Horsemen Flight Team

As part of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden and the liberation of Europe, the International Sanicole Airshow has a special treat in store on 22 September 2024 with the most renowned warbird team in the world: the Horsemen Flight Team, in Belgium for the first time! 

The team flies three P-51 Mustang fighters. The Mustang was a highly successful fighter during the Second World War escorting bombers during long missions and helping the allies gain air superiority over Europe. It was also a superb ground attack aircraft providing close air support to allied forces, coming in low to drop bombs on enemy positions as the allied troops advanced, or repelling enemy counter offensives.

After the heritage flight with the USAF Viper Demo Team, a third Mustang will join the early Mustang B-model ‘Berlin Express’ and the Mustang D-variant ‘Hun Hunter’ for a unique close formation aerobatics display over the Sanicole airfield. Their display consists of graceful loops and rolls in tight formation, with the Merlin engine of the Mustangs providing a wonderful soundtrack to accompany the visual spectacle. The excellent handling qualities of the Mustang will be clear for all to see during this memorable performance.

The three pilots all come over from the United States and the team only rarely appears in Europe. Dan Friedkin, Jim Beasley Jr and Ed Shipley first flew together as the Horsemen in 1994 and they have built a solid reputation around the world, taking part in the most prestigious airshows.

This epic display will provide a lasting memory to all those who witness this powerful tribute to the fallen. 

footage Chris Janssens - Wheels-Up.be

Fabrikant/Manufacturer: North American Aviation
Tech Specif:: Length: 32 ft 3 in (9.83 m) Wingspan: 37 ft 0 in (11.28 m) Height: 13 ft 4.5 in (4.077 m) Gross weight: 9,200 lb (4,173 kg) Maximum speed: 440 mph (710 km/h)
Power: 1 × Packard (Rolls-Royce) V-1650-7 Merlin 12-cylinder liquid cooled engine, 1,490 hp (1,110 kW) at 3,000 rpm;