The Flickr Redpelicans Image Generatr

XW323 BAC Jet Provost T.5A by Roger Wasley

The BAC Jet Provost jet trainer was in use with the Royal Air Force from 1955 to 1993. It was originally developed by Hunting Percival from the earlier piston engine-powered Percival Provost basic trainer.

With a top speed of 440 mph, excellent maneouverability, mechanical reliability and low operating costs, the Jet Provost was utilised as an aerobatic aircraft, air warfare and tactical weapons training as well as advanced training.

The RAF’s Red Pelicans flew a four-ship Jet Provost T.5 aerobatics display team from RAF Little Rissington.

Jet Provost T.5A XW323 is on display at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon.

IMG_1198 by routemaster2217

BAC Jet Provost T.3A G-BWOT (XN459)
JetFest 19

IMG_0445 by routemaster2217

BAC Jet Provost T.3A G-BWOT (XN459)
JetFest 19

XW292 Jet Provost T5 by Roger Wasley

How time flies… Just as well this photo is in black-and-white because my face was green after completing a gut-wrenching, five-minute routine with the RAF’s Red Pelicans aerobatics display team in Jet Provost T5 XW292. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable flight with Royal Navy pilot Lieutenant Marcus Edwards in the four-ship team out of RAF Little Rissington in Gloucestershire on 15th May 1973. Sadly, this was the final year that the team performed.

Sitting on a live ejection seat for the first time is an experience all of its own. I was only 20 when we took off, but I aged rapidly!