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THE BLACK SEAHAWKS DISPLAY TEAM |
The Black Seahawks display team consisted of four pilots from FRADU, based at RNAS Culdrose, and it first appeared on the airshow scene at selected events during 2001. To start the combined display, the Falcons and the Black Seahawks arrive in 'Swan' formation, and then change to 'Vulcan' formation.
The Falcons would then 'launch' the 4 Hawks, simulating a missile attack against a ship. After splitting into two formations the two teams would then manoeuvre for a combined airfield attack, before demonstrating individual formation flypasts and opposition passes. During the 2007 Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) held at RAF Fairford, the combined FRADU/Cobham team won the coveted King Hussein Memorial Sword for the best overall flying demonstration at the event, a feat that FRADU had accomplished many years before with the Blue Heron Hunter display team winning the Shell Trophy in 1977. In true Blue Herons style, the Team was disbanded and then later reformed, but was placed 'at rest' following the end of the Fly Navy 100 celebration year in 2009. It did not display again in public. |
TEAM HISTORY |