Blue Eagles

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

Blue Eagles Team Displays – The British Grand Prix at Silverstone – 13th, 14th and 15th July 2001

So, a fine Friday dawned for the transit to Britain’s premiere motor racing event, and yep, you’ve guessed it, as soon as the Team touched down the clouds began to gather, so as the 12:30 display started, the sky was a leaden grey. The display was very well received by the surprisingly large crowd for a Friday test and practice day, and the Team put on a memorable performance in a blustery and very lumpy wind, courtesy of the large cumulo-nimbus clouds causing heavy up- and down- draughts over the circuit. The rain that began immediately after the air display made the Formula 3000 qualifiers and the Porsche racing that took place in the afternoon very exciting and fraught with the perils of spray and standing water. Indeed, the last cars from the Formula 1 practices were caught in it, and one of the Arrows spun off near Becketts. All in all, a fine days sport, with West McLaren Mercedes leading the field after the initial practice sessions, Mika Hakkinen turning in a championship performance during the morning. The Williams and Ferraris were not far behind however, so the qualifiers on Saturday, and the race on Sunday will be riveting, especially if it rains, which will bring the skills of Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard to the fore. Of course, the big question for us is will Sharon get to realise her lifelong ambition of meeting DC in person? Stay tuned for more news and all the action over the weekend!

Friday 13th July

During the transit, the sun caught highlights on the Team aircraft.	On arrival, one of the Jordans was out practicing, named ‘Bitten Heroes’ this year in deference to British advertising law!

As soon as the Team landed, the aircraft were unpacked and reconfigured….	….ready to immediately take off again to recce the display line with all the pilots aboard the Lynx.

Meanwhile, the techincians were readying the Gazelles with smoke bombs for the display. Here Andy is ‘bombing up’ Kav’s aircraft.	The smoke bombs are standard army issue, as used by parachutists to mark their descents, fitted in threes in a rig on the undercarriage leg.

The technicians had to work fast, as soon the Lynx….	….and Gazelles were departing on time to begin their first display.

Julie and Bill’s cross at the end of the heart looked so close it drew an audible gasp from spectators.	Kav and Terry but on a superb show, keeping in perfect line abreast formation throughout the display.

Ray and Richie went completely mad in the Lynx, with a crisp and accurate performance despite the conditions.	A perfect example of how gusty and uneven the wind was. As the Gazelles ran in for the break, Bill has to make a hard correction to maintain formation….

….which meant the break was perfectly balanced despite the wind.	The Gazelles land back on at what, for one weekend each year, is one of the busiest airports in Britain.

As soon as the aircraft shut down, the technicians are straight back at work, checking the aircraft and preparing it for the next display.	Meanwhile, out on the track, the Formula One cars were screaming round practicing. Here, Eddie Irvine’s company car takes Becketts at speed.

All tied down and secured for the night, the Gazelles look somehow more real than the brightly painted commercial helicopters at the circuit.	Kav’s new mascot for displays, Flat Eric has joined the Team!