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738 Squadron: Red Seahawks

Article Highlights

• Introduction

• 806 Squadron: the Royal Navy goes to North America.

• 738 Squadron: Red Seahawks

• Naval Fighter School: Fred's Five.

• 892 Squadron: Simon's Sircus.

• 705 Squadron: The Sharks.

• 702 Squadron: The Black Cats.

Forming the team

In June 1957 738 squadron was chosen to take part in a combined Naval display at the Farnborough Air show in September 1957, despite having a full operational programme.

It was decided to have a team of five Hawker Seahawks, permission was granted to paint the aircraft bright red with 'Royal Navy' in big white letters under the wing. They were the first aerobatic team to produce smoke at will, by modifying the fuel injection system.

Air Displays

The performance at Farnborough was very popular and even made the New York Times. During the season the squadron took part in 17 air displays finishing at RNAS Abbotsinch, now Glasgow Airport.