A PIECE of Royal Air Force history is set to fly over part of Essex today, giving residents a chance to see the aircraft in action one more time before retiring.
The RAF’s Hercules transport aircraft is set to soar over the county, completing one final flypast before retiring.
The aircraft holds significant historical links with Colchester, as it is a significant location for the Hercules, which has been the aircraft used for parachute airlanding and air dispatch.
The first Hercules arrived at Marshall’s of Cambridge in December 1966.
Since entering the RAF service, originally with the 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, it has operated across the globe in support of the UK’s military and humanitarian relief operations.
The Hercules will fly over the Colchester Garrison at 3.15pm on Wednesday, June 14.
The expertise acquired operating the Hercules and its broad range of capabilities will be transitioned across other platforms in the RAF service, including ground support staff, who will be relocated around the Air Force.
The transition to the 22-strong Atlas fleet and other aircraft has been ongoing for some time. The 47 Squadron and the Hercules will continue to deliver on operations supporting the UK’s defence objectives until June 30, 2023.
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