The award-winning Mazda MX-5 RF’s stunning looks have been put to use by the RAF as part of their recruitment efforts. Across the summer, a uniquely liveried Soul Red Metallic RF toured the country attending events, and even took part in a publicity shoot that involved sharing a runway with a Chinook helicopter.

Based with the Non-Commissioned Aircrew Recruiting Team at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, the Mazda MX-5 RF has been utilised as part of the RAF’s drive to inspire and encourage young people to join the Royal Air Force as the next generation of aircrew.

Flight Sergeant Liam Osmond, from the Non-Commissioned Aircrew Recruiting Team, said: “People’s reaction to the car is normally where do I sign up! They are of course interested as to what the car has to do with a career in the RAF, but for us the RF has proven to be a great ice breaker, it encourages people who may have ordinarily walked by to stop and talk to us.

“The car itself has been a pleasure to drive and the Soul Red Metallic paint has been a real head-turner at air shows across the country. The RF has an important role to play in helping us attract quality candidates to fill the 60 plus aircrew roles available. It has toured schools, graduate fairs, air shows and sporting events across the summer, and I’ve had the privilege of driving it all over the country, from the far north of Scotland and all the way down to Kent. Throughout this time it’s been a comfortable travelling companion and a sporty accomplice when I’ve been in the mood,” he added.

During its stay with the RAF the all-new Mazda MX-5 even got up close to the unique sights and sounds of a Chinook helicopter at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.