RAF bids farewell to the Hercules as final retirement flypast takes to the skies
Three Royal Air Force Hercules have flown across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, throughout the day (June 14), to mark the aircraft's retirement.
The trio of C-130s departed Brize Norton at 10:00 BST and passed locations significant to the Hercules' service before returning at 17:05. Full details of the route are here.
Known as the workhorse of the RAF, the Hercules has been the backbone of UK operational tactical mobility tasks since the 1960s, working around the globe on military and humanitarian relief operations.
The Hercules is being replaced by a fleet of 22 Atlas A400Ms, supported by other RAF aircraft.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to personnel and crews of 47 Squadron, who he said have served with "professionalism and distinction throughout" and have his full thanks.
Before the national flypast tour began, Officer Commanding 47 Squadron, Wing Commander James Sjoberg, gave a final outline of the route and asked the public: "Please give us a wave if you see us going past today."
The farewell flypast officially began as OMEN 1, 2 and 3 departed RAF Brize Norton for their C-130 National Tour.
It was looking good against the blue sky as they fly over RAF Cosford.
It was the final chance for low-level flying in Wales as the C-130s completed their last Mach Loop.
The Hercules flew past Hawk T2s at RAF Valley.
The impressive view from Belfast Airport.
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