Discovering Cartagena
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Discovering Cartagena
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More Articles By Phillip Bruce www.raxomnium.com Try Some Desert Island Cruising
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THE EAGLE PATROL OF THE SPANISH AIR FORCE
The Patrulla Águila, or Eagle Patrol, is the Spanish Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team and it one of the world’s finest display units. The patrol was formed on June 4, 1985, and, unlike most similar units around the world, all its pilots are also working instructors with the Spanish Air Force Academy at San Javier, north of Cartagena. Since then the unit, also known as the Spanish Air Force Aerobatic Team, has performed at air shows all over Europe and the Middle East delighting millions of spectators. The aims of the patrol are:
The patrol uses seven EADS CASA C-101 Aviojets, built in Spain, and each season there are seven pilots in the main team. In addition, there are five back-up pilots and the commander. These are supported by one engineer, 36 maintenance NCOs, a logistics officer, five photographic and video NCOs, and one secretary. History of the Eagle Patrol The official history of the patrol explains the following: The history of aerobatic teams in the Spanish Air Force begins in 1954, when the first was created in Matacan, Salamanca. Other teals were also formed, such as the Talavera A.F.B. Team, in Badajoz, the Patrulla Ascua, in Manises, Valencia, and the Los Llanos A.F.B. Team, in Albacete, equipped with the Mirage F-1. Special mention should be made of the Patrulla Ascua. Flying the F-86 Sabre, it performed in numerous national and international displays from 1956 until it was dissolved in 1965 Today, the Patrulla Aguila and the Patrulla Aspa (helicopter aerobatic team) are the Spanish Air Force aerobatic teams. In 2005, the former celebrated its 21st season, having logged more than 18,000 flying hours. Born in 1985, due to the enthusiasm of a group of instructor pilots at the Spanish Air Force Academy, the Eagle Patrol conducted its first training sortie on June 4, with only five aircraft. As interest in the team grew, and with the success of early exhibitions, the number of aircraft increased to six and a white smoke generating system was acquired to add to the spectacle. In April, 1988, in a performance for the Spanish Royal Family, the team flew for the first time with its current configuration of seven aircraft. In October, 1991, the patrol took off for the first time displaying its characteristic colour scheme, inspired by the legendary Patrulla Ascua. On October 12, 1992, during Expo92, in Seville, coloured smoke was used for the first time to paint the Spanish flag in the sky. The Eagle Patrol now appears in air shows and celebrations and at other important events in Spain and Europe and has appeared in Finland, Israel, Turkey, Morocco, the United States and Canada. In 2003, Operation “Águila Polar” saw eight aircraft of the patrol with transport support aircraft take off from San Javier and fly the northern route to Andrews Air Force Base in Washington DC. This was the first visit to the American continent. The operation was a notable achievement, considering the limited alternate airports available, the harsh arctic weather conditions and the five long hops required. The patrol has, over the past 21 years, performed at many significant and varied types of events. These include:
The patrol has collaborated with many aeronautical publications and organisations and has received accolades such as the International Aerial Federation Award and the Mar Menor Nautical Station Award. The Team The motto of the team is: “Juncti Sed Non Uncti” which can be translated as “Joined but not mixed up”. The team is composed of 13 pilots, the team commander, seven regular pilots and five spare pilots. All pilots have around 3,000 flying hours experience, mostly in fighters – Mirage F-1, Northrop F-5 or F-18. There is a full maintenance crew that is responsible for the aircraft. In order to join the patrol pilots have to meet the following minimum requirements:
The pilots remain in the patrol for three or four years. Normally, they start as spare pilots and enter the main team in their second or third years. His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias has been an honorary member of the patrol since 1993. The Aircraft The Eagle Patrol flies the EADS CASA C-101 Aviojet. This is a two-seat jet trainer, designed and manufactured by EADS, which sponsors the team. This company was formerly Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A. The aircraft is employed for basic and advanced training, leading to specialised fighter, transport and helicopter training in the Spanish Air Force. Its handling characteristics, safety, low operational cost, easy maintenance and reliability make it an ideal aircraft for the academy and for the patrol. Aircraft Technical Detail and Performance Length 12.5 metres Time to climb to 25,000 feet 6.5 minutes Wingspan 10.6 metres Take-off distance 560 metres Landing distance 480 metres Height 4.25 metres Wing surface 20 metres Range 2,000NM Max T.O. weight 6,300 kg Endurance Seven hours Max speed 450 Kts Service ceiling 42,000 feet Max rate of climb 6 100 feet per minute Display Information The patrol’s season runs from May to September, with a break in July or August. Training is carried out during the rest of the year, with particularly intensive activity from February to April, in order to reach the highest standards. Three different demonstrations can be performed, depending on weather conditions:
All maneuvers are designed and displayed with safety uppermost in mind and in accordance with NATO STANAG 3533 requirements for this type of air show. Each position in the flight has very specific characteristics, particularly the Solo (Aguila 05) and the Pair (Aguila 06 and 07). During the second part of the show these aircraft perform specific maneuvers. Many hours of ground work, planning and flying are required to fly a good 30-minute show and a large number of people contribute to success, including those involved in maintenance, video and photography, public relations, logistics and the pilots. Contact Information Requests for articles, information or for displays, relating to the Patrulla Águila should be sent to: Cuartel General del Ejercito del Aire Oficina de Relacions Públicas C/ Romero Robeledo, No. 8 28701 Madrid Telephone 915 436 817. Fax: 915 437 017 Request for speakers or for visits to the patrol’s home base should be sent to: Academia General del Aire Seción de Relaciones Públicas C/ Coronel López Peña, s/n 30729 Santiago de la Ribera Murcia Telephone 968 570 100. Fax: 968 570 154 Source information: Spanish Air Force Academy. With thanks. Phillip Bruce.
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