Royal Navy display teams

Farnboro.

Mark

Image by Peter Arnold

800 NAS The Red Blades.

Farnboro.

Mark

Image by Peter Arnold

706 Naval Air Squadron flew A 4 x SeaKing display in the mid 1980’s called the ‘WHALES’ which was quite apt. These helos had a meshing of rotor blades in about 1984-5 whilst practicing for a display, at least three of which came down in fields adjacent to Culdrose airfield.(personal testimony) Maybe this was the reason they didn’t last very long?

The Whales had a longer history than that – they began in 1977 and went through to 1986, thereafter being “reborn” as The Pirhanas! The collision occurred in 1984 though thankfully with only minor damage to the aircraft.

More details on all RN helicopter display teams will be featured in our forthcoming book due out early next year. More on that later…….:D

The whales

706 Naval Air Squadron flew A 4 x SeaKing display in the mid 1980’s called the ‘WHALES’ which was quite apt. These helos had a meshing of rotor blades in about 1984-5 whilst practicing for a display, at least three of which came down in fields adjacent to Culdrose airfield.(personal testimony) Maybe this was the reason they didn’t last very long?

Don’t forget the Sharks.

And ‘The Pussers Pair’ – two red Gazelles – who I think were one half of the Sharks team.

Here are the photos of the Sea Hawks

Both 800 Squadron and 898 flew Sea Hawks in some public shows. I have some photos and will try and post today.

I cant help in yr quest I’m afraid Mark – but as the Permanent Sec and number two at the Min Of Silly Stories I can offer this declassified tiddly bit.
Simons Sircus performed manfully at Farnborough one yr and was the first team so as I know to introduce the notion of coloured smoke – Blue – to their display. Much satisfied I went home, passing thru’ a rain shower on the Hogs back, and returned to base on chocks and on time. I proceeded to tell the Base Commander – Grp Capt Father – all about the wonderful and colourful displays. No recognisable response. Clearly, all was not well.
As it happened ‘Pater’ had just taken delivery of his beautiful new – metallic Gold – Jaguar. Proud had it sat, glinting afront the Hangar doors. However what may have been that same shower had also passed overhead RAF Homestead – depositing an even layer of raindrops, each armed with a lethal filling of Blue Navy Dye, across the surface and various articles across the property. My Father’s car, not to say the dog and lawnmower had all come down with Navy Blue Chicken Pox. My poor Papa, just stood there and sobbed his poor heart out..
According to a later Beeb News broadcast many others suffered the same fate! The Navy soon after ditched the Chemi Blue and switched over to the MK2 Veggie based colouring so I believe. Anway the Navy up anchorered and scarpered sharpish.. 🙂

There was a team that operated overall Red Sea Hawks, their name escapes me at the minute though.

That 5 ship formation would be the red devils (though have also found them referred to as the redhawks) of 738 Training Squadron during the 1957 season 🙂

Jon

In may 1948 No 806 Sqn FAA was reformed as the “Royal Navy Aerobatic Team” for a tour of North America. Consisted of two Sea Fury, two Sea Hornets and one Sea Vampire F.20.

They had four Sea Furies according to contemporary photographs.

Best wishes
Steve P

Don’t forget the Sharks.

There was a team that operated overall Red Sea Hawks, their name escapes me at the minute though.

In may 1948 No 806 Sqn FAA was reformed as the “Royal Navy Aerobatic Team” for a tour of North America. Consisted of two Sea Fury, two Sea Hornets and one Sea Vampire F.20.