PRESS INFORMATION 2018

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1 PRESS INFORMATION 2018 Race pilot Ben Murphy is the only British pilot in the 2018 Red Bull Air Race World Championship Master Class. With an RAF military background, Ben applies his precision flying and valuable experiences as both leader of the RAFAT The Red Arrows, and the Blades Aerobatic Team, to fly the challenging race track up against some of the most talented air race pilots from around the world. 1 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

BEN MURPHY BORN: July 1975 Ben was born and raised in the British Midlands taking an interest in flying at a very early age, gaining his Private Pilot s License before he could legally drive!

2 BEN MURPHY BORN: July 1975 Ben was born and raised in the British Midlands taking an interest in flying at a very early age, gaining his Private Pilot s License before he could legally drive! He was inspired to learn to fly by both is grandfathers who were both RAF pilots. Ben soon followed in their footsteps when he joined the RAF Air Cadets as a teenager, and continued into the Air Squadron at the University of Newcastle. After university, his flying career stepped up when he joined the RAF in 1997, completing his training in During his RAF career, Ben demonstrated his natural ability to be a world class pilot: He was awarded prizes in aerobatic and formation flying; he accumulated over 1,000 hours in the Harrier GR7, flying all over the world including aircraft carriers and serving as a Qualified Weapons Instructor; and, in 2006 he joined The Red Arrows, progressing from Red 2 to leading the Synchro Pair, before being promoted to Commanding Officer and Team Leader. At the time, he was the second-youngest person ever to have held that top role, commanding over 100 personnel, and leading the team s nine iconic red jets in the 480 public displays around the world including Europe, North America, and the Middle and Far East. Having accumulated over 3,800 hrs in a military fast jet, a further 1,600 hrs of display flying, Ben is a highly experienced and respected display pilot, and during 2016 and 2017 seasons, Ben competed in the Red Bull Air Race Challenger Cup, claiming 5 podiums and two pole positions. However, 2018 is getting even more exciting for Ben! He is the new British face in the Red Bull Air Race Master Class for 2018 with the support of the The Blades Racing team, Ben s ambitions are to extend the UK s racing record as the nation with more World Championship titles than any other in the sport. Ben left the RAF in 2013, joining Lockheed Martin (a large US Defence firm). He continued his display flying in the distinctive Miss Demeanour a 1950s Hawker Hunter before joining the Blades Aerobatic Team in 2015 flying the Extra 300L, and taking over the leadership position in 2016 and During 2018 he will continue to guest fly with The Blades Aerobatic Team in the Blade 3 position, and Head of the Blades Team. When Ben is flying, he lives in Northamptonshire with his wife, also a display pilot for The Blades, and their son Orson. They enjoy spending their time as a family in the great outdoors, especially in the British Lake District. 2 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

Aerobatic Team Private Pilot Licence before his UK

precision in his flying Flown over 4,000 hours

Aerobatic Team to be the World Aerobatic Champions in

generations to follow their dreams Husband to Kirsty

3 WHAT MAKES BEN UNIQUE? Former leader of the Red Arrows and the Blades Aerobatic Team Private Pilot Licence before his UK driving licence Ex-RAF, demonstrating military precision in his flying Flown over 4,000 hours Displayed in over 35 countries Led the Blades Aerobatic Team to be the World Aerobatic Champions in Zhengzhou, China 2017 Positive role model to future generations to follow their dreams Husband to Kirsty Murphy, Dad to Orson and Olivia Has the drive, passion and ambition to succeed 3 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

2 1 3 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE Red Bull Air Race Challenger Class: Five race podiums

and Indianapolis 2017. Qualifying wins at Ascot, UK 2016 and Lausitzring 2017.

for Exceptional Airmanship and Skill; former Red Arrows Display Team Leader; former

Blades; winner (with The Blades) of the inaugural Formation Aerobatics Championships

Flying is doing something, as humans, we shouldn t be able to do.

It was a boyhood dream to learn to fly; and now here I am flying against the best Air

When flying a race plane and pulling up to 10 G, being physically fit helps ensure the

The dedicated team is so important, and we are very lucky with the Blades Aerobatic

Flying the flag for Britain again with big shoes to fill!

