royal navy Parachute display team

Formed in 1983, the team – also known as the “Raiders” - consists of experienced parachutists from across the Surface Fleet, Submarine Service, Royal Marines and Fleet Air Arm, with members of (almost) every Rank and Rate from Able Seaman to Lieutenant Commander currently represented.

Throughout the season (normally May to September), the Team display into events including Airshows, Sports Fixtures, Families Days and Regattas. The Team appeared on BBC's Top Gear in 2011 and have displayed into venues as diverse as central London, Beachy Head, Royal Victoria Dock (for the ExCeL Centre), beaches, sports stadia, Stonehenge and military bases.

All members of the team are volunteers with full-time jobs in addition to display duties. They are selected (or re-qualify) at a Training Camp every April, and invest a significant amount of personal time and effort to maintain their skill currency in order to promote the Royal Navy, at a close-to-zero cost to the taxpayer.

A booking requires at least 28 days’ notice and requires a landing area of at least 50m x 100m.

As “non-core” defence output, displays incur a fee to contribute to team running costs, in addition to the cost of commercially hiring aircraft.

Displays into water are possible, but involve more planning, expense, and at least one recovery craft per parachutist.

The Team display for PR and recruiting effect only, and thus need a sizable crowd to justify attendance. A ball-park minimum is 5,000 people, unless there is additional tangible benefit to Defence.

A display typically includes 5 parachutists, flying coloured smoke and flags to increase visual appeal, with live crowd-engaging commentary provided and a 'line-up' and salute to the crowd or VIP after landing. Weather limits are 20 knots of wind and the ability to see the landing area from the aircraft prior to jumping out of it – typically from 5000 feet. A arena time window of 20-30 minutes is ideal for a display and arena clearance, after which team members normally disperse into the crowd to pack their parachutes – a popular photography attraction with the public.

For further information about courses, general enquiries or to make an enquiry about booking a course, please get in touch with our friendly support team.