Welcome to the 2008 Blue Eagles Helicopter Display Team

ARTE CONIUNCTI VOLAMUS

‘Joined together flying’

Welcome to the website of the Army Air Corps' Helicopter Display Team, The Blue Eagles. This is the 40th Anniversary Year of the Blue Eagles and we are proud to introduce a new and exiting format to the Team, to reflect such a long and uninterrupted run of successful display flying to the public.

In celebration of this years' significant milestone, we feel that it would be appropriate to celebrate the old as well as introducing the new. Consequently, we are pleased to introduce three more aircraft types to complement the Lynx and Gazelle; the Scout, Allouette and at a limited number of venues, and subject to operational commitments, the Apache Attack Helicopter.

Integrated into the display for the first time, the most technically advanced and potent Attack Helicopter in the world, the Apache will provide a unique and awesome spectacle at the events where it can be displayed. The Scout, Allouette and Gazelle will perform together in a celebration of the history of the Army Air Corps and the Blue Eagles. The Lynx will continue to amaze the crowds with its raw power and aggression and the ability to Backflip, Loop and Roll in a stunning new display. The combination of all the aircraft into one display creates a unique show that is not to be missed, as a result we find that the team this year are much in demand.

Initially formed in 1969, using five Bell Sioux helicopters, the aircraft used by the team have changed over the years, but the underlying concept has been the same. Using instructors from the School of Army Aviation, Middle Wallop, to form the core of the Team, the Army Air Corps provides a unique presence in the world of aerobatic displays with the aim of showing our skills to a wider audience.

The current team is commanded by Major Richard Jarvill, and is formed of talented individuals on the ground and in the air, who give up their spare time to display around the country. Many of the team have seen recent operational experience in Afghanistan and Iraq and bring back their worldwide aviation experiences to the School of Army Aviation.

The maintenance and preparation of the Team's aircraft and support vehicles for the display season is entirely the responsibility of just five civilian technicians and four soldiers. You will be able to meet all of the team during the course of the shows at the Blue Eagles exhibition trailer and they will be very happy to talk to you about life as a Blue Eagles Pilot, the Army Air Corps and the Army in general.

We all look forward to meeting you during the course of the season and hope that you enjoy the display.

Major Richard Jarvill
Officer Commanding
The Blue Eagles