Blue Eagles

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Blue Eagles Team News Archive

Archived 29 August 2001

Middle Wallop International Air Show – 9th and 10th September 2000

Keith made it to Middle Wallop on the Sunday, but equipped only with film cameras, cos Tim had nicked all the digitals and whizzed up to Southport, so it has taken until now to bring you his excellent report. The Team had a very busy day, Team Leader Cuz took part in the parachute display as part of the Army Air Corps’ Silver Eagles Display Team. The Silver Eagles dropped with the Red Devils from a single Sea King helicopter, filling the sky with parachutes. The Blue Eagles then took part in the Mass Approach, where 42 helicopters hid around the Hampshire countryside, to appear from behind trees and hedges in small groups and form up over the field. This is a real demonstration of Army Air Power, the aircraft are simply invisible to begin with, and as the massed firepower arrives over the field you get a real impression of how dangerous these machines are to an enemy. The Team flew a full display to the delight of the crowd, in clear blue skies, a most unusual circumstance this year!

The Blue Eagles 2000 with the standards of the Army Air Corps and Glider Pilot’s Regiment Association.	Keith’s nephew and neice, Jamie and Sarah, were very excited to meet the Team at their home show.
The Silver Eagles and Red Devils parachute Teams paraded after their display. Team Leader of the Blue Eagles, Cuz Curry, is in the blue flying suit in the centre.	The Massed Approach included a flypast by the Historic Aircraft Flight’s Allouette, Sioux and Scout helicopters.
The latest addition to the Army Air Corps fleet, the powerful Apache joined the Massed Approach. The Apache represents a quantum leap in AAC capability, bringing enormous firepower to the battlefield.	Another new helicopter on display was the naval version of the Merlin anti-submarine and transport helicopter.
The Lynx pulls up for the Backflip as the Gazelles cross in pairs in front.	The second cross is extremely close, the Gazelles always draw a gasp from the crowd with this manoeuvre.
As the Gazelles flypast in Diamond, the Lynx Eagle Rolls over the top. Timing in this manoeuvre is extremely critical!	Tim pulls out of the back of Diamond, and the remaining three Gazelles cross with the Lynx running up the centre of the formation.
The Gazelles end the display with the alarming Crossover Break.	After the display the Team met the guest of honour, HRH Prince Michael of Kent, and discussed the technicalities of the Blue Eagles manoeuvres.

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