AirForces monthly 16-pAge supplement June 2013 Display

of the World 2013

Air forces operate display teams to showcase the raw skills of

airmanship, precision and teamwork that underpin military flying and to promote awareness and recruitment. They also have an ambassadorial role, promoting an air force and country overseas. Many covered in this supplement display overseas each year and, in some cases, frequently undertake international tours. Teams are also used to promote a country’s aerospace industry, playing informal roles in sales campaigns. As financial constraints continue to affect air force budgets globally, it will be interesting to see if aerobatic teams can maintain their military, political and industrial value.

MilitaryAirForces monthly 16-pAge supplement June 2013

Display Teamsedited by Mark Broadbent

FREC

CE T

RICO

LORI

- A

MI

Royal CanaDian aiR FoRCeofficial designation: 431 Air Demonstration Squadronaircraft: 9 x Canadair CT-114 Tutor Base: CB Moose JawHistory: The Snowbirds’ origins lie in the CT-114-equipped Golden Centennaires, formed in 1967 to mark Canada’s centenary. The Centennaires’ leader was determined to keep an aerobatic team going, and under his leadership in 1970-71 Tutors from 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training Squadron unofficially performed flypasts at various events. The formation grew in size to seven as a display was gradually formulated. In 1975 the team was

officially recognised and named the Snowbirds. It flew in the 1988 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and in 2001 became the first jet display team to have a woman pilot, Lt Maryse Carmichael, who returned in 2010 as its commander.Display: All nine Tutors spend the first half of the display together before breaking into a group of seven – which itself splits into smaller groups for certain manoeuvres – and a pair. Signature manoeuvres include the display opener, a nine-Tutor line-abreast pass and the Maple formation to represent Canada’s national symbol.Trivia: In 1974 The Snowbirds was

the first aerobatic team to perform inside the Arctic Circle, flying at midnight – in daylight – at Inuvik. It has only performed outside North America once (Mexico in 1994).

BRazilian aiR FoRCe (Força Aérea Brasileira) english translation: Smoke Squadronofficial designation: Brazilian Air Force Air Demonstration Squadronaircraft: 7 x Embraer T-27 Super Tucano Base: Pirassununga ABHistory: The team was established at the Air Force Academy in 1952 using four North American T-6s. The ‘Smoke Squadron’ name was an informal moniker derived from the T-6’s smoke system. It was officially recognised as the Brazilian AF Demonstration Squadron in 1954 and began operating T-24s (Fouga Magisters) in 1968, but the hot-and-high climate didn’t suit the aircraft and it reverted to the T-6 in 1972 before disbanding in 1977. It was re-formed in 1983 with T-27s (Tucanos) but overseas appearances have been limited – the USAF’s Golden Air Tattoo at Nellis AFB (1997), a brief 2005 tour of Portugal and France, and RIAT 2008 at RAF Fairford. In 2012 the EdF began receiving new Super Tucanos.Display: Following an opening seven-ship loop and break, there follows a varied series of manoeuvres mixing formations, synchronised flying and breaks by different numbers of aircraft including pairs, four-ships and a solo. Trivia: Set a Guinness World Record in October 2009 by flying eleven aircraft (the seven display examples plus four spares) inverted in close formation for 30 seconds.

Royal BRunei aiR FoRCe (Angkatan Tentera Udara DiRaja Brunei - ATUDB)english translation: Eagle Formationofficial designation: Royal Brunei Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 3 x Pilatus PC-7II Base: Rimba ABHistory: Alap-Alap Formation was established in February 2011 to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of military aviation in Brunei and the 20th anniversary of an independent Royal Brunei Air Force. The team’s aircraft and pilots come from the 3rd Squadron of the air force’s training wing. Alap-Alap has only flown a handful of displays at Brunei’s National Day and the 2010 BRIDEX defence exhibition.Display: The PC-7s perform close formation aerobatics with twin-trail smoke from electrically-powered generators in the wings before a final break.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at time of press.

Brazil Esquadrilha da Fumaça

FAB

Pilots 2013

Leader Lt Col Marcelo Gobett Cardoso

Right Wing

Capt Marcelo Oliveira da Silva/Capt Eduardo Maia Arantes

Exterior Right Wing

Maj Álvaro Escobar Verissimo

Left Wing Capt Murillo Nagib de Oliveira Boery/Capt André Fabiano da Silva

Exterior Left Wing

Capt João Igor Silva Pivovar/Capt Fabricio Carvalho

‘Ferrolho’/Bolt

Maj Imaro Reno Faria/Capt Marcos Mendes Conrado Veiga

Solo Capt Marcelo Franklin Rodrigues/Capt Nelson de Araujo Silva

Canada The Snowbirds

DND

Pilots 2013Snowbird 1 Maj Wayne Mott

Snowbird 2 Capt Padruig MacIntosh

Snowbird 3 Capt Iain Cummings

Snowbird 4 Capt Gregg Wiebe

Snowbird 5 Capt Trevor Shawaga

Snowbird 6 Capt Denis Bandet

Snowbird 7 Capt Regan Wickett

Snowbird 8/Opposing Solo Capt Guillaume Paquet

Snowbird 9/Lead Solo Capt Brent Handy

Brunei Alap-Alap Formation

ATU

B

Canada - The Snowbirds

Brunei - Alap-Alap Formation

BRAZIL - Esquadrilha da Fumaça

FAA

aRgenTine aiR FoRCe (Fuerza Aérea Argentina)english translation: Southern Crossofficial designation: La Escuadrilla Acrobática Cruz del Sur (Southern Cross Aerobatic Squadron)aircraft: 5x IA-63 Pampa IIBase: Mendoza AB

History: The Cruz del Sur team was established in 1997 with seven Sukhoi Su-29As painted in Argentina’s national colours, although only four or five were used for displays. Status: The team has begun transitioning onto the FMA IA-63 Pampa II, receiving its first of six

examples in August 2012. As it is still receiving new aircraft, no displays will take place until later in the year, probably during the South American summer between November and February.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

ARGENTINACruz del SurRoyal auSTRalian aiR FoRCeofficial designation: Royal Australian Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x Pilatus PC-9 Base: RAAF Base East SaleHistory: The Roulettes team was established in 1970 for the RAAF’s Golden Jubilee using the Vampire’s replacement, the Macchi MB326. It grew from its initial four aircraft to seven in 1981, but a year later was reduced to five. The Roulettes transitioned onto six PC-9s in 1989. The team uses standard CFS PC-9s, the colour scheme for the fleet having been designed so that aircraft can be switched between training duties and the Roulettes.Display: The Roulettes perform various six-ship formations before splitting into a four-ship and a pair, the latter including opposition and synchronised manoeuvres. Trivia: The Roulettes rarely perform outside Australia – the only overseas displays in recent years having taken place at the Singapore Airshow.

BelgiAn Air coMponent (Composante Aérienne - COMOPSAIR)official designation: Belgian Air Force Display Teamaircraft: 4 x SIAI Marchetti SF260M Base: Beauvechain ABHistory: The Red Devils (also known as Diables Rouges) was formed in 1957 with four Hunter F4s. By the 1960s – as was happening in many other

European countries – the cost of using front-line fighters for aerobatic teams was becoming prohibitive, so in 1965 it re-equipped with the Fouga Magister.

