"Blue Angels" USA


The United States Navy's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946 and is the world's first officially sanctioned military aerial demonstration team.The Blue Angels first flew three aircraft in formation, then four, and currently operate six aircraft per show. A seventh aircraft is for backup, in the event of mechanical problems with one of the other aircraft, and for giving public relations "demonstration flights" to civilians, usually selected from a press pool.
  This aerobatic team is split into "the Diamond" (Blue Angels 1 through 4) and the Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). Most of their displays alternate between maneuvers performed by the Diamond and those performed by the Solos. The Diamond, in tight formation and usually at lower speeds, performs maneuvers such as formation loops, barrel rolls, or transitions from one formation to another.
  The Opposing Solos usually perform maneuvers just under the speed of sound which showcase the capabilities of their individual F/A-18s through the execution of high-speed passes, slow passes, fast rolls, slow rolls, and very tight turns. Some of the maneuvers include both solo F/A-18s performing at once, such as opposing passes (toward each other in what appears to be a collision course, narrowly missing one another) and mirror formations (back-to-back. belly-to-belly, or wingtip-to-wingtip, with one jet flying inverted).
  At the end of the routine, all six aircraft join in the Delta formation. After a series of flat passes, turns, loops, and rolls performed in this formation, they execute the team's signature "fleur-de-lis" closing maneuver.
  The parameters of each show must be tailored to local visibility: In clear weather the "high" show is performed, in overcast conditions it's the "low" show that the spectators see, and in limited visibility (weather permitting) the "flat" show is presented. The "high" show requires an 8,000-foot ceiling and visibility of 3 nautical miles from the show's centerpoint. "Low" and "flat" ceilings are 3,500 and 1,500 feet respectively.

"Red Arrows" UK

  The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force, based at RAF Scampton, United Kingdom. They were formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team, replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by various RAF commands.
  The Red Arrows badge shows the aircraft in their trademark diamond nine formation, with the motto Eclat, meaning "brilliance" or "excellence".
  Initially, the Red Arrows were equipped with seven Folland Gnat trainers which were inherited from another RAF display team, The Yellowjacks, and had been chosen because they were less expensive to operate than the front-line fighters. In their first season, they flew at 65 shows across Europe. In 1966, the team was increased to nine members, enabling them to develop their Diamond Nine formation. In late 1979, they switched to the BAE Hawk trainer. The Red Arrows have now performed nearly 4,000 displays world-wide, in over fifty countries, and are widely regarded as the world's most skilled and famous military aerobatics teams.

"Frecce Tricolori" Italy

Heirs of the glorious aerobatic formations of the past, the Frecce Tricolori have been since 1961, year of their foundation, the most spectacular expression of the Italian Air Force. Based on a 10 ship formation (9+1 solo), it is certainly the largest and one of the most prestigious teams in the world. The different flight programmes (High-Low-Flat, depending on local weather conditions), are a sequel of precise and accurately planned aerobatic manoeuvres, in order to ensure utmost safeness for spectators and pilots. Performing in different places requires demanding organizing abilities. All operations, maintenance tasks, and logistic activities are fully arranged by the Team's staff. A sincere esprit de corps and perfect harmony between team members is the key to spectacular and safe performances. At present date the team has performed in more than 200 shows arousing indisputable success in countries over Europe, North America, the Middle East, Canada and the U.S.A.

"PATROUILLE DE FRANCE" France

In 1981, the PAF performed for the first time in public with 7 Alphajets. A year later, one could admire 8 aircraft flying together in close formation. The number of aircraft has remained constant for 23 years now.

 On July 14th 1986, on the occasion of the centenary of the Statue of Liberty and of the bicentenary of the Independence of the United States, the PAF participated in an historical flypast over New-York. The impact on the media was resounding. The PAF became famous throughout the world.
 In 2000, the PAF toured Asia (“Asie 2000” series). Several official air shows were given in various countries of Asia – Saudi Arabia, India, Singapore, the Philippines, Oman and Brunei – to promote the “expertise of the French Wings”. Mission accomplished!
 In 2004 the PAF performed in front of millions of spectators throughout a season of 45 official displays both in France and abroad. From September 24th to November 15th 2004, it actually went on a promotional tour around Asia and the Middle East – Abu Dhabi, 4 cities in China, Malaysia, India and Jordan – where it met with tremendous popular acclaim.

"Asas de Portugal ( Wings of Portugal )" Portugal

Formed in 1977, all the team pilots are instructors serving with the Air Force Academy in Sintra. Asas de Portugal performed throughout Western Europe until the mid-1980s when they were stood down. They later reformed in 1987, initially with four Cessna T37Cs before increasing to six aircrafts. However, the loss of one of the team's T37Cs in December 1990, due to airframe corrosion, led to the team's disbandment. The Force Aerea Portuguesa has taken the decision this year to reform the team once again, this time with ex-Luftwaffe Alpha Jets from Esquadra 103, performing their first public show in June 1998..

"Biele Albatrosy ( White Albatrosses )" Slovak Republic

Formed in 1991 to commemorate the former Czech and Slovak Republic's Independence from the Soviet Union, Biele Albatrosy gave their first display at the International Air Fest at Bratislava in September 1992. Three months later, Slovakia separated from the Czech Republic and the new Slovak Air Army was created. Biele Albatrosy made their international debut as the Slovak national team at IAT ' 93, RAF Fairford and have since gone on to make a number of appearances at home and throughout Europe.

"Black Eagles" Republic of Korea

The team was formed after the Korean War had ended in July 1953.
In 1968, the Black Eagles took on Northrop F-5A and RF-5A Freedom Fighters, the team's mount for the next 27 years.
In 1995, the team converted to Cessna A37B Dragonflies, giving their first display at Seoul on 25 September that year.

"Iskry ( Sparks )" Poland


Formed in 1991, Iskry flew their first public display at the Poznan International Airshow on 23 August that same year.

"Midnight Hawks" Finland

This team fly solely for Finland's annual International Air Show.
Midnight Hawks was the name given to the team in 1997; a previous identity has been Jasska Four.

"Patrulla Aguila( Eagle Patrol )" Spain

Formed in July 1985, Patrulla Aguila is the Spanish Air Force's first post-Franco national aerobatic team. They made their international public debut in Belgium that same year, performing at the Kleine Brogel Open Day in September. Their UK debut came two years later at Fairford's IAT 87. Patrulla Aguila has since appeared at many airshows throughout Western Europe. Instructors from the Air Force Academy fly the team's Aviojets in addition to their normal training duties.
Up until the end of 1991, Patrulla Aguila used Aviojets from Ala 79 in standard silver and dayglo training colours. Then in 1992, 12 Aviojets received a new fiery red, yellow and silver scheme for the Barcelona Olympics held that year, which the Aguilas have since continued to wear.