They thunder over the spectators at 300 km/h at an altitude of 100 m; the nine pilots in their striking red Hawk jets fly in close formation with breathtaking ease. The Red Arrows are famed as one of the best aerobatics squadrons in the world; they are the prime advertisement for the Royal Air Force. The team is known throughout the world and acts as an ambassador for Great Britain. The Red Arrows team is based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and consists of nine Red Arrows display pilots and Red 10, the road manager. Officially formed in March 1965, the team has now carried out more than 4200 exhibition flights in 53 different countries. Each year the Red Arrows do approx. 90 aerobatic performances and over 200 fly-overs. Since 1980 the Red Arrows have used the BAe Hawk, one of the most produced training aircraft. This successful jet trainer is distinguished by its unbelievable manoeuvrability, outstanding flying characteristics and robust construction, top speed 1040 km/h (646 mph).