4 2 1 3 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE Red Bull Air Race Challenger Class: Five race podiums 2nd place Budapest 2016; 3rd place Lausitzring and Indianapolis 2016; 3rd place Chiba and Indianapolis Qualifying wins at Ascot, UK 2016 and Lausitzring Other: Master Class Superlicense 2017; US Army Achievement medal; RAF Green Endorsement for Exceptional Airmanship and Skill; former Red Arrows Display Team Leader; former Harrier GR7 Pilot and Instructor; former Hawker Hunter display pilot; Head of The Blades; winner (with The Blades) of the inaugural Formation Aerobatics Championships (Zhengzhou, China, 2017). Flying is doing something, as humans, we shouldn t be able to do. Soaring through the skies is such a magical feeling. It was a boyhood dream to learn to fly; and now here I am flying against the best Air Race Pilots in the world! When flying a race plane and pulling up to 10 G, being physically fit helps ensure the breathing and mind stay synchronized to ensure an optimum performance. The dedicated team is so important, and we are very lucky with the Blades Aerobatic Team to already have that experienced team in place. Flying the flag for Britain again with big shoes to fill! Following in the footsteps of Nigel Lamb, Paul Bonhomme and Steve Jones is going to be an honor and challenge. I m never content to just do something, unless I have done it to the best of my abilities. I m lucky enough to have this opportunity in the Master Class, and that is exactly why I am going to give it nothing but my best. 4 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

5 EDGE 540 RACE PLANE TOP SPEED 424 km/h (265 mph) WING SPAN 7.42 m ROLL RATE 420 degrees/s POWERPLANT 1 x modified Lycoming AEIO-540, 3 blade, (340hp) WEIGHT 531 kg CYLINDERS 6 MAX G +14 G/ -14G 5 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

BEN MURPHY IN DETAIL How are you feeling about being the new British race pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships, especially following in the footsteps of Paul

With hard work, the support of the team and determination, I hope to fill those boots.

Not at all but flying through the clouds, and breaking through to see the sun is such a magical feeling.

I thought I had reached the pinnacle when I was selected to join the RAFAT The Red Arrows!

How do you mentally and physically prepare for each race? The physical is continuous.

Kirsty says that nothing appears to stress me, and I suppose I am good at compartmentalizing, and therefore being able to prepare and focus my mind quite specifically.

How important is track analysis in helping you prepare for each race, and how do you collate it?

6 BEN MURPHY IN DETAIL How are you feeling about being the new British race pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships, especially following in the footsteps of Paul Bonhomme and Nigel Lamb? They are big shoes to fill! With the number of world championships between them, it is a great honor to be flying the flag from Great Britain again. With hard work, the support of the team and determination, I hope to fill those boots. When you started to learn to fly as a teenager, did you ever dream you would be where you are today? Not at all but flying through the clouds, and breaking through to see the sun is such a magical feeling. I m extremely lucky to have this opportunity to fly in the Red Bull Air Race World Championships, and I am going to give it the best of my abilities. I thought I had reached the pinnacle when I was selected to join the RAFAT The Red Arrows! But now, flying an Edge 540 through race track at such low levels, at such high speeds? This has to be the ultimate. How do you mentally and physically prepare for each race? The physical is continuous. I enjoy running and walking in the mountains with my wife and family, but the mental preparation is more specific to the race weekend. Kirsty says that nothing appears to stress me, and I suppose I am good at compartmentalizing, and therefore being able to prepare and focus my mind quite specifically. The support of the team is paramount in helping me prepare mentally, by taking away much of the stresses. How important is track analysis in helping you prepare for each race, and how do you collate it? Part of the team includes a Race Team Tactician Neil is an analytical genius who previously worked with Nigel Lamb and Team Breitling. His calculations factor in many elements such as raceplane capabilities, track design, G force, altitude and weather. Neil will be working extremely closely with me, and it is then up to me to translate his analytics into reality on the race track. Which aircraft have you enjoyed flying the most during your career? Comparing the RAFT fast jets to the Extra or the Edge 540 is very tricky, because they are for very different purposes. But I suppose with regards to challenging, it has to be the new race aircraft the Edge 540. It is a thoroughbred, and is a huge performance jump from the Extra, and is a different level of aircraft all together. 6 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

