Viper display team to appear at Al Ain and Bahrain Airshows

The four-aircraft Viper display team from the UK, flying BAC 167 Strikemaster aircraft, is booked to appear at the Bahrain and Al Ain Airshows in January.

The Strikemaster is the uprated, combat version of the Hunting Jet Provost and all the display pilots are either serving or ex-RAF fighter pilots.

Team leader Squadron Leader Chris Heames, who has more than 5,000 hours on types like Lightnings, F4 Phantoms, Tornados, Hawks and Hunters, says that this is the first time that Viper has performed overseas.

“We are really looking forward to it,” said Chris, “but it does bring some logistical problems.

“We will have to fly from the UK under Visual Flying Rules (VFR) and the aircraft's limited range means we will have to do it in a series of legs.”

The team and their aircraft, which are based all over the UK, will first rendezvous in Exeter before flying to the south of France, then on to Italy, Crete, Turkey and ultimately Bahrain. The return route will be equally demanding.

“We will have additional wing tanks to help us, but these will be removed once we get to our destination for the display flying,” said Chris.

The BAC 167 Strikemasters are flown with the markings from their countries of origin, including the Saudi Air Force. As a multi-role attack aircraft, it is highly manoeuvrable and capable of speeds up to 450 mph and altitudes of up to 42,000 feet.

Its original armament comprised up to 4 x 500lb bombs, 32 x Sura rockets and two x 7.62 guns.

The aircraft's side-by-side configuration cockpit means that the team can also offer air experience flights when not displaying.

The Strikemaster is powered by a Rolls Royce Viper 535 turbojet engine and Chris says this gives the aircraft a lot of agility.

“The display consists of a 15-minute routine and is designed to be an exciting, compact and enjoyable experience,” said Chris. “We include loops, barrel rolls, fast passes and vertical breaks.”

The team will be in Bahrain on 21-23 January and Al Ain on 28-30 January 2010.