FROM THE EDITOR

摘要

In less than 18 months, on 1 April 2018, the Royal Air Force will reach its centenary. By rights, this should offer a remarkable historical opportunity. No other independent air arm can boast such length of continuous existence; never before has such a comprehensive range of airworthy aircraft been available in the UK to represent it. Of course there will be significant gaps, especially when it comes to many retired jets, but a very impressive array can still be assembled. Previous RAF anniversary celebrations have been of mixed quality. The first half-century was marked at Abingdon in 1968, with a Royal Review in all but name. Many aircraft from the then nascent RAF Museum collection were brought in for static display, joined by current service types. In the air, the historic element was necessarily restricted, but set-pieces, flypasts and displays by present-day frontline and support assets made for a much-acclaimed programme.