1988 RAF Air Cadets Newcastle University Air Squadron 1993

in Amersham, UK 1992 Private Pilot Licence before he could

Arrows Leader Synchro Pair 2000-2005 Harrier GR7 2018 Guest

and formation flying Qualified Weapons Instructor Red Bull

Aerobatic Display Team RAFAT The Red Arrows Commanding

Masterclass flying the Edge 540 Left the RAF Joined Lockheed

7 1988 RAF Air Cadets Newcastle University Air Squadron 1993 Joined the RAF 1997 Completed RAF Training Born in Amersham, UK 1992 Private Pilot Licence before he could drive Leader of The Blades RAFAT The Red Arrows Leader Synchro Pair Harrier GR Guest Pilot for the Blades Awarded prizes in aerobatic and formation flying Qualified Weapons Instructor Red Bull Air Race Challenger Class Joined The Blades Aerobatic Display Team RAFAT The Red Arrows Commanding Officer and Team Leader Red Bull Air Race Masterclass flying the Edge 540 Left the RAF Joined Lockheed Martin 2013 Display flying 1950s Hawker Hunter Miss Demeanour 7 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

THE RACE TEAM TEAM PRINCIPAL ANDY OFFER OBE TEAM MANAGER REBECCA ALLEN TEAM TECHNICIAN ANDREAS KAUFFMAN Andy will primarily be taking the decisive lead to steer the Best of British Blades Racing Team

8 THE RACE TEAM TEAM PRINCIPAL ANDY OFFER OBE TEAM MANAGER REBECCA ALLEN TEAM TECHNICIAN ANDREAS KAUFFMAN Andy will primarily be taking the decisive lead to steer the Best of British Blades Racing Team to fulfil its true potential. With an RAF background, a former leader of RAFAT The Red Arrows, all combined with decades of business acumen, Andy will lead the strategic direction of the race team, allowing the other members to focus on racing and achieving all 2018 objectives. 22 years flying the Harrier for an operational front line squadron flew and commanded the RAFTAT Red Arrows Co- founder of 2Excel Aviation Ltd in 2005 Leader of The Blades for its first 3-years, establishing the brand before focusing on 2Excel s Business Development Rebecca will provide an experienced oversight for the race team, and ensure the Blades Race Team can operate as smoothly as possible, providing a proactive working environment that allows the team to flourish. Having previously worked with Nigel Lamb in the Red Bull Air Race in 2009, along with assisting the Breitling Racing Team progress from 7th in the World Championship standings to win the World Championship Title in 2014, Rebecca knows how to get results from a team! Worked on other aviation projects: Breitling Jet Team, Jetman, Wingwalkers, DC3, Super Constellation and other World Aerobatic pilots, Aude Lemordant, Rob Holland and Francois Le Vot 7 years International Consulting for Global entities such as IBM, SAS, Siemens, Nokia and BT Andreas will take on anything and everything technical, along with ensuring that the safety of the pilot is paramount. This includes confirming the team race aircraft is technically sound, highly competitive, and compliant with all Red Bull Air Race regulations, therefore ready to race. His role is essential contributing to the team strategy and giving critical inputs into any packages and/or modifications whilst at home or on the road. Involved in Red Bull Air Race for over 10 years 2015: worked with Peter Besenyei, The Godfather of Red Bull Air racing 2016: worked with Petr Kopfstein s team in the Master Class series Owns and manages a flight school and aircraft maintenance business in Germany 8 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

9 MEET THE TEAM TEAM TACTICIAN NEIL FURNESS Working closely with Ben Murphy on tactical planning and analysis to optimise the team s race tactics, Neil brings a wealth of analytical experience to the team. His analysis is calculated by factoring in many different elements such as the race aircraft capabilities, track design, g-force, altitude and weather to propose the best, 3-D, invisible racing line for Ben to execute. As well as his analytic skills, he will be on hand to help assemble and dismantle the aircraft. A graduate in Material Science and Engineering, University of Manchester Worked with The Breitling Race Team for 3 years Supported British pilot Nigel Lamb, and then French ace Mika Brageot in his debut season TEAM COORDINATOR ANNIE STONE Annie s role in the team is to support Ben Murphy, and every other team member, to ensure everyone are operating efficiently and effectively. Her job will range from organising travel, to liaising with the media, and even assembling and dismantling the aircraft. Having worked for the Blades Aerobatic Team in 2017, all of her experience to date, has put her in an excellent position to ensure The Blades Racing Team s venture into the Master Class runs smoothly. The Blades Aerobatic Team PR and Events Coordinator Worked with the team commentating for over 30 displays, and coordinating numerous highprofile events A graduate in History from the University of Warwick It s a sport, not an air show Competitive: it s about points from individual races, for the World Championship Athletes: stamina, mental strength, strong, physically fit to withstand G forces Strategic: decisions and investment to win Skilful: precision flying Striving to constantly improve: analysis, refinement, style Innovate: race plane modifications, new technology Intelligent and experienced team, articulate and refined, professional and dedicated, working together to win 9 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

RACE FORMAT In the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, pilots fly through a predefined racetrack of Air Gates inflatable pylons

Each pilot flies individually with the aim of finishing in the quickest possible time.

