RAF Hawk T1`s to retire at the end of March 2022

[Angry Turnip]

The Hawk T Mk1 is set to be withdrawn from service with 100 Squadron by 31 March 2022 but will continue to serve with the Red Arrows until 2030.

I recall this being announced sometime last year, also the RAF C-130 Hercs are to be phased out, and retired by 2023.

[Jimi182]

The Hawk T Mk1 is set to be withdrawn from service with 100 Squadron by 31 March 2022 but will continue to serve with the Red Arrows until 2030.

I recall this being announced sometime last year, also the RAF C-130 Hercs are to be phased out, and retired by 2023.

Would there be any plans for a C-130 farewell UK tour?  Probably not given all that's going on in the world!

[Jimi182]

As usual, NI has been forgotten about when it came to planning the farewell flight:

https://www.military-airshows.co.uk/press22/rn-hawkt1-farewell2022.htm

[Angry Turnip]

Sadly that does seem to be the case, more often than not. I wonder will the RAF do their own farewell and include NI ? Bit of a long shot but you never know.

As for the C-130J Hercules being retired, I suspect that may be pushed back, but it`s difficult to know. From what I have read it is 14 years earlier than expected.
Also discovered the RAF E3D-Sentry AWACS were retired at the end of September 2021 at RAF Waddington. They are to be replaced by the Boeing 737 based E7 Wedgetail in 2023,
these will be operated from RAF Lossiemouth. The RAF or their pen pushers, seem to have a knack of retiring aircraft types, only to find a few months later circumstances change, and they would be very useful.