Anyone can bid for the two planes – one of them a replica BAE Hawk which was used at the squadron’s recruitment fairs, and the other a Folland Gnat which was retired in 1975 after a crash landing, repainted in Red Arrows colours and followed the aerobatic display team around as a gatehouse mascot for the next 50 years.
They are now at Washfold Farm in Leyburn after Metcalfe Farms Haulage Ltd transported them from Lincolnshire to the Dales last week, and anyone interested in placing a bid can book a viewing before Friday’s sale.
The RAF decided to sell the two airframes following the closure of the Red Arrows’ base, RAF Scampton, last year – they have moved to nearby RAF Waddington. The Gnat had been kept in a heritage collection at Scampton, having previously stood at the gates of several other RAF stations since the 1970s. It never actually flew with the squadron during its years of service.
Metcalfe can deliver the aircraft to the successful buyers for a fee.
The Yorkshire Post photographer Bruce Rollinson went along to capture the Red Arrows for possibly the last time they are available for public viewing.
1. RAF Red Arrows for sale: Two retired display aircraft stored on Yorkshire Dales farm ahead of auction where anyone can bid for them. Metcalfe Farms Haulage Ltd transported the two airframes in the aerobatic display team’s famous colours from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to Leyburn, one of the two aircraft never actually flew. Red Arrows XX227 was built as a replica Hawk jet to be used at recruitment events, the other is a Folland Gnat, It was repainted in Red Arrows livery and was placed at the RAF Brampton and Kemble gatehouses in the 1970s. 30 January 2023. Picture Bruce Rollinson
The airframes in storage in Leyburn Photo: Bruce Rollinson
2. RAF Red Arrows for sale: Two retired display aircraft stored on Yorkshire Dales farm ahead of auction where anyone can bid for them. Metcalfe Farms Haulage Ltd transported the two airframes in the aerobatic display team’s famous colours from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to Leyburn, one of the two aircraft never actually flew. Red Arrows XX227 was built as a replica Hawk jet to be used at recruitment events, the other is a Folland Gnat, It was repainted in Red Arrows livery and was placed at the RAF Brampton and Kemble gatehouses in the 1970s. 30 January 2023. Picture Bruce Rollinson
They've been relocated from RAF Scampton Photo: Bruce Rollinson
3. RAF Red Arrows for sale: Two retired display aircraft stored on Yorkshire Dales farm ahead of auction where anyone can bid for them. Metcalfe Farms Haulage Ltd transported the two airframes in the aerobatic display team’s famous colours from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to Leyburn, one of the two aircraft never actually flew. Red Arrows XX227 was built as a replica Hawk jet to be used at recruitment events, the other is a Folland Gnat, It was repainted in Red Arrows livery and was placed at the RAF Brampton and Kemble gatehouses in the 1970s. 30 January 2023. Picture Bruce Rollinson
The replica BAE Hawk Photo: Bruce Rollinson
4. RAF Red Arrows for sale: Two retired display aircraft stored on Yorkshire Dales farm ahead of auction where anyone can bid for them. Metcalfe Farms Haulage Ltd transported the two airframes in the aerobatic display team’s famous colours from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire to Leyburn, one of the two aircraft never actually flew. Red Arrows XX227 was built as a replica Hawk jet to be used at recruitment events, the other is a Folland Gnat, It was repainted in Red Arrows livery and was placed at the RAF Brampton and Kemble gatehouses in the 1970s. 30 January 2023. Picture Bruce Rollinson
The cockpit Photo: Bruce Rollinson