Displays continued around Europe until budget cuts led to its disbandment in late 1977. To mark its 65th anniversary in 2011, the Belgian air force resurrected the ‘Red Devils’ by

re-naming its ‘Hardship Red’ team of four SF260s formed in 2009.Display: The four SF260s perform close formation aerobatics in ‘box’ and ‘swan’ patterns before splitting into three aircraft and a solo. These elements then carry out basic formation and solo manoeuvres. Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Belgium Red Devils

Australia Roulettes

Pilots 2013Roulette 1 Sqn Ldr Stephen Baker

Roulette 2 Flt Lt Andreas Jacobs

Roulette 3 Flt Lt Andrew Lynch

Roulette 4 Flt Lt Jay Tuffley

Roulette 5 Flt Lt Colin Burrows

Roulette 6 Flt Lt Steve English

Roulette 7 (r) Flt Lt Shaun Rajzbaum

BAF

RAA

F

Australia - Roulettes

Argentina - Cruz del sur

Belgium - Red Devils

32 2013 - Military Display Teams of the WorldMilitary Display Teams of the World - 2013 www.airforcesmonthly.com www.airforcesdaily.com

2013Military display teams of the world

egypt Silver StarsCRoaTian aiR FoRCe anD aiR DeFenCe (Hrvatsko Ratno Zrakoplovstvo i Protuzracna Obrana)english translation: Wings of Stormofficial designation: Croatian Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x Pilatus PC-9Ms Base: Zemunik ABHistory: Krila Oluje was estab-lished in 2004 by instructors at the Croatian AF’s main training base at Zemunik. Its first display was the opening ceremony of the European Sailing Championships in Zadar. In 2009 the team expanded from the original four aircraft to six. Its aircraft are standard PC-9Ms from Zemunik’s 20-strong inventory and therefore do not carry special display markings or emit smoke. Display: Six-ship loops and rolls precede a split into two groups of three which feature more intricate synchronised, opposition and solo manoeuvres. Unusual figures include a three-aircraft synchronised tail-slide and a triple-mirror formation.

Croatia

denmark

Krila Olu je

Baby Blue

english translation: Sky Wingofficial designation: PLAAF Sky Wing Air Demonstration Teamaircraft: 6 x Nanchang CT-6 Base: Jinzhou-Xiaolingzi Air Force BaseTeam history: Sky Wing is the second PLAAF air demonstration

team established in 2011. Like Red Falcon, the Sky Wing’s pilots are flying instructors – in this case from the Chinese Air Force University in Changchun. The CT-6s, painted in a similar colour scheme to August 1st’s J-10s, produce white, purple

and orange smoke. The first public demonstration of the team was on September 1, 2011 at Aviation Open Day held in Changchun City in Jilin province.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Pilots 20131/Leader Maj Matija Vrđuka

2 Maj Nenad Hasnek

3 Capt Josip Čolak

4 Capt Edvard Krišto

5 Capt Siniša Hucika

6 Capt Božen Tadić

Ant

onio

Prl

enda

CHina Tianzhiyi

Chin

ese

Inte

rnet

Cris

tian

Sch

rik

aRaB RePuBliC oF egyPT aiR FoRCe (Al Quwwat Al Jawwiya Il Misriya)official designation: Egyptian Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 9 x Hongdu K-8E Karakorum Base: Belbeis AirportHistory: The Egypt Air Force formed the Silver Stars in the mid-1970s and initially flew four L-29 Delfins before switching to Alpha Jets in 1984. The team subsequently expanded to nine aircraft. The K-8E arrived in 2004. The Silver Stars’ pilots are all flying instructions with the Egyptian Air Academy.Display: The team’s display features aircraft flying in different formation shapes along with solo manoeuvres, with the aircraft trailing white, red and blue smoke.

AVEX

royAl DAnish Air force (Danske Flyvevåbnet)official designation: Royal Danish Air Force Aerobatic TeamAircraft: 4 x Saab T-17 Supporter Base: Karup ABhistory: Baby Blue’s origins date back to when instructors from the RDAF Flying School performed flypasts with four aircraft over war cemeteries to mark the date of Denmark’s liberation at the end of the Second World War. During the 1980s this evolved into a full display using T-17 Supporters. The team mainly appears at events in Denmark and Scandinavia, but occasionally performs in other Western European countries.Display: The four T-17s perform passes in various four-ship formations before a break.Trivia: The T-17 is difficult to fly in formation, especially in turbulent conditions.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Denmark - Baby Blue Egypt - Silver Stars

Croatia - Krila Oluje

China - TianzhiyiCHilean aiR FoRCe (Fuerza Aérea de Chile)nickname: Los Halconesenglish translation: The Hawksofficial designation: Escuadrilla de Alta Acrobacia Halcones (Hawks High Aerobatic Squadron)aircraft: 5 x Extra EA300L Base: Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Santiago

History: The Chilean AF established Los Halcones in September 1981, the aim being to use advanced aerobatics to showcase the Chilean AF and promote air-mindedness in the country. It was equipped with five Pitts S2A Special biplanes, later replaced by upgraded S2Ss. It switched to the Extra EA300 in 1990, itself superseded by the Extra EA300L in 2003. Although

Los Halcones primarily appear at Chilean events, it is the most widely travelled South American military display team, having appeared in the UK, France, Belgium, Israel, Canada and the USA.Display: Formation aerobatics by four Extras are followed by a solo from the fifth aircraft. The four-ship breaks into two pairs, each performing synchronised

and formation manoeuvres, alternating with more gyroscopic aerobatics from the solo.Trivia: The team’s signature manoeuvre involves the Extras drawing the Chilean national symbol of a five-point star in smoke. Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

FACh

Chile Los Halcones

PeoPle’S liBeRaTion aRMy aiR FoRCe (Zhongguó Rénmín Jiefàngjun Kongjun)english translation: August 1stofficial designation: PLAAF August 1st Air Demonstration Teamaircraft: 6 x Chengdu J-10 Base: Yangchun Air Force BaseHistory: August 1st was established in 1962 and initially flew the Shenyang J-5 before using variants of the Chengdu J-7. Westerners got first sight of the team at the inaugural Airshow China in 1996. In 2009 its mounts were replaced by the Chengdu J-10, which were painted in a new predominantly blue colour scheme. Display: The six-ship formation breaks into a four-ship and a pair. The four-ship flies formation loops and passes and the pair carries out a head-on break and an opposition cross. The J-10 is then shown in high- and slow-speed configuration before a concluding break.Trivia: The team is named after the founding date of the People’s Liberation Army in 1927.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

China Ba Y i

Wik

iped

ia/Y

uxua

n112

2

Chin

ese

Inte

rnet

official designation: PLAAF Red Falcon Air Demonstration Teamaircraft: 8 x Nanchang JL-8 Base: Jinzhou-Xiaolingzi Air Force BaseTeam history: One of two PLAAF aerobatic teams formed in 2011, Red Falcon comprises eight Nanchang JL-8 jet trainers from the 3rd Flying Academy. The aircraft are predominantly white and produce white, blue, yellow and red smoke.Display: All eight JL-8s perform passes in different formations before a pair splits away. These elements then alternate, performing formation passes, synchronised manoeuvres and breaks.

