Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Military jets fly in Regal formation in training for celebrations

By
James Titcomb

12:52 EST, 15 May 2012

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14:37 EST, 15 May 2012

This is the moment 27 fighter jets took flight in preparation for this weekend’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

As part of the Jubilee plans dozens of aircraft will perform a flypast over Windsor Castle on Saturday.

Today, jet formations flew over Anglesey, North Wales to practise for the weekend’s celebrations.


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Formation: Hawks from RAF Valley fly over Anglesey skies in preparation for Saturday's Royal Jubilee flypast

Formation: Hawks from RAF Valley fly over Anglesey skies in preparation for Saturday’s Royal Jubilee flypast


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Control: Tucano planes from RAF Lynton on Ouse prepare for Saturday's flight over Windsor Castle

Control: Tucano planes from RAF Lynton on Ouse prepare for Saturday’s flight over Windsor Castle

Planes flew in an EIIR formation and in the shape of a ’60’ in recognition of the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

The pilots from No100 Squadron and No208 squadron, stationed at RAF Valley, performed the EIIR in preparation for Saturday’s event, which will also feature demonstrations from the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team.

The intricate ’60’ was performed in Tucano planes from RAF Lynton on Ouse. About 60 aircraft, including World War II Spitfires and Lancaster Bombers will fly over the Queen’s Berkshire residence on Saturday.


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Close call: Two C130 Hercules from RAF Brize Norton rehearse a manoeuvre over North Wales today

Close call: Two C130 Hercules from RAF Brize Norton rehearse a manoeuvre over North Wales today


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View: Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Matt Compton flies close to a fellow Hercules during the fixed wing aircraft rehearsal today

View: Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant Matt Compton flies close to a fellow Hercules during the fixed wing aircraft rehearsal today


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Clear skies: A Hercules C130 is snapped flying directly in front of its companion plane. All RAF fighter piltos are trained at RAF Valley

Clear skies: A Hercules C130 is snapped flying directly in front of its companion plane. All RAF fighter piltos are trained at RAF Valley

ROYAL MILITARY CELEBRATIONS

A military parade this weekend will see nearly 2,500 troops from the Royal Navy, the Army and the RAF parade through Windsor.

Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh will watch from Windsor Castle as the troops muster in the grounds before the RAF flypast.

The parade and muster in Windsor will be the first time all three Services have visited the Queen for a dedicated event.

Saturday’s demonstration will take place two weeks before the main event on the weekend of June 2-5, when the Queen will attend the Epsom Derby, take part in the June 3 Royal Pageant along the Thames and attend a memorial concert at Buckingham Palace.

Hercules transport planes, two Tornado jets flying in close proximity, and a Merlin helicopter also took part in the display.

Pilots from three RAF bases – Valley, Brize Norton and Lynton on Ouse – took part.

RAF Flt Lt Rob Pitt told the BBC that the pilots taking part in the flypast were of the highest calibre, and that the level of complexity was ‘very, very high’.

‘The Royal Air Force train the absolute best combat fast jet pilots in the world and all of those combat fast jet pilots come through Royal Air Force Valley to do that training,’ he said.

Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, said: ‘Her Majesty The Queen’s support and encouragement over the years has created a very special bond between our monarch and her forces.

‘That link is felt by all those who have the privilege to wear Her Majesty’s uniform both in the UK and on many varied operations overseas.

‘The parade and muster will truly be a day to remember. It is an opportunity to highlight the unique relationship the Queen has with the men and women of the Armed Forces and of the role she fills in our lives.’

Saturday’s event promises to be just as spectacular as last year’s Royal Wedding flypast.

On the day of the wedding, aircraft from World War II to the modern day flew over Buckingham Palace as the new couple greeted crowds.

The armed forces have a history of being prominent in Royal celebrations. The RAF performed at the Queen’s Silver and Golden Jubilees and at King George V’s Silver Jubilee celebration in 1935.

Celebrations: The Queen, pictured in Bromley, South London, today, will be observing her third Jubilee demonstration from the RAF

Celebrations: The Queen, pictured in Bromley, South London, today, will be observing her third Jubilee demonstration from the RAF



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Majestic: One of the Hercules transport planes from RAF Brize Norton that will feature on Saturday

Majestic: One of the Hercules transport planes from RAF Brize Norton that will feature on Saturday


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Ready for takeoff: A Hercules plane gets ready to take to the air today at RAF Brize Norton

Ready for takeoff: A Hercules plane gets ready to take to the air today at RAF Brize Norton

Here’s what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts,
or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have not been moderated.

makes you proud to be british that – great display

Here’s hoping for low cloud cover on Saturday.

Hawk 30 years old, Hercules 50 years old, VC10 49 Years old, Tornado 38 years old and Tucano Brazilian. Finally 2 Typhoons flown by computer…Never In the field of old or computerised aircraft did the RAF fly so few aircraft for the benefit of no one…

The country is in recession with austerity for the masses and we have this ludicrous waste of money here and at the Olympics. It seems everybody can go to hell but the rich establishment will squander whatever they like. It’s a wonder there’s not a revolution but all the chavs are busy watching soaps.

To Patrick, London, (21.30), Have a quick look in your school spelling book, and see how to correctly form the capital letters R and B, and note the difference. It will stand you in good stead when you grow up.

Marvellous! I hope Her Majesty enjoys it.

How to waste good money ……………

I was actually there this morning – great spectacle! Despite them being an hour late and cold 🙂
The DM photos didn’t show a couple of others like the two Tornado GR4s flanking a VC10. The main display should be even better with the inclusion of Typhoons and the Red Arrows – can’t wait!

I hope they’re not using the tax I pay to fund this charade.

Don’t think it’s nice to tell her to Go lol

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