BLACK EAGLES TO FLY IN AUSTRALIAN FIRST

IN A FIRST FOR AUSTRALIA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AIR FORCE (ROKAF) BLACK EAGLES AEROBATIC TEAM, ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST HIGHLY REGARDED MILITARY JET DISPLAY TEAMS, WILL PERFORM AT THE AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW.

The eight-aircraft Black Eagles team has wowed audiences at recent airshows across Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom, winning both the prestigious King Hussein Memorial Sword and the FRIAT “As the Crow Flies” display awards at this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT 2022) in England.

But this will be the first time either the team or its supersonic Korea Aerospace Industries KAI T-50B Golden Eagle jet aircraft have ever displayed in Australia.

The team’s eight distinctive black, white and yellow aircraft are modified versions of the Korea Aircraft Industries T-50 supersonic light trainer and attack aircraft already in service with the ROKAF, with the addition of a highly visible display livery, onboard camera system and display smoke generating equipment.

Their signature move is the “Taegeuk”, in which the team creates the Republic of Korea flag with display smoke. Through its precision formation aerobatics, the team demonstrates the skill and professionalism of the Republic of Korea Air Force and the equipment it operates, providing a window to the public and promoting ROKAF recruitment. It maintains an air display tradition which began in 1953, with a four-aircraft display team flying F-51 Mustang aircraft.

Justin Giddings, CEO of AIRSHOW 2023 organiser AMDA Foundation, said the Black Eagles are an exciting addition to the program.

“The AIRSHOW 2023 team is honoured and excited that the first Black Eagles airshow display ever seen in Australia will be at our event,” he said. “This team is well known internationally for its professional display performance and distinctive aircraft that have not been seen in Australia before. The Black Eagles will add a new level of interest and spectacle for aviation enthusiasts at AIRSHOW 2023.

The Republic of Korea Air Force visited Australia to train as part of Exercise Pitch Black in 2022, and Group Captain David Glasson, the Royal Australian Air Force’s Director of Displays for AIRSHOW 2023 is excited to see them return.

“It’s fantastic to see the Republic of Korea Air Force visiting AIRSHOW 2023 for the first time, and we’re excited to see what we know will be a very professional display from their Black Eagles team” he said.