Kicking off on the 1 April, the Royal Air Force marks its 100 year anniversary with a calendar of special events and activities running until the end of November. I was lucky enough to get a first glimpse of the RAF 100 Aircraft tour when it recently jetted in for a brief pit-stop at in the Guildhall Yard in the City of London. Nipping out for a sneak peek during my lunch break, I was instantly in awe of these magnificent flying machines.

Eurofighter typhoon aircraft at the Guildhall Yard

What is the RAF 100 Aircraft tour?

The RAF 100 Aircraft tour spans World War 1 to World War 2 through to the Cold War and today’s defence system.  Going “above and beyond” for the past century, the display ranges from the highest scoring fighter plane of World War 1 to the most advanced multi-role aircraft of today.

RAF 100 Aircraft tour at the Guildhall Yard, City of London

Inspecting these amazing flying machines, I can’t help but wonder what it must have been like to zoom over the white cliffs of Dover and head into combat at the mercy of wings made of wood and plywood.

RAF 100 Aircraft tour London

Described as “waspish, wilful and intolerant”, the Sopwith F1 Camel ruled the skies during World War 1 and saw extensive service in home defence over the Western Front up until 1923.  Held in the same regard as the Spitfire during World War 2, the Camel was soon to be known as the “King of the Air fighters.”

Sopwith F1 Camel as part of the RAF 100 Aircraft tour

The star attraction of the display is undoubtedly the Eurofighter Typhoon which protects the UK and her interests at home and overseas in the full spectrum of air operations: from air policing to peace support and high-intensity conflict.  Its sleek aero-dynamic design is a far cry from the earlier Sopwith F1 Camel.

Where can you see the RAF 100  Aircraft tour?

The RAF 100 Aircraaft tour will be coming to a city near you on the below dates:

18-20 May: Cardiff
6-9 July: London
10-12 August: Newcastle, Northern Ireland
25-27 August: Birmingham
31 August-2 September: Glasgow
14-16 September: Manchester

A centenary service will be held in Westminster Abbey on the 10 July, followed by a parade in The Mall and a spectacular flypast over Buckingham Palace.  A Centenary Baton Relay will also see a specially designed baton visit 100 sites associated with the RAF in 100 days culminating on the 10 July at Horseguards Parade.

RAF Eurofighter typhoon aircraft

For more information visit: https://www.raf.mod.uk/raf100/about