Royal Air Force Centenary
Issue Date: March 20, 2018

Reason and Inspiration
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the United Kingdom’s aerial warfare organisation and is the oldest independent air force, i.e. independent of army and navy forces, in the world. The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the air arm of the British Army formed in 1912 until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1st April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force.

This stamp issue commemorates the 100th anniversary of the RAF and pays tribute not only to the significant part it has played in British military history but also to its ongoing role of protecting the country and its interests, providing humanitarian assistance and saving lives. It also highlights the bravery and heroism of its personnel and the innovation and technological advancement that has helped make the RAF the envy of the world.

The stamps:
Price: £7.24
Code: AS3416

The stamps feature six RAF aircraft that span the 100 years of the RAF’s history as painted by the renowned aeronautical artist, Michael Turner. These comprise the Sopwith Camel F1, Hurricane Mk I, Vulcan B2, Lightning F6, Nimrod MR2 and Typhoon FGR4. The stamps have been printed as three horizontal se-tenant pairs.

Camel F1
The Sopwith Camel F1 is the best known and most successful Allied WW1 fighter and scout aircraft though it was difficult to fly and required huge skill. Credited with shooting down almost 1,300 enemy aircraft it was also successful as a ground attack craft. Squadrons of Camels were also important for home defence, protecting cities from Zeppelin raids.

Hurricane Mk I
The Hurricane is credited with winning the Battle of Britain, accounting for 55% of German losses, as well as essential service during the Dunkirk evacuation and was the RAF’s principal single seat night fighter facing German bombing raids in 1941 and 1942. Hurricanes also saw action in the defence of Malta, North Africa and the Far East.

Vulcan B2
The Vulcan is the iconic delta wing bomber and a major UK engineering triumph. Designed as a high altitude bomber it entered service in 1956 and was withdrawn in 1984. It was part of the V-force which were designed to carry Britain’s nuclear deterrent. The more powerful B2 entered service in 1960. When the nuclear deterrent passed to the Royal Navy submarines in 1969, the role of the Vulcan became one of a tactical bomber. It was called into action in the Falklands Conflict of 1982.

Lightning F6
The Lightning represents the fastest British-made fighter of all time, being the first supersonic craft to enter RAF service (in 1959). It featured two Rolls Royce engines in a unique ‘stacked’ configuration and its power allowed for take-off and a rate of climb faster than any other jet. Later variants (the F.6) were capable of twice the speed of sound and it was the RAF’s principle interceptor for 20 years.

Nimrod MR 2
The Nimrod was introduced in 1969 for maritime patrol, surveillance and anti-submarine roles. Sophisticated radar and electronic surveillance equipment was in the extended nose and tail. The upgraded MR2 entered service in 1979 and was deployed in the Falklands Conflict and in the Gulf War. It’s enhanced capabilities also permitted search and rescue operations. It was retired from service in 2010.

Typhoon FGR4
The state of the art fighter – one-third British and the current principal craft defending UK skies and increasingly deployed in overseas activity. It is a multi-role fighter, first deployed to the RAF in 2003 and first saw active service in Libya in 2011. It can fly at up to 55,000 feet and at Mach 1.8. At full strength the RAF will operate 160 craft. Markings of No 3 Squadron recommended (as historic squadron and first to fly aeroplanes).

Technical details:
Number of stamps: Six
Value of Stamps: 2 x 1st Class, 2 x £1.40 and 2 x £1.57.
Design: Royal Mail Group Ltd
Illustrations: Michael Turner
Acknowledgements: RAF logos are trade marks of the UK Secretary of State for Defence and used under licence.er licence
Stamp Format: Landscape
Stamp Size: 41mm x 30mm
Number per sheet: 30/60
Print Process: Lithography
Perforations: 14.5 x 14
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: PVA

The miniature sheet: 

Price: £4.10
Code: MZ131

In addition to the six stamps, Royal Mail is also issuing a Miniature Sheet celebrating the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Team which has been displaying since 1965. One of the premier aerobatic teams in the world, comprising 120 personnel including pilots, engineers and support staff, the Red Arrows are based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. They fly the Hawk T1 at speeds in excess of 600mph and the nine display pilots, including the team leader undergo extensive training and practise.

Technical details:
Number of stamps: Four
Design: Turner Duckworth
Miniature sheet size: 192mm x 74mm
Stamp Format: Landscape
Stamp Size: 41mm x 30mm

Acknowledgments: Flypast photo by Cpl Andy Benson © MoD/UK Crown copyright 2007; Swan photo by Sgt Ross Tilly © MoD/UK Crown copyright 2016; Synchro photo by Cpl Steve Buckley © MoD/UK Crown copyright 2015; Python photo © EJ van Koningsveld 2007; sky background on stamps © itsskin/Getty Images; miniature sheet background design by Turner Duckworth referencing a photo of a Red Arrows Hawk © Mike Rivett/Fotomotion; RAF and Red Arrows logos are trade marks of the UK Secretary of State for Defence and used under licence; all MoD/UK Crown copyright images reproduced with the permission of the Controller, HMSO, London

Print Process: Lithography
Perforations: 14.5 x 14
Phosphor: Bars as appropriate
Gum: PVA