Blades Aerobatic Team rise to the Hardest Day Challenge

The Hardest Day – the name given to 18 August 1940 – was the day that saw the largest number of casualties in a single day throughout the entire Battle of Britain, and it was one of the largest aerial engagements in history.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary, the Blades Aerobatic Team of former fast-jet pilots rose to the challenge by taking part in the Fund's Hardest Day Challenge.

As the current World Record holders for the number of consecutive close-formation loops, The Blades challenged themselves to complete 80 aileron rolls in close-formation to mark the anniversary of this monumental event. That’s a total of 80, 360-degree rolls per pilot flying their Extra 300 aircraft!

Team Leader and Blade 1, Andy Evans said: "A little over 80 years ago, Fighter Command of the Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe fought what was soon to be known as 'The Hardest Day' of the Battle of Britain. To commemorate, we decided to undertake our own Hardest Day Challenge, to raise awareness and funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

"And what better way to mark 80 years than by performing 80 twinkle rolls over the skies of Sywell! It was a real challenge, but the team pulled together and pulled off something remarkable – a definite high of the summer so far! But of course, it's also really important to all of us to keep remembering those that gave so much in the Battle of Britain. To do that, and raise some money for the Fund, has made for a very special day."