This year, we say goodbye to the Belgian Air Force Red Devils, the aerobatic display team of the Belgian Air Component.
The team has a rich history dating back to its formation in 1957. Initially flying the Hawker Hunter aircraft, the Red Devils quickly most of its international fame during the 1970s when they displayed using the butterfly-tailed Fouga Magister jet trainers.
After disbanding in 1977, the team were re-established in 2011 for the 65th anniversary of the Belgian air force, this time on the elementary trainer of the air force, the rather sporty looking Italian-built SIAI Marchetti SF-260. These are part of 5 squadron based at Beauvechain. The pilots in the Red Devils are all instructors with the squadron and add their team duties to regular squadron work.
With their four Marchettis, they perform a series of elegant manoeuvers in formation before splitting up for an action-packed second half, which includes hair-raising opposition crosses and solo aerobatics.
The Marchetti has served as an elementary trainer with the Belgian Air Force since 1969 and have earned their retirement. The air force is actively looking to replace the type for elementary training duties in the near future. As a result, the team will be disbanded at the end of the 2024 airshow season. We hope we’ll get to see the Red Devils again in the future with a new aircraft!
Don’t miss their final appearance at the International Sanicole Airshow and come wave goodbye to them on 21 & 22 September 2024.
