HISTORY was made at Anglesey's RAF Valley air base this week with the first flight of a new aircraft to enter RAF service.

The Beechcraft T-6C Texan II advanced turboprop trainer - known as the Texan T1 in RAF service - is part of a fleet of new training aircraft to replace the Tucano T1, which retires later this year.

The Texan T1’s will be operated by 72 Sqn, which currently operates the Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

The move to Valley means that two-thirds of fast jet pilot training for the RAF and Royal Navy will take place at the base.

The Texan T1 is a tandem-seat turboprop aircraft, equipped with the latest digital glass cockpit and mission simulation systems.

Described as a "technological step change" from the Tucano that it replaces, the Texan is aligned with the 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft that the trainee pilots will fly in their front-line careers.

Wing Commander Chris Ball, Officer Commanding the Texan Integration Squadron at RAF Valley said:

“Under the Military Flying Training System, fighter pilots will train on world-leading aircraft.

"They start on the Prefect, move on to the Texan and finish on the Hawk T2, making the training process more efficient and far more representative of the aircraft types they will eventually fly.

"The Texan is the ideal lead-in trainer to the Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer that they will move on to here at Valley.”

The first flight represents the beginning of instructor training on the new aircraft, with the first students anticipated to arrive later in 2019.

Under the Military Flying Training System, training delivery is a partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Ascent Flying Training. In addition, Affinity Flying Training Services provide and maintain the aircraft at RAF Valley.

Group Captain Chris Moon, Station Commander RAF Valley said:

“The basing of the Texans here at RAF Valley reinforces the vital role we play in UK defence, training RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots for the front line. I’ve been hugely impressed by the professionalism and commitment of the team here on the Squadron; a mix of military personnel and industry partners who have worked extremely hard to get us to this day.”

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said: “It’s crucial that our fighter pilots of the future train on the very best equipment before reaching the front line to protect UK airspace at home and defend our interests abroad.

"The introduction of the Texan T1 into one of NATO’s most advanced Fighter Pilot training programmes demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to investing in world-leading technology to maintain a military advantage over our adversaries."