Black Eagles

The “Black Eagles” are the current Republic of Korea Air Force aerobatic display team flying eight black, white and gold colored KAI T-50B “Golden Eagle” jet aircraft.

From April 1st, 2013, the team received separate unit status as 53rd Air Demonstration Group from the 239th Aerobatic Flight Squadron at Wonju Air Base. Until then the "Black Eagles" were part of No. 238 Squadron from the 8th Wing based at Wonju Air Base. The team has a Commander and eight experienced demonstration pilots including formation members, a synchro pair and two solos.

All the "Black Eagles" T-50 aircraft are equipped with white smoke generators.

History

The “Black Eagles” were first formed as an official aerobatic display team of the Republic of Korean Air Force on December 12, 1994. The team began flying with six Cessna A-37B Dragonfly jet trainers from No. 238 Squadron, which was a part of the 8th Wing based on Wonju Air Base. Their first public demonstration was on September 25, 1995.

On May 8, 1998, two of the team's planes collided during a training flight. One of the aircraft crashed killing the leader of the “Black Eagles”, while other plane landed with only minor damage. Then, on May 5, 2006, during the Seoul Air Show, another of the team's aircraft crashed killing the pilot.

At the end of 2007 season, the “Black Eagles” were temporary disbanded as ROKAF retired its T-37 aircraft from service.

In 2009, the “Black Eagles” performed their first demonstration with the new T-50 “Golden Eagle” jet trainer on October 24, during the International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at Seoul Airport.

On April 1st, 2013, "Black Eagles" has been promoted to the 53rd Air Demonstration Group from the 239th Aerobatic Flight Squadron.