[Photo courtesy of Graham Gifford]

Arguably not as publicised as the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force Tucano Display Team originates from No. 1 FTS (Flight Training School) which operates almost 80 Tucano trainers from its base at RAF Linton-on-Ouse near York with Relief Landing Grounds at Church Fenton, Dishforth and Topcliffe.

The Tucano is a Brazilian design built under license by Shorts of Belfast. It is the RAF’s basic training aircraft. The cockpit and handling of the Tucano has been designed to closely resemble a jet. The Tucano is a successful and well liked aircraft in the RAF.

For the 2010 display season and the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the Tucano team repainted their aircraft to resemble Spitfires anno 1940.  Featured paint schemes include “LZ-R” to represent a Spitfire of No. 66 Squadron flown by Robert “Bobby” Oxspring and “QJ-F” (shown) representing an aircraft flown by Charles Kingcombe of No. 92 Squadron.

The attached photo has been captured during the team’s premiere display at Abingdon Air & Country Show on May 2nd.