Valley Aviation Society having followed and recorded the progress of earlier Hawk Display Schemes, has been invited, once again, to record from start to finish the 2010 colour scheme.
It is with pleasure that the Society acknowledges this privilege, therefore thanks are due to RAF Valley, Babcocks and the 2010 Display Pilot Flt Lt Tom Saunders.
Meet the Pilot
Flight Lieutenant Tom Saunders, "Cinders" aged 29 grew up in Oxford and is the eldest of 4 children. He was educated at Reigate Grammar School in Surrey where he was a member of the Combined Cadet Force. He was awarded an RAF sixth form scholarship and flying scholarship which provided him with flying hours towards his Private Pilots License (PPL). He completed his PPL aged 17 and completed further training to become a civilian flying instructor 2 years later.
Between 1999 and 2004, Tom flew over 3500 hours in Europe and the Caribbean on a variety of different types including business jets and turbo props. He chose to pursue a military flying career and began Initial Officer Training at Royal Air Force Cranwell in 2004. Following Elementary Flying Training on the Grob Tutor with Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron at RAF Church Fenton he was selected for fast jet training on the Tucano and Hawk aircraft. In between flying courses, Tom spent 10 months with the RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows working in the Public Relations department whilst flying in the back seats during display practices wherever possible!
Following completion of Advanced Flying Training at RAF Valley, Anglesey he was selected for instructional duties and remained on 208 Sqn where he currently works teaching RAF and Royal Navy student pilots to fly the Hawk. After the 2010 Display season, Tom will commence Tactical weapons training on 19(F) Squadron and hopes to fly the Typhoon on his next tour.
Tom currently lives in Anglesey with his wife Josephine. He enjoys a variety of sports including squash, wakeboarding and skiing and is also a keen amateur dramatist!
Above text courtesy of RAF Valley
Initial proposals are for two Hawk T1's to be painted in this years exciting and colourful scheme, to celebrate 4 FTS 50 years at RAF Valley, so we will endeavour to keep track of the progress of both, starting firstly with XX263.
If you would like to keep up to date with the progress of the 2010 Display Hawk, we invite you to return to this site from time to time.
You can click on the date to see that day's report and images.
Monday 8th March
Tuesday 9th March
Wednesday 10th March
Thursday 11th March
Friday 12th March
Saturday 13th March
Monday 15th March
Tuesday 16th March
Wednesday 17th March
Thursday 18th March
Friday 19th March
Saturday 20th March
Sunday 21st March
Monday 22nd March
Tuesday 23rd March Morning
Tuesday 23rd March Afternoon
Thursday 25th March 2010 First Flight in NEW Scheme.
Friday 12th February 2010
Standing on the apron as the Sun came up and before the birds had brushed the sleep from their eyes, I saw the first of the Display Jets XX263 roll towards the RAF Valley Paint Shop.
Hawk XX263, gleaming and dappled with colour in the early morning light, having been newly washed, entered the Paint Shop.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
The journey begins. Early morning sunshine dapples the surface of XX263.
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Easy does it. The ground crew begin the careful move into the Paint Shop at RAF Valley
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The last look at the outside world, for a while. Well, that's what the plan was.!!!
It seemed as if the first stage of preparation was underway, with an intent of placing Flt Lt Tom 'Cinders' Saunders mount onto aircraft jacks.
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Monday 22nd February 2010
Yes, Monday 22nd of February.
XX263 rolled into the Paint Shop as previously reported. However on Monday 15th February Hawk XX263 rolled out again to undergo various checks away from the Paint Shop and Flight Line.
Having completed all the checks and with the necessary paperwork XX263 returned to the Paint Shop and work began today Monday 22nd February 2010
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Positioning of gear and preparation of surfaces now underway.
The rubbing down of the existing paint proceeded at speed. Even then XX263 refusing to hide its identity.
After much attention XX263 reflects the work so far. Upper wing and tail surfaces yet to be done.