China Red Falcon

China - bA YI

China - rED FALCON

Chile - Los Halcones



Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

iSRael aiR & SPaCe FoRCe (Zroa Ha’Avir Ve’Hahalal [or Heyl Ha’Avir])aircraft: 4 x Hawker Beechcraft Texan II Base: Hatzerim ABHistory: This team was established in 1973 using four instructors and IAI Tzukit aircraft (a locally produced version of the French Fouga Magister) at the Israel Air Force Flight Academy at Hatzerim AB. It was specifically created to perform at the academy’s pilot graduation days. The Tzukit was operated until September 2010 when replaced by the Hawker Beechcraft Texan II.Display: The team performs box-four formation aerobatics, including loops and barrel rolls, before a concluding bomb-burst break. Trivia: It flies exclusively on pilot graduation days at Hatzerim AB, the annual IAF Open Day and other ceremonial events.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Israel Israel Aerobatic Team

India Sarang

Indonesia Jupiter Aerobatic Team

inDian aiR FoRCe (Bharatiya Vayu Sena)english translation: Peacockofficial designation: Indian Air Force Helicopter Display Teamaircraft: 4 x HAL Dhruv Base: Yelahanka ABHistory: Formed in 2003 to showcase India’s aerospace capabilities and promote the IAF by demonstrating the HAL Dhruv, Sarang was created using aircraft

and pilots from the Attack Light Helicopter Evaluation Flight that had undertaken the Dhruv’s operational trials prior to its service entry in 2002. Sarang’s first public display was at the 2004 Asian Aerospace show, Singapore, which preceded the team being granted official status in the IAF as 151 Helicopter Unit. In addition to performing at Indian military events and Aero India, Sarang has

displayed in the UAE and the UK.Display: Opening with the four Dhruvs in formation, the leader then splits and reverses in between a formation of the other three. The display includes a range of manoeuvres, the most unusual being the ‘Dolphin Leap’ where three Dhruvs perform a synchronised stall turn.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at time of press.

inDoneSian naTional DeFenCe - aiR FoRCe (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara)official designation: Indonesian Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x KAI KT-1 Woong Bee Base: Adisucipto International Airport, YogyakartaHistory: For many years the Indonesian Air Force had two display teams – Elang Biru with F-16s and Jupiter with Hawk Mk53s. These were merged into

the Jupiter Blue team in 2001 comprising three Hawks and two F-16s. A fatal accident in 2002 led to its disbandment. In 2008 the Indonesian Air Force re-activated the Jupiter team using KT-1s and four instructors from Training Squadron 102. It received training from the RAAF Roulettes before growing to six aircraft in 2010 when the aircraft were repainted in Indonesia’s national colours.Display: Loops and passes in

various formations lead into a break with a four-ship and pair performing separate routines. The latter flies opposition passes while the four-ship formation completes synchronised manoeuvres. Trivia: The team’s name comes from the Indonesian AF’s instructors’ call-sign.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Diet

mar

Fen

ners

IASF

India - Sarang

Indonesia - Jupiter Aerobatic Team

Israel - Aerobatic Team

FRenCH aiR FoRCe (Armée de l’Air - AdlA)official designation: Patrouille Acrobatique de France aircraft: 8 x Dassault-Breguet/Dornier Alpha Jet E Base: BA701 Salon de ProvenceHistory: One of the oldest teams in the world, the PdF celebrates its 60th anniversary in May. In 1953 four AdlA Republic F-84Fs were performing at an event in Algeria, where the commentator referred to them as the ‘Patrouille de France’. The name stuck and in 1964 a full-time unit was created at the École de l’Air using Fouga Magisters. Alpha Jets arrived for the 1982 season. The PdF was the first European military team to display in China (2004) and South America (2009), and in November 2009 became the first to appoint a female leader, Cmdt Virginie Guyot.Display: Formation aerobatics precede the team splitting into smaller groups to perform various manoeuvres before a final break. Trivia: New pilots on the team are affectionately known as ‘Smurfs’.

France Patrouille de France

Pilots 2013Athos 1/Leader Cmdt Raphaël Nal

Athos 2 Capt Olivier Blanc-Tailleur

Athos 3 Capt Hervé Aubert

Athos 4 Capt Jean Michel Herpin

Athos 5 Capt Guillaume Smets

Athos 6 Capt Vincent Plantier

Athos 7 Capt Phillipe Castagnet

Athos 8 Capt William Leroy

Athos 9 (S) Capt Antoine Hauser

FinniSH aiR FoRCe (Suomen Ilmavoimat)official designation: Finnish Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 4 x BAE Systems Hawk Mk51 Base: Kauhava ABHistory: The arrival of Fouga Magisters in 1961 revived interest in formation aerobatic displays among instructors at the Air Force Academy. They subsequently began flying four-ship displays for Kauhava’s

annual Midnight Sun Airshow. Hawks replaced the Magisters in 1986 and in the mid-1990s the team was named Midnight Hawks. The team’s aircraft have recently had twin ‘smokewinders’ fitted to provide a greater visual impact.Display: The Midnight Hawks display features loops and passes in basic formations, opposition passes, a corkscrew manoeuvre and a head-on break. Trivia: The team makes few

appearances outside Finland. It has only displayed at six locations overseas: Austria (2000), the UK (2004), Netherlands (2006), Poland (2009), Switzerland (2011) and Russia (2012) with a return to Poland planned for later in 2013.

Finland Midnight Hawks

FinA

F

Pilots 2013Leader Capt Jonne Hovilainen

Left Wing Capt Henri Vormisto

Right Wing Capt Marc Fuss

Slot Capt Henrik Väre

AdlA

FRenCH aiR FoRCe (Armée de l’Air)english translation: Golden Patrolaircraft: 3 x Socata TB-30 Epsilon (plus spare) Base: BA709 Cognac History: Cartouche Doré was formed in 1989 to mark the TB-30’s 100,000th flying hour in French service. A black and yellow colour scheme on the

aircraft inspired the name. Subsequently the team became an official French AF display unit in 1995. In 2012 the team’s four aircraft (three display ships plus a spare) received a new dark blue colour scheme. It has only started to perform overseas in recent years, with appearances in Belgium and the UK.Display: Close formation

loops, passes and a split lead into opposition and solo manoeuvres, a caterpillar loop, then a final break.With thanks to Pierre-Alain Antoine

France Cartouche Doré

Pilots 2013Leader Capitaine Damien Depayras

Right Wing Ltt Bertrand Butin

Left Wing Ltt Cédric Ollivier

AdlA

France - Cartouche Dore

Finland - Midnight Hawks

France - Patrouille de France



Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

Malaysia Smokey Bandits

Royal MalaySian aiR FoRCe (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia)official designation: Royal Malaysian Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x MiG-29N/NUB Base: Kuantan ABHistory: The Smokey Bandits was established in 1997 using aircraft and pilots from 17 Squadron at Kuantan. The team performs few displays, only appearing at national

events, Malaysia’s biennial LIMA airshow at Langkawi and the annual Formula One Malaysia Grand Prix at Sepang. The Smokey Bandits made its debut appearance outside Malaysia in 2010 at the BRIDEX exhibition in Brunei.Display: The display begins with a pass by the solo aircraft before a formation flypast by the other four MiGs. The four-ship then separates into

two pairs, which both perform breaks. An opposition pass is followed by a solo and further passes by the four-ship, including a formation gear-down flypast, before a final break.Trivia: The team’s name comes from the distinctive smoke trail left in the sky by the MiG-29’s engines.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

