24 May 2006
Britain's crack aerobatics team to demo BAE SYSTEMS' Hawk capabilities

Britain's crack aerobatics team, The Red Arrows, will paint the sky over the Kingdom of Bahrain red, white and blue next Sunday (May 28) when it performs a breath-taking free-to-watch display over the Manama waterfront.

The 22-minute long performance, starting at 4.00pm, is part of the Eastern Arrow tour of India, the Middle East and Europe, sponsored by BAE SYSTEMS which manufactures the Hawk aircraft - the world's best-selling advanced jet trainer which the Red Arrows fly.

The Red Arrows are internationally renowned as one of the world's premier aerobatic teams. Also known as the "public face" of the Royal Air Force, the Red Arrows have actively promoted British interests and industry overseas since their formation in 1964.

The spectacular Red Arrows display is open to the general public who will be able to view the skilled pilots perform a series of dazzling stunts and aerobatics over the Kingdom's skyline for one afternoon only. 

Under the command of Squadron Leader Dicky Patounas, Eastern Arrow will also see the team display in Jordan, India, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Greece.

Winner of the last five major competitions for advanced jet training aircraft, the BAE SYSTEMS' Hawk attracts a high level of interest from prospective customers worldwide, ensuring that the world's best selling advanced jet trainer will continue to fly for years to come.

In addition to BAE SYSTEMS, the Red Arrows Eastern Arrow tour is supported by the UK's Defence Export Services Organisation, Rolls Royce and VT Group.

-Ends- 

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems sales exceeded GBP 15.4 billion (US$28 billion) in 2005. 

For further information, please contact:
Jayne Thomson,
BAE SYSTEMS Middle East
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384 841
Issued by:
Action Bahrain:
Tel: +973 17234553;
fax: +973 17234557.
Email: Kristen.r@actionprgroup.com

On behalf of:
BAE SYSTEMS,
Farnborough,
Hampshire GU14 6YU,
UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605
Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com

© Press Release 2006