Summary
- Air display teams have a long history, with the first team forming in the US in 1927, but unfortunately, the original pilots perished in air crashes.
- There are over 50 air display teams worldwide, including lesser-known teams like Suriya Kiran, Patrouille de France, Blue Phoenix, Roulettes, and Frecce Tricolori.
- Air display teams perform intricate maneuvers, experience high G-forces, and use specially fitted aircraft to wow audiences at celebrations and events worldwide.
In the US, the first air display team dates back to 1927, when three pilots from the Army Air Corps formed the Three Musketeers. Unfortunately, within one year of commencing operations, all three of the original pilots had perished in air crashes.
Thankfully, things have come a long way since then, and air display teams are now a common sight at many celebrations across the world, amazing and inspiring fans below with their maneuvers, stunts, and acrobatics. Throughout the intricate performances, the specially trained pilots can experience G-forces of up to 5G or 6G, although when flying in formation this can be cut down to around 4G.
There are estimated to be more than 50 air display teams currently active around the world. Thanks to their iconic performances, the Blue Angels and the Red Arrows have become household names in the US and the UK, respectively, but what are some of the world's lesser-known air display teams?
5 Suriya Kiran
The air display team of the Indian Air Force. Although the Indian Air Force has had an air display team on and off since 1944, it was not until 1996 that the Suriya Kiran Aerobatic Team was founded. The team, which is based at Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka, went on to be disbanded in 2011 before reforming again in 2017.
Today, the Suriya Kiran Aerobatic Team's nine pilots fly a fleet of BAE Systems Hawk Mk.132 aircraft, which have been fitted with smoke canisters to give their 30 annual displays the wow factor.
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4 Patrouille de France
The aerobatics division of the French Air and Space Force has been active since 1931, making it one of the world's oldest air display teams. The team is made up of nine pilots and 35 mechanics, who spend the winter months training and the summer months painting the skies above France red, white, and blue.
Performances are refreshed each year to showcase new maneuvers and skills, but without a doubt, the highlight of the Patrouille de France's calendar is Bastille Day (July 14th), when the team takes to the skies above Paris to mark one of the most important dates in French history - the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris in 1789, which sparked the start of the French Revolution.
3 Blue Phoenix
Not to be confused with the Blue Angels, Thailand's Blue Phoenix is one of the world's younger air display teams, founded in 2012 to mark the 100th anniversary of aviation in the country. The team is based at Kamphaeng Saen Air Force Base in the city of Nakhon Pathom, central Thailand.
The team's five Pilatus PC-9 aircraft are painted red, white, and blue, reflecting the Thai flag. The aircraft made their first public appearance together on Children's Day in 2012 at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), the second-busiest airport in Bangkok after Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
How many hours must pilots have to fly in display teams? Find out more about the requirements to become an aerobatics pilot with this report from the Simple Flying team.
2 Roulettes
The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) air display team is known as the Roulettes. The team was founded in 1970, and today is made up of seven operational pilots at any one time. Following three months of intensive training, pilots will normally be part of the Roulettes for three seasons, with each season lasting six months.
All Roulette pilots are qualified flying instructors who work at the Central Flying School, based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. Today, the Roulettes fly a fleet of red and white Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, which can be regularly seen bringing the skies to life above Australia. The team previously flew Pilatus PC-9 aircraft, which were retired in March 2019.
1 Frecce Tricolori
The air display team of the Italian Air Force first took to the skies in March 1961 from its base at Rivolto Air Base in Udine in northern Italy. The Frecce Tricolori's fleet is made up of 13 Aermacchi MB339 aircraft - 10 of which actively take part in displays, with the remaining three on standby in case of any technical problems.
In total, the team normally performs around 35 air demonstrations throughout the summer season, which begins in May. Throughout the years, the Frecce Tricolori has provided some unforgettable moments, showcasing the colors of the Italian flag above some of the country's most iconic landmarks.
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From air shows to royal visits and military parades, air display teams have formed a crucial part of national celebrations for decades, and have even become part of a country's national identity. Fans around the world will no doubt hope that air display teams will continue to bring the skies to life for decades to come.
Which teams have you seen perform at air shows around the world? Do you have a favorite air display team? What do you think the future will look like for the world's air display teams? Share your thoughts and experiences with us by commenting below.
Source: Aerotime Hub