MoRoCCan Royal aiR FoRCeS (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya Marakishiya) english: Green Marchofficial designation: Patrouille Acrobatique Maroc (Aerobatic Patrol [or team] of Morocco)aircraft: 7 x Avions Mudry CAP232 Base: Marrakech-Menara International AirportHistory: Marche Verte was formed in 1987 on the order of King Hassan II. The team’s initial development was supervised by a French aerobatic pilot, Jean Michel Otelli. It began with two CAP10B aerobatic aircraft, one of the first displays being the 1987 International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford. Marche Verte subsequently re-equipped to CAP230s/231s and grew progressively to four, five, six and finally seven aircraft. It transitioned onto the CAP232 during 2002-2003. In addition to events in Morocco, the team frequently appears at French airshows. It has also displayed in the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UAE. Display: Marche Verte is the only display team to currently fly with its aircraft tied together by ropes. The aircraft take off and perform formation loops tied together before breaking formation and snapping the ropes. There follows a number of formation, opposition, solo and synchronised manoeuvres before a final break.Trivia: The team is named after the 1975 demonstration in Morocco against Spain to hand over disputed territories of the Sahara. Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Morocco Marche Verte

official designation: 1Malaysia Aerial Display Teamaircraft: 4 x Extra EA300Base: RMAF ButterworthHistory: In 2011 the Malaysian government announced it would establish the country’s first permanent professional national aerobatic team as part of its 1Malaysia programme, which aims to promote national unity and ethnic harmony in the country. Like the Royal Jordanian Falcons, the team is a military-civilian venture – the aircraft are owned

by Aerotree, a defence services company, and the pilots are Royal Malaysian Air Force personnel from different ethnic groups, thereby symbolising the 1Malaysia concept. The team made its debut at LIMA 2011 and has performed there and at other major national events.Display: The display comprises loops, barrel rolls and passes in a box-four formation before splitting for opposition, solo and synchronised manoeuvres including synchronised tail-slides. There’s a heart formed by smoke before a concluding break.

Trivia: The pilots received training in the UK from members of The Blades, a team made up of former Red Arrows pilots. Krisakti takes its name from a Malaysian national symbol representing a sacred dagger.

Alan

Wor

sley

Malaysia Krisakti

Pilots 2013Exc Tm Ldr Dato Halim Othman

Sakti 1 Maj Mohd Imran Yeap Abdullah

Sakti 2 Maj Mohamad Ezal Zainal

Sakti 3 Mej Shamsul Shahreen

Sakti 4 Maj Mej Abdul Rahim Bin Jusoh

Alan

Wor

sley

Malaysia - KRISAKTI

Malaysia -SMOKEY BANDITS MOROCCO - MARCHE VERTE

Pier

paol

o M

aglio

Italy JapanFrecce Tricolori Blue Impulse

JaPan aiR SelF DeFenSe FoRCe (Nihon Koku Jieitai)official designation: Japan Air Self Defense Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x Kawasaki T-4 Base: Matsushima ABHistory: The JASDF formed a five-ship F-86F formation team called Tenryu in 1959 after being inspired by the USAF Thunderbirds’ visit to Japan that year. The team was renamed Blue Impulse in 1961 when the aircraft received a white and blue paint scheme. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics the team drew five giant rings in the sky with smoke. Six Mitsubishi T-2s were operated from 1982 before Kawasaki T-4s arrived in late 1995.

Display: The Blue Impulse display begins with manoeuvres by a four-ship interspersed with solos by the other two T-4s. One solo joins the four-ship for several synchronised and opposition figures. All six aircraft perform patterns in delta formation, which is followed by five T-4s drawing a five-pointed star in the sky. There are more four-ship and pair manoeuvres before a concluding six-ship gear-down pass.Trivia: An appearance at the USAF’s Golden Air Tattoo at Nellis AFB in 1997 remains the Blue Impulse’s only display outside Japan.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Royal JoRDanian aiR FoRCe (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya Almalakiya al-Urduniya)official designation: Jordanian National Aerobatics Teamaircraft: 4 x Extra 300L Base: AqabaHistory: The team is an unusual joint venture between Jordan’s air force and airline – the pilots and engineers are RJAF personnel, but the aircraft are owned by Royal Jordanian Airlines. It was formed in 1978 at the express wish of King Hussein Bin Talal to act as roving ambassadors for Jordan. The team was equipped with two, later three, Pitts S2A (and latterly S2S) Specials. These were replaced in 1992 by Extra 300s, wearing a new colour scheme, when the number also grew to four aircraft. In 2007

newer Extra 300Ls were received. A comparative lack of airshows in their home region and the team’s mission means most of the Falcons’ time each year is spent undertaking a European tour. It has also displayed in Indonesia and the US.Display: Close formation four-ship aerobatics are followed by three-ship figures interspersed with solo aerobatics before the four aircraft re-join for the finale. One unusual manoeuvre is an inverted push-out from a loop.

Pilots 2013Director Mohammed Al Jaloudi

Leader Capt Abdel Hameed Macknay

Left Wing Capt Mohammad Ma’abreh

Right Wing Capt Shadi Al-Arabi

Slot/Solo Maj Nofan Alghrair

jordan Royal Jordanian Falcons

Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

iTalian aiR FoRCe (Aeronautica Militare Italiana)english translation: Three-coloured arrowsofficial designation: Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale/313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico (Aerobatic Demonstration Squadron) aircraft: 10 x Aermacchi MB339PAN Base: Rivolto AB, UdineHistory: The Frecce Tricolori was formed at Rivolto on March 1, 1961 as the AMI’s dedicated aerobatic team, replacing those operated by individual frontline fighter wings. The team spent two years flying the North American F-86 before moving onto the Fiat G-91PAN and quickly became renowned for its flamboyant and colourful routine. The MB339PAN replaced the G-91PAN for the 1983 season and in 1986 the team undertook its first, and so far only, tour of North America. In 1988 the Frecce was involved in the Ramstein tragedy, which killed 70 spectators and precipitated the

safety rules which now apply at Western European airshows.Display: After an opening ten-ship formation loop the team separates into groups of five and four, which perform various splits and formation manoeuvres, interspersed with solos from the tenth aircraft. The latter includes the distinctive ‘Lomcevak’ and low-level ‘crazy flying’. The display concludes with nine MB339s smoking the colours of the Italian flag set to ‘Nessun Dorma’ sung by Pavarotti.