PILOT 03 QUALIFYING CHALLENGER CUP PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 QUALIFYING MASTER CLASS PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 All Air Gates

The Chicane is a series of single pylons positioned in a line and must be navigated in a slalom style.

activated when the raceplane crosses the start line and is stopped when it passes the finish line.

PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 09 PILOT 10 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 09 PILOT 10 PILOT 11 PILOT 11

10 RACE FORMAT In the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, pilots fly through a predefined racetrack of Air Gates inflatable pylons typically in pairs. The total length of each racetrack is approximately 6km and is made up of two laps. Each pilot flies individually with the aim of finishing in the quickest possible time. DAY 1 / QUALIFYING DAY FREE PRACTICE CHALLENGER CLASS* PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 FREE PRACTICE MASTER CLASS PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 QUALIFYING CHALLENGER CUP PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 QUALIFYING MASTER CLASS PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 All Air Gates must be flown through horizontally with the exception of the Chicane. The Chicane is a series of single pylons positioned in a line and must be navigated in a slalom style. PILOT 04 PILOT 05 PILOT 06 PILOT 04 PILOT 05 PILOT 06 PILOT 04 PILOT 05 PILOT 06 PILOT 04 PILOT 05 PILOT 06 The timing is activated when the raceplane crosses the start line and is stopped when it passes the finish line. The start and finish line is made up of a single chequered Air Gate known as the Start/Finish Gate. PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 09 PILOT 10 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 PILOT 09 PILOT 10 PILOT 11 PILOT 11 QUALIFYING DAY All 14 Master Class pilots race in the reverse order of the current World Championship standings to determine the starting order on Race Day. The race order is determined by the fastest of two runs. PILOT 12 PILOT 13 PILOT 14 * The number of Challenger Class starters varies from race to race. PILOT 12 PILOT 13 PILOT info@theblades.com +44 (0)

DAY 2 / RACE DAY CHALLENGER CUP* ROUND OF 14** ROUND OF 8 FINAL 4 RACE DAY PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 PILOT 04 PILOT 05 PILOT 06 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 HEAT 7 HEAT 6 HEAT 5 HEAT 4 HEAT 3 HEAT 2 HEAT 1

HEAT 9 3rd FASTEST 7th FASTEST HEAT 10 2nd FASTEST 8th FASTEST HEAT 11 FASTEST WINNER HEAT 08 WINNER HEAT 09 WINNER HEAT 10 WINNER HEAT 11 PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY CHALLENGER CUP Pilots compete for

MASTER CLASS Round of 14** Winner of each heat advances to the Round of 8, plus the fastest loser. Round of 8 Pilots are reseeded based on Round of 14 timings.

11 DAY 2 / RACE DAY CHALLENGER CUP* ROUND OF 14** ROUND OF 8 FINAL 4 RACE DAY PILOT 01 PILOT 02 PILOT 03 PILOT 04 PILOT 05 PILOT 06 PILOT 07 PILOT 08 HEAT 7 HEAT 6 HEAT 5 HEAT 4 HEAT 3 HEAT 2 HEAT 1 PILOT 10 PILOT 05 PILOT 11 PILOT 04 PILOT 09 PILOT 06 PILOT 12 PILOT 03 PILOT 08 PILOT 07 PILOT 13 PILOT 02 PILOT 14 PILOT 01 FASTEST LOSER PILOTS RESEEDED 5th FASTEST HEAT 8 4th FASTEST 6th FASTEST HEAT 9 3rd FASTEST 7th FASTEST HEAT 10 2nd FASTEST 8th FASTEST HEAT 11 FASTEST WINNER HEAT 08 WINNER HEAT 09 WINNER HEAT 10 WINNER HEAT 11 PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY CHALLENGER CUP Pilots compete for victory based on time. The final race will see the six best performing Challengers compete for the title. The best four results from the season will determine who races in the final. MASTER CLASS Round of 14** Winner of each heat advances to the Round of 8, plus the fastest loser. Round of 8 Pilots are reseeded based on Round of 14 timings. Winner of each heat advances to the Final 4. Final 4 Four pilots compete for victory based on time. * The number of Challenger Class starters varies from race to race. **The starting order for the Round of 14 is based on the results in Qualifying, with the fastest pilot flying last. CHALLENGER CUP POINTS 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH 7TH 8TH MASTER CLASS POINTS 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH 6TH 7TH 8TH 9TH 10TH 11TH 12TH 13TH 14TH info@theblades.com +44 (0)

