Aerobatics
Aerobatics refers to the usage of unusual or artful
flying maneuvers for recreation or entertainment.The word presumably is a portmanteau of
aero- "air", and
acrobatics, to describe specific gymnastic-like movements performed for show and the purposes of entertainment.
Many
aerobatic maneuvers involve rotation of the aircraft about its longtitudinal axis - rolling - or the pitch axis - looping. Some complex maneuvers - such as a
spin - also require that the aircraft be displaced around a vertical axis, known as yawing. Maneuvers are often combined which demands a higher level of skill from the pilot, but greatly increases the spectacle of an aerobatic flight sequence.
Aerobatics are also practiced as a
sport. Some pilots fly solely for recreation, whilst a smaller number (about 600-800 in the USA) choose to compete in
aerobatic competitions. US Competitions start at 'Primary ' level and proceed in complexity through Sportsman, Intermediate and Advanced, with 'Unlimited' being the top competition level. Unlimited pilots perform much more complex figures and sustain higher
g levels (+/- 10g's).
In the early days of flying, pilots realised that their
aircraft could be used as part of a flying
circus to entertain people or impress others.
Maneuvers that had no practical purpose were flown for artistic reasons or to draw gasps from onlookers. In due course some of these maneuvers were found to allow aircraft to gain tactical advantage during aerial combat or "
dog fights" between fighter aircraft.
Aerobatic aircraft usually fall into two categories - specialist aerobatic, and aerobatic capable. Specialist designs such as the
Pitts Special, the
Extra 200 and
300, and the
Sukhoi Su-29 aim for ultimate aerobatic performance. This comes at the expense of general purpose use such as touring, or ease of non aerobatic handling such as landing. At a more basic level,
aerobatic capable aircraft can be dual purpose - equipped to carrying passengers and luggage, easy to land, as well as being capable of basic aerobatic figures.
Flight formation aerobatics are flown by teams of up to sixteen aircraft, although most teams fly between four and ten aircraft. Some are state funded to reflect pride in the
armed forces whilst others are commercially sponsored. Coloured smoke trails may be emitted to emphasise the patterns flown and/or the colours of a national flag. Usually each team will use aircraft similar to one another finished in a special and dramatic colour scheme, thus emphasising their entertainment function.Teams often fly V-formations - they will not fly directly behind another aircraft because of danger from wake vortices or engine exhaust. Aircraft will always fly slightly below the aircraft in front, if they have to follow in line.
Aerobatic maneuvers flown in a jet powered aircraft are limited in scope as they cannot take advantage of the gyroscopic forces that a propeller driven aircraft can exploit. Jet powered aircraft also tend to fly much faster which increases the size of the figures and the length of time which the pilot has to withstand increased g-forces. Jet aerobatic teams often fly in formations which further restricts the maneuvers that can be safely flown.
Training
Aerobatics are taught to military fighter pilots as a means of developing precise flying skills and for tactical use in combat.Aerobatics and formation flying is not limited solely to fixed wing aircraft, helicopters are also used - the
British Army and
Royal Navy both have a helicopter display team.
All
aerobatic maneuvers demand training and practice to avoid
accidents. Such accidents are rare but can result in fatalities; safety regulations are such that there has not been an airshow spectator fatality in the USA since the
1950s. Low-level aerobatics are extremely demanding and airshow pilots must demonstrate their ability before being allowed to gradually reduce the height at which they may fly their show.
Performance
Aerobatics are most likely to be seen at a public
airshows. Famous teams include the
Frecce Tricolori (Italian Air Force), the Southern Cross (Cruz del Sur United Kingdom),
Red Pelicans,
Rothmans,
Silver Falcons (South African Air Force),
Roulettes (Royal Australian Air Force),
Royal Jordanian Falcons (Royal Jordanian Air Force), the
USAF Thunderbirds (United States Air Force),
Snowbirds (Canadian Forces), the
Patrulla Aguila (Eagle Patrol -- Spanish Air Force), Saudi Hawks (Royal Saudi Air Force), and the
Yellowjacks.
*
Flight dynamics*
HASELL