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Tuesday 23rd February 2010
Rubbing down of the remaing surfaces proceeded at a pace and soon XX263 was ready for her shower. No pictures in the shower are shown to preserve the ladies dignity!!!
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Signs of the old paint finish nearly removed, just a remnant to go.
Moving towards the new.
Just out of the shower! Fetch me a towel, that shower was cold. XX263 dries out after a thorough wash down and blowdry.
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Wednesday 24th February 2010
The day started with the application of tape as each design element was interpreted. First thoughts gradually emerging as two dimensional ideas took shape and substance on a three dimensional subject.
This is where the Mk1 eyeball came into its own. Straight application from un scaled drawings jarred. Each curve was subject to push and pull and as each element was applied the shape became more pleasing to the eye. Compound curves were re-assessed time and time again until this unique design and shape emerged.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Is this the latest fertility symbol- " The Man Of Tywyn Trewan Sands" ?
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Curve and corner adding impact.
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Line and shape emerging.
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Thursday 25th February 2010
It was a day of slow, painstaking work by the Painters. Interpretation of line and form most tasking, as each element was duly confirmed and marked out.
It is but one quarter of the design for XX263 that has been planned,well almost. However the scene is now set for tomorrow when the crucial work of template making is scheduled.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
RAF Valley painters meticulously mark out the position of each and every line on the port side of Hawk XX263.
The pattern of the 2010 scheme more firmly established with attention now turning to the tailplanes and position of wing roundels.
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Friday 26th February 2010
The tail patterns are in place and templates are measured and cut. Each and every panel, seam and hole carefully noted on the master templates.
It is remarkable that, despite a delay of a week, so much has been achieved by the Paint Shop Crew at RAF Valley since Monday last.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Tailplane pattern takes shape.
Master Template preparation.
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Monday 1st March 2010
St Davids Day, at the start of a new week, saw the patterns of last week on XX263, removed. It was quite a shock to see the contrast from what had been a fully lined out scheme, to what was now a 'blank' canvas. However all was soon to be revealed, it was not a mysterious way of working by the Paint Shop Team!
The major areas of colour having been established required this tried and tested approach, prior to the application of primer.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
The beginning of remarking and masking XX263 with the pattern for the boundaries of the major colours. Following on from last weeks detailed work, templates were used to position and mark the colour boundaries.
The black and white areas of the 2010 scheme are now clearly defined, all this prior to applying primer.
Flt Lt Tom Saunders paid a visit, today, to see how work was progressing, and discussed the nuances of his scheme with the Paint Shop Team.
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Tuesday 2nd March 2010
As I looked into the Paint Shop, at RAF Valley, all seemed still. Only the quiet hum of the ventilation system filling the bay. Having been degreased XX263 was now skirted. Wings and other important areas newly masked, all ready for priming.
It had been noted in earlier preparatory work that when the flaps were drooped the symmetry and continuity of the design was marred. A solution required?
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
After degreasing XX263 sits freshly skirted. |
Eureka! Surprise! Surprise! by adjusting point, angle and curve gaps in the design have been avoided.
Nose to |
Tail |
Days end. |
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Wednesday 3rd March 2010
It was not an easy day. The painters had to pay careful attention to this Prima Donna as she decided to sweat in places unbecoming........!
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Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
First Coat
Second Coat |
Third Coat
and drying time!
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Thursday 4th March 2010
The Fuselage was re masked and the wing areas made ready, to receive the coat of white.
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Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Wings and Fin surfaces sprayed white
and once again left to dry!
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Friday 5th March 2010
Fuselage and wings were re masked in readiness for the application of the Red paint.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Cross of St.George marked out, along with other areas. |
Is it really something to scratch your head about? |
Space suited men with Ray Guns!!!!" start the process of transformation as the first coat of red is worked along the fuselage of XX263.
Two man teams(Principal and Safety man) work in unison along both sides of XX263, adding the first coat of red paint.
With red paint applied XX263 basks in the warmth of the Paint Bay, during drying time.
