January 29, 2023 11.33 am This story is over 15 months old

Retired Red Arrows jets going up for auction

RAF Scampton icons going under the hammer
The bid winners will need a big display area. | Photo: Metcalfe Farms - Haulage Ltd

Two retired Red Arrows aircraft from RAF Scampton are being auctioned after leaving the closed base.

Metcalf Farms Haulage Ltd transported the two airframes in the aerobatic display team’s famous colours from Scampton to Leyburn via the A1(M) last week.

The aircraft are now available for viewings at the Leyburn site, and will be sold at auction by Agility on Friday February 3.

A spectacular sight on the A1(M). | Photo: Metcalfe Farms – Haulage Ltd

The company said: “We had the pleasure of moving two retired Red Arrows from RAF Scampton, which has been the home of the Red Arrows since 1983, which makes them one of the longest-resident flying units in the station’s history.

“We have moved them back to our own base camp at Washfold Farm for temporary storage until they are purchased by their new owners. This could be you!”

Scampton – the famous World War Two base of the Dambusters squadron – closed in 2022 and the Red Arrows have remained in Lincolnshire, moving to RAF Waddington last autumn.

However, one of the two aircraft never actually flew. Red Arrows XX227 was built as a replica Hawk jet to be used at recruitment events. It has so far attracted 41 bids, the highest £9,400, as of Saturday morning.

The airframe does still have a cockpit with instruments and a ground power supply for lights.

Leaving RAF Scampton for temporary storage before auction. | Photo: Metcalfe Farms – Haulage Ltd

The other is a Folland Gnat – not the model used by the squadron, whose current aircraft are all BAE Hawks.

It flew from RAF Valley in Wales in the 1960s, but was retired in 1975 after a heavy landing. and then became a ‘gate guard’ mascot.

Then it was repainted in Red Arrows livery and was placed at the RAF Brampton and Kemble gatehouses in the 1970s.

From 1976, the aircraft has moved with the Red Arrows and was at RAF Scampton until 2022, ending up as part of the station’s heritage collection in one of the hangars.

The frame does not have an engine.

Anyone wishing to view the planes should contact [email protected] to arrange. Metcalfe can provide delivery for a fee.

Place bids in the auction here

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