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Cyprus - Akrotiri - RAF Red Arrows sea training

Pilot of the Red Arrows, UK's RAF aerobatic team readies himself before a simulated ditching in the cold sea during exercise. We see the pilot, looking nervous - happier in the air - wearing survival gear, Flt. Lt. Steve Underwood of the elite team, about to plunge into the cold Mediterranean waters for his annual Wet Drill exercise during Spring training in Cyprus. The rehearsal is to practise a helicopter recovery after a fast-jet ejection over the sea. His RAF-issue life vest (containing a vital life-raft) will inflate when in contact with the salt water and helps him stay afloat before the helicopter pick-up. This yearly event is required of all flying personnel to ensure that any accident over water can reach a positive outcome - by the rescuing of an expensively-trained pilot or navigator.

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Red_Arrows271_RBA.jpg
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Richard Baker
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Richard Baker - All pics
Pilot of the Red Arrows, UK's RAF aerobatic team readies himself before a simulated ditching in the cold sea during exercise. We see the pilot, looking nervous - happier in the air - wearing survival gear, Flt. Lt. Steve Underwood of the elite team, about to plunge into the cold Mediterranean waters for his annual Wet Drill exercise during Spring training in Cyprus. The rehearsal is to practise a helicopter recovery after a fast-jet ejection over the sea. His RAF-issue life vest (containing a vital life-raft) will inflate when in contact with the salt water and helps him stay afloat before the helicopter pick-up. This yearly event is required of all flying personnel to ensure that any accident over water can reach a positive outcome - by the rescuing of an expensively-trained pilot or navigator.
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