The Alap-Alap Formation (Kestrel Formation) is the official aerobatic display team of Brunei Darussalam, operated by the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF; Malay: Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei – TUDB). The Alap-Alap Formation display team was formed on 7 February 2011.[1][2]
| Alap-Alap Formation (Kestrel Formation) | |
|---|---|
| Active | 2011 to present |
| Country |  Brunei Darussalam |
| Allegiance | Sultan of Brunei |
| Branch |  Royal Brunei Air ForceTentera Udara Diraja Brunei |
| Role | Aerobatic display team |
| Size | 3 aircraft, 3 pilots |
| Garrison/HQ | Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba |
| Aircraft livery | White, blue, red, yellow |
| Aircraft displayed | 3x Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II |
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Aircraft
editThe Alap-Alap Formation display team uses three of the four RBAirF / TUDB Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II turboprop aircraft purchased from Switzerland in 1997, a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft powered by a 522 kilowatts (700 shaft horsepower) PT-6A-25C turboprop engine driving a four-blade variable-pitch propeller. All four PC-7 aircraft of the RBAirF are liveried in a white, blue, red, and yellow colour-scheme. The three aircraft used by the Alap-Alap Formation display team (registration numbers: TUDB-302, TUDB-303, and TUDB-304) are fitted with two under-wing smoke pods, mounted on external hard-points, which generate white smoke during displays.[1][2][3]
Operation
editCurrently the Royal Brunei Air Force have a total of four PC-7 Mk.II aircraft. The aircraft are under the management of No 73 Squadron TUDB (originally known as 63 Squadron ATUDB), a flying squadron of No. 7 Wing RBAirF, part of the Flying Training School (FTS) of the training wing located at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba.[1]
Pilots
editIdentified by their respective 'Eagle' call signs, the display team consists of three pilots. One pilot is local, from the Royal Brunei Air Force, and two remaining pilots are from the British Royal Air Force (RAF), one on loan from the RAF and the other directly contracted to the RBAF.[1] All are Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) pilots, whilst its team leader achieved the Formation Aerobatic Leader qualification from the Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) in the UK.[4]
- Eagle One: Capt (LS) Richard Frick (TUDB / RAF)
- Eagle Two: Lieutenant Colonel (U) Pg Mohd Zulhusmi Bin Pg Mohd Roslan (TUDB)[4]
- Eagle Three: Richard Homer (RAF)
Displays
editAlap-Alap Formation have displayed during the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) 50th Anniversary, and continue frequent training. They are the first team in Brunei to carry out formation aerobatics at low level altitudes of 500 feet (150 metres).[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Alap-Alap Formation". AerobaticTeams.net. Aerobatic Display Teams. n.d. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
- ^ a b SchwarzeMitternacht (20 March 2014). "BRIDEX 2013 static aircraft display: Royal Brunei Air Force aircraft". Kupitok.Wordpress.com. Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba, Brunei Darussalam: Parut Kami Bulat... Ngapa Kian?. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
- ^ John Mounce (photographer) (9 July 2011). Photo of TUDB-302, TUDB-303, and TUDB-304 in formation flight with smoke trailing. AirHistory.net (photo). Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba, Brunei Darussalam. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
- ^ a b "Commanding Officer No. 7 Wing - Lieutenant Colonel (U) Pg Mohd Zulhusmi Bin Pg Mohd Roslan". MinDef.gov.bn. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
External links
edit- Pilatus PC-7 Mk2 - Brunei - Air Force - Aviation Photo #0077782 — photo of a Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II of the RBAirF (c/n: 602, registration: ATUDB 302), the type used by Alap-Alap Formation, at Airliners.net, April 2000
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