Pilatus PC-7 (x9) - Switzerland

The PC-7 Team is one of the Swiss Air Force's two aerobatic teams, the other being the Patrouille Suisse with its F-5E Tiger IIs. It flies, as its name suggests, the Swiss-built Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer, a single-turboprop basic trainer used by the air force for pilot selection and training purposes. The version operated is designated as the NCPC-7, having undergone a major cockpit upgrade in 2008-09.

All the pilots of the teams nine-ship formation practice for and perform the team's displays in their spare time - in their 'day jobs', they are front-line F/A-18 Hornet fighter pilots from the Swiss Air Force's three squadrons operating the type. The PC-7 Team is renowned for its exceptionally smooth, elegant and precise performances which are now enhanced by the use of smoke systems. The team won the RIAT King Hussein Memorial Sword for best overall flying demonstration in 2013 and last appeared at RIAT in 2018.

Photo Credit: RIAT Volunteer