aircraft within the RAF will be on display for a special Royal Review; the first ever to be conducted in public.
1445 - Here are some of the best pictures from the Flypast, service and parade.
1430 - Throughout the day, invited RAF servicemen and women, charity representatives involved in the RAF100 Appeal, RAF Veterans, Civil Service personnel and foreign Air Chiefs have been gathering at the RAF100 Reception taking place on Horse Guards Parade.
Whilst there they have had the opportunity to view the aircraft on display as part of the Aircraft Tour and watch coverage of the parade at Buckingham palace from large screens.
The guests are now being joined by personnel involved in the Parade, in time to witness a speech from the Chief of the Air Staff, announcement of the recipient of the RAF Centenary Awards for Inspiration, and cutting of the RAF100 cake.
Today will also mark the finale of the RAF100 Baton Relay, which has travelled around the UK over the last 100 days carried by servicemen and women from 30 of the 60 RAF branches and trades.
Enjoyed the Parade and Flypast? Let us know and have your say on the RAF100 celebrations by taking this short survey.
1330 - The Flypast may be over, but the RAF100 celebrations continue on Horse Guards Parade. Coverage will continue until later this afternoon, so stay tuned!
Unfortunately, due to the size of the crowds in London, we were unable to show our Facebook Live on the RAF Facebook account. Video footage of the flypast should be available to view later.
1320 - Following the Flypast, we return to the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, where the Parade Personnel have just undertaken a Feu de Joie and three cheers to Her Majesty.
The parade will now begin to march off, returning to Wellington Barracks.
A number RAF servicemen and women, charity representatives involved in the RAF100 Appeal, RAF Veterans and Civil Service personnel involved in the Centenary celebrations will now attend a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the centenary of the RAF with music provided by RAF Salon Orchestra.
1300 - And so it begins, the largest concentration of military aircraft seen over the capital in recent memory. In the next 10 minutes, a total of 19 waves of aircraft will be passing over the Palace. The MET Police estimate crowds of 65,000 - 70,000 currently on The Mall waiting to watch!
The flypast is led by a formation of Puma and Chinook from RAF Benson and RAF Odiham. The Puma is operational with Number 33 and Number 230 Squadron and is currently supporting the ongoing NATO training mission in Afghanistan. The Chinook is flown by Numbers 7, 18 (Bomber) and 27 Squadron, supporting operations at home and abroad.
They are followed by the Jupiter and Juno – the latest additions to the helicopter training fleet, which will train helicopter pilots across all three Services under the Defence Helicopter Flying Training School, based at RAF Shawbury.
Following the helicopters is the first historic aircraft, a Douglas C-47 Dakota, from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) based at RAF Coningsby. The Dakota is one of the most successful aircraft designs in history and saw widespread use by the Allies during WWII. It also featured in the Berlin Airlift, the largest humanitarian Operation ever conducted, which started 70 years ago in June 1948. The Dakota is used for initial training of aircrew for the BBMF Lancaster.
A Lancaster, three Spitfires and two Hurricane's also from the BBMF will follow the Dakota. These iconic WWII aircraft are preserved as a tribute to those who lost their lives while serving in the RAF. The Lancaster is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of WWII. The BBMF Lancaster, PA474, is one of only two Lancasters remaining in airworthy condition out of the 7,377 that were built. The Spitfire was produced in greater numbers than any other British combat aircraft before or since the War. A total of 20,341 Spitfires were built in 22 different variants and the aircraft remained in production for 12 years. The Hawker Hurricane saw action in every theatre of WWII.
Following them is the Prefect – a new training aircraft to replace the Grob Tutor for Elementary Flying Training. This is followed by the Tucano formation, which provides Basic Fast Jet training to RAF pilots.
Next is the first of the RAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft. The Shadow R1 is operated by Number 14 Squadron based at RAF Waddington. The C-130 Hercules leads the heavy formations, some 52 years after the first mark of the Hercules aircraft entered service. It is followed by the A400M Atlas - the latest multi-engine transport and cargo aircraft in the RAF fleet - delivered in November 2014 and currently deployed to the Falkland Islands and Middle East. Next are the C-17 Globemaster and BAE 146 from Number 99 Squadron and Number 32 Squadron. In its 100th year, Number 99 Squadron continues to fly global missions, recently providing aeromedical evacuation after Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean. The BAE146 aircraft conducts transport duties for dignitaries, including the Royal Family.
The eleventh wave consists the Sentinel aircraft which conducts surveillance over wide areas of terrain. Following the Sentinel is the Voyager, operated by Number 10 and Number 101 Squadrons. This aircraft provides air-to-air refuelling, to extend an aircraft’s time in the air, as well as transporting passengers and cargo. The Rivet Joint aircraft follows the Sentinel for its first flight over Central London. Based at RAF Waddington, Number 51 Squadron collects signals intelligence, supporting national and global operational requirements. The final aircraft in this formation is the E3-D Sentry. Operated by Number 8 Squadron from RAF Waddington, this aircraft provides our airborne command and control.
Number 100 Squadron from RAF Leeming leads the fast jet package. The Hawk T Mark 1s are followed by their upgraded counterpart, the Hawk T Mark 2s which are operated by Number 4 Squadron from RAF Valley, as part of the fast jet pilots’ training. Number 31 Squadron and Number 9 Squadron are the last squadrons to fly the Tornado GR4 bomber. In continuous operational service since the first Gulf War, the Tornado has been the backbone of the RAF’s ground attack and reconnaissance capabilities since its introduction to service in 1982. Due for retirement in March 2019, the Tornado Force is on operational service over the skies of Syria and Iraq today.