12 RACE RULES FAILURE TO NAVIGATE THE RACETRACK CORRECTLY RESULTS IN EITHER PENALTY SECONDS OR DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE FLYING SESSION DEPENDING ON THE VIOLATION INCURRED DNS (DID NOT START) // A DNS is incurred if a pilot misses his or her allocated flight slot or is unable to fly due to health or technical reasons. DQ (DISQUALIFICATION) // A DQ is incurred if a pilot exerts uncontrolled steering movements during flight, flies below 10m height between the gates, crosses the safety line, ignores the commands of the Race Director or enters the track at a pitch angle greater than 45. A DQ is also incurred before or after the flying session if the combined pilot and plane weight doesn t meet 696kg (allowing a tolerance of -5kg post-flight for fuel use). When a DQ is incurred, the pilot receives no World Championship points. DNF (DID NOT FINISH) // A DNF is incurred during a run if a pilot exceeds the 10G limit for more than 0.6 seconds, exceeds 12G (for any length of time), clocks an entry speed of 202kts+, deviates from the course or sustains three pylon hits. SCO (SAFETY CLIMB OUT) // If a pilot decides at his or her own discretion to discontinue flying for any reason or they are advised to do so by the Race Tower, this is known as a SCO. The pilot will be unable to repeat the run. A SCO will incur the same consequences as a DQ. 12 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

RACE RULES INCORRECT VERTICAL TURNING MANOEUVRE +1

briefed manoeuvre they will be penalised 1 second.

Incurred 10G is when exceeded telemetry for

6 reveals it is a that +2 the Seconds pilot exceeded

10G. DNF +2 SECONDS INCORRECT LEVEL FLYING Flying

Air Gate or, climbing/sinking in the Gate.

but still following the approved racetrack.

seconds 3rd pylon hit >> DNF INSUFFICIENT SMOKE

from the Smoke On call until passing the Finish Gate.

LIMIT Incurred when the pilot exceeds entry speed

Entry speed >> 200kts 201kts >> +1 second 202kts >>

pilot deviates from the racetrack, the run is

13 RACE RULES INCORRECT VERTICAL TURNING MANOEUVRE +1 SECOND / DNF Whenever the pilot deviates from the briefed manoeuvre they will be penalised 1 second. If the deviation is excessive it is considered a Deviation from the Course. +2 SECONDS/DNF DNF EXCEEDING MAXIMUM LOAD FACTOR If Incurred 10G is when exceeded telemetry for post-flight more than analysis 0.6 reveals it is a that +2 the Seconds pilot exceeded if they permitted exceed load 12G factor it is of a 10G. DNF +2 SECONDS INCORRECT LEVEL FLYING Flying with the wings at an angle when passing through an Air Gate or, climbing/sinking in the Gate. FLYING TOO HIGH Flying above the top of an Air Gate but still following the approved racetrack. +2 SECONDS PYLON HIT Incurred when any part of the raceplane touches a pylon. 1st pylon hit >> +3 seconds 2nd pylon hit >> +3 seconds 3rd pylon hit >> DNF INSUFFICIENT SMOKE Incurred if the raceplane is not producing smoke from the Smoke On call until passing the Finish Gate. The penalty is given regardless of whether it was a technical problem or a pilot error. +1 SECOND +3 SECONDS / DNF EXCEEDING START SPEED LIMIT Incurred when the pilot exceeds entry speed through the Start Gate. Entry speed >> 200kts 201kts >> +1 second 202kts >> DNF +1 SECOND / DNF DEVIATION FROM THE COURSE When a pilot deviates from the racetrack, the run is stopped. DNF WEIGHT PENALTY After the race, the pilot and raceplane are weighed. Not fulfilling the minimum pilot and raceplane weight of 696kg (with a tolerance of -5kg post-flight) results in a DQ. DQ 13 info@theblades.com +44 (0)

14 CONTACT The Tiger House Hangar, Sywell Aerodrome, NN6 0BN

Analysing Flight Data to win a Red Bull Air Race

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