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Saturday 6th March 2010
An early morning start resulted in the re masking of previously painted areas. This was to expedite the application of blue, the third color so far in this unique design.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
A hint of what's afoot |
The strong blue colour certainly has impact. |
Oops! is this a smudge? Only joking. XX263 looking less than patriotic!!
Identity now restored XX263 gives a hint of the strength of the scheme to come.
Thus the second week came to an end, hints of what is to come getting ever stronger. XX263 was at last allowed to rest, with lights switched off and the Paint Shop Bay secured she is able grab a moment of quiet before the start of the intensive activity scheduled for week three.
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Monday 8th March 2010
Week three started with the dance of the seven ......, well not quite!
Slowly but surely XX263 revealed the hidden beauty as the masking wraps were taken away. Even in the partly finished state, the design had head turning impact. This was the butterfly emerging out of the cocoon.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
As the protective wrapping is removed more of XX263's unique, eye catching design is revealed.
Last remnants of the veil remaining |
Close up and definitely not retro!
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Angles.........see! |
A birds eye view of the emerging design |
Flt Lt Tom Saunders, Display Pilot, popped by to discuss some of the detail, yet to be applied. |
A tantalizing impression of what is yet to be. XX263 sits and waits. |
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Tuesday 9th March 2010
A rather quiet day today. XX263 Is prepared to receive the last colour on the upper surfaces.
All previously painted areas are carefully masked prior to priming.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
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Wednesday 10th March 2010
After Mondays's dramatic reveal XX263 looks decidedly downbeat. Preparation for the fourth colour of the scheme( gloss black) is underway. All areas having been washed down, degreased and primed with black primer.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
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Thursday 11th March 2010
This was a day for re-masking XX263, leaving only the areas requiring the last top colour.
The morning session saw the spraying of the fuselage sides and fin with gloss black, which after drying was re-masked. During the afternoon session the wing and tailplane tops were given the gloss black coat.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Photographed through the Paint Shop Bay Safety windows, the gloss black is sprayed on the upper surfaces
As the black begins to dry, the deep sheen starts to glisten and reflect surrounding surfaces.
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Friday 12th March 2010
I was accompanied by Dimitris today. It was an opportunity for him to see XX263 for the first time.
He was so surprised I have asked him to share his observations and photographs on his visit.
" On arrival at RAF Valley's Paint Shop we were both greeted warmly by the Paint Shop Team.
After a quick cup of coffee in the staff kitchen I finally set eyes on this year's Display Jet.
Although I have been given photos by Tom, to add to the V-A-S website on a daily basis, I was totally amazed by the progress made on XX263.
XX263 was covered top to bottom with plastic wrap and masking tape. Three members of the Paint Shop team, started removing, with care, the masking tape and wrap to reveal the freshly painted surface of Hawk XX263.
Watching, initially, through the round safety glass in the Paint Bay door, first thing to come to mind was the dedication and professionalism of the Paint Team.
After a while, we were allowed to enter the Paint Shop Bay and to take Photos of the jet as it was unwrapped. From my point of view the heat was unbearable for me having been in the Bay for no more than five minutes. Yet it seems that the Paint Shop team wearing full kit work for long hours with no problems. I guess working in such conditions, one would have to be dedicated.
Although, the top part of the jet looks like it is nearly finished, there is still a lot more work to be done. Markings like the 4 FTS 50 yrs text to go on the fin and the 2010 text along the fuselage, warning stickers etc.
I look forward to the next stage of progress, I would also like to thank Babcocks and the Paint Shop team for their warm welcome and giving me the opportunity to see the work carried out in RAF Valley's Paint Shop Bay."
I hope you are as impressed as Dimitris.
The next stage for XX263 takes the process forward, with the markings to be applied and the underwing and fuselage areas scheduled for attention.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Dimitris
(Valley Aviation Society)
Principal Lady |
Removing masking from on the upper wing surfaces |
Carefully does it! Exposing the starboard wing roundel |
All hands to the unwrapping and bagging |
Test application of the FTS Crest |
Safety markings awaited along with other adjustments |
Highly reflective surfaces repeat the impact of the design |
Flying formation view of the design! |
Topside starboard view |
Topside port view |
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Saturday 13th March 2010
Feeling like a right anorak, I could not fail to enthuse about the view which greeted me through the Paint Shop Bay door porthole. It was STUNNING!
