Blue Eagles

Associated sites:
Army Historic Aircraft Flight | The Museum of Army Flying | Army Air Corps Recruiting

Welcome to the Blue Eagles web site.

ARTE CONIUNCTI VOLAMUS

‘Joined together flying’

The Army Air Corps’ helicopter display team, The Blue Eagles, was formed by instructors at the School of Army Aviation Middle Wallop in 1968, using five Bell-47G3B1 Sioux helicopters. Following various changes in format and aircraft types (including Sioux, Scout Gazelle and Lynx), the team has since continued under the names Eagles, Army Eagles, Sparrow-Hawks and, for the team’s 25th anniversary in 1993, The Silver Eagles. In that year, using the current format of one Lynx and four Gazelles, the team won the prestigious Wilkinson Sword at the International Air Tattoo, for the best display by a UK participant.

The current team, commanded by Captain Laura Jones, is formed from instructors at Middle Wallop and operational pilots. Most of the team (both air and ground crew) have seen recent operational experience in the Balkans and Iraq and all bring with them considerable worldwide aviation experience and skill. As no formal instruction in formation and aerobatic flying techniques is included on the Army Pilot’s course, the whole team has spent many weeks of preparation and training in putting together its display. Allied to this it is worth remembering that the team consists of volunteers who all have additional full-time jobs within the Army. It is through their hard work and enthusiasm that the Blue Eagles are able to present a unique and dramatic display - you will see the Lynx flying manoeuvres that other helicopters find impossible.

The Army Air Corps operates the most technically advanced and lethal attack helicopter in the world, the WAH-64D Apache and has aircraft deployed on Operations in Afghanistan with 3 Regiment AAC where they are being utilised to great effect. Being an Army pilot encompasses far more than just flying the aircraft, it requires a whole range of skills vital to the delivery of combat power. This calls for a high degree of training, intense concentration, the skill to fly the aircraft instinctively and the ability to operate calmly under pressure. These exceptional skills are epitomised by the pilots of the Blue Eagles whose display of professional flying ability is the hallmark of the Army Air Corps.

The team relies heavily on sponsors for its uniforms and operating costs as well as the back up of the ground support team. The maintenance and preparation of the Team’s five aircraft and other support tasks for the six-month display season is entirely the responsibility of just four civilian technicians and three Groundcrew soldiers. You will be able to meet the whole team during the course of the show at the Blue Eagles exhibition trailer and they will be very happy to talk to you about life in the Army Air Corps and Army in general.

LAURA JONES
Captain
Officer Commanding Blue Eagles