Pilots 2013Pony 0 (Sqn Cmdr) Magg Jan Slangen

Pony 1 (Leader) Capt Mirco Caffell

Pony 2 Capt Gaetano Farina

Pony 3 Capt Filippo Barbero

Pony 4 Capt Mattia Bortoluzzi

Pony 5 Capt Vigilio Gheser

Pony 6 Capt Marco Zoppitelli

Pony 7 Capt Pierangelo Semproniel

Pony 8 Capt Stefano Centioni

Pony 9 Capt Stefano Vit

Pony 10 (Solo) Cpt Fabio CapodanoA

nno

Grav

emak

er

Japan - Blue Impulse

Italy - Frecce Tricolori

Jordan - Royal Jordanian Falcons



Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

FAP

Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

official designation: Polish Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x PZL-130 Orlik TC-II Base: Radom ABHistory: Team Orlik was established in 1998, initially as a replacement national representa-tive while Team Iskry was stood down for aircraft upgrades. It continued to perform after Iskry returned to airshows and grew from its original six aircraft to nine, before down-sizing. Budget cuts caused Team Orlik to be stood down for a year, but it returned in 2011 as a six-ship.Display: Loops, barrel rolls and passes in various formations precede a solo breaking away,

with aerobatics interspersed with manoeuvres by the main section. This formation then splits down into smaller groups to create a smoke heart and perform opposition passes before more solo aerobatics and a final break.Trivia: Team Orlik now flies the TC-II version of the PZL-130 equipped with upgraded avionics.

Poland Team Orlik

Pilots 2013Ldr Capt Dariusz Stachurski

L Wg Capt Krzysztof Kidacki

Outer L Wg Lt Michał Czerwiec

R Wg Lt Michał Anielak

Outer R Wg Capt Robert Osys

Solo Capt Dariusz Stańczyk

Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

Pilots 2013Leader Lt Col Andrey Alekseyev

Left Wing/Deputy Team Commander

Lt Col Vitaly Melnikov

Right Wing Lt Col Alexander Bogdan

Slot Lt Col Oleg Erofeev

Far Left Wing Lt Col Sergey Shcheglov

Far Right Wing Major Denis Plaksin

Portugal Rotores de PortugalPoland - Team Orlik

Russia - Russkiye Vityazi

Russia - berkuty

Portugal - Rotores de Portugal

PakiSTan aiR FoRCe (Pakistan Fiza’ya)english translation: Lion Heartsofficial designation: PAF Academy Aerobatics Teamaircraft: 4 x Hongdu K-8 Karakorum Base: PAF Risalpur History: In 1972 the Basic Flying Training Wing of the PAF Academy at Risalpur formed a team of four Cessna T-37s, which began using the name Sherdils from 1974. It expanded to six in 1980 when the current white, red and blue paint scheme was adopted. The Sherdils received the joint K-8 Karakorum in the mid-2000s, preceding an expansion to eight and then nine aircraft. However, according to the PAF’s official website, “engine thrust demands were excessive for the outer formation members to cope with” and recently the Sherdils have only performed as a four-ship.Display: The team flies a relatively sedate display of loops, passes and barrel rolls in formation, before performing a bomb-burst. Trivia: Overseas displays by the Sherdils have included the Al Ain Aerobatics Show in the UAE (2007) and Airshow China (2010).Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at time of press.

PoliSH aiR FoRCe (Sily Powietrzne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej)english translation: Red and White Sparksofficial designation: Polish Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 7 x PZL TS-11 Iskra Base: Deblin ABHistory: Known better as Team Iskry, the team is named after the trainer it flies and the colour scheme worn by its aircraft.

Formed in 1991 with four aircraft, the team expanded to nine two years later. It was stood down in 1998 while its TS-11s received cockpit upgrades, resuming in 2000 as a seven-ship. It has displayed around Europe since, although overseas displays are infrequent.Display: Loops, barrel rolls and passes are performed in different formations before a split and cross-over. There follows solo

manoeuvres, opposition passes and groups of three and four aircraft flying various formation and synchronised figures. A break leads into a cross-over involving all seven aircraft. Trivia: The TS-11’s low power and hydraulic controls means it is difficult to fly close formation aerobatics.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at time of press.

Poland Biało-Czerwone Iskry

Royal neW zealanD aiR FoRCeaircraft: 5 x Pacific Aerospace CT-4E Airtrainer Base: RNZAF Base OhakeaHistory: The Red Checkers was established on Harvards in 1967 at the RNZAF’s Flight Training School. It displayed for six years before dis-banding in 1973, but was re-activated in 1980 on four CT-4B Airtrainers, a fifth being added later. Upgraded CT-4Es have been used since 1999 when the team expanded to six. Two accidents, one fatal, in early 2010 led to the Red Checkers being grounded, but it resumed displays in 2011 as a five-ship. Despite a long history, it still doesn’t have an official designation within the RNZAF.Display: A five-ship arrival leads to one aircraft breaking off. Four-ship formations then alternate with solo aerobatics. The four-ship splits into two pairs for synchronised manoeuvres before the team re-joins for a final break. Trivia: The name is from the red-and-white chequerboard nose markings worn on the aircraft.

New Zealand Red Checkers Pakistan Sherdils

Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

John

And

rew

s

Mik

e Jo

rgen

sen

Pilots 2013Checkers One Sqn Ldr Oliver Bint

Checkers Two Flt Lt Stuart Anderson

Checkers Three Flt Lt Matt Walls

Checkers Four Sqn Ldr Matt Alcock

Checkers Five Flt Lt Jimmy Davidson

Checkers Six Flt Lt Robert Cato

Display Director WO Ash Wilson New Zealand - red checkers

Poland - Bialo-Czerwone Iskry

Pakistan - Sherdils



russiAn Air force (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily) english translation: Russian Knightsofficial designation: TsPAT 4th GTsPAP i VI MOaircraft: 4 x Sukhoi Su-27P and 2 x Su-27UB Base: Kubinka ABHistory: The Russian Knights was established in April 1991 and performed overseas for the first time five months later with a brief tour of the UK. It subsequently displayed at airshows in Europe, the USA and Canada as well as at Russian events and official parades. In December 1995 two of the team’s aircraft crashed in Vietnam while en route to Malaysia, grounding the team for 18 months. It now performs with anything from four to six aircraft and sometimes in a composite display with the Swifts, as at the biennial MAKS show. More recently it has performed overseas more regularly than for many years – in 2012 it appeared at Airshow China and already

in 2013 has displayed at Aero India and LIMA in Malaysia.Display: The team performs loops and passes in close formation before breaking into a box-four and a pair (or solo, as applicable), which respectively fly formation and opposition manoeuvres. The composite display with the Strizhy involves both teams flying together before separating and giving their own individual routines. Trivia: In December 2012 Russian media reported the team would receive Su-30CMs and Su-35Cs, though no timescale has been given for their arrival.

russiAn Air force (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily)english translation: Golden Eaglesaircraft: 5 x Mi-28 Base: Torzhok ABHistory: The team was established in 1992 and performed with varying numbers of Mi-24 Hinds at major Russian aviation events including the biennial MAKS airshow. In 2012 the team re-appeared as a six-ship

operating the new Mil Mi-28 Havoc and displayed at the Russian Air Force’s 100th Anniversary Airshow at Zhukovsky.Display: The display begins with all six helicopters in formation before a pair breaks away. Four Mi-28s carry out more formation manoeuvres, interspersed with synchronised hovering, breaks and opposition flying.Trivia: Currently the only display team flying attack helicopters.

Russia

Russia

Russkiye Vityazi

Berkuty

portuguese Air force (Força Aérea Portuguesa)english translation: Rotors of Portugalofficial designation: National Helicopter Display Teamaircraft: 3 x Sud Aviation Alouette III Base: Beja ABHistory: Rotores de Portugal was established in 1976 and consisted of four Alouettes and pilots from Esquadra 102 until moving to Esquadra 552 in 1982

and down-sizing to two. The team moved to Esquadra 111 in 1991 before disbandment in 1994. It was re-activated in 2005 on Esquadra 552 with three Alouettes and continues to display mainly at Portuguese events.Display: The display includes formation passes and hovering before splitting into a pair and a solo, which respectively fly synchronised and solo manoeuvres. Trivia: The world’s last remaining Alouette III display team.

