Red Arrows inspire UK’s future scientists and engineers

Air March 22, 2018

A West Midlands-born pilot from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, met hundreds of students at a major science and engineering fair being staged in Birmingham.

Squadron Leader Adam Collins, known as Red 10, spoke about his career flying fast-jets at the Big Bang event at The NEC earlier this month.

Members of the Red Arrows team were among a large Royal Air Force presence at the fair – part of British Science Week and the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people, aged between seven and 19-years-old, in the United Kingdom.

The four-day Royal Air Force exhibition at Big Bang included a full-size replica Typhoon jet, an opportunity to experience a virtual reality flight, hands-on STEM activities – including robot programming – and was manned by about 70 Servicemen and women from across a range of trades. There was also chance for young people to sit in the cockpit of a replica Red Arrows BAE Systems Hawk jet – complete with its distinctive livery and Union flag tailfin.

Sqn Ldr Adam Collins, who is originally from Solihull and is the supervisor of the world-renowned display team, said: “It’s fantastic to come back home to the West Midlands and meet hundreds of young people who are passionate about aviation, engineering and science.

“Events like this enable us to share what we do and I hope that my own career proves the RAF provides world-class training and experiences for young people, who are then inspired to learn more.

“Our centenary is a special milestone and I can’t wait for the 2018 display season where our team will play a big part in the exciting RAF100 celebrations.”

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Big Bang engineering Red Arrows Royal Air Force Science