The RAF is bidding farewell to an aircraft that's served the British Armed Forces for more than 50 years.

The Puma is being retired from service at the end of March having been part of the British military since 1971.

Since then, they've been used in a whole variety of roles, from carrying troops and logistics to the battlefield as well as casualty evacuation and humanitarian relief operations.

All change: RAF Jupiter helicopter to take on Puma's role in Cyprus and Brunei RAF personnel face final pass-or-fail test in Army cooperation on Ex Kukri Dawn Sitrep: Government making sensible cuts as Defence needs to do fewer things, but better Two days of flypasts – today and tomorrow – are taking place to mark the end of their long and illustrious career.

Squadron Leader Niall Davidson, 2IC of 33 Squadron, said: "It's a great aircraft for the operations we've been on.

"Be that Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan.

"It's a great aircraft for getting in and out of really tight urban sites, even in high altitudes of Kabul we are able to lift troops out of really tight sites and keep them off the roads."