An all-female A400M crew from RAF Brize Norton have taken part in a historic flypast over the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) alongside a Prefect T1 and Eurofighter Typhoon to mark the unveiling of the new Women in War exhibition at the Memorial Spire.
Every aircraft in the flypast was flown by an all-female crew, making this the largest flypasts performed solely by female aircrew. The Women in War exhibition features ten steel silhouettes of women during wartime created by the team from Standing with Giants who were responsible for the D-Day display in Normandy in 2024. The ten women were chosen by the IBCC to represent the contribution, courage and leadership shown by women at all levels during the Second World War.
The Atlas A400M, flown by No. 206 Test & Evaluation Squadron from RAF Brize Norton, was flown by Squadron Leader Stewart and Major Williams, with Air Loadmaster Sergeant Thornton and Flight Test Engineer, Squadron Leader Dampier completing the crew.
Squadron Leader Stewart, who previously flew an all-female crew over Wembley Arena for the Lionesses Euro Final said:
“Today was really important to me because it gave us a chance to honour the work that women have done before us. One of the statues that was unveiled today was Joan Curran who invented what today we know as aircraft countermeasures. Being a test pilot on 206 Squadron and working on the future defensive capabilities of the aircraft, it was great to commemorate and celebrate the pioneering work of women in defence that came before was so important to me. It was a fantastic atmosphere on the flight deck and everyone onboard was really proud to put on a good show for the IBCC”.
Squadron Leader Stewart
No. 206 Test & Evaluation Squadron
The flypast was enjoyed by those attending the unveiling of the silhouettes at the IBCC, with the crews of the A400M and Prefect landing at nearby RAF Waddington to meet the guests on the ground.
