RAF Benson retire three Puma helicopters
The icons will take part in fly pasts this Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 March
Last updated 26th Mar 2025
The RAF Benson Puma’s will commence their farewell flights today Wednesday 26 March.
The three 'Puma' choppers will perform fly pasts over many sites associated with their history in the UK today and tomorrow.
They will then be retired at the end of this month.
The first Puma helicopters entered service with 33 Sqn in June 1971 and the following year and with 230 Sqn in January 1972.
The RAF Puma is used in a variety of combat roles, including the tactical movement of troops, weapons, ammunition and stores on the battlefield. They've also been part of flights to remove casualties and in response to medical emergencies on the frontline and also in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Flight past details
Day 1 – Wed 26 March
Odiham - 0945
Andover - 0957
Middle Wallop - 1002
Boscombe Down - 1007
Salisbury - 1013
Abbey Wood - 1031
Hereford - 1051
RAF Museum Cosford - 1115
Shawbury - 1126
Hillsborough Castle – 1419
Thiepval Barracks - 1421
Aldergrove – 1430
Bangor Castle - 1655
Day 2 – Thu 27 March
Catterick - 1100
Stafford - 1323
National Memorial Arboretum - 1332
Newark Air Museum - 1355
Cranwell - 1402
Honington - 1604
Imperial War Museum Duxford - 1622
London Heli Lanes
Kensington Palace - 1647
RAF Museum Hendon - 1651
PJHQ - 1656
Halton - 1707
High Wycombe - 1712
John Radcliffe Hospital - 1721
Kidlington - 1724
Shrivenham - 1735
Benson – 1747
RAF Benson are encouraging people who spot the Puma's to celebrate their legacy by sharing your photo on Facebook or Instagram using #54andout, in a message to Facebook or Instagram or send them into rafbensonpic@gmail.com
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