The Patrouille de France is the official aerobatic display team of the French Air and Space Force, known for its breathtaking aerial performances. Established in 1953, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious demonstration teams in the world. The team’s iconic formation flights and synchronized aerobatic maneuvers showcase their pilots’ exceptional skills and precision.
Key Features
- Aircraft: The team flies the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet, a light attack jet and advanced trainer, painted in a striking blue, white, and red color scheme representing the French flag.
- Base: They are based at Salon-de-Provence Air Base in southern France.
- Aerobatic Skills: They perform complex routines involving tight formations, loops, barrel rolls, and heart-stopping solo stunts, often culminating in the release of colored smoke trails.
Notable Performances
- Bastille Day: The team is famously known for leading the military flypast over the Champs-Élysées during the French National Day celebrations on July 14.
- International Airshows: Beyond France, the Patrouille de France is often invited to perform at major airshows around the world, where they demonstrate the agility and prowess of their aircraft, as well as the artistry of French military aviation.
Traditions & Legacy
The Patrouille de France is a symbol of national pride, embodying the values of excellence, discipline, and teamwork. Their elegant aerial displays not only celebrate aviation heritage but also inspire young pilots and aviation enthusiasts globally.
Let’s dive deeper into the Patrouille de France, exploring their rich history, iconic maneuvers, and recent highlights:
1. History and Origins
The roots of the Patrouille de France date back to the early 1930s, when various units of the French Air Force began experimenting with formation flying as a way to showcase their capabilities. However, the official formation of the Patrouille de France occurred in 1953, when Captain Jean d’Obligado led a group of fighter pilots to perform precision aerobatic displays using Republic F-84G Thunderjets. This squadron’s success solidified the decision to establish an official French aerobatic team.
Over the years, the team has flown several types of aircraft, including:
Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet (since 1981): A twin-engine trainer jet that remains their aircraft of choice to this day, known for its maneuverability and reliability.
2. Signature Maneuvers
The Patrouille de France is renowned for its precision and artistry, executing challenging maneuvers that highlight the pilots’ exceptional skills. Some of their signature formations include:
- La Croix de Lorraine (Lorraine Cross): An iconic formation that symbolizes France, where jets fly in the shape of a cross.
- Diamant (Diamond): A classic diamond formation where jets fly close together in a tight, synchronized pattern.
- Double Hélice (Double Helix): A breathtaking maneuver where two groups of aircraft twist around each other in a corkscrew pattern, leaving behind colorful smoke trails.
- Cœur (Heart): One of the team’s most beloved stunts where two jets draw a heart shape in the sky with colored smoke, and a third jet pierces through it like Cupid’s arrow.
Their colored smoke trails use the hues of the French flag—blue, white, and red—to add visual flair, especially during national celebrations like Bastille Day.
3. Training and Pilots
Becoming a pilot in the Patrouille de France is no small feat. Pilots are selected from the best within the French Air and Space Force, with most having significant experience flying fighters like the Dassault Mirage 2000 or the Dassault Rafale.
Key aspects of their training include:
- Precision Flying: Pilots must maintain tight formations, often just a few meters apart, while performing aerobatic maneuvers.
- Synchronization: The entire team operates as a single unit, requiring absolute trust and flawless communication.
- Endurance: Each performance can last up to 25-30 minutes, with pilots experiencing high g-forces during maneuvers.
4. Recent Performances & Highlights
In recent years, the Patrouille de France has continued to captivate audiences worldwide with their spectacular displays:
- Bastille Day (July 14): The team’s flyover of the Champs-Élysées in Paris remains a highlight of France’s National Day celebrations. In 2023, they honored the centenary of the French Air Force with a grand aerial display.
- International Tours: The team frequently embarks on global tours to showcase their talents and represent French aviation prowess. Notable tours include performances in the United States, Canada, and across Europe.
- Special Tributes: The Patrouille de France often participates in commemorative events, such as marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day with a flyover of Normandy in 2019.
5. Legacy and Impact
The Patrouille de France is more than just an aerobatic team; it’s a symbol of French national pride. Their stunning performances serve as a testament to the technological excellence of French aerospace engineering and the dedication of their pilots and support crews. They inspire new generations of aviators and bring the world of aviation closer to the public.
Photos Rob Vogelaar