Alap-Alap Formation Explained

Unit Name:Alap-Alap Formation
Dates:2011 to present
Country: Brunei Darussalam
Allegiance:Sultan of Brunei
Branch:
Role:Aerobatic display team
Size:3 aircraft, 3 pilots
Garrison:Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba
Colours Label:Aircraft livery
Colours:White, blue, red, yellow
Equipment Label:Aircraft displayed
Equipment:3x Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II

The Alap-Alap Formation (Kestrel Formation) is the official aerobatic display team of Brunei Darussalam, operated by the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF; – TUDB). The Alap-Alap Formation display team was formed on .[1] [2]

Aircraft

The 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 522abbr=offNaNabbr=off 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

Currently 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

Identified 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]

Displays

Alap-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 500feet.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alap-Alap Formation. AerobaticTeams.net. Aerobatic Display Teams. n.d.. 10 December 2023.
  2. Web site: 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?. 10 December 2023.
  3. 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. 10 December 2023.
  4. Web site: 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. 10 December 2023.