Patrouille de France
| Patrouille de France | |
|---|---|
The Patrouille de France in full formation in 2011
|
|
| Active | 1931–present |
| Country |
 France |
| Branch |
 French Air Force
|
| Role | Aerobatic flight display team |
| Size | 8–9 Pilots 35 Support members |
| Base |
Base aérienne 701 Salon-de-Provence Salon-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, France 1964– |
| Nickname(s) | La PAF |
| Colors | Blue, White and Red |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Trainer | 1953–1954 Republic F-84 1954–1957 Dassault Ouragan 1957–1964 Dassault Mystère IV 1964–1981 Fouga Magister 1981–present Alpha-Jet |
The Patrouille Acrobatique de France (French pronunciation: [patʁuj akʁɔbatik də fʁɑ̃s], French Acrobatic Patrol), also known as the Patrouille de France or PAF, is the precision aerobatic demonstration team of the French Air Force. Originating in 1931, it is the world's oldest and one of the most skilled demonstration teams. Pilots currently fly the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet.
In 1931 France's first aerobatic demonstration took place over Étampes-Mondésir. It was performed by the instructors from the local flying school with Morane-Saulnier MS-230 planes. In the period 1932-1939, under the command of Captain , the team received considerable praise and was chosen to represent France at international events.
Over in Dijon the "Weiser" team, consisting of 18 planes (Morane-Saulnier MS-225 and SPAD 510) gained fame for their team displays in which the planes were tied together.
The Patrouille d'Étampes team relocated to Salon-de-Provence in 1937, adopting the name Patrouille de l'École de l'air ("Flying school Patrol"). The Second World War interrupted the operations of both teams.
In 1947, the Minister for the Air created an aerobatic team from the Air Force. Led by Captain Perrier, a former pilot from the Patrouille d'Étampes team, it initially consisted of twelve Stampe SV.4 aircraft. Following the increasing popularity of their performances, a number of similar units were formed within the Air Force. In 1952, Squadron Leader Delachenal, a pilot from the 3rd combat division stationed at the airbase at Reims-Champagne, formed a team of four F-84 aircraft. In 1953, during an aerial event at Maison Blanche in Algeria, the show's commentator, carried away by the spectacle he had just witnessed, gave the team the name "Patrouille de France".
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