The Blades (aerobatic team)
The Blades were a British civilian aerobatic team based at the Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire.[1] They had been described as "the world's only aerobatic airline" and were the only full-time civilian aerobatic team in the United Kingdom.[2][3] The Blades were a subsidiary of 2Excel Aviation.[2]
The team was founded in 2005 by Andy Offer, a former leader of the
The team flew four
The Blades made their debut performance in 2006 at a party held by
Alongside their aerobatic displays and commercial work, The Blades also helped the Royal Air Forces Association, a charity that supports RAF service personnel.[6]
The Blades featured in the Yorkshire Tea adverts from 2013 to 2015.
On 23 January 2023, the team announced that 2022 would be their final full season.[11]
See also
- Ben Murphy (aviator) - Pilot of The Blades aerobatic team, and master class of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
References
- ^ a b "Display Teams - The Blades". Military Airshows in the UK. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ a b "The Blades Aerobatic Team and 2Excel Aviation" (PDF). Royal Aeronautical Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ a b "The Blades aerobatic team bring daredevil displayFalmouth" (PDF). Falmouth Harbour Commissioners. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ "The Blades". Belton House. Archived from the original on 27 May 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, Sarah (19 August 2010). "Aerobatic excitement with The Blades". The Field. IPC Media Ltd. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ a b c "Blind man in aerobatic world record". MSN News. Microsoft. 20 October 2011. Archived from the original on 22 October 2011. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ "Aircraft". 2 Excel Aviation. Archived from the original on 18 April 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ a b "The Blades cut a dash for Dartmouth!". The Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. Archived from the original on 20 April 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ "About". 2 Excel Aviation. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ "World Record Holders The Blades Book a Four Day Visit to Airbourne". Eastbourne Borough Council. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
- ^ "The Blades". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 11 February 2023.