Chri

stop

her S

zabo

SouTH aFRiCan aiR FoRCe (Suid-Afrikaanse Lugmag)official designation: South African Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 5 x Pilatus PC-7 MkII Astra Base: AFB LangebaanwegHistory: The Silver Falcons was formed in 1966 following the arrival of the Atlas Impala (Macchi MB326), and gave its first displays the following year. It expanded to five in 1988 and performed at Nelson Mandela’s Presidential inauguration in 1995. With the

Impala’s retirement, the team was disbanded, but the arrival of the PC-7 MkII led to its re-activation as a four-ship in 1999 then it regained a fifth aircraft 2008. In December 2012 its dedicated C-47 support aircraft crashed in the Drakensberg Mountains with the loss of all aboard. Due to budget cuts the team’s 2013 schedule has been axed, but pilots will still maintain currency.Display: The team performs five-ship formation aerobatics, followed by a split and various

formation, synchronised, opposition and solo manoeuvres.Trivia: The PC-7 Mk IIs were re-painted in 2008 into their distinctive dark blue and white paint scheme with a stylised falcon shape on the fuselage.

South Africa Silver Falcons

South Korea Black Eagles

Pilots 2013Falcon 1 Maj Roy Sproul

Falcon 2 Captain Mark Gentles

Falcon 3 Lt Jacques Poolman

Falcon 4 Maj Werner Vermaak

Falcon 5 Maj Beau Skarda

SPaniSH aiR FoRCe (Ejército del Aire)english translation: Eagle Patrolofficial designation: Spanish Air Force National Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 7 x CASA C101B Aviojet Base: San Javier ABHistory: The Patrulla Águila was established in 1985 using the recently-introduced C101 and flying instructors from the Air Force Academy at San Javier. Patrulla Águila’s first overseas display was in Belgium in 1986 and it has since appeared in most European countries. To mark the 1992 Olympic Games the team received red and yellow markings. Its pilots undertake rehearsal and displays in their spare time. Display: During the first half, the seven C101s perform loops, barrel rolls and passes in different formations. They then split into a group of four, a synchro pair and a solo for different manoeuvres before re-joining for a final break. Trivia: One of the few display teams to perform a formation landing with all seven aircraft touching down together.

SPain Patrulla Ãguila

Pilots 2013T Cmdr José Ignacio Sánchez-García

Águila 1/Ldr

Cmdte Antonio Jesús Gutiérrez Santiago

Águila 2 Cmdte César Piquer Martínez

Águila 3 Cmdte Antonio M Monge Pereira

Águila 4 Cmdte Pedro Martínez Monleón

Águila 5 Cmdte Rubén Pérez González

Águila 6 Cmdte Moisés Roca Rubira

Águila 7 Cmdte Mariano Marín Navarro

RoKA

F

EdA

RePuBliC oF koRea aiR FoRCe (Han-guk Kong Goon [or Dae Han Min Guk Kong Goon])official designation: RoKAF Aerobatic Team/53rd Air Demonstration Groupaircraft: 8 x KAI T-50B Golden Eagle Base: Wonju ABHistory: The Black Eagles name was first applied to a team of seven Northrop F-5As (later RF-5As) that displayed from 1966 to 1978. The title was resurrected in December 1994 when the RoKAF created a full-time aerobatic team flying six Cessna T-37Cs. Its first displays

were in 1995, appearing at Korean national and military events. In 2007-2008 the team moved onto the indigenous KAI T-50B, a version of the Golden Eagle developed for display purposes, and first displayed with it in 2009 to mark the RoKAF’s 60th anniversary. Display: The eight T-50Bs perform loops, barrel rolls and passes in various formations. A bomb-burst break leads into a second half where the formation separates into smaller groups which perform a range of formation, synchronised, opposition and

solo figures before a final break.Trivia: The signature manoeuvre involves drawing the Korean flag in the sky with smoke.

Pilots 20131 Ldr Maj Jeon Wook-cheon

2 L Wg Capt Lee Sang-wook

3 R Wg Capt Jung Jong-duk

4 Slot Maj Cho Kwang-hui

5 Synchro Maj Ko Dae-hyup

6 Synchro Capt Shim Kyu-yong

7 Solo Capt Jung Chul-woo

8 Solo Maj Noh Nam-seon

South Africa - Silver Falcons

South korea - Black Eagles Spain - Patrulla Aguila

Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

russiAn Air force english translation: Swiftsofficial designation: TsPAT 4th GTsPAP i VI MOaircraft: Up to 6 x Mikoyan MiG-29A/UB Base: Kubinka ABHistory: The Swifts was formed in 1990. Its first displays, at Kubinka and Uppsala, Sweden the following year were both private events. Its first public appearance was in France in 1992 to mark the 50th anniversary of the French Air Force’s ‘Normandie-Niemen’ squadron.

It subsequently appeared at shows in Belgium, Malaysia, Thailand, Finland and in Red Square flypasts and events such as MAKS. The team’s MiGs received a new white, red and blue paint scheme in 2003. Today it typically displays four or five aircraft and often appears in a composite display with the Russian Knights.Display: A similar display to the Russian Knights, involving formation loops, barrel rolls and passes before it breaks into smaller groups for formation

and solo figures. As with the Russian Knights, the Swifts release flares during its routine.

Russia Strizhi

Pilots 2013Col Dmitry Koposov

Maj Denis Kuznetsov

Col Selyutin Viktor Markovic

Lt Col Sergei Osyaykin

Col Alexander Petrov

Maj Dmitri Ryzhevolov

Maj Dmitry Selivano

Lt Col Igor Sokolov

Maj Dmitry Zubkov

RePuBliC oF SingaPoRe aiR FoRCeofficial designation: Republic of Singapore Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x Lockheed Martin F-16A Base: Tengah AFBHistory: The Black Knights was formed in late 1975, giving its first display at Changi in June 1976 on Singapore Air Force Day. It flew four Hunters until 1983 when it changed to five F-5E Tigers. In 1990 the Black Knights switched to six A-4SU Skyhawks and from 2000 operated a mix of four A-4SUs and two F-16s. After a period of de-activation the team re-appeared in 2008 with six F-16s. It regularly displays at Singapore’s Asian Aerospace show and national ceremonial and military events. Display: The display comprises loops and barrel rolls in various formations before splitting into a four-ship and a pair which alternative with each other. A smoke heart follows before a final bomb-burst by all six aircraft.Trivia: The team has only performed once outside Singapore, in Thailand in 2009.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Royal SauDi aiR FoRCe (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya as Sa’udiya)official designation: Royal Saudi Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x BAE Hawk Mk65 Base: King Faisal ABHistory: The team was established in 1998 with training overseen by a former Red Arrows pilot. Its first public display was in January 1999 and several ex-Red Arrows pilots have been posted on exchange as advisors since. It displays at events in Saudi Arabia and other major airshows in the Middle East, undertaking its first European tour in 2011 and performing at UK events in 2012.Display: The Saudi Hawks display closely resembles the Red Arrows format of formation aerobatics followed by smaller groups of aircraft performing more dynamic manoeuvres, including the Synchro Pair. Trivia: The team’s signature manoeuvre is the ‘Saudi Logo’, involving four aircraft breaking upwards and two others crossing, their smoke trails drawing the Saudi national symbol in the sky.