The markings in place only adding impact to the view. Even though my arrival was early much in the way of markings had already been applied.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Trial fit of the proposed Fin markings.It was like watching the work of a 'bespoke tailor' |
The fuselage side markings reflect in the high gloss sheen |
Its got my name on it! Named at last - Flt Lt Tom Saunders "Cinders" |
Some of the essential safety markings hardly ever seen |
Trial and a certain amount of tribulation accompanied the marking out of the Fin. Was it level? Was it straight? Could it be read when at 200ft? - I joke of course!
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Monday 15th March 2010
The start of week four, yet it hardly seemed that so much time had past since the start! The early part of the day was spent in applying many of the, over two hundred, decals that adorn a Hawk.
By late morning XX263 was once again wrapped, this lady has more robe changes than a vaudville star! However, during the afternoon, one was about to have a sneak view of one of the major design features. Special attention was given to the fin of XX263, during which both the Birthday lettering and Crest were applied.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Outside looking in during one of the often repeated drying times |
Port and starboard views of one of the major elements of the 2010 design.
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Tuesday 16th March 2010
As I looked on the process, of adding markings and sealing them, continued. Amidst all this, at 1300hrs, the Ground crew arrived and began placing XX263 up on 'Jacks'. The planning of the lower surface design, was about to begin.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Decal edges in process of being sealed and varnished. |
With flaps down, the wing design adjustments look good. |
Port and starboard views of the now finished Fin markings.
XX263 up on Aircraft Jacks. |
The undercarriage being retracted manually by one of the Ground Crew. |
Flaps up and the design modifications work - Pheww what a relief! |
The Paint Shop Team take a worms eye view and contemplate how the design is to fit. |
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Wednesday 17th March 2010
The Paint Shop was a hive of activity. The broad principals of the underwing design were taped out. The various shapes were adjusted, taking into account the roundel positions and the wing flap hinge fairing's.
Whilst this was happening, XX263 was also given attention by a team of RAF Valley Aircraft Fitters.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
The broad expanse of the underwing shapes are measured, positioned and taped. After which each was fine lined to mark its contours.
RAF Valley Aircraft Fitters carrying out snagging procedures prior to rub down of the lower surfaces.
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Thursday 18th March 2010
It was a long day with a mixture of the mundane and the exacting, in equal measure, during the preparation. The main areas of the lower surface design had been rubbed down. The boundaries marked out.
Towards the end of the day, another Ground Crew were called in to raise the flaps and the airbrake after these areas had been carefully masked.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
The main aspects of the under surface design become more evident.
Flaps masked and down |
Flaps masked and up. |
Even inside the airbrake was carefully masked and all parts protected. |
The re- wrapping process about to begin all over again. |
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Friday 19th March 2010
Friday morning saw the re-wrapping of all areas not requiring paint being undertaken. Eventually the lower surface of XX263 was washed and degreased and a coat of yellow primer applied.
Most of the work for XX263 then took place 'off piste' so to speak. XX263 spent the remainder of the day in the warmth of the Paint Shop Bay, the paint drying and curing.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Yellow primer now adorns XX263 as it sits during the flashoff and curing phase.
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Saturday 20th March 2010
It was an early start, it was still dark outside! XX263 was gently awakened and the process of applying the first coat of white paint began.
A plaintiff cry of 'put the kettle on' , and that was me and I was only watching, heralded the next drying period, after all even the birds had yet to awake.
By 1100hrs the surface was about touchable and so began the marking out for the blue and red colour areas.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Now sporting the final white coat XX263 awaits the next move
Using previously prepared templates the Paint Shop Team begin marking out the under surface design.
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Sunday 21st March 2010
It is hard to credit that four weeks have passed, since that cold February morning when I first saw Hawk XX263 roll into RAF Valley's Paint Shop. Over the days and weeks that have followed I have seen her change. It is now close to the time when XX263 will be out on public view.
