The famed UK Royal Air Force aerobatic Red Arrows dazzled onlookers as nine Hawk T1 jet trainers performed spectacularly at the opening ceremony of the 11th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition on Nov 1.

Red Arrows at opening ceremony  

After some extreme-low-altitude hovering, the dauntless ennead disappeared into the clouds, only to starkly reappear over the Airshow Center in delicate precision. They performed a large-span somersault, and then reconvened into an arrow-shaped formation, only to become diamond-shaped while rolling and flipping in accord with a master plan. 

Red Arrows Aerobatic Team 

Founded 52 years ago, the Red Arrows is one of the oldest and most famous air show teams in the world. Its nine-aircraft tight signature formation is seen as their public face. Also notable are the Tornado, Typhoon, and Cyclone stunts marked by plumes of colorful smoke which thrilled all the spectators at this, the team’s debut in China.

Twists and loops

As a climactic masterpiece, the team painted a heart in the sky with red smoke, and then streaked through it just like Cupid’s Arrow. 

Cupid’s Arrow maneuver [Photos by Cheng Lin / Zhuhai Daily] 

The show ended in a “Vixen Break” with blue, white, and red trails, drawing a full stop to the fascinating performances. 

The Red Arrows has completed more than 4,800 performances since its formation in 1965. China is the 57th country to have been their host.