When to catch the RAF Hercules retirement flypast over North Hampshire

The legendary Hercule RAF aircraft will be taking its final flight tomorrow (Wednesday).

The flypast will mark its forthcoming retirement and it is anticipated that North Hampshire residents may be able to catch a glimpse.

The Hercules is the RAF's primary tactical transport aircraft.

The aircraft’s farewell flight will take place across all four nations of the UK, departing from RAF Brize Norton at 10am.

It is hoped that the aircraft will pass over North Hampshire between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

Royal Air Force said the Hercules will continue to deliver on operations supporting UK defence objectives until June 30 this year.

The first Hercules arrived at Marshall’s of Cambridge in December 1966.

Since entering RAF service, originally with 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, it has operated across the globe in support of UK military and humanitarian relief operations.

The transition to the 22-strong Atlas (A400) fleet and other air mobility aircraft has been ongoing for some time.

The expertise acquired operating the Hercules and its broad range of capabilities will be transitioned across to the other flying platforms in RAF service.

This includes ground support staff (engineers, air operations and intelligence professions) who will be relocated to similar roles around the RAF.