Saudi ArabiaSaudi Hawks

SingaporeBlack Knights

Pilots 2013

Saudi 1 Lt Col Hamidi Ben Yahia Nahsai

Saudi 2 Capt Fahad Bin Sultan Al Owais

Saudi 3 Maj Waleed bin Abdulrahman

Saudi 4 Capt Mishaal bin Abdi Anzi

Saudi 5 Maj Saeed bin Abdullah al-Shahrani

Saudi 6 Capt Saud bin Abdullah Al-Sahli

Wik

iped

ia/K

ok L

eng

Yeo

RSA

F

Singapore - Black Knights

Russia - Strizhi

Saudi Arabia - Saudi Hawks



Taiwan Thunder Tiger

Turkey Türk Y ıldızlarıUAE Al Fursan

Thailand Blue PhoenixRoyal THai aiR FoRCe (Kongtap Agard Thai)official designation: Royal Thai Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x PC-9 Mustang Base: Nakhon Pathom Kamphang Saen AFBHistory: Blue Phoenix was formed in early 2012 using PC-9 basic flying trainers and instructor pilots from the 2nd Training Squadron of the RTAF Flying Training School, in order to mark the Royal Thai Air Force’s 100th anniversary. A public debut took place on March 27, 2012 during an

airshow at its home base and it has since participated in various RTAF events including a centenary celebration at Don Muang last July. Display: Loops and passes are flown in various formation shapes before breaking into a four-ship and a pair, with each performing further formation and synchronised manoeuvres. The team then re-joins for a concluding break.Trivia: Thailand’s first military aerobatic team.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

TuRkiSH aiR FoRCe (Türk Hava Kuvvetleri)english translation: Turkish Starsofficial designation: Turkish Air Force Air Demonstration Teamaircraft: 8 x Canadair NF-5A Base: Konya ABHistory: It was not until 1992 that the Turkish Air Force decided to establish a permanent, full-time team in the form of the Turkish Stars using seven NF-5As. Training began in 1993 and the first public display was given in Ankara on Republic Day in October 1994. The Turkish Stars subsequently displayed at national military events and international airshows, its first overseas display being

in Belgium in 1995. It expanded to eight NF-5As in 2004.Display: The first half sees the NF-5As performing passes in various formation shapes before separating. There follows opposition manoeuvres, synchronised figures from groups of two, three and four aircraft and solo flying, including a heart, before a concluding break.Trivia: The Turkish Stars reputedly set an unofficial world record by performing in front of a million spectators during a display in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2001.Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

uniTeD aRaB eMiRaTeS aiR FoRCe & aiR DeFenCe english translation: The Knightsofficial designation: UAE National Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 7 x Aermacchi MB339NAT Base: Khalifa Bin Zayed Air College, Al Ain ABHistory: Al Fursan was established in late 2009, with its first appearance being a single flypast by four MB339As at the 2010 Al Ain Aerobatics Show. Aermacchi has produced the MB339NAT (National Aerobatic Team) variant for the team, involving the removal of wing tip tanks and the addition of a smoke system. Al Fursan’s pilots began

training with the Frecce Tricolori in July 2010 and debuted at the Dubai Airshow 2011. It displayed overseas in the UK at RIAT in 2012. Display: The influence of the Frecce Tricolori training is evident. Al Fursan performs some different figures from the Frecce, however, including an upwards split to represent a palm tree and a corkscrew where the solo rolls around the main formation.Trivia: The MB339NAT’s colour scheme represents the UAE – the undersides show the country’s national colours and the black and gold symbolise its sand and oil reserves. Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at time of press.

RoCA

F

Anal

ayo

Kors

akul

THK

Key

- Gar

y Pa

rson

s

Taiwan - Thunder Tiger

Thailand - Blue Phoenix

Turkey - Türk Yıldızları UAE - Al Fursan

EdA

SPaniSH aiR FoRCe english translation: ASPA Patrolofficial designation: Ala 78aircraft: 5 x Eurocopter EC120B Colibri Base: Armilla AB History: Ala 78, the unit which trains all Spanish armed forces and police helicopter pilots, created Patrulla ASPA in September 2003, with the team’s first display taking place in nearby Seville in May 2004. Since then it has mainly appeared at major Spanish air displays. Overseas performances have been restricted, but it has appeared at events in France, Belgium and Portugal and later in 2013 will display in the Czech Republic. The team is unusual in having two pilots trained for each position.

Display: The five-ship breaks into a four-ship and a solo. A varied display includes four-ship formations, synchronised figures, hovering, opposition passes, breaks and solo manoeuvres.

spain Patrulla ASPA

Switzerland PC-7 Team

Pilots 2013

Punto 1Cpt Antonio Martínez Serrano and Teniente Juan José Villaescusa Adam

Punto 2Cmdte Jose Ángel Alcaráz Martínez and Capitán Fernando Pérez García

Punto 3Cmdte Pablo Diego Sánchez and Comandante Carlos I Villalón Árias

Punto 4/Solo

Cpt Miguel Angel Pemau Martín and Capitán Roberto Conde Marcos

Punto 5 Cpt Ricardo Vidal Díaz and Capitán Javier Barranco García

SWiSS aiR FoRCe (Schweizer Luftwaffe) official designation: Swiss Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 9 x Pilatus NPC-7 Base: Emmen ABHistory: The PC-7 Team was formed in 1989 to mark the Swiss Air Force’s 75th anniversary. In 2008 it received upgraded NPC-7s finished in the Swiss national colours. As with the Patrouille Suisse, the PC-7 Team’s pilots undertake practice and display duties in addition to their front-line duties, meaning they perform a restricted number of displays. It has, however, become more active internationally over the last decade, having performed in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden,

Malta, Bulgaria and the UK.Display: Formation manoeuvres are flown before splitting and performing a range of synchronised and opposition manoeuvres by different-sized groups as well as solo aerobatics before a concluding break.

Pilots 2013T Ldr/1 Hptm Martin Vetter

2 Oblt Marius Krüsi

3 Oblt Mario Thöni

4/Slot Hptm Mario Schwarz

5 Hptm Cyril Johner

6 Hptm Thomas Hilpert

7 Hptm Christoph Schneider

8 Capt David Menth

9 Hptm Martin Hess

SWiSS aiR FoRCe (Schweizer Luftwaffe) english translation: Swiss Patrolofficial designation: Swiss Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 6 x Northrop F-5E Tiger II Base: Dübendorf ABHistory: The Patrouille Suisse was established in 1964 as a four-ship Hunter aerobatic team to mark the Swiss AF’s 50th anniversary and perform at that year’s Lausanne Expo. A fifth Hunter was added in 1970 and a sixth followed in 1978 for the first performance overseas, in France.

With the Hunter’s retirement in 1995 the team transitioned to Northrop F-5Es painted in the Swiss national colours, performing its first display in 1996 and is a regular attendee of major European airshows.