The end product is little short of STUNNING! During my time spent in the Paint Shop, it has been and is a privilege to watch Master Craftsmen at work.
Today began at 0500hrs and the marking out of XX263 was one of the most exacting so far. However, despite this, by 1150hrs it was possible to apply the penultimate colour in the sequence - blue. The following photographs do not really reflect the time and the effort involved.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Letting it all hang out ! |
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XX263 in reflective mood as the last but one colour enters a drying phase.
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Monday 22nd March 2010
Further re-robing of XX263, she has had more fashion styles than Dior! Following on from this, the last two coats of the final colour were applied.
It would seem that XX263 has now entered the straight with the finishing line in sight.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Re-robed for the last act of the day |
Surface areas are keyed in readiness for the final colour. |
Adding to the patriotic style the final red colour is sprayed on.
Spare my blushes! |
A partial demask of the wet red paint, allows a brief inspection and view of the design as it wraps around the fuselage of XX263 |
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Tuesday 23rd March 2010 (Morning)
All the wraps were removed and a close inspection of the airframe began. Snagging notes identified each small area for attention.
Slowly, during the morning all areas of concern were dealt with and additional markings had been applied. At last the lower surface design shapes became more clear.
Now ready to roll, XX263 revealed in full its 2010 Display scheme. With just a few technical details to complete, XX263 will be readied for her first flight in this unique livery.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Tom Brown
(Valley Aviation Society)
Tuesday 23rd March 2010 (Afternoon)
With all aspects of the painting complete it was decided not to delay the roll out of XX263 further. At 1614hrs following a visit to the Paint Shop by the Display Pilot, Flt Lt Tom Saunders, Wing Co. Jamie Hunter the CO of 208 Sqn and RAF Valley Base Commander Grp Cpt Bruce Hedley, XX 263 rolled out into a steady downpour of rain.
The rain did not dampen the impact that this eye-catching design had on the assembled onlookers. Hawk XX263 in this livery, along with Tom's Flight programme will give the RAF an out of the ordinary 'shop window' in 2010.
Click on the Thumbnails to view larger photos.
Photos by Dimitris
(Valley Aviation Society)
Standing down of XX263 from 'jacks'
Replacing dorsal panels after painting. XX263 stands ready to roll
RAF Valley Paint Shop Team
2010 Hawk Display Pilot - Flt Lt Tom Saunders.
Flt Lt Tom Saunders and his Display Support Team.
XX263 with Grp Cpt Bruce Hedley, RAF Valley Base Commander, Flt Lt Tom Saunders, Display Pilot and Wing CO Jamie Hunter, CO 208 Sqn. |
RAF Valley Ground Crew preparing XX263 for Roll Out from the Paint Shop. |
XX263 rolls out of RAF Valley's Paint Shop, into a steady downpour of rain.
Reflections on a job well done. |
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Thursday 25th March 2010 First Flight
1550 hrs Thursday XX263 'Tom' & 'Tom' taxi from the flight line towards Runway 13.
Pilot Flt Lt Saunders turns XX263 onto Runway 13 for her first takeoff in her new colours. |
Clear for takeoff XX263 is powered up. |
Rolling! Rolling! |
XX263 overflys Runway 13 in salute, next stop Northolt. |
Seen the same day at 2010 Northolt Photo Call. In my view the STAR of the show.
Photo courtesy of Neil Dunridge
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VALLEY AVIATION SOCIETY thanks all at RAF VALLEY, for the support and help in enabling the Society to record the changes to XX263.
Particular thanks go to the Paint Shop Team also Flt Lt Tom Saunders, Display Pilot, Wing Co Jamie Hunter, CO 208 Sqn, Grp Cpt Bruce Hedley, Base Commander and not least Babcocks and BAE Systems.
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PLEASE NOTE: All Contents in this site may only be used with written permission from the author.
Photos & Report by Tom Brown & Dimitris
(Valley Aviation Society)
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