Alap-Alap Formation

The Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei (TUDB) Alap-Alap Formation (Kestrel Formation) is the official aerobatic display team of Brunei Darussalam, operated by the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF). The Alap-Alap Formation display team was formed on 7 February 2011 (2011-02-07).[1][2]

Alap-Alap Formation
(Kestrel Formation)
Active2011 to present
CountryBrunei Brunei Darussalam
AllegianceSultan of Brunei
Branch Royal Brunei Air Force
Tentera Udara Diraja Brunei
RoleAerobatic display team
Size3 aircraft, 3 pilots
Garrison/HQRoyal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba
Aircraft liveryWhite, blue, red, yellow
    
Aircraft displayed3x Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II

Aircraft

The Alap-Alap Formation display team uses three of the four RBAirF / TUDB Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II turboprop aircraft purchased from Switzerland in 1997, a low-wing tandem-seat training aircraft powered by a 522 kilowatts (700 shaft horsepower) PT-6A-25C turboprop engine driving a four-blade propellor. The aircraft are liveried in a white, blue, red, and yellow colour-scheme, and each aircraft is fitted with two under-wing smoke pods, mounted on external hard-points, which generate white smoke during displays.[1][2][3]

Operation

Currently the Royal Brunei Air Force have a total of four PC-7 Mk.II aircraft. The aircraft are under the management of No 73 Squadron TUDB (originally known as 63 Squadron ATUDB), a flying squadron of No. 7 Wing RBAirF, the training wing located at the Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba.[1]

Pilots

Identified by their respective 'Eagle' call signs, the display team consists of three pilots. One pilot is local, from the Royal Brunei Air Force, and two remaining pilots are from the British Royal Air Force (RAF), one on loan from the RAF and the other directly contracted to the RBAF.[1] All are qualified flying instructor (QFI) pilots.

  • Eagle One: Capt (LS) Richard Frick (TUDB / RAF)
  • Eagle Two: Lieutenant Colonel (U) Pg Mohd Zulhusmi Bin Pg Mohd Roslan (TUDB)[4]
  • Eagle Three: Richard Homer (RAF)

Displays

Alap-Alap Formation have displayed during the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) 50th Anniversary, and continue frequent training. They are the first team in Brunei to carry out formation aerobatics at low level altitudes of 500 feet (150 metres).

References
  1. "Alap-Alap Formation". AerobaticTeams.net. Aerobatic Display Teams. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  2. SchwarzeMitternacht (20 March 2014). "BRIDEX 2013 static aircraft display: Royal Brunei Air Force aircraft". Kupitok.Wordpress.com. Parut Kami Bulat... Ngapa Kian?. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  3. John Mounce (photographer) (9 July 2011). Photo of TUDB-302, TUDB-303, and TUDB-304 in formation flight with smoke trailing. AirHistory.net (photo). Royal Brunei Air Force Base, Rimba. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  4. "Commanding Officer No. 7 Wing - Lieutenant Colonel (U) Pg Mohd Zulhusmi Bin Pg Mohd Roslan". MinDef.gov.bn. Defence Information Technology Unit, Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
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