Mazda Motors UK has announced that it is proud to be providing vehicular support to the RAF Typhoon Display Team for its activities during 2011
The Typhoon is a multi-purpose jet used by the Royal Air Force to protect the airspace of the UK and the Falkland Islands 24/7. It is acknowledged to be a highly versatile, world-class combat aircraft that is employed for air-policing, peace keeping and in high-intensity conflict situations. The RAF Typhoon Display Team has a crucial role in promoting the RAF’s capabilities, both in terms of its aircraft and of its personnel.
The Typhoon Display Team has a busy season ahead of it and will be attending 16 air shows during 2011, not only in the UK and Northern Ireland but also in Europe. In addition, there is pre-season travel to and from flight simulators and airports and the Display Team Managers have to attend meetings with air show organisers and sponsors. All in all a great deal of road travel is involved.
Mazda Motors UK is providing 3 vehicles to the Display Team to facilitate the transportation of its personnel, their kit and the aircraft’s computer support equipment. The vehicles being provided are a Mazda5 and two Mazda CX-7 models. The Mazda5, with its flexible seating and sliding rear doors is considered as ideal by the Typhoon Display Team for the transportation of its equipment whilst the roomy Mazda CX-7 will be perfect for comfortable and quick travel to and from venues.
Mazda CX-7
Mazda describes the CX-7 as a luxury, mid-size crossover vehicle – a cross between a sports car and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) – offering practicality, performance and style. It features 6-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats and a 60/40 fold flat rear seating arrangement.
Meanwhile the Mazda5 is described by its manufacturers as being “the ultimate multi-purpose people carrier”. It has high levels of versatility, practicality and safety technology such as dual front and side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags. The Mazda5’s sliding rear doors, so appreciated by the Typhoon Display Team, means that getting the children etc in and out is no problem at all. Depending on the seat configuration that is employed, the Mazda5 can have a load space of a massive 857 litres.
Flight Lieutenant Tim Clement, the 2011 Typhoon Display Pilot commented, “The Royal Air Force Typhoon is an incredible, world beating, multi role aircraft. I am extremely privileged to fly the Typhoon Display in this superb aircraft. The sponsorship provided by Mazda goes a long way to assisting the Display Team in producing this exceptional display.”
The managing director of Mazda UK, Jeremy Thomson said, “Mazda is very proud to be associated with the RAF Typhoon Display Team in 2011 by providing vehicles to support the Team. We look forward to engaging in the 2011 sponsorship through air shows, dealership activities, competitions and supporting fundraising efforts for one of their chosen charities, the Not Forgotten Association.”
In 2010, the RAF Typhoon Display Team raised more than £12,000 for its chosen charities. In 2011, the Display Team will be fundraising for the Forces Children Trust, the Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as the Not Forgotten Association.
It is estimated that each Mazda vehicle will cover about 8,000 miles during the 2011 display season.