Immediately following the Tornados are the latest aircraft to enter the RAF’s service. The Lightning II is flown by the historic Number 617 ‘The Dambusters’ Squadron. Operating from RAF Marham, the Lightning is an exceptionally capable aircraft, combining stealth with an array of intelligence, surveillance and air and ground attack capabilities.
The largest formation displaying today is from the Typhoon Force based at RAF Coningsby with Numbers 3(Fighter), 11(Fighter) and 29 Squadrons and RAF Lossiemouth with Numbers 1(Fighter), II (Army Cooperation) and 6 Squadrons. The Typhoon is a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft capable of being deployed across the full range of air operations including air defence and ground attack.
Finally, the RAF Aerobatic Team - the Red Arrows - will conclude the Centenary Flypast. The Team are in their 54th display season and showcase the skill and professionalism of everyone in the RAF.
1245 - In just 15 minutes the Flypast will begin!
Remember to refresh and check back in here for text coverage. Alternatively, watch the flypast via the Live coverage on BBC One and the Royal Air Force “Facebook Live” from 1255 (connection dependent).
In the meantime, here are some key facts about the flypast:
The Flypast will consist of up to 100 aircraft of 23 different types, with nearly 200 aircrew from 25 different RAF Squadrons, operating from 14 RAF stations and two civilian airfields.
Over the course of the flypast, Air Traffic Control will communicate with the aircraft on over 50 unique radio frequencies.
The lightest aircraft is the 120TP Prefect at a maximum take-off weight of 1,440kg, the heaviest is the C-17 Globemaster III at 265,350kg, 185 times heavier than the Prefect.
The largest aircraft is the Voyager, the largest the RAF has ever operated at a length of 58.82m and a wingspan of 60.30m.
The Typhoon FGR4 is the fastest aircraft at Mach 1.8 (1381mph), with the slowest being the helicopters.
The Lightning is the only vertical take-off and landing aircraft in the flypast, which can also hover and fly backwards.
The Flypast will also include two of the RAF’s world-class display teams, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) and the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – the Red Arrows.
1230 - The new Queen’s Colour to mark the Centenary of the RAF has now been presented.
The ceremony saw the Queen’s Colour of the RAF marched off, and a new cased colour marched on and uncased. On uncasing, the Colour was consecrated by the Chaplain-in-Chief:
"Remember always that this Colour which we have dedicated to God represents our duty to our Queen, our country and the common good. In consecrating this Colour, we pledge ourselves to work for freedom, justice and truth, in the service of our nation. We do so with discipline and discernment, courage and compassion, following the example of those who gave their lives that others might live in peace."
Did you know?
The Queen's Colour Squadron is the custodian of the Queen's Colour for the RAF and will form the Royal Guard of Honour as part of the parade today.
Remember to refresh this page for the latest updates.
With 30 minutes to go until the Flypast, it will only take a few minutes to complete this short survey and tell us your thoughts about the RAF100 Campaign.
1140 - The parade is now arriving at Buckingham Palace and forming up in the Palace forecourt, ready for the Presentation of the new Queen’s Colour.
Did you know? This will be the fifth replacement Colour, with the original presented in 1951.
1125 - By the left quick march, the parade has set off!
The parade is commanded by Gp Capt Anne-Marie Houghton, an E-3D Sentry navigator from Headquarters Air Command. Gp Capt Houghton has the distinction of being the first female navigator in the RAF.
Speaking from RAF Halton earlier this week, at the Parade rehearsals, Gp Capt Houghton said:
“I am exceptionally proud to be leading the parade.”
Speaking on the Personnel involved, she said:
“Now they’ve all come together and they see quite how impressive and important this event is they’re all pulling together, they look fantastic.”
Making up the 1000 Personnel on Parade today are the Guard of Honour, the Service’s seven Colours, fifty-five Squadron Standards and two escort Squadrons.
Did you know?
Each Squadron Standard consists a standard bearer, standard WO and two SNCO Escorts.
Music to accompany the parade is provided by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Band of the Royal Air Force College and The Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums.
1050 - The twelve Half Companies comprising more than two hundred and fifty Service Personnel from RAF Cosford are stepping off on their street lining duties along the parade route.
Did you know?
Each Half Company comprises one Officer, one Senior Non Commissioned Officer, one Junior Non Commissioned Officer and eighteen other ranks.
Parade Personnel are now forming up at Horse Guards Parade, ready to set off at 1125.
Remember to refresh this page for the latest updates.
1030 - The Westminster Abbey Service has begun.
During the service, the RAF Silk Ensign will be paraded into the Abbey and presented at the altar.
Also this morning, prayers and music to mark the RAF’s Centenary will be played St Clement Danes.
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1000 - As well as text coverage of the flypast available here, you can watch the flypast via the Live BBC coverage on BBC One and the Royal Air Force “Facebook Live” from 1255.
While you're here, tell us what you think about the RAF100 Campaign by completing this short survey.
0945 - The first event of the day; a wreath laying taking place now at the RAF Memorial on Victoria Embankment. Representatives from the Royal Air Force Association, RAF CTE, RAF Museum and the Royal British Legion will all take part in laying wreaths in memory of all RAF Personnel.
After the Last Post and a moment’s silent reflections, CAS will depart, travelling to join the congregation gathering at Westminster Abbey.
0845 - Later this morning a service of commemoration, remembrance and thanksgiving will be held at Westminster Abbey. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, will be attending along with invited RAF personnel.
Meanwhile, Service Personnel are getting ready for the Parade down The Mall at 1125.