In February 2013 the Swiss defence minister told the country’s parliament that the Patrouille Suisse will be disbanded at the end of the 2015 season as retirement of

the F-5E begins from the Swiss Air Force as it is replaced with the Saab JAS-39E, which has led to a national outcry.Display: Close-formation loops, barrel rolls and passes are followed by a split into a box-four and a pair. The four-ship performs close-formation aerobatics while the pair flies opposition, synchronised and solo manoeuvres. All six aircraft re-join for the finale involving the F-5Es simultaneously firing flares.Trivia: Several formations are named after Swiss national icons, including 'Toblerone', 'Milking Stool', 'Matterhorn', 'Fondue Fork' and 'Federer'.

SAF

Switzerland Patrouille Suisse

SAF

Pilots 2013T Ldr/1 Capt Simon Billeter

2 Capt Rodolfo Freiburghaus

3 Capt Gunnar Jansen

4 Capt Gaël Lachat

5 Capt Michael Meister

6 Capt Reto Amstutz

Spain - Patrulla ASPA

Switzerland - PC-7 Team

Switzerland - patrouille Suisse



RePuBliC oF CHina aiR FoRCe (Chung-Kuo Kung Chuan) official designation: Republic of China (Taiwan) Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 7 x AIDC AT-3 Tz-Chiang Base: Tainan ABHistory: The team was established in 1954 with four F-84Gs, later increased to nine. In 1959 it transferred to the F-86F and in the same year its pilots flew to the US where they borrowed USAF F-86s to display at Nellis AFB. Thunder Tiger later flew F-5As (1967-75)

and F-5Es (1975-88) before moving to the Air Force Academy in 1988 and transferring to the indigenous AT-3. Initially it flew as a six-ship, but later expanded to seven.Display: All seven aircraft perform formation manoeuvres before a solo breaks away. The six-ship and solo then alternate before the six-ship splits down further into smaller groups for synchronised and break manoeuvres. Pilots 2013: Information unavailable at the time of going to press.

Trivia: An unusual manoeuvre involves the quartet breaking from close formation, and the solo flying through the gap left behind.

Royal aiR FoRCeofficial designation: The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Teamaircraft: 9 x BAE Systems Hawk T1 Base: RAF ScamptonHistory: After the RAF created the world’s first jet aerobatic team with Vampires in 1947, various front-line fighter squadrons in the 1950s and 1960s formed their own teams including the famous 111 Squadron Black Arrows. The RAF in 1964 decided on cost grounds to equip them with trainers – the Red Pelicans flying Jet Provosts and the Yellowjacks flying Gnats. The following year a single full-time RAF Aerobatic Team flying seven Gnats was cre-ated, and the name Red Arrows chosen to connect with the previ-ous Red Pelicans and the popular-ity of the Black Arrows. Its size increased to nine aircraft in 1968. Hawks replaced the Gnats for the 1980 season. Following a difficult year in 2011 with the loss of two pilots in separate incidents, seven aircraft were displayed in 2012

but the Red Arrows return as a nine-ship formation in 2013 and will perform its 4,500th public display during the summer.Display: The Red Arrows display format – a first half of all aircraft together in formation, followed by a second half of manoeuvres by smaller groups of aircraft including the Synchro Pair – has been the model for many teams worldwide. Its manoeuvres have also been copied or adapted countless time by other teams.

UK Red Arrows

USA Blue AngelsUSA ThunderbirdsuniTeD STaTeS navyofficial designation: US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadronaircraft: 6 x Boeing F/A-18 Hornet Base: NAS Pensacola History: The Blue Angels team was established in April 1946, making it the longest-serving military display team. Its first display that July used the F6F-5 Hellcat, which it operated for just two months before switching to the F8F Bearcat. Subsequent aircraft were the F9F Panther (1949-55), F9F-8 Cougar (1955-57), F11F Tiger (1957-69), F-4J Phantom (1969-74) and A-4F Skyhawk (1974-1986) before transferring to F/A-18s in 1986. The Blue Angels C-130 ‘Fat Albert’ support aircraft arrived in 1975 and its JATO (Jet Assisted Take Off) display was incorporated into performances. The final JATO was performed in 2009 as the last stockpile of JATO bottles was expended, but ‘Fat Albert’ is still part of the routine. Like the Thunderbirds, the team has undertaken several overseas tours, including one to Europe in 2006. Again, due to the impact of sequestration on the US defence budget, the Blue Angels schedule has been suspended until the end of September.Display: The Blue Angels display starts with a performance take-off and solo manoeuvres by ‘Fat Albert’. Blue Angels 1-4 then launch in Diamond formation, followed by the two solos. The two groups then alternate, the four-ship performing formation manoeuvres and passes, and the solos carrying out opposition runs and synchronised figures. The six Hornets then join for a break and cross-over.Trivia: The team was named after a nightclub in New York City.

Pilots 2013Cmding Officer/Flight Ldr

Cmdr Thomas Frosch

R Wg Lt Cdr John Hiltz

L Wg Lt Nate Barton

Slot Capt Brandon Cordill, USMC

L Solo Lt Cdr David Tickle

O Solo Lt Mark Tedrow

C-130 pilot Maj John Hecker, USMC

Pilots 2013Red 1 Sqn Ldr Jim Turner

Red 2 Flt Lt Oliver Parr

Red 3 Flt Lt Mark Lawson

Red 4 Flt Lt Martin Pert

Red 5 Flt Lt Steve Morris

Red 6 Flt Lt Chris Lyndon-Smith

Red 7 Flt Lt James McMillan

Red 8 Flt Lt Ben Plank

Red 9 Flt Lt Mike Child

Red 10 (Commentator) Sqn Ldr Mike Ling

uniTeD STaTeS aiR FoRCeofficial designation: US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadronaircraft: 6 x Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon Base: Nellis AFBHistory: The team was formed in May 1953 and initially operated F-84Gs, then F-84Fs. In 1956 the team moved onto the F-100, which was used until 1964 when F-105s arrived. These were flown for just six displays before being dropped due to safety concerns, the pilots quickly reverting to the F-100 before operating F-4s in 1969-73. The Thunderbirds then spent a decade flying the T-38 before receiving the F-16A/B in 1983. These were replaced in 1992 by F-16Cs/Ds, which in 2009 received an upgrade to Block 52 standard. Due to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2013, the impact of sequestration cuts to the US defence budget has suspended the team’s flying activities until the end of September.Display: The display begins with Thunderbirds 1-4 taking off into the Diamond Loop before the two solo pilots take off separately, performing their own manoeuvres. The rest of the display sees the four-ship alternating with the solos, the main group performing a number of formation manoeuvres and the pair solo, opposition and synchronised figures. The six F-16s then form up for a pass in Delta formation.

Pilots 2013Thunderbird 1 Lt Col Greg Moseley

Thunderbird 2 Capt Joshua Boudreaux

Thunderbird 3 Maj Caroline Jensen

Thunderbird 4 Maj Curtis Dougherty

Thunderbird 5 Maj Blaine Jones

Thunderbird 6 Capt Jason Curtis

USA

F

US N

avy

MoD

/Cro

wn

copy

righ

t

Uk - Red Arrows

USA - Blue AngelsUSA -thunderbirds

16 Military Display Teams of the World - 2013 www.airforcesmonthly.com


Documents

AirForces monthly 16-pAge